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Best Puppy Food for Large Dogs 2025
Written by Wag! Staff
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 08/04/2023, edited: 03/03/2025
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.
There’s a lot to consider when raising a large-breed puppy, and one of the key concerns is ensuring that your pup’s unique nutritional needs are met. Your active pup has higher energy requirements than an adult dog, while they also need the right amount of protein and calories to ensure they grow at a healthy rate and that bones and joints develop properly.
To help you choose the right diet for your fur-baby, we’ve put together this guide to the best puppy food for large dogs. No matter whether your pup prefers dry, wet, or fresh food, the products featured here provide all the nutrition they need to grow big and strong.
Related: Best Dog Food for Large Dogs
Overview
The Farmer's Dog
5
Best fresh food
If you’re searching for the best fresh food for your large-breed puppy, there are plenty of good reasons why you should check out The Farmer’s Dog.
This meal subscription service features human-grade meat and veggies in recipes designed to exceed AAFCO nutrition standards.
Feeding plans with The Farmer’s Dog are customized by veterinarians to suit your dog’s unique nutritional needs.
All Farmer's Dog recipes are formulated to meet the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for all life stages, including the growth of large-sized dogs (70 pounds or more as an adult).
Meals are delivered to your door in refrigerated boxes within days of being cooked, making this an easy and convenient way to give your dog the high-quality nutrition they need.
For the full scoop on this furrific brand, hop over to our review of The Farmer's Dog.
The Farmer's Dog
Why Wag! loves The Farmer's Dog
- Human-grade ingredients.
- Delivered to your door.
- Food cooked in USDA kitchens.
Considerations & concerns
- Some complaints about customer service issues.
- Not the cheapest way to feed your pup.
- Some complaints from pet parents about delivery issues.
What pet parents say about The Farmer’s Dog
“I have recently started my mini Goldendoodle on The Farmer’s Dog and will never go back! He is so excited when I prepare his food he licks the bowl clean. It makes me happy to see him so excited at meal time and knowing he is getting fresh, human-grade custom meals free of fillers and carcinogens. Additionally, their customer service is 24/7 and amazing. I had to pause our delivery and restart and they could not have been more accommodating. I highly recommend!!!”
“Sulley loves Farmers Dog! He is so excited about his meals now. I feel so much better giving him food I know is fresh and healthy. [Their] customer service is very responsive as well. It is a bit more expensive, but a huge improvement over dry kibble and canned food.”
Read more reviews on Trustpilot.
Product image sourced from The Farmer's Dog website. Copyright The Farmer's Dog.
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Recipe
4.5
Vet recommended
Taste of the Wild is recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, pet nutrition expert and one of Wag!’s veterinary consultants.
“Taste of the Wild offers both wet and dry dog and cat foods for all life stages incorporating species-specific probiotics, antioxidants from ancient grains, fruits and seeds, and omega fatty acids,” she says.
So if you’re on the lookout for a high-quality dog food suitable for a large-breed puppy, Taste of the Wild’s Pacific Stream Puppy Recipe is well worth a closer look.
This egg-free recipe features salmon, ocean fish meal, and salmon meal as its protein sources, and it comes in a small kibble size to make it easier for pups to chew.
With 80 million prebiotics per pound, this recipe is designed to ensure good gut health, while it also features DHA from salmon oil to promote brain and vision development.
And with ingredients like sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and blueberries providing a host of important nutrients, it also supports a strong immune system for a healthy pup.
For a closer look at the brand's products, history, and more, dive into our Taste of the Wild dog food review.
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy
Why Wag! loves Taste of the Wild
- Recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, Wag!'s pet nutrition expert and veterinary consultant.
- Prebiotics to promote a healthy gut.
- A good choice if your pup is sensitive to common protein sources such as beef, chicken, or egg.
- One of the more affordable options in this guide.
Considerations & concerns
- The fact that this is a grain-free recipe won’t please all pet parents.
- Some pet parents complain that this kibble makes their dog smell.
- Some complaints about the odor of the kibble.
What pet parents say about Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Recipe
“My Cane Corso pup was having so many digestive problems with other food. Now he's regular and a happy, happy pup!”
“My black Lab and Great Pyrenees mix-breed puppy cannot have chicken. After months of trying to figure out what her issues were, we narrowed it down to chicken being her issue. We wanted to find a good-quality and completely chicken-free product. Taste of the Wild seemed like a great value product and my dog’s digestive system has been so much better. My other dog switched to this food as well and she only eats it if I put warm water on it, but not a big deal — she is getting older so I assume it’s related to that.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright SCHELL & KAMPETER, INC.
Orijen Puppy Large Grain-Free
4.5
Best high-protein food
Searching for a high-protein diet for your large-breed puppy? Look no further than this formula from Orijen.
Featuring 85% animal ingredients and 15% fruit, vegetables, and botanicals, Orijen Puppy Large is made for meat lovers. It also has 38% protein content to help develop your pup’s muscle mass and help them stay in a healthy weight range, reducing strain on joints.
This recipe is also high in animal fat to support your dog’s growth and development, and it contains DHA and EPA from fish to support your pup’s immune and nervous systems.
And with glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health, there are lots of good reasons to consider this diet for your large-breed puppy.
Dig into our Orijen dog food review for a closer look at the company's products, recall history, and more.
Orijen Puppy Large Grain-Free
Why Wag! loves Orijen
- High in protein for muscle mass development.
- Features freeze-dried liver for extra palatability.
