Selecting the best food for your large-breed dog can be likened to navigating a maze. One aisle insists you’ll absolutely die if you don’t go grain-free, while the next is full of good-for-you grains. If you have a large breed dog and you have decided that a grain-inclusive diet is the right way to go, this list should point you in the right direction. Large dog breeds are not just larger-they tend to have specific nutritional needs that should be taken into account to help support their joints, bones and overall health.
Perfect kibble is more than just a bowl-filler. It’s more than you’re giving them – the fuel they need to live a long, happy, and active life by your side. Do it this way for the same reason you put a solid foundation and high-quality materials into your house, so that it will stand for many years to come. The best dog food is the very foundation of your dog’s health. We’re also going to cover: So, onward we go to examine all the details you do (and don’t) need to know to choose the best dry dog food for your large-breed pooch that contains beneficial grains.
Why Choose Dog Food with Grain?
Dog food has spent years advertising itself as grain-free, claiming that grains are merely “fillers” with no nutritional value. However, the conversation has shifted. In fact, many veterinarians and nutritionists now recommend the benefits of whole grains in a dog’s diet, especially when there isn’t a grain allergy that’s being treated.
Dog Diet Grains and Dogs
Grains are not the demon they were once cracked up to be. Nutrient-Dense: Whole grains, such as brown rice, oatmeal, barley, and quinoa, are among the most nutrient-dense sources of carbohydrates. They provide:
- Complex Carbohydrates: A slow and steady source of energy that is great for keeping your big boy playing all day, without a sugar rush.
- Fibre: Grains are a good source of dietary fibre, which is essential in keeping your digestive system healthy. Fibre is vital for gut health, which may explain why it is so filling and helps aid regular bowel movements while promoting the growth of good gut bacteria.
- Vital Nutrients: Many grains are good sources of nutrients like B vitamins, iron and magnesium that encourage everything from energy metabolism to the healthy functioning of the nervous system.
Debunking the "Grain-Free" Myth
This move towards grain-free diets was essentially a marketing trend that preyed upon our craving to feed our pets in what we believe would be closer to their “natural” or “ancestral” diet. Beyond a minuscule number of dogs who are truly grain allergic, most dogs digest and flourish on grains just fine.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has, in recent times, looked into a possible connection between specific grain-free diets (specifically those high in legumes such as peas and lentils) and the incidence of heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Although the research is ongoing and the connection remains a mystery, it has made both pet owners and vets more likely to reconsider the blanket exclusion of grains. For the majority of dogs, even those not on a grain-free diet, grains are a safe and nutritionally beneficial option.
What Big Dogs Require in Their Food
There is a HUGE difference between the nutritional needs of a Great Dane and those of a Chihuahua. The age at which large breeds—dogs that generally weigh more than 50 pounds when fully grown—increase in bulk and cumulative growth is also a special set of circumstances.
Supporting Joint and Bone Health
One of the primary concerns for larger dogs is their joints. Stressed-out joints: Being overweight is a significant burden on the body, stressing out the bones and putting undue strain on the hips in particular, leading to conditions such as hip dysplasia (which we discuss further in “So your Labrador has hip dysplasia”) and, of course, arthritis.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Those two compounds are the substances that make up cartilage, the “cushiony tissue” that reinforces their joints. Think of them as the janitorial staff for your dog’s joint cartilage. The better large breed formulas contain glucosamine and chondroitin for cartilage regeneration and joint Lube.
Calcium and Phosphorus Balance
Large breeds proliferate during their early stages of development. Their diet must have a precise balance of calcium and phosphorus. Excessive bone growth can be detrimental; for example, it can lead to skeletal issues later on. Seek formulas made for large breed puppies that balance this ratio perfectly.
Energy and Metabolism: Calorie Density
A larger dog would require a considerably higher-calorie food, but it’s a bit more complicated than that. Then, why do larger-breed dogs not live as long? You’d think the opposite. Here’s the explanation: it’s because they have slower metabolisms when mass is averaged. Thus, their diet should be low in calories.
This will help to prevent them from getting overweight and adding additional stress to their developing skeleton and joints. The aim is slow and steady growth with a lean adult body condition. Their food energy should be derived from a combination of high-quality protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates of grains.
The Importance of High-Quality Protein
Protein is essential for building and maintaining strong, lean muscles. Big dogs, with Strong muscles, are key to supporting their large frame and protecting their joints. The quality of the protein source is crucial.
One thing you’ll want to identify is that these substances contain one “meaty” ingredient right off the bat in a can of cat food, such as deboned fish, lamb or chicken. Other good sources of zippy protein include chicken meal or lamb meal. These are preferable to vague “meat by-products,” which may be of lower quality.
Here are some of the best dry dog foods for large dogs that contain grains.
Here’s a look at some of the highest-rated dry dog foods for large breeds that include nutritious grains.
Best Overall: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult
Veterinarians often recommend Purina Pro Plan because it is supported by robust scientific research. The Large Breed Adult is remarkable for several reasons.
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Fuel your large dog’s health with Purina Pro Plan. Packed with high-quality protein and grains for sustained energy and joint support. Shop now on Amazon!”
Key Features and Ingredients
The first ingredient is real chicken, which is an excellent source of protein. It’s enriched with live probiotics to support digestive and immune health, and it features natural sources of glucosamine to aid in joint mobility. The mix of grains, such as rice and corn, provides digestible carbohydrates to help satisfy your pony’s energy requirements.
