Best Dog Foods For Giant Breed Dogs: Ratings, Reviews & Top Picks

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Are you on the hunt for the best dog food for your giant breed adult dog? This guide is a must-read for all massive doggy parents, whether you have a gorgeous Great Dane, a marvelous Mastiff, or another towering tail-wagger. Nutrition is one of the most critical aspects of their life and can be the difference between a healthy and a not-so-healthy pooch.

I discuss what nutrients giant breeds need and why. I have scoured the food market to identify the best dog foods for giant breeds. The options are varied due to recipes catered to dietary needs and different budgets. So, let’s get the humongous scoop on what your big buddy needs.

Dry	Wet	Limited Ingredient	Fresh	Healthy Weight
Blue Buffalo Wilderness	Blue Buffalo Homestyle	Natural Balance	The Farmer’s Dog	Nutro Large Breed
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Read Review	Read Review	Read Review	Read Review	Read Review

Do Giant Dogs Need Special Food?

Giant breed dogs need extra space in the home (and crate), XXL products, and usually cost more to insure and groom. And one thing’s for sure: they rack up a substantial monthly food bill. Although there is no set size for what constitutes a giant breed, it is commonly accepted that they weigh over 100 pounds at maturity.

Is Giant Breed Dog Food Necessary?

Feeding giant-breed dogs food formulated for larger breeds is best. These foods are formulated with the right calories and nutrients to support healthy growth. Large-breed food has fewer calories, as they need to eat more to feel full. It also works to provide enough energy and support joint health, a big concern for giant and large breed dogs.

Giant Dog Breed Nutritional Needs

Ideally, you should base your nutritional choice on your dog’s specific dietary needs. Some may have specific health conditions requiring certain nutrients, and others require grain-free or grain-inclusive diets. Plus, believe it or not, some giant breeds are just downright fussy about flavors. Thankfully, you probably know what they already need or like by adulthood, making your choice more straightforward.

Feeding your big breed a food designed for large breed dogs is acceptable as long as it meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles. Adult dogs need at least 18% crude protein and 5.5% fat to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Bigger dogs carry a lot of weight, affecting their joints, cardiac systems, and more, and they are also prone to excess weight gain. Large and giant dog breed food considers all of their nutritional needs. So feeding them these foods over poor-quality or generic ones is essential. If you pick an option not specifically for large or giant dog breeds or tailored to their lifestyle, you are unlikely to meet their nutritional requirements.

Ingredients To Look For

Whatever specific dietary needs your dog has, all dogs need a well-balanced diet. To achieve this, you must pick a high-quality food option rather than poor-quality, cheaper products. High-quality companies use premium ingredients that provide the nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy.

Unfortunately, many food labels are misleading, so you cannot rely on labels to tell you the truth about a product’s nutritional value. Whether you choose kibble, wet food, or a tailored food subscription service, you must read the ingredient label and understand what to look for.

Pet food labels list ingredients in descending order by weight. This means that the ingredients are listed from most to least. So, if a dog food brand promotes their food as having high-quality ingredients like organ meats, superfoods, fresh fruits, and vegetables, but those ingredients are at the end of the list, it means the recipe doesn’t contain very much of them. Labels also include a guaranteed analysis, which shares the amount of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture.

The first ingredient in any should always be meat, preferably whole meat such as chicken, beef, or deboned salmon. Protein is the most important nutritional component of a dog’s diet. This is because it provides energy and the essential building blocks for a healthy body, as well as fats, oils, vitamins, minerals, and a yummy taste.

Meat meals are a great source of concentrated protein and are listed as chicken meal or beef meal, for example. It has up to four times the amount of protein than whole meat ingredients. The meat meal should be named and not listed as meat derivatives or poultry meal, for example. Unnamed ingredients pose a risk for those with intolerances. High-quality products are usually transparent on what meats they use.

Healthy Carbohydrates

Healthy carbs are necessary for a dog’s diet, providing additional energy and nutrients that meat alone cannot. Healthy carbohydrates include veggies, such as sweet potatoes, lentils, and peas. Alternatively, grains are also used, including brown rice, oatmeal, and barley. All are suitable and provide the nutrients your dog needs, but you may want to consider the debate of grain vs. non-grain doggy diets if you haven’t already done so.

Omega Fatty Acids

Fats are often viewed as the enemy in both human and animal diets. However, they provide a wealth of nutritional benefits. High-quality products use healthy omega fatty acids, such as meat meals, fish, fish oils, eggs, plant oils, and flaxseed. Omega fatty acids support the health of skin, coat, bones, organs, eyes, digestion, vitamin absorption, overall wellness, and more. So, it’s important not to skip them.

As much as your giant Fido might persuade you, cheeseburgers and fries do not count as healthy fats. Big dogs are prone to weight gain. Additional weight gain might lead to further health problems, painful joints, a strained cardiac system, and a shortened lifespan. Stay away from table scraps and avoid sharing your meals with them.

