How to Compare Large Breed Puppy Food

Large breed puppies have nutritional requirements that may not be met by feeding standard puppy formula. Manufacturers now produce food specifically for the large breed puppy. Comparing different foods is not difficult if you look at ingredients, nutrient analysis and price. Your veterinarian may also recommend a suitable puppy formula.

  1. Nutritional Requirements

    • According to Iams, the growth rate from puppy to adult of large breed dogs is slower than that for smaller breeds. For this reason, they recommend a diet which promotes healthy skeletal development, with reduced calcium and a moderate dietary energy intake. This reduces the risk of lameness and poor bone conformation as the pup reaches adult weight.

    Comparing Foods

    • If we compare the nutrient analysis of two large breed puppy foods from Hills and Innova, some variation can be seen.

      Hills: protein 31 percent, fat 17 percent, calcium 1.2 percent

      Innova: protein 24 percent, fat 12 percent, calcium 0.9 percent

      Checking out the first five ingredients also shows variation.

      Hills: ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, liver flavor, dried beet pulp.

      Innova: turkey, chicken, chicken meal, barley, brown rice.

    Price and Preference

    • Having looked at ingredients and nutrient analysis, consider quality vs. price. Are the ingredients used what you would consider acceptable in quality? Is the price per meal reasonable? In the example above, Innova is a more natural formula, but you may be able to buy Hills at a lower price. Again, your veterinarian will be able to guide your decision.