Food for large dogs - a list of the best food according to veterinarians in 2022!

There are special requirements for food for large dogs. They must be highly digestible and nutritious, since most large dogs are working dogs. Plus contain an abundance of nutritional supplements for the gastrointestinal tract and joints. And with all this, a low cost is desirable.

I will help you choose the ideal diet for your beloved “giant”. The review examines the best food for dogs of large breeds : puppies, adults, seniors and those with special needs. In the description you will find the necessary information about the composition, pros and cons, as well as about the experience of use by other owners.

At the end of the review is a short list of menus that I recommend to my patients.

Feed prices and information are current as of December 2022 and are constantly updated.

Other selections: best food for small breed dogs

Rating

Before the review, I will explain how I compiled the rating of dry food for large breed dogs:

1. Analyzed the composition. I paid key attention to the first 5 ingredients in the list, since they form the basis of the food. I also took into account the availability of dietary supplements necessary for large and giant breeds. You can check the information using screenshots from the official website: they are given in each description.
2. I relied on the opinions of veterinary nutritionists on specialized websites. I used the resources “Feed your pet correctly”, OtzyvKorm, “Companion”, Dog Food Rating and the like.
3. Considered user reviews. It was on these that I gave my rating in the rating, although I do not agree with some positions. Additionally, I found and provided information about all the nuances: the pet’s well-being, tolerance, side effects.

The rating considers holistic and super-premium food for large dogs of any age and with different needs. I did not describe cheap premiums and economy ones, because they cannot be recommended as a complete daily meal.

Gina Elite Large breed dog venison & herring

Gina food is manufactured in Europe to order from Russia. Products are manufactured in factories equipped with high-tech equipment. The Elite series diets are the best of the line.

The food in question for large breed dogs is made from venison and herring. It contains a high percentage of meat and an excellent phytocomplex:

The first 5 ingredients in the composition are meat: venison, lamb, herring, fish, pork liver. Their total number exceeds 45%. Other animal ingredients: poultry fat, salmon oil and chicken eggs. Although not all products have percentages listed, it can be assumed that the amount of meat on the menu is greater than 50%.

Sources of fiber are rice, flax, beets, and apples. These are high-quality ingredients that are well absorbed and normalize the functioning of the digestive tract. The food also contains an abundance of useful additives: yeast, medicinal herbs and mushrooms. The granules also contain shark cartilage, chondroitin and glucosamine: components for maintaining healthy joints.

In most reviews, owners note that when feeding Gina Elite Large breed dog venison & herring, the appearance of the coat and skin improves, lacrimation disappears and allergies go away. But I cannot recommend the food as hypoallergenic due to the abundance of meat components.

Gina Elite food is deservedly considered the best in the super-premium segment. It has many advantages:

• over 50% meat products;
• high-quality sources of fiber were used;
• no cheap fillers: corn, potatoes, wheat;
• no artificial additives;
• powerful phytocomplex;
• convenient clasp on the package;
• excellent taste and smell.

Among the shortcomings I will note:

• abundance of components: if an allergy appears, it will be impossible to determine what exactly the animal reacted to;
• Not all ingredients have percentages listed.

Farmina Vet Life Canine Neutered +10KG

Farmina food is produced by the Italian company Farmina Pet Foods. The company has a series of medicinal foods Vet Life Natural Diet. They are developed by veterinary nutritionists. One of them is for sterilized dogs weighing over 10 kg.

Farmina Neutered is designed to reduce weight and the risk of urolithiasis in neutered dogs. It has a balanced composition that meets the needs of medium and large breeds:

According to my observations, the Farmina treatment series really works. Not only the appearance of the animal improves. Weight also decreases, urine and blood counts normalize.

However, the composition is not ideal. Eating corn: a cheap filler that often leads to food allergies. Plus, the menu is not suitable for pets with chicken intolerance.

Most reviews are positive. Owners note improvement in stool, eye and coat condition, and weight loss. However, some animals refuse to eat Farmina Vet Life Canine Neutered.

