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Best Dog Food for Large Dogs 2025
Written by Wag! Staff
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 08/04/2023, edited: 02/28/2025
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
Sometimes the best things in life come in big packages. If you’re the proud pet parent of a large-breed dog, you’ll know just how loving, affectionate, and devoted these big fur-babies can be.
But no matter whether your large-breed dog is big and boisterous or a gentle giant, they need proper nutrition to ensure the best quality of life. Like all dogs, large-breed canines need the right balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. But they also need food to support healthy joints, ensure safe growth and development while puppies, and prevent excess weight gain and extra stress on the joints.
To help you find the right food for your big dog, we’ve put together this list of the best dog foods for large dogs. Whether you’re buying for a puppy, adult, or senior, and regardless of whether you’re searching for wet, dry, or fresh food, there are options below to please any pup.
Overview
Ollie
5
Best fresh food
There are lots of fresh dog food subscription services out there, and we think Ollie is the pick of the litter for large dogs.
When you sign up with Ollie, you provide information about your dog’s age, size, and activity levels, and then your pup gets a personalized meal plan based on their nutritional needs. You also get the freedom to customize their meal plan if you want.
Ollie dog food recipes are made with 100% human-grade ingredients. There are slow-cooked fresh recipes and baked recipes if you want to mix up your pup’s diet a little bit.
The vet-formulated recipes are designed to provide all the energy your dog needs as well as aid digestion and support a healthy skin and coat.
Best of all, your pup’s meals are delivered right to your door.
Want to dig a little deeper into this brand? Read our Ollie dog food review!
Ollie dog food
Why Wag! loves Ollie
- Personalized meal plans designed to suit your pup’s needs.
- 100% human-grade ingredients.
- Cooked in the USA.
Considerations & concerns
- There are cheaper ways to feed your large-breed dog.
- Some pet parents complain about receiving food deliveries they don’t want.
- Some complaints about customer service issues.
What pet parents say about Ollie
“Great to find a research-based canine nutrition company with EXCELLENT, prompt customer service. I tried other fresh food subs but ultimately stuck with Ollie because of the convenient packaging (minimal food/refuse waste), free accessories, the unique recipes and faith in their research process.”
“My dog, Dooley, had diarrhea for 4 months. We tried all kinds of different dog foods. Finally, I decided to try Ollie. I was desperate and his vet only seemed interested in prescribing steroids and prescription dry dog foods. After four months of diarrhea, Dooley finally had normal stools after switching him to Ollie! Dooley has been on Ollie for 3 months now and he has not had an abnormal stool the entire time. Amazing! It sure makes you wonder what is in all those dry dog foods. Thank you, Ollie!!”
Read more reviews on Trustpilot.
Product image sourced from the Ollie website. Copyright Ollie Pets Inc.
Spot & Tango
5
Vet recommended
Spot & Tango is a dog food subscription service that offers home-delivered meals for your fur-baby. It offers fresh and UnKibble (dehydrated dry food) options, and best of all, it comes recommended by a veterinarian.
“Spot & Tango offers customized human-grade meal plans for pups with the added benefit of being shelf-stable,” says Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, pet nutrition expert and one of Wag!’s veterinary consultants.
“Nutrient profiles are preserved through low-temperature dehydration, products have guaranteed nutrient analysis, and all recipes are developed by certified veterinary nutritionists. If your pup turns their nose up, Spot & Tango also offers a ‘Happy Pup Guarantee’ and will give you 100% of your money back after your 2-week trial.”
Spot & Tango recipes meet AAFCO nutritional standards, and meal plans are created based on your pup’s nutritional needs. Check out the range today to find the “pawfect” food for your dog.
For more info, read our Spot & Tango dog food review.
Spot & Tango UnKibble
Why Wag! loves Spot & Tango
- Recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, Wag!'s pet nutrition expert and veterinary consultant.
- Features whole food ingredients that are sourced in the USA.
- Personalized meal plans to suit your pup’s nutritional requirements.
- Recipes formulated by veterinary nutritionists.
Considerations & concerns
- Not the most budget-friendly option available.
- Some pet parents complain about customer service issues.
- Some reports of delayed deliveries.
