Dog food for large breeds

Choosing the right dog food for your big dog is easy with Purina. Our experts have developed special formulas full of the nutrients a large dog breed needs to be active and thrive. Our tailored dog food nutrition helps support your dog’s specific needs while providing a flavourful meal that is sure to please your canine’s taste buds. Whether it’s healthy joints, healthy bones or providing a boost to their natural defences, you can be sure to find the nutrients your pet needs in our delicious meals for dogs with robust physiques.

Can a large breed dog eat small breed food?

Although larger breeds can eat food tailored for small dog breeds, it is generally not recommended. At Purina, our range of adult dog food includes recipes specifically tailored to breed size. Small dog breeds need a food that is more concentrated in calories and nutrient-dense due to their higher metabolic rates and smaller stomachs. Large dog breeds require fewer calories per kilogram of body weight, and may also benefit from ingredients such as glucosamine that support joint health and mobility.

How much food should a large dog eat?

The typical daily serving for large dogs ranges from 700 grams to over 1 kilogram of food. Use the feeding guidelines on the pack as a starting point and adjust based on your dog’s body condition. Also remember that total daily calories include treats and extras. Consult your vet for a specific diet plan for your dog.

What food should large breed puppies eat?

Large and giant breed puppies should be fed a complete and balanced growth diet, ideally a specialised large breed puppy food. This supports a slow, steady rate of growth and healthy skeletal development until full maturity, which can be up to 24 months. Portion-controlled feeding is preferred to help avoid overly rapid growth that can stress developing bones and joints. Because excesses of certain nutrients such as calcium can be detrimental in growing puppies, additional supplementation is not recommended when feeding a complete and balanced diet.

Is meal feeding better than free feeding for large dogs?

Portion-controlled meal feeding is generally preferred for large and giant breed dogs because it helps maintain an ideal body condition and avoid excess weight gain, which can put additional stress on joints. Measuring or weighing food improves portion accuracy, and meal feeding also makes it easier to monitor your dog's appetite and food intake over time.