Pros:

• suitable for allergy sufferers on an exclusion diet;
• most of the plant ingredients are high-quality: oats, beets, pea fiber, flax;
• excellent dietary supplement;
• there are the necessary substances to strengthen bones and joints: chondroitin and glucosamine;
• improves pets' health.

Minuses:

• the percentage of ingredients is not indicated;
• eat corn;
• there is no fastener on the package;
• not always sold in stores;
• inconvenient size of granules for giant breeds (about 1 cm): large dogs swallow them without chewing them.

Applaws Adult Large Breed Chicken Grain Free

"Apploose" is a holistic class food from England, developed by veterinary nutritionists. Each diet contains an optimal balance of meat, plant components, vitamins and minerals.

Applaws Adult Dogs with Chicken is an excellent everyday food for large and giant breeds. The composition analysis is given below:

Holistic food for large breed dogs from Britain is based on chicken: fillet, minced meat, fat, broth and eggs. She occupies 80% of the composition. The only other animal component is salmon oil as a source of Omega-3. So Applese is suitable for an exclusion diet for nutritional allergies.

There are few plant components, and they are of high quality: potatoes, tomatoes, carrots. The remaining ingredients are medicinal herbs, algae and oils.

Pleased with the presence of brewer's yeast, chondroitin, glucosamine, as well as methylsulfonylmethane, which improves the digestibility of previous supplements.

When transferred to Applaws Adult Large Breed, there are digestive disorders and flatulence. They are temporary and go away after getting used to them. After adaptation, the owners note improvements in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the appearance of the coat, and an increase in activity.

Advantages:

• high percentage of meat - 80%;
• suitable for elimination diet;
• a balanced diet from veterinary nutritionists;
• abundance of active biological additives;
• no grain crops;
• unobtrusive odor and good palatability.

Flaws:

• not sold everywhere;
• not all ingredients have a specified percentage;
• digestive disorders during the adaptation period;
• high price.

Feed classes

All products on the market are divided depending on the quality of the ingredients, their nutritional value and balance.

Economy

Such mixtures are characterized by a dubious composition, the basis of which is food production waste. They added:

• instead of high-quality protein, offal, animal fats, bone meal;
• fillers in the form of grain crops;
• artificial additives: flavors, flavor enhancers, dyes, preservatives.

The use of such feed mixtures has virtually no benefit for the animal. Offering them to your pet is permissible only in exceptional cases.

Barking Heads "Golden Years" Senior 7+

Barking Heads Golden Years is designed specifically for senior dogs over 7 years of age. Nutritionists took into account the needs of the elderly: they need a lot of protein and less fat. Plus, the food contains easily digestible components, antioxidants, prebiotics, L-carnitine, glucosamine and chondroitin. Useful supplements reduce the risk of cancer, normalize intestinal microflora, and strengthen joints.

Let's look at the composition:

The food contains 40% meat ingredients: chicken meat, fat and broth, as well as trout fillet and salmon oil. Most of it is occupied by plant components, but they are of high quality: brown rice, oats, barley, vegetables, fruits and berries. The minimum share is reserved for useful additives.

Despite the small amount of meat, the owners note that the animals eat their daily allowance. Reviews also indicate improved stool and coat, increased energy and relief from allergies. The latter is not surprising, because the only animal ingredients in Barking Heads “Golden Years” are chicken and fish.

Pros:

• no wheat or corn;
• rich vitamin and mineral supplement;
• a small percentage of fat prevents weight gain;
• High quality herbal ingredients are used.

Minuses:

• little meat;
• the percentage of rice, vegetables and fruits is not indicated;
• overpriced for super premium food.

The best wet foods for puppies

Canned food is designed to bring the puppies' diet as close as possible to the natural diet of predators. High-quality wet food is made from dietary meat, contains vitamin and mineral supplements and competes with home-cooked meat products.

Happy Dog NaturLine – delicious pate

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

German-made Happy Dog NaturLine pate is suitable for puppies of all breeds from the 20th week of life. The manufacturer offers several flavors to choose from: lamb with rice, turkey, chicken and duck, veal with rice, rabbit. In cereal recipes, 4% rice is added.