- Made in Orijen’s Kentucky kitchen.
Considerations & concerns
- Expensive.
- Grain-free diets are controversial in the eyes of some, but there is a grain-inclusive version of the large puppy recipe.
- Some complaints about the “fishy” smell of this food.
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 30 lb 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 Food.
Merrick Puppy Plate
4.5
Best wet food
If your pup goes wild for wet food, check out the Merrick Puppy Plate range. There are 2 flavors to choose from — a Beef Recipe and a Chicken Recipe — and both are sure to have your pup licking their lips.
The recipes are 96% meat or poultry and feature USDA-inspected deboned meat or chicken. They feature DHA for brain development, savory broth for added palatability, and can be used as a topper or a complete meal.
Best of all, Merrick food is recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah. “Merrick products are made with high-quality, whole food ingredients, and they use no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors,” she says.
If you’re shopping for a wet food your large-breed puppy will love, give Merrick Puppy Plate a try.
Related: Merrick Dog Food Review
Merrick Puppy Plate
Why Wag! loves Merrick
- Recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah.
- No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or by-products.
- USDA-inspected deboned beef or chicken as the first ingredient.
- Made in the USA.
Considerations & concerns
- The fact that it’s grain-free won’t please everyone.
- Some complaints about the smell of the food.
- Not a hit with some picky eaters.
What pet parents say about Merrick Puppy Plate
“I love the fact that there are natural ingredients such as carrots, apples, sweet potatoes and real beef in the cans of dog food. The beef was in chunks, the food was moist and not like a dry texture which was great. I love that it is grain-free. My pup has to have grain free food. Overall [I] feel great about feeding this product to my dog!!!”
“My puppy has a poultry allergy, and it was a journey to find quality foods that he not only enjoyed, but could safely eat. This food is in nice sized chucks that he enjoys as a pre-breakfast snack and as a food topper. The Puppy Beef is a really good option for pups with sensitivities to certain foods.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Merrick Pet Care.
Canidae All Life Stages Large Breed Formula with Turkey Meal & Brown Rice
4.5
Vet recommended
If you’re searching for a food you can feed to a large-breed dog at any life stage, this recipe from Canidae could be a pawfect fit.
Featuring a larger kibble size for your big-breed pup, this formula is marketed as a “one bag fits all” pet food.
Canidae is also a brand that Dr. Georgia Jeremiah recommends to her clients. “Canidae dog food is made with high-quality animal protein sources, providing essential amino acids, and is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can trigger allergies."
This food is high in omega fatty acids for skin and coat health and important amino acids, and it doesn’t have any corn, wheat, soy, or animal byproduct meals. Add in probiotics for healthy digestion and this food is a solid choice for many pet parents.
Related: Canidae Dog Food Review
Canidae All Life Stages Large Breed Formula
Why Wag! loves Canidae
- Recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah.
- One bag can suit multiple dogs in your family.
- Features glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints.
- Available in 40-pound bags if you want to buy in bulk.
Considerations & concerns
- Some complaints about this food causing an upset stomach.
- Some pet parents report that their dog doesn’t like the taste.
- Some buyers report that they would prefer a larger kibble size for their dog.
What pet parents say about Canidae All Life Stages Large Breed Formula with Turkey Meal & Brown Rice
"Bought this for my great dane puppy and could not be happier. She loves the food and looks great. Highly recommend this food!"
"I have a senior, adult, and puppy. From small to big. I have bought
chicken flavor before and my senior dog was not impressed. I decided to
give this one a try and they LOVE It! Their coats are so shiny and
healthy. I don’t have to worry about buying different bags to fit their
needs because of the age difference. One bag fits all. It’s pricey, but
very much worth it."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Canidae.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe
4
Best vet recommended overall
If you’re searching for the best large-breed puppy food, this recipe from Blue Buffalo is our top pick.
Featuring real deboned chicken as the first ingredient along with a mix of wholesome grains, this recipe is specifically designed to help your big fur-baby grow up healthy and happy.
This Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe is high in protein for muscle development and energy, features fish oil with omega-3 fatty acids and DHA for brain development, and features antioxidant-rich fruits like cranberries and blueberries.
“Blue Buffalo dog food products cater to different life stages, sizes, and breeds of dogs,” notes Dr. Georgia Jeremiah. “They offer formulations containing limited ingredients, which may be beneficial for dogs with certain dietary sensitivities.”
So, if you’re preparing to welcome a large-breed pup into your family, make sure you add this Blue Buffalo puppy food to your shopping list.
Dig into our Blue Buffalo dog food review to learn why we give this food 4 paws up!
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Puppy
Why Wag! loves Blue Buffalo
- Recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah.
- Features antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support a strong immune system.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives.
- DHA to support proper growth and development.
Considerations & concerns
- Some complaints about upset stomachs.
- Some picky eaters aren’t fans of this recipe.
- Only 1 large-breed recipe available.
What pet parents say about Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe
“This is absolutely the best dog food I have ever fed. It is a little expensive, but the results are worth it. I use the large breed puppy and the adult. I started using this about five years ago and this is all I feed. I do free feed, but they usually only eat once a day. The condition of coats and body are beautiful. The best part [is that there’s] not too much poo to clean up.”
“So far this has been a good dry puppy food for my 3-month-old Doberman Pinscher pup. His coat is really shiny and so soft. He has a lot of energy and his stools are firm. I would recommend this for your large-breed puppy for sure!”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Blue Buffalo Company Ltd.
FAQ
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