Feeding a Large Breed Puppy: A Vet-Reviewed Guide

The short answer: large and giant breed puppies need a food made specifically for their growth: controlled calories and carefully limited calcium, so they grow at a steady pace rather than as fast as possible. Look for a food whose label says it meets AAFCO standards for growth "including growth of large size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult)," feed measured meals, keep your puppy lean, and skip calcium supplements.

Why large breed puppies are different

A Great Dane grows from about 1 or 2 pounds at birth to well over 100 pounds in under two years. That much growth puts real stress on developing bones and joints.

Growing too fast, getting too many calories, or getting too much calcium raises the risk of developmental orthopedic disease, a group of bone and joint problems that includes hip and elbow dysplasia and osteochondrosis. Genetics matter too, but nutrition is the part you control.

The goal isn't to make your puppy small. Feeding a proper diet doesn't change how big your dog will end up; it changes how fast they get there, and slower is healthier for big dogs.

Which puppies count as "large breed"?

AAFCO, the organization that sets nutrition standards for pet food in the US, defines a large breed puppy as one expected to weigh 70 pounds or more as an adult. Many veterinarians use a lower cutoff of around 50 pounds, so if your puppy will be in that range, a large breed puppy food is a reasonable choice.

If you're not sure how big your mixed breed puppy will get, ask your vet for an estimate.

What to look for on the label

The most important thing on the bag is the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement, usually in small print near the ingredient list.

• Look for: "formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth (or all life stages) including growth of large size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult)."
• Avoid: statements that say the food is for growth or all life stages "except for growth of large size dogs." That food isn't designed for your puppy.

Foods that meet the large breed standard limit calcium to no more than 1.8% on a dry matter basis, compared with a higher limit for smaller breeds, and are typically lower in fat and calories.

"Large breed" on the front of the bag is marketing; the AAFCO statement on the back is what tells you the food meets the standard.

How to feed

• Measure every meal. Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale, starting from the feeding guide on the bag, then adjust.
• Feed scheduled meals, not a full bowl all day. Three meals a day for young puppies, moving to two as they grow.
• Keep your puppy lean. You should be able to feel the ribs easily under a thin layer of fat, and see a waist from above. A chubby large breed puppy is growing too fast.
• Watch the extras. Treats should stay under about 10% of daily calories, and table food adds up quickly.

Skip the calcium supplements

A complete and balanced large breed puppy food already contains the right amount of calcium. Adding calcium supplements, or large amounts of foods like cheese or yogurt, can push calcium too high and does more harm than good. The same goes for mixing in adult food or a food made for small breed puppies, which can throw off the balance.

When to switch to adult food

Large breed dogs keep growing longer than small dogs. Most switch to adult food somewhere between about 12 and 18 months, and giant breeds sometimes closer to 18 to 24 months. Your vet can tell you when your puppy is close to adult size and ready to switch.

When to talk to your vet

Check in with your vet if your puppy:

• Is limping, especially if it comes and goes or shifts between legs
• Seems stiff, reluctant to get up, or has trouble with stairs
• Has swollen or painful joints
• Is gaining weight faster than expected, or looks chubby despite measured meals
• Has diarrhea, vomiting, or a poor appetite lasting more than a day

Bring your puppy's food bag, or a photo of its label, to your next visit. Your vet can confirm it's the right food and help you set the right amount to feed.

Our picks: large breed puppy foods

Each of these brands makes a large breed puppy formula. Before buying, check that the label says it meets AAFCO standards for growth including large size dogs.