Why It's a Great Option
This food is an excellent blend of both quality ingredients and scientific research. Formulated to help maintain an ideal body condition with the optimal protein-to-fat ratio. This is a high-level pick for owners who have faith in decades of nutritional science behind it
Natural Option: Wellness Complete Health Large Breed
Wellness is recognised for its emphasis on natural, genuine ingredients and balanced nutrition.
Give your big dog the holistic nutrition they deserve. Wellness Complete Health combines natural ingredients with essential nutrients. Order today on Amazon!”
Key Features and Ingredients
This recipe begins with deboned chicken and chicken meal. It’s packed full of good grains, like oatmeal and barley. Wellness adds a variety of superfoods, such as spinach, blueberries, and flaxseed, to ensure your dog receives antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, promoting a healthy skin and coat. And it’s guaranteed to contain levels of glucosamine and chondroitin.”
Why It's a Great Option
If you’re seeking a food made with premium natural ingredients that takes it up an extra notch with antioxidants and vitamins from whole foods, Wellness Complete Health is a great selection. It’s a nutrient-dense smoothie, but in the form of kibble for your dog.
Best Budget-Friendly Option: Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult
And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to feed your big dog well, as Diamond Naturals has a great formula at an attractive price.
Key Features and Ingredients
This food has pasture-raised lamb as a novel protein ingredient, which may be beneficial for dogs with sensitivities to more mainstream options such as chicken. It features cereal grains like rice and barley, and is supplemented with probiotics for digestive support and superfoods for their antioxidants. It also includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.
Why It's a Great Option
A good-choice food provides a nutrient-rich, balanced diet that supports overall health and well-being in dogs of every kind. Diamond Naturals fits the bill with its high-quality, low-calorie dog food. It features all the premium ingredients, including species-specific probiotics and joint support, found in more expensive dog foods. For giant breed owners, whose food costs can add up quickly, it’s a fabulous value.
How to Read a Dog Food Label
The dog food aisle may seem overstimulating, as colourful packaging and tantalising claims litter the shelves. The best tool you have to make an informed decision is learning to read and understand the label.
The Ingredient List
- Named Protein First: Begin with a named protein like “deboned chicken,” “lamb,” or “salmon” as the #1 ingredient. “Chicken meal” is another superb, concentrated source.
- Healthy Grains: Name the grains included in this. Good selections include brown rice, barley, oats and whole wheat.
- Named Fat Source: Choose a fat source such as “chicken” or “sunflower oil”, which are high in the essential fatty acids.
The Guaranteed Analysis
This section lets you know the minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, as well as the maximum levels of crude fibre and moisture. For large breeds, you usually like to see a protein content of approximately 22-26% and an adult fat content of 12-16%.
AAFCO Statement
Check the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutritional adequacy statement. It should say that the food is “formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance” (for adult dogs) or “for growth” (in the case of puppies). That’s the minimum promise that nothing is missing in your raw dog food.
Conclusion
Picking out the best dry dog food for large dogs with grain in doesn’t need to be stressful. By starting with their specific requirements — namely, joint support, limited calorie, and good protein — there are light years fewer from which to choose. Just be sure to seek out formulas with named sources of meat, healthful grains such as rice or oatmeal and added nutrients, like glucosamine and chondroitin.
Discretion: your dog is depending on you to be the best judge of what’s right for their health. However, by educating yourself on the labels and what to look for, it will be much easier to choose a food that will provide the necessary nutrients, from which a long, vibrant life together can emerge. Always introduce new food gradually and discuss your dog’s specific dietary needs with your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How should I transition my dog to a new food?
Ideally, it’s best not to transition a dog’s diet too rapidly to avoid digestive upset. Initially, mix their new food (approximately 25%) with their regular food (75%). Continue adding the new food in larger and larger portions every few days, and gradually reduce the amount of old formula you are feeding over a few more days until you have 100% of the new food.
Is corn bad for your dog in food?
Believe it or not, corn is more than “just a filler. It’s an easily digestible grain that provides carbohydrates for energy, as well as essential amino acids and linoleic acid, a beneficial omega-6 fatty acid. For most dogs that don’t have corn allergies, the only types of corn that they might eat nowadays are perfectly healthy for them to enjoy in moderation as a part of a balanced diet.
What is the difference between the large breed puppy and the large breed adult formula?
Puppy formulas for large breeds are formulated to control a puppy’s rapid growth. Their calorie density is lower, and the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is carefully controlled to promote proper skeletal growth and help prevent orthopaedic concerns. Adult formulas are designed for maintenance and feature protein-to-fat ratios suitable for adult dogs.
At what age is a large breed dog when you feed them for all stages of life?
Some ‘all life stages’ foods are okay, but in general, it’s better to select a food made for large breed dogs. These formulas cover a range of health issues, including General Health, Diet & Digestive Support, and Joint Maintenance. However, they do not address all specific needs, and food may not meet growth requirements or may have too many calories (or the wrong levels of minerals) for a large breed adult.
What Should I Feed My Large Breed Dog?
The feeding instructions on the bag are just a starting point — how much you should feed depends on your dog’s age, metabolism and activity level. “The best way to evaluate is by watching their body condition. You ought to be able to feel, but not see, their ribs easily, and they should have a waist when viewed from above. Give as much feed as cleanup in this lean condition.