Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
According to a study, orthopedic disorders are prevalent in young dogs. It reportedly affects 22% of canines that are less than a year old. 20% of these cases are linked to lapses in nutrition.
Large-breed puppies are highly predisposed to these health issues due to their fast growth. Satisfying their unique nutritional needs makes a big, positive difference in their mobility and overall quality of life in the long run.
Why Do Large-Breed Puppies Need Special Diets?
The bodies of large-breed puppies develop faster than smaller breeds. It makes them highly vulnerable to crippling developmental orthopedic diseases (DOD) such as:
- Wobbler’s syndrome
- Elbow and hip dysplasia
- Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
- Osteochondrosis
- Panosteitis
Special diets aid in slowing down the rapid growth process of large-breed puppies. They prevent putting excessive strain on the skeletal system and reduce the risks of bone malformations and joint problems.
What Are the Special Dietary Needs of Large-Breed Puppies?
1. Calcium
Puppies below 6 months of age are not yet capable of regulating calcium absorption in their bodies.
Regardless of the balance between calcium and phosphorus, it has been demonstrated that excessive dietary calcium consumption in large-breed puppies can heighten the occurrence of each distinct form of developmental orthopedic disease. On the other hand, insufficient calcium causes nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism.
It is a condition that abnormally increases the production of parathyroid hormone, which stimulates an increased calcium release in the bones. This heightens the likelihood of soft bone formation and fractures.
The best puppy food for large breeds are products that contain lower amounts of calcium compared to regular puppy food. Its calcium content should be between 0.8% and 1.2% on a dry matter basis (DMB).
2. Phosphorus
Calcium works hand in hand with phosphorus for bone growth and development. Thus, getting the right calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is important to avoid the manifestation of several skeletal disorders.
Research indicates that feeding weaned giant-breed puppies high calcium diets without increasing their phosphorus intake for 4 months resulted in DOD, high calcium levels, and low phosphate concentrations.
Several symptoms of DOD were resolved after the diets of these dogs were normalized for 2.5 months. However, they still suffered from osteochondritis lesions.
On the other hand, a different group of giant breed puppies were fed a similar high-calcium diet for the same length of time. But they were given a proper ratio of phosphorus after weaning.
As a result, they showed slightly low phosphate levels, stunted growth, and DOD. After their diets were normalized for 2.5 months, their developmental disturbances were minimized but not completely resolved.
When searching for the best puppy food for large breeds, check the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of the product. The calcium concentration in foods should ideally be around 1%, while the phosphorus levels should be about 0.8% (on a dry matter basis). The optimal ratio of calcium to phosphorus should ideally be 1.2:1.
3. Fats and Calories
Gaining extra pounds puts additional pressure on the bones of growing large-breed dogs.
Maintaining a healthy weight will make them less vulnerable to developmental orthopedic diseases. When it comes to weight management, fat and calorie intake should be closely monitored. Dietary fat promotes higher caloric density, which increases caloric intake.
The ideal food for large breed puppies should contain no more than 12% fats on a dry matter basis (DMB), a reduction compared to the >20% in other types of food, provided the fiber content remains normal. Additionally, the caloric density of their diets should be between 3,200 and 4,100 kilocalories per kilogram of body weight.
4. Protein
Some experts linked high-protein diets with DOD, but it was later discovered that higher energy intake in high-protein foods was the root cause. As of date, there is no solid evidence that high protein diets will lead to joint and skeletal problems in large-breed puppies.
For this reason, protein restriction is not necessary. Protein is essential for the growth and development of large and giant breeds. It is largely responsible for building and repairing muscle tissues as well as cell production.
Since puppies are in their growth phase, their bodies will require more proteins than adult ones. Look for pet foods formulated for puppies with a minimum protein level of at least 30% DMB.
Do not disregard the importance of a high-quality protein source. Animal meats are the best choice since they house all the essential amino acids a growing puppy needs.
Ideally, the best puppy food for large breeds uses high-quality ingredients as protein sources, such as:
These protein sources must be the first top ingredients listed on the product. Avoid dog food brands that are largely composed of animal by-products because they provide inferior nutrients.
How to Look for Large-Breed Puppy Food
Be careful when choosing puppy food for large-breed dogs. There is a notable disparity in the nutrient content of large-breed diets and non-specific puppy diets as shown in the table below.
| Nutrient | Non-specific puppy diets (%DMB) | Large-breed puppy diets (%DMB) |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 29-36 | 29-34 |
| Fat | 20-23 | 11-16 |
| Fiber | 1.6-4.4 | 2.4-5.6 |
| Calcium | 1.3-1.4 | 0.8-1.4 |
| Phosphorus | 1.2 | 0.7-1.2 |
| Calcium and Phosphorus Ratio | 1.1:1 | 1.1:1 to 1.3:1 |
| Energy Density | 3.8-4.5 | 3.4-4.1 |
Hence, dog owners must aim to select puppy food specifically formulated for large-breed dogs to ensure their young pets get the right amount of nutrients they need for proper bone growth and development.
It is worth pointing out that the words “large” or “giant-breed puppy” are unregulated terms in the pet food industry. Shady dog food manufacturers may use this to their advantage and create misleading marketing advertisements to hook in unsuspecting dog owners.