What pet parents say about Spot & Tango
“The food smells good, and my pup loves it. She's old and picky and it's great that I don't have to entice her with toppings with this food! Love the quality of the ingredients and the customer service is great.”
“I have a really picky pup on my hands. He doesn’t like a lot of food and we have so many different kinds of food. We’ve narrowed it down to 3 brands he likes to eat the most. Spot and Tangos UnKibble is at the top of the list. The food is light and doesn’t hurt his tummy, he eats every little bit of food and doesn’t leave leftovers. I feel good feeding clean food and I love that all the ingredients are things and food items I know. Winston also LOVES the chicken bites and bison bites. I would recommend this food to everyone and I have recommended this food to every one of my friends and family members.”
Read more reviews on Trustpilot.
Product image sourced from the Spot & Tango website. Copyright Spot & Tango.
Weruva Classic Dog
4.5
Best vet recommended wet food
If your fur-baby goes wild for wet food, Weruva Classic Dog is sure to have them licking their lips. Designed to be high in protein and low in fat, plus provide plenty of moisture to help your dog stay hydrated, this wet food range is made with real ingredients.
“Weruva dog food focuses on minimal carbohydrate recipes and human-grade ingredients, incorporating boneless meats that are free from added hormones or antibiotics,” says Dr. Georgia Jeremiah.
There are plenty of limited ingredients recipes that are simple, delicious, and nutritious for your fur-baby.
For a closer look at the brand's products, recall history, and more, dig into our Weruva dog food review.
Weruva Classic Dog Paw Lickin' Chicken Recipe
Why Wag! loves Weruva Classic Dog
- Recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah.
- Huge range of flavors to choose from.
- Made with high-quality ingredients.
- Lots of pet parents mention the palatability of this food.
Considerations & concerns
- Not made in the USA.
- Many of the recipes feature chicken, which isn’t ideal if your dog is intolerant of or allergic to poultry.
- Some complaints about the high moisture content in cans.
What pet parents say about Weruva Classic Dog
“This canned dog food is fresh and human grade. My dog loves them with his dehydrated kibble! I definitely recommend it!”
“Too often I've opened a can of dog food and have seen nothing resembling an edible food substance. I always feel a bit of guilt serving it to my pup. I realize that most dogs probably don't care what it looks like but I do and that matters. This Weruva brand more than meets my picky parameters. It strongly resembles human food with plenty of chicken and vegetables and my furry friend loves it. The only negative aspect was how my wife reacted to the name ‘Wok The Dog’. If you can get past that it's a great choice and vitamin fortified as well.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Weruva.
Orijen Puppy Large Grain-Free
4.5
Best for puppies
Large-breed puppies need the right nutrition to ensure that their bones and joints develop at a healthy rate, and also so that they stay in a healthy weight range.
So if you want the best puppy food for your large-breed youngster, there are lots of good reasons why you should check out Orijen Puppy Large.
This high-protein food features 85% animal ingredients, and two-thirds of its meat ingredients are either fresh or raw.
Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, flounder, cage-free eggs, and whole Atlantic mackerel are the first 5 ingredients, while freeze-dried liver is also included to make the food extra palatable for your pup.
And with the recipe made in Orijen’s Kentucky kitchen, it’s well worth considering when choosing the best food for a large-breed puppy.
To learn more about this furrific brand, head over to our Orijen dog food review. (And remember to consult your vet if you have concerns about feeding your dog a grain-free diet.)
Orijen Puppy Large Grain-Free
Why Wag! loves Orijen
- High in protein to develop muscle mass.
- Made in the USA.
- Designed to keep your pup at a healthy weight to reduce strain on joints.
Considerations & concerns
- Not the cheapest food on the market.
- Grain-free diet won’t suit all pet parents — but there is a grain-inclusive version of Orijen Puppy Large.
- Some complaints about the food’s strong odor.
What pet parents say about Orijen Puppy Large
“My Rottweiler puppy LOVES this food! This is one of his favorite training treats without the extra calories of treats. While the other brand-name dry foods we have tried suggested feeding him 6-7 cups a day, this one is less than 3 cups (really nutrient rich). My first thought was the bag was a bit expensive, but this will last twice as long as the other 30lb bags with the smaller servings! I highly recommend this food!”