Canned food is produced using proprietary technology without preservatives, soy, artificial colors or GMOs. The composition is beyond doubt: it contains meat, offal, minerals (copper, manganese and zinc) and 0.1% inulin.

The digestibility of such feed exceeds 90%, and all ingredients used are supplied by farms.

Pros:

• high-quality meat composition;
• mineral supplements;
• variety of tastes;
• Suitable for puppies of all breeds.

Minuses:

• not sold everywhere;
• Available only in small packs of 85 g.

Happy Dog NaturLine is a good pate for puppies. However, many owners find the 85 g release form inconvenient.

“Native feed” - inexpensive canned meat

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

88%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Native food – super-premium canned food produced in Russia. For puppies, the company offers wet food with beef, rabbit or turkey. The diet is recommended for babies over 2 months.

The owners note that the cubs happily pounce on the food bowl and eat everything without a trace. Canned food is produced in 340 g cans.

20% of the formula comes from meat, another 20% is heart. Tripe and liver are contained in an amount of 15% (each), the rest is water and vegetable oil. This composition ensures the correct formation of the skeleton, shiny coat and the health of the growing pet’s body.

Pros:

• can be fed from 8 weeks of age;
• suitable for all breeds;
• convenient release form;
• Puppies like the taste and smell;
• affordable price (115 rubles per jar);
• 3 flavors to choose from.

Minuses:

• not sold everywhere.

Native food is canned food with a rich meat composition. They are suitable for regular feeding of puppies, but sometimes it can be difficult to find them on sale.

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Vita PRO Lunch “Meat recipes” – with increased calcium content

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

85%

buyers recommend this product

Vita PRO Lunch is a wet food for puppies of small, medium and large breeds. It is based on 67% lamb, 29% broth, 3% brown rice, mineral supplements and safflower oil as a source of fatty acids. The increased calcium content ensures the harmonious growth of the animal’s body.

This composition allows you to use canned food as a complete daily diet. It is recommended for healthy puppies from 3 to 12 months, as well as for those with digestive disorders. The food is available in 200 g cans with a tongue for easy opening.

Pros:

• convenient packaging;
• high protein composition;
• does not contain preservatives, dyes, or flavor enhancers;
• suitable for puppies with sensitive digestion;
• designed for all breeds;
• Available in most stores.

Minuses:

• the price is above average (from 100 rubles per jar).

When regularly feeding puppies Vita PRO Lunch, breeders recommend buying canned food in packs of 6 pieces. So their cost comes out lower.

Now Fresh Senior and Weight Management Dog Large Breed Recipe

Now Fresh is another food for older dogs. Manufactured in Canada by Petcurean Pet Nutrition. Unlike Barking Heads, it belongs to the holistic class.

The trick of “Nau Fresh” is the use of only fresh meat and fish. The diet was developed by veterinary nutritionists. And, perhaps, no other food contains so many useful additives, extracts, oils and medicinal herbs:

The base is turkey. It is complemented by eggs, salmon, and duck. Sources of fiber include potatoes, peas, flax, tapioca, fruits, vegetables and berries. It is impossible to establish the ratio of animal and plant ingredients: the manufacturer does not indicate the percentage.

Also, when analyzing the composition, we find split names: when the same product is hidden under different designations. So, “potatoes”, “potato flour” and “sweet potatoes” are still potatoes, no matter how you look at them. The same applies to “peas” and “pea fiber.” Another minus is the presence of tapioca. This is cassava root starch: a cheap ingredient that is high in carbohydrates.

Now Fresh Senior and Weight Management is amazed by the abundance of dietary supplements. They help strengthen the health and immunity of an elderly pet, improve the functioning of the heart and joints. And, according to user reviews, they increase dogs’ activity and improve their well-being. Plus, the owners claim that even breeds prone to allergies tolerate the diet well.

Advantages:

• rich composition;
• no corn or wheat;
• fresh meat and boneless fish were used;
• convenient granule size;
• good clasp on the pack.