Fortunately, in 2016, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) requires dog foods belonging to the growth category to clearly state if they have met the additional guidelines for large- and giant-breed puppies,
Generally, they will have either of these 2 AAFCO statements of nutritional adequacy on their packaging:
- [Pet Food Name] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth, including the growth of large-size dogs (70 pounds or more as an adult).
- [Pet Food Name] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including the growth of large-size dogs (70 pounds or more as an adult).
Do note that complying with these new AAFCO guidelines will take time. Manufacturers are given up 2 years to fully adhere to these changes, but some dog food brands already carry these statements on their packaging. So be sure to check with the manufacturer before making a purchase.
Is Free-Feeding Large-Breed Puppies Okay?
No, free-feeding large-breed puppies is a bad idea. Allowing them to eat anytime they want can lead to excessive nutrient intake and obesity. It is a big factor in causing developmental orthopedic diseases.
As evidenced in a 2006 study, Labrador Retriever puppies that were fed a restricted calorie diet as opposed to free feeding showed a lower risk of developing hip dysplasia as they grow older.
In a recent study, Great Dane puppies that were free-fed became more likely to suffer from hip dysplasia.
Controlled feeding is the most appropriate choice for large- and giant-breed puppies. This feeding method prevents hastening their growth rate while keeping them lean.
Every 2 to 3 weeks, they should be weighed to check their body condition score (BCS). Ideally, their BCS must stay around 5 on a 9-point scale or 3 on a 5-point scale as they grow to adulthood.
Is It Okay To Give Large Breed Puppies Dietary Supplements?
Giving large-breed puppies dietary supplements is not recommended unless you are instructed by the veterinarian. High-quality commercial diets for large-breed pups already provide complete and balanced nutrients.
Unnecessary supplementation can harm your furry pal rather than aid his growth. It may cause nutritional imbalance, which can affect the calcium and phosphorus levels in his diet and increase the risk of DOD.
How Often Should I Feed My Large-Breed Puppy?
You should feed your large-breed puppy 3 to 4 small, consistently measured meals daily. This approach encourages improved digestion and nutrient metabolization while simultaneously avoiding abrupt surges in energy levels.
Furthermore, consistently dividing the total daily food amount into multiple servings helps prevent conditions like dog bloat, a common issue in larger dogs often precipitated by the consumption of a single large meal.
When to Switch Large-Breed Puppies to Adult Dog Food?
The best time to switch large-breed puppies to adult dog food is when their growth plates have completely closed. This typically occurs between 12 and 18 months for large-breed dogs while 18 and 24 months for giant breeds.
Prematurely transitioning to adult dog food should be avoided at all costs since it usually contains too much calcium.
Thus, it is always safer to keep your canine friend on large-breed puppy food for longer than switching to adult dog food too early.
FAQs About Puppy Food for Large Breeds
1. What Size Is a Large-Breed Puppy?
According to AAFO, any puppy whose adult weight goes over 70 pounds is considered a large-breed pup. However, vets and pet food experts consider dogs with an adult weight of over 50 pounds to be large breeds.
Definitive standards are not yet set in for identifying giant-breed canines. Generally, this term is applied to dogs that exceed 100 pounds once they reach adulthood.
If your puppy belongs to either of these categories, it is crucial to feed him puppy food for large breeds.
2. Does Puppy Food for Size Matter?
Yes, puppy food for size does matter. Large-breed dogs grow faster than smaller breeds. Adjustments needed to be made in their diets to help regulate their bodies’ growth and development.
Feeding them puppy food specially formulated for small dogs will bring on nutritional imbalances, affecting their skeletal structure.
3. How Is Puppy Food for Large Breeds Different?
Puppy food for large breeds is different from the diets of small-breed puppies mainly due to its lower levels of calcium and phosphorus. This is done to prevent abnormal bone formation.
The fat content of puppy food for large-breed dogs is also minimal to keep them from gaining extra weight, which places more pressure on their bones and joints.
4. How Many Times Should a Large-Breed Dog Eat?
Large-breed dogs should ideally be fed 3 to 4 small meals each day. This practice aids their digestive system in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients more efficiently, as compared to dealing with a single large meal.
Moreover, this feeding pattern mitigates the risk of dog bloat, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention.
It’s crucial to avoid free-choice feeding, as it often leads to overeating and obesity. Overconsumption can also result in an excessive intake of calcium and phosphorus, which could contribute to developing orthopedic diseases in your dog.
Summary
Managing the growth rate of large-breed puppies through correct nutrition is crucial to prevent the onset of irreversible and debilitating orthopedic disorders as they mature.
This approach should be complemented with measured feeding practices and regular weight checks to ensure optimal results. It’s essential for dog owners to avoid prematurely transitioning large-breed puppies to adult dog food, as this could lead to excessive calcium intake.
If you choose to provide home-cooked meals, ensure the recipes are vetted by a nutritionist. This guarantees that your puppy receives the right amounts of essential nutrients like protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.
For more tips and tricks on canine nutrition, visit our Diet & Recipes section.
