When it comes to nutrition for dogs, one size does not fit all. In fact, the size of a dog is an important factor to consider when choosing pet food.
Dogs weighing more than 55 pounds at ideal body weight, such as golden and Labrador retrievers, and giant dogs (weighing more than 100 pounds at ideal body weight) like Great Danes, can benefit from eating a large breed dog food. This is because large and giant dog breeds have a higher predisposition to joint issues. Additionally, some large breed dogs may have digestive sensitivities, which requires paying extra attention to what you feed and how you feed them to avoid causing them discomfort.
The type and amount of food you feed big dogs may have a positive or negative impact on their health. As a pet parent, understanding what makes large breed dog food different, why it matters, and how to feed your large breed puppy or adult may help them stay healthy and happy. When questions arise, don’t hesitate to speak to your vet about the most appropriate food for your large or giant breed dog.
What Makes Large Breed Dog Food Different?
When it comes to the differences between feeding big dogs and small ones, the devil is in the details. One thing that makes some large breed dog food different is the kibble size: bigger kibbles for bigger mouths. Bigger kibbles can help encourage dogs to actually chew their food instead of gulping it whole. Adequately chewing appropriately sized dog food kibbles may have several benefits, including improved digestion and happy brain chemicals.
Some additional benefits of large breed dog foods may include:
Feeding Your Large Breed Puppy
If you have a large breed puppy, take note: what you feed them and how much you feed them now can impact their joint health for the rest of their lives. Genetics, exercise, and nutrition all play a role in the health of large breed puppies, and any problems in these areas may predispose a puppy to challenging and uncomfortable developmental conditions like hip dysplasia.
But the reverse is also true: feeding the right amount of specifically formulated large breed puppy food to a large breed puppy can support growing bones. In comparison to regular puppy food, large breed puppy foods are typically less calorie-dense and contain slightly lower levels of phosphorus and calcium. In addition, an 18-month study showed that puppies may benefit from consuming a food with higher levels of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, as seen through a positive impact on cartilage turnover markers in dogs who were fed the test food.
In addition to choosing the right food, it’s just as important to feed appropriate portions, since overfeeding can cause big problems in the long run. Large breed puppies and adults do best with meal feeding to control portions. Large breed puppies should be fed puppy food until they stop growing, which is usually around 12-14 months for large breeds and 18-24 months for giant breeds. If you aren’t sure when to switch to adult food or how much to feed your puppy, ask your veterinarian.
Dog Food for Your Large Breed Adult and Senior Dog
Once your large breed dog outgrows their puppy food, it’s still important to continue feeding them a large breed dog food formulated for adults. This can help maintain a healthy body weight and may contain certain nutrients to support your adult or senior dog’s joints.
For older dogs, this is just as crucial; the food you give a senior dog can impact their quality and quantity of life. The 2023 American Animal Hospital Association’s Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs state that older dogs have a decreased metabolic rate when compared to younger dogs. Therefore, nutritional needs may change. A vet can help identify your dog’s specific dietary needs as they age.
Large breed food formulated for seniors can help reduce unhealthy weight gain, keep their energy levels steady, and may also contain balanced fiber to support normal digestion. Senior food also often contains higher levels of antioxidants to help support the immune system and internal organ health.
For seniors, too, how much you feed and how you feed matter. Large and giant breed dogs are at risk for bloat, a life-threatening stomach condition. You may reduce your dog’s risk by breaking their daily amount of dog food into two or three meals instead of just one. If your dog gobbles their food too quickly, you can slow them down by putting their kibble in a food puzzle or by spreading kibble on a baking tray. It can also help to avoid moistening dry food and to limit intense exercise right before or after meals.
Nourishing Your Gentle Giant
While you can’t always protect your dog from disease or injury, you can support their lifelong health with your vet’s guidance and nutrition that is formulated for their large size.
FAQs
What is considered a large breed dog?
Dog breeds that have a normal adult weight between 55 and 100 pounds are considered to be large breeds. Giant breeds are dogs that have a normal adult weight of greater than 100 pounds. Keep in mind that some medium-sized dogs may weigh over 55 pounds if they are overweight, but they are not considered to be a large breed.
How much should I feed my large breed dog?
How much to feed your large breed dog depends on what their healthy adult weight is. If you know their normal adult weight, then you can use the feeding guide on the dog food bag to determine how much to feed your dog. If you are unsure, ask your vet how much your dog should weigh and how much you should feed them. Your dog should maintain their weight on the food. If they are gaining or losing weight, speak to your vet. They can help you create a plan and adjust how much you are feeding them.
How can I support my large breed dog’s joints?
You can help support healthy joints by keeping your dog at a healthy weight, providing opportunities for moderate exercise daily and giving your dog a high-quality dog food specifically indicated for joint health. Speak to your vet for recommendations on the best large breed food for your dog.
What are common joint disorders in large breed dogs?
Large and giant breeds are predisposed to several developmental joint disorders, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteochondrosis. They are also at risk of tearing their anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. In addition, due to their size and weight, large and giant breeds have an increased risk of osteoarthritis, a painful condition caused by the breakdown of cartilage in joints, leading to inflammation and loss of mobility.
What are the benefits of dry food?
Dry food offers complete and balanced nutrition, in addition to convenience, a long shelf life, easy portion control, and lower cost than other pet food options.