Flaws:

• the percentage of components is not indicated;
• abundance of starch: found in potatoes and tapioca;
• lots of plant foods;
• Due to the variety of animal ingredients, it is not suitable for an elimination diet.

Which company is better to buy dog ​​food?

The manufacturer can be anyone. You should be concerned about the class and composition of the food. The main thing is that the diet meets the needs of the pet.

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Brit Fresh Puppy Large Breed Growth & Joints

The line of the Czech company VAFO PRAHA includes the Brit Fresh series: food made from fresh products grown on farms. One of them is for large breed puppies with beef.

The composition of Brit Fresh Puppy Large Breed Growth & Joints is carefully thought out:

The basis of the menu is beef (65%). The remaining animal components are auxiliary: chicken fat (a source of Omega-6), salmon oil (contains Omega-3), and chicken liver is added to improve taste and aroma.

Plant components are represented by pumpkin, buckwheat, oats, flax, beets and apples. They are useful: improve digestion and strengthen the immune system.

Brit Fresh also contains many dietary supplements that promote the proper development of puppies and juniors: brewer's yeast, collagen, probiotics, mussel extract, chondroitin, oligosaccharides.

The owners praise “Brit”: when fed with this diet, the puppies’ bones develop well, their activity increases, and the appearance of their coat improves. However, when switching to food, flatulence often occurs, which usually goes away after a couple of weeks.

Pros:

• high meat content - from 65%;
• There are no low-quality ingredients: everything is grown on local farms and delivered fresh;
• no allergenic products: wheat, corn, chicken, eggs, etc.;
• convenient packaging: with handle and zip lock;
• optimal sized granules.

Minuses:

• Not all products have a specified percentage;
• It’s better to buy food in pet stores or from suppliers: when ordering through Russian online markets, spoiled batches often arrive.

1st Choice Nutrition Sterilized

Fest Choice has been produced by the Canadian company PLB International since 1990. The line includes excellent food for neutered dogs of all breeds - Nutrition Sterilized.

1st Choice Nutrition helps spayed pets lose weight and reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. It is low-calorie, contains L-carnitine (accelerates the breakdown of fat) and a mixture of dietary fibers, which normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Another feature of 1st Choice for neutered dogs is the large kibble. Dogs have to chew them: as a result, the satiety signal arrives before the pets eat the portion. Plus, large “crackers” cleanse teeth of plaque.

Let's look at the composition:

The first place is given to chicken flour. This is a good product; besides, it is dried meat without bones, skin, or offal. True, the content is small: 25%. Even together with the specified liver, chicken and fish oil, the total amount of animal ingredients is unlikely to exceed 30%.

1st Choice Nutrition Sterilized does not contain high glycemic index additives. Sources of fiber include rice, millet, flax, oats, peas and citrus pulp. There are few other plant components (greens, mint, ginger, pineapple), so their effect on the pet’s health is insignificant.

Most pets like Fest Choice: only a few picky ones refuse to eat the granules. The owners say that the diet improves stool and flatulence goes away. But owners of active dogs note that their pets do not get enough to eat due to the small amount of protein.

Advantages:

• suitable for a mono-diet;
• balanced mixture of dietary fiber;
• improves digestion;
• reduces weight;
• contains useful additives: L-carnitine, potassium, extracts of chicory, mint, ginger and green tea;
• convenient clasp on the pack;

Flaws:

• low amount of meat;
• a lot of ballast substances;
• Not all products have percentages indicated;
• not sold everywhere.

The best medicated foods for puppies

For various diseases, puppies need a special diet, which is prescribed by veterinarians. Most often, babies suffer from dermatological problems or suffer from digestive problems due to an incorrectly selected diet by a dog breeder.

Royal Canin Skin Support – diet for dermatoses and atopy

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

95%

buyers recommend this product

Skin Support is a special diet with a high content of essential fatty acids for puppies and adult dogs suffering from dermatological problems. It is intended to activate the protective functions of the skin in case of dermatoses, atopy or hair loss.

