The Best Puppy Food for Giant Breeds

Excessive rapid growth and increased levels of some nutrients in large-breed puppies have been linked to skeletal disorders in some breeds. These disorders include hip displasia, osteochondritis and hypertrophic osteodystrophy. Bones of large-breed dogs are relatively weaker than bones of smaller dogs and are more affected by the added stress put on these bones by the increased muscle mass and body weight of overweight puppies.

  1. Feed a balanced diet

    • Feed controlled portions of a balanced food specifically developed for large- and giant-breed puppies. Do not feed your puppy adult dog food.

    Check nutritional information

    • Buy puppy food that is neither too low nor too high in calcium, fat and protein. Veterinarian Chick Newman of Newman Veterinary Medical Services recommends a puppy food for large- and giant-breed dogs contain .7 to 1.2 percent calcium, 9 to 12 percent fat and 15 to 27 percent protein on a dry weight basis. Check the back of the bag for nutritional information.

    Feed on a schedule

    • Feed a puppy younger than 6 months three times a day, and allow it to eat as much as it wants for a limited time, such as 10 minutes. If the puppy is older than 6 months, follow the same guidelines but feed him two times a day. Tailor the puppy's food intake to individual need and activity level.

    Get professional advice

    • Talk to a veterinarian and develop a complete nutritional plan for your large-breed puppy. Take your puppy for regular veterinary visits.