Large breeds have always been bred for either strength or speed, leading to two fundamentally different dog body types: Robust (e.g. Retriever, Rottweiler, Bullmastiff) and Athletic (e.g. Pointer, German Shepherd, Great Dane). Research has shown that these two body types have very different nutritional needs.
Robust dogs have more body fat and need their calorie intake monitored to avoid weight gain. Athletic dogs expend more energy in daily activities and need a higher energy diet.
PURINA nutritionists and vets have developed Large Breed formulas to meet the specific energy and nutritional requirements of each body type for both puppies and adult dogs.