Carbohydrates in the composition are represented by rice, proteins - by dehydrated poultry meat. Plant fiber and beet pulp improve digestion and remove toxins that cause skin rashes. Animal and fish oils, aloe vera, soybean and borage oils nourish and relieve dry skin.

Royal Canin SKIN SUPPORT should only be prescribed by a veterinarian and is not a substitute for comprehensive medical treatment. The duration of the diet is also determined by the doctor.

Pros:

• nourishes and moisturizes the skin;
• reduces hair loss;
• improves digestion;
• can be bought or ordered at most veterinary pharmacies;
• Suitable for puppies and adult dogs of all breeds.

Minuses:

• the granules are colored and can ruin things.

Royal Canin Skin Support contains turmeric, which leaves a yellow residue on clothing and skin, so be careful when pouring the food and use a handy measuring cup.

Alleva Equilibrium Sensitive Ocean Fish Medium & Maxi

Alleva Equilibrium with fish is an everyday holistic diet for medium and large dogs with sensitive digestion and allergies. The manufacturing company Diusa Pet uses only fresh steamed products: this way the maximum of nutrients is preserved. In addition, the ingredients are high quality and suitable for human nutrition.

The composition of "Alleva" was developed by nutritionists and thoroughly tested.

Over 40% of the composition is reserved for meat and fish fat. There are no other sources of protein in the crackers, so the menu is suitable for an elimination diet. Most of it is made up of plant ingredients: rice and peas. I am glad that there are useful supplements: for digestion - chicory root and brewer's yeast, for joints - chondroitin and glucosamine. The food also contains vegetables, fruits and berries, but their content is low: the total amount is 1.2%.

The disadvantage of Alleva is the split of names. Thus, peas are listed under different names: “pea starch” and “pea fiber.” This was done to visually reduce the content of the plant product.

According to reviews from owners, pets switch to Alleva Equilibrium without any problems and feel good: they note improved digestion and fur, and the disappearance of discharge from the eyes and ears. However, some pets experience the opposite condition: dull fur coat, lacrimation.

Pros:

• monoration;
• good protein content - over 40%;
• quality ingredients used;
• excellent digestibility;
• improving the health of pets;
• Availability of necessary supplements for digestion and joint health support.

Minuses:

• the percentage of all products is not indicated;
• split titles;
• Most of the diet consists of plant components;
• packaging without fastener;
• intolerance is possible.

The best grain-free foods for puppies

Under natural conditions, grain crops are not included in the diet of predators. Feeds that exclude grains reduce the risk of allergies or food intolerances. They are especially indicated for animals with sensitive digestion.

Farmina N&D “Lamb, Pumpkin and Blueberry” – the best grain-free formula

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

98%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Farmina N&D is a complete food without grain. The manufacturer offers small granules for miniature breed puppies and larger ones for medium and large breeds. They contain only natural products grown in Italy. The mixture is produced in bags from 0.8 to 12 kg.

In the first place is a high quality meat ingredient - fresh farm lamb. It occupies 48%. This is a high figure even for a holistic class.

The side dish is pumpkin, peas and other vegetables, fruits and berries: carrots, apples, blueberries, oranges, pomegranates, black currants.

Chondroitin ensures proper development of the musculoskeletal system, prebiotics help digestion, and plant extracts supply the body with fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.

Pros:

• rich natural composition;
• complex of vitamins and microelements;
• does not cause allergies;
• possibility to choose the size of granules;
• convenient packaging;
• can be purchased at most stores.

Minuses:

• high cost (2250 rubles for 2.5 kg).

Farmina N&D is popular among veterinarians and professional breeders, as well as amateur dog breeders.

The quality of the food is beyond doubt. The only negative is the high price, which is typical for all holistic-class feeds.

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Acana Puppy Large Breed – for large breed puppies

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

97%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Acana Puppy Large Breed holistic dry food is designed specifically for large puppies. The granules are based on carefully selected ingredients of natural origin.

The pellets are made using proprietary WholePrey technology, which retains all the benefits and natural volume of meat, entrails and cartilage.