“I have used this food every time I have puppies because of the high quality nutrition it provides during that crucial growing phase. I want to give them the best start possible and this food really gives them that. It is expensive though.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Champion Pet Foods.
Merrick Healthy Grains Senior Recipe
4.5
Best vet recommended for senior dogs
If you’re searching for the best dog food for your large-breed senior, we recommend checking out Merrick Healthy Grains Senior Recipe.
Featuring deboned chicken as the first ingredient, this dry food provides optimum nutrition for your golden oldie.
“Merrick products are made with high-quality, whole food ingredients, and they use no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors,” explains Dr. Georgia Jeremiah.
The senior recipe is high in protein to help maintain muscle, features DHA to promote brain health, and has glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
And with omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health, plus ancient grains like quinoa and brown rice to ensure proper digestion, there are plenty of good reasons why Merrick Healthy Grains Senior Recipe might just be the right choice for your large-breed dog.
Merrick Healthy Grains Senior Recipe
Why Wag! loves Merrick
- Recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah.
- Features glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
- Cooked in the USA.
- Features taurine for overall health and wellbeing.
Considerations & concerns
- Some pet parents might prefer a grain-free recipe.
- Some pet parents might prefer a food specifically designed for large breeds.
- Some complaints about this food causing an upset stomach.
What pet parents say about Merrick Healthy Grains Senior Recipe
"Decided to try this for my two senior dogs. One has allergies and the
other has arthritis. Ingredients looked good so I bought it. Azzura
usually sticks her head in the new bag to sample the new kibble. She
started munching away and I actually had to MAKE her get out of the bag!
That's how much they like it! The pieces are a little small for a
larger breed like her but she doesn't care at all! Scout loves it too!
Think this is a winner!"
"My 11 year old English Springer Spaniel, Sasha, is a very picky eater.
In the last year alone, we have changed her food three times. Her
reaction to each food was the same - indifference.
Frustrated, I began to do some pretty deep research which eventually led
me to Merrick Healthy Grains Senior Recipe. I decided to take a chance
and low and behold - she LOVES it!! Cleans her bowl twice a day. We
couldn’t be happier!!"
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Merrick Pet Care.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Adult
4
Best vet recommended overall for large dogs
If you’re searching for the best dog food for your big dog, it’s hard to go past the selection of large-breed Life Protection Formula recipes from Blue Buffalo.
Available in chicken, fish, and lamb recipes, plus options for puppies, seniors, and healthy weight, the range offers plenty of choice for pet parents.
“Blue Buffalo dog food products cater to different life stages, sizes, and breeds of dogs,” says Dr. Georgia Jeremiah. “They offer formulations containing limited ingredients, which may be beneficial for dogs with certain dietary sensitivities.”
Each recipe features a high-quality protein source, is enhanced with vitamins and minerals, and is designed to support joint health for large-breed dogs. And with Blue Buffalo's LifeSource Bits for a strong immune system, your pup will get all the goodness they need for a happy and healthy life.
For the full scoop on this vet-recommended dog food brand, check out our Blue Buffalo dog food review.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Adult
Why Wag! loves Blue Buffalo
- Recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah.
- Features glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
- Wide range of recipes to choose from to suit different taste preferences and life stages.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives.
Considerations & concerns
- Not always a hit with picky eaters.
- Some complaints about the food causing an upset stomach.
- Brand has been the subject of recalls in the past.
What pet parents say about Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Adult
“We started our pup on Blue Buffalo and kept him on it into adulthood. No other food keeps his coat and skin as healthy as Blue. Also, his tummy takes only to Blue Buffalo food. He can not go away from it or has belly issues. Blue Buffalo is a trusted brand in our family.”
“My Pit mix has such a sensitive stomach, we have tried SEVERAL dog foods trying to find something that would not upset his tummy. Even though this is not advertised as a gut health dog food, it has made a significant difference in his stool and overall skin health. What's more, he loves how it tastes! I didn't get the chance to scoop any into his bowl before he was digging in straight from the bag.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Blue Buffalo Company Ltd.
FAQ
Should large dogs have big kibble?
What is the difference between regular dog food and large-breed dog food?
Should I feed my dog dry food or wet food?
How much dry food should I feed my large dog?
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