Fruits & Vegetables

Fruit and vegetables are another essential component of healthy doggy diets. They provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep their immune systems healthy and robust, enabling them to fight illness and disease. Plus, it keeps them feeling healthier thanks to a better oxidative state. Nutrient-rich fruits and veggies to look out for include blueberries, cranberries, kelp, carrots, and broccoli.

Fruits and veggies also provide fiber vital for digestive support and better stool health. Fiber is essential for greedy giants forever on the hunt for food, as it keeps them feeling fuller for longer. Great sources of fiber include sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and beet pulp.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is essential for giant dogs because it supports joint health. Most high-quality dog foods increase the glucosamine content for giant breeds because they need it more than smaller dogs. This is mainly because their joints are under increased pressure from the extra weight. Look for ingredients such as meat meals, fish oil, eggs, green-lipped mussels, or additional glucosamine supplements.

Natural Preservatives

High-quality products are typically focused on natural food only, which is always best for our best friends. Preservatives are often required to keep food fresh, nutrient-rich, and edible. Ingredients such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) are examples of natural preservatives, as well as botanical oils such as peppermint and rosemary extract. Artificial preservatives are more likely to irritate your dog’s digestive system.

Best Dry Dog Foods For Giant Breeds

Now that you know what to look for in a high-quality product for your giant buddy, in this section, I talk you through these top picks for the best dry dog foods for giant breeds. Each product is suitable for giant dog breeds, is AAFCO compliant, is high-quality, and is rated well. Always follow the feeding guidelines of the brand you pick. While giant breeds eat more, you must be very careful not to overfeed them. Additionally, it is important your giant pup does not eat or drink too fast due to the high risk of canine bloat. Smaller meals throughout the day can help lessen the risk.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Red Meat & Grains Rocky Mountain Recipe High-Protein Large Breed Adult Review

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This recipe is from the Blue Buffalo higher-protein Wilderness range. But instead of using common meat ingredients like chicken and poultry, it uses only red meat and seafood. Depending on the recipe, the proteins used are deboned beef, beef meal, chicken meal, salmon meal, deboned lamb, and deboned venison. The protein content is 28%, which is plenty enough to keep your pooch satisfied. It contains no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

This recipe uses healthy grains like oatmeal, brown rice, and barley. It is also rich in healthy omega fatty acids, thanks to flaxseed, fish oil, and meat meals. Nutrient-rich ingredients such as alfalfa meal, sweet potatoes, cranberries, and dried kelp keep your dog’s immune system strong and healthy. At 700mg/kg, this kibble has a higher glucosamine content than most others.

Price

• Starting at $89.98 ($3.21 / lb) for a 22 lb. bag

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Review

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Hill’s Science Diet is renowned for its simple recipes, usually made with grains, and this large breed kibble is no exception. Canine nutritionists base their recipes on the scientific observations of large dog breeds and their nutritional needs. So you can be sure it provides everything your gentle giant needs, thanks to key ingredients and supplements.

At 20%, it has a lower protein content than some of our choices. But this sometimes benefits some bigger dogs and their sensitive stomachs, and it is still AAFCO compliant. Chicken is the first ingredient, with chicken meal listed further down. Apples, broccoli, and carrots are listed, too, along with added supplements, to ensure their immune system is kept strong and fighting fit.

Price

• Starts at $48.99 ($3.27 / lb) for a 15 lb. bag

Detailed Hill’s Science Diet Review

Learn more about the different recipes from Hill’s Science diet in our in-depth review. We also compare it to other leading brands like Blue Buffalo.

High Protein: Wellness Core+ Large Breed Review

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This is our more premium dry food choice for giant dog breeds, and it is Wellness’s high protein range, offering 33% protein and tasty freeze-dried meaty bites. The meat sources and first three ingredients include deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal. These are rich in amino acids, energy, glucosamine, and flavor. This recipe also includes easy-to-digest grains, such as brown rice, barley, and oatmeal.

Spinach, broccoli, carrots, apples, blueberries, and kale provide the all-important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep them robust. At 5%, the fiber content is high, meaning your ravenous pooch feels fuller longer, helping to stave off weight gain. The glucosamine content is 1,200 mg/kg, meaning this option offers joints the most support. The kibble pieces are larger than usual, making it easier to eat.

Price

• $81.98 for 20 lb. bag

Best Wet Dog Foods For Giant Breeds

Dried kibble alone is not always the right choice for every dog or owner. Some dogs refuse to eat it or may have a medical issue that makes it difficult. Some owners simply prefer to take a fresher approach to their dog’s nutrition. Whether you want to feed them just wet food or mix it in with dried kibble, here are the three top options for giant breeds.

Top Pick: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Large Breed Canned Review

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Blue Buffalo has created this homestyle recipe specifically for large-breed dogs. It is infused with sources of glucosamine for extra joint support. It is a pate-style wet food that some dogs prefer to fresher, moister food. The ingredients list starts with whole chicken, followed by tasty chicken broth for an extra punch of flavor.

Carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes provide fiber and mineral goodness for your dog’s digestive system and immunity, as do blueberries and cranberries. This grain-inclusive option lists brown rice, barley, and oatmeal, ensuring Fido has extra energy for the day. Fish oil and flaxseed provide the healthy omega fats needed for a shiny coat, joint support, and overall health.