Thanks to this, the owner does not need to introduce additional vitamin complexes into the animal’s diet. The mixture is sold in dense bags of 11.4 and 17 kg.

70% of the formula is made up of high-quality chicken, turkey, flounder and chicken egg protein. The remaining 30% is fruits and vegetables.

The food contains neither grains nor potatoes, which will irritate the pet’s incompletely formed digestive system. This composition is the key to the harmonious development of muscles and skeleton, maintains proper weight and promotes activity of the puppy.

Pros:

• natural composition;
• lack of “fast” carbohydrates;
• ensures proper development of the musculoskeletal system;
• Animals like the taste.

Minuses:

• expensive (about 7 thousand for 17 kg);
• Strong smell.

To maintain the correct weight of your pet, the manufacturer strongly recommends adhering to the puppy feeding rate indicated on the packaging.

Now Fresh – natural food for puppies

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

88%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Now Fresh is a Canadian holistic dry food. The grain-free formula includes only natural products. The diet for puppies is based on fresh turkey and duck fillets.

Fresh salmon and seaweed are also added as sources of omega oils for healthy skin and coat. The side dish is potatoes, peas, pumpkin, tomato and other vegetables.

Numerous fruits and plant extracts (raspberries, bananas, cranberries, blackberries, blueberries, papaya, chicory, rosemary, yucca, grapefruit, pineapple, spinach, alfalfa sprouts) nourish the growing body with vitamins. Prebiotics ensure proper digestion, and a complex of antioxidants strengthens the immune system.

Pros:

• suitable for all breeds;
• does not cause allergies;
• natural formula;
• strengthens the immune system;
• improves digestion.

Minuses:

• there is no fastener on the bag;
• not sold everywhere;
• Not all dogs like the taste.

When switching to Now Fresh, dog owners recommend buying a small package and testing whether your pet will eat it. The composition does not contain flavoring or aromatic additives, so some puppies eat the food extremely reluctantly.

Orijen Puppy Large Grain Free

Canadian Orijen food is considered the best among holistic class diets. They are distinguished by:

• high protein content: (70–80%);
• lack of grain crops;
• using raw materials grown on local farms without GMOs, pesticides and growth hormones.

One of the diets in the Orijen line is for large breed puppies. In terms of composition, it is superior to most feeds from other companies:

The manufacturer Orijen adheres to the concept that the diet of canines should be as varied as in nature. Therefore, there are 6 types of meat and fish in the granules: the total amount is 80%. Plus, the menu includes offal and cartilage, which dogs normally eat. Healthy vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs are sources of fiber.

The owners talk about good palatability, quick satiation and excellent health of puppies and juniors. The packaging is convenient, but it lacks a measuring cup.

Advantages:

• high meat content - 80%;
• no grain crops;
• an abundance of healthy plant products;
• optimal levels of phosphorus and calcium for puppies;
• Fresh, steamed ingredients are used: this way, maximum vitamins and minerals are preserved.

Flaws:

• difficulties with supplies due to Rosselkhoznadzor restrictions;
• due to the large amount of protein, it is not prescribed to pets with kidney and gastrointestinal diseases;
• not suitable as a monoration.

Criterias of choice

To give preference to a specific brand of dog food, you should pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations indicated on the packaging.

1. Pet size. Feeds are packaged depending on the size of the animal they are intended for.
2. Breed. Smooth-haired or long-haired, with a long or shortened esophagus - these and other characteristics of the animal are taken into account by feed manufacturers.
3. Age. The amount of energy consumed and metabolic activity directly depend on how young the dog is.
4. A special physiological condition. Estrus, the period of bearing puppies and lactation, recovery after castration and sterilization - all these features require adjustments to the diet.
5. Health status. Manufacturers produce various lines of food designed specifically for dogs that require a special diet due to existing health problems: obesity, a tendency to allergies, vitamin deficiency or, on the contrary, hypervitaminosis, condition after taking medications, operations.
6. Individual taste preferences of the pet.

Ontario Adult Dog Large Breed Lamb & Rice

"Ontario" is produced by the Czech company Placek Pet Products Ltd., but the diet was developed by Canadian veterinarians and nutritionists.

Ontario Adult Dog Large Breed has a typical super-premium composition:

Over 30% is occupied by meat products: lamb, turkey, chicken and fish fat. But most of it is reserved for plant components: rice, peas, fruits and vegetables. I am glad that there are no cheap ballast substances: corn, wheat, etc.

The disadvantage of the composition is the split of names. “Rice” and “rice bran” are listed separately. This is to put lamb first on the list. If you do the math, the cereal content exceeds the amount of the animal component: 32% versus 23%.

Ontario has many useful additives. In addition to medicinal herbs and extracts, it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which are vital for strengthening joints in large and giant dogs. There are also herbal components that improve digestion (thyme, fennel, yucca) and the condition of the coat (brewer's yeast, fish oil).

The owners indicate that the transition to Ontario Adult Dog is easy: there was no digestive upset, decreased activity, or changes in stool. Most pets feel great on the Czech diet, but some have allergies. Moreover, due to 4 different meat products, it is difficult to determine exactly which one caused the intolerance.

Pros:

• good dietary supplement;
• low price;
• nice smell;
• no harmful dyes or preservatives;
• convenient clasp.

Minuses:

• few meat ingredients;
• not suitable for an exclusion diet;
• the contents of the components are not clearly stated;
• low nutritional value for active and working dogs: you need to increase the amount of food or give additional products;
• Allergies are possible.

The best hypoallergenic foods for puppies

For puppies prone to allergies, manufacturers offer diets without chicken meat, offal and eggs, since these are the most common sources of animal food intolerance. They also exclude corn, wheat and other allergens.

Brit Care Puppy Lamb & Rice – super premium for little ones

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

98%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Brit Care Puppy Lamb & Rice is a super-premium complete food for allergy-prone puppies of all breeds, starting from 4 weeks.

The rich composition with a set of microelements indicates a balanced diet and allows you to use it for the puppy’s daily nutrition. The food is produced in the form of small granules, which are packaged in tight zip-lock bags weighing from 1 to 12 kg.

The protein ingredient occupies 32% of the composition and comes mainly from lamb meat, and not from offal. Rice is a source of carbohydrates, which has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Next in the composition is fish oil to supply the body with fatty acids. Brewer's yeast, rich in B vitamins, is also added to the recipe.

Cartilage extract and hydrolyzed crustacean shells promote proper skeletal formation. Fruits and plant extracts (rosemary, yucca, thistle, cloves, citrus fruits, turmeric) nourish the body with vitamins and minerals.

Pros:

• Available in all pet stores;
• Suitable for all breeds;
• optimal granule size;
• convenient packaging;
• ziplock packaging;
• rich composition with a complex of vitamins and minerals.

Minuses:

• expensive - 1400 rubles for 3 kg.

Breeders note the harmonious growth of puppies, a high level of activity, shiny coat and recommend the food for small pets prone to allergies.

“Our brand” – inexpensive food for puppies of all breeds

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

83%

buyers recommend this product

Our brand is premium dry food for all puppies. Pet owners prefer it for its low cost and availability in all stores. The food is produced in dense bags weighing from 0.5 to 18 kg.

The source of protein in the formula is poultry flour, hydrolyzed liver, corn gluten - it accounts for 25% of the composition. Carbohydrates are represented by corn and rice.

Sugar beet pulp improves digestion, linoleic acid and B vitamins ensure healthy skin and shiny coat. A complex of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants completes the list of ingredients.

Pros:

• low price - less than 3 thousand for 18 kg;
• Suitable for puppies of all breeds;
• can be purchased at most pet stores and hypermarkets;
• convenient packaging;
• vitamin and mineral complex included.

Minuses:

• corn included;
• Not all dogs like the taste.

The manufacturer classifies its food as a premium segment, but veterinarians and experienced breeders tend to consider it an economical option due to the low price and quality of the composition.