Price

• $42.25 for 12.5-oz, case of 12

Best Limited Ingredient: Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Grain Free

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Natural Balance is best known for its limited ingredient formulas, which sensitive dogs love. It only uses one meat and one carbohydrate source, followed by essential micro-ingredients, making it simple to digest. The micro-ingredients include crucial vitamins, minerals, and other supplements needed to maintain health.

Duck is the first ingredient, followed by potatoes and duck broth. Although this recipe offers the lowest protein content, it is still AAFCO compliant and sometimes better for dogs who cannot digest meat-rich formulas. It is also a grain-free and chicken-free recipe, making it ideal for giant dogs who are intolerant of grains or this commonly used meat source. You can also select a sweet potato and fish or venison recipe to give your pup flavor variety.

Price

• Starts at $53.76 ($0.34 / Ounce) for case of 12 13.2 oz cans

Best Fresh Food: The Farmer’s Dog Review

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The Farmer’s Dog is a fresh food subscription-based service that delivers personalized meals straight to your door. Taking care of a giant is hard work enough, so these guys take the meal prep and meal proportioning for you. Depending on the information you give them, there are four recipe options to choose from (turkey, chicken, beef, and pork), all grain-free.

Their average protein content is 40%, much higher than kibble options. It uses real meat as the first ingredient, a mixture of highly nutritious animal organs, and fish oil for extra joint support. They infuse their recipes with a unique nutrient blend to ensure your pup’s immune system is supported. Only human-grade ingredients are used, which explains why it smells good enough to eat.

Price

• Starts at $2 a day; the price depends on your dog’s size and recipe selection

Our readers have access to 50% off your first box. No code is needed; just use this link, and the discount will be applied!

Our Personal Experience With The Farmer’s Dog

Our dog LOVES it! Gobbles it down fast and has had much more consistent bowel movements. He has also lost and maintained a much healthier weight since switching (and his coat is noticeably more shiny and healthy). And since our trial, we’ve been paying customers for more than two years!

– Sadie Cornelius, Dog Mom, Canine Journal Creative & Marketing

Healthy Weight Options For Giant Breed Dog Food

Giant dog breeds shouldn’t put on too much weight as it adds pressure on their already heavily laden joints. Excess weight also leads to other health concerns and strains their cardiac system, leading to a shortened lifespan. And as we already know, giant dogs’ lives are already too short. So, it’s imperative to maintain a healthy weight.

If you notice your pup is gaining extra pounds, switching to weight management dog food is essential, as is getting them moving more. It’s also advised to visit your vet to ensure no underlying conditions are responsible for the excess pounds.

Nutro Large Breed Healthy Weight Review

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Chicken and chicken meal are the first two ingredients in this recipe, providing a protein content of 22%. Chicken meal provides glucosamine needed for your dog’s weakened or slower joints too. This recipe is grain-inclusive and uses a variety of mixed grains to provide slow-release energy. The fat content falls between 7% and 10%, and the calorie count per cup is 245.

Nutro lists many nutrient-dense ingredients such as chia seed, coconut, pumpkin, kale, and spinach, and it’s enriched with vitamin and mineral supplements. These ingredients ensure your pup maintains a healthy oxidative state and robust immune system. They also add lots of fiber, keeping greedy giants from hunting for their next snack immediately after mealtime.

Price

• $74.98 ($2.50 / lb) for 30 lb. bag

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Light

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The first ingredient and the sole animal protein is chicken meal, making it a top choice for giant dogs who need easy-to-digest formulas. It is low on calories (271 per cup) and fat (5.5%), meaning it should be relatively simple for your dog to lose weight with this option. The fiber content is 14%, which is super high and keeps your pup feeling fuller for longer.

Despite being low in fat and calories, it still provides a well-balanced diet for your dog’s overall nutritional needs. L-carnitine is listed, which stimulates doggy metabolisms and helps them burn extra calories. Glucosamine supports the joints, helping counteract the pressure from excess weight.

Price

• Starts at $80.99 ($2.70 / lb) for 30 lb. bag

Keeping Your Giant Breed Dog Healthy

Feeding your giant breed dog a high-quality diet is a huge part of keeping them healthy. Along with that, you must keep your pup active without overworking them. Daily walks, as well as the opportunity to run and interactive games, are a great way to keep them engaged. Pay close attention to their joint health, and discuss with your vet if and when joint supplements are appropriate. Keeping up with those vet appointments is also essential to ensure your giant dog breed is healthy and by your side for many years to come.

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Why Trust Canine Journal?

Danielle has had a special bond with dogs since she was a young child. She has over 30 years of pet care experience, including both large and small breed dogs. Danielle has worked as a professional writer for many years and spends countless hours researching the latest science and data-backed studies on pet care, health, nutrition, and training developments. She has tested and researched over 100 brands of dog food and counting with the help of her two dogs, Daisy and Falkor. She works alongside a professional and experienced team to bring the best, most accurate, and up-to-date information to our readers.