When feeding puppies on an ongoing basis, it is recommended to additionally give the animal vitamin and mineral complexes.

Grandorf Lamb&Rice Puppy – high-protein holistic food

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

78%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Grandorf Lamb&Rice Puppy is a hypoallergenic holistic food with a high protein content. It is suitable for puppies of all breeds from 3 weeks of age.

In the production of granules, only high quality natural products are used. Lamb and turkey meat makes up 70% of the composition, and white rice has a beneficial effect on the digestion of babies.

Plant extracts and fruits have been added to the formula for the harmonious development of the pet: chicory, carob flour, cranberry, apple, yucca Schidigera.

Dried Antarctic krill supplies the body with fatty acids, yeast - B vitamins. Taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin strengthen joints and bones. Also added to the formula is a complex of natural antioxidants from rosemary, citrus, syzygium and turmeric extract.

Pros:

• can be given from 3 weeks;
• high-quality composition with a high meat content;
• a complete set of vitamins and microelements;
• strengthening bone tissue.

Minuses:

• cannot be purchased at pet stores.

The main advantage of Grandorf Lamb&Rice Puppy is the optimal combination of price and quality. This is what makes it so popular on the Russian market. Its price is much lower than other analogues of the holistic class.

What is important when choosing dry food for large dogs

When choosing a dry diet for a large dog, consider the following nuances:

1. Granule size. They should be large: such that the pet does not swallow, but chews. This helps clear plaque from the teeth, prevent the swallowing of air and, as a result, gas formation and gastric volvulus.
2. Calorie content and digestibility. Compared to small breeds, large dogs have a slower metabolism. Therefore, the calorie content should be average and the fat content should be reduced. A big plus is the presence of L-carnitine, which helps transform fats into energy.
3. Availability of supplements for the musculoskeletal and digestive tract. Considering the frequent problems with joints and gastrointestinal tract in large breeds, dry food should contain glucosamine, chondroitin, pre- and probiotics. Their natural sources are cartilage, fish and poultry oil, shellfish, crustaceans, chicory, green tea extract.
4. Potassium to phosphorus ratio. This is especially important during puppyhood, when the skeleton and muscles are developing. Excess, deficiency or incorrect balance will lead to diseases.
5. Age and physiological needs. Calorie content, protein and fat levels, and the amount of plant foods vary for pets at different stages of life. The same applies to individual characteristics: whether the dog is a working dog, neutered or not, whether there are systemic diseases.
6. Allergies. A pet can be intolerant to anything: from common chicken to exotic meat such as venison. If your dog is allergic, you will have to carefully select dry food and monitor the reaction for the first 3 months.

And also focus on the pet’s taste. You may simply not like the taste, smell or consistency of the granules.

Reviews from dog owners

Oleg R. We buy Dog Chow food for dachshund puppies. We often have a foster puppy living in our house, which is given to us after mating. If the baby is very small, then we cancel Dog Chow and give ABBA wet food for a while.

Irina K. We have been buying Akana or Brit food for a long time. It is not always possible to find Acana in our stores. It is important for the breeder that the puppy is healthy, its fur is shiny and there are no problems with the gastrointestinal tract. There were no problems with these feeds.

Review results

Even out of 10 species, it is not easy to choose which food is best for large breeds. If you are undecided, listen to my recommendations. The best ones reviewed:

• for puppies - Orijen Puppy Large Grain Free;
• daily diet for adult dogs - Applaws Adult Large Breed Chicken Grain Free;
• for the “oldies” - Barking Heads “Golden Years”;
• for overweight or neutered pets - 1st Choice Nutrition Sterilized;
• for dogs with allergies and/or sensitive digestion - Alleva Equilibrium Sensitive Ocean Fish.

Last piece of advice: when choosing, consider the availability of supplies to your city. This is relevant for residents of the region: not all cities receive the necessary feed regularly. In this case, do not chase the perfect menu, which will disappear from the shelves in a couple of weeks or a few months. It’s better to choose a diet that you eat all the time, even if the composition is a little worse.