The Best Diets for Large Dogs

Having a large dog means you have another big mouth to feed in your household, but doing it properly is the key to keep your pet healthy and happy. Whether you choose to feed your dog Purina or Iams, it's important to cater to its specific needs. Large dogs often require a drastically different feeding schedule and diet than other smaller animals you may own. Consult your veterinarian on what's best for your large dog's breed, and then make a decision that both you and your pet will be happy with for years to come.

  1. Adding Wet Food

    • Large dogs need to get the right amount of protein to stay healthy and active. Chicken and beef are the most common sources of protein in dog food, and they're best found in cans or pouches. There's nothing wrong with feeding your large dog dry kibble, but add something new to the mix: wet food. Stir in half a can or one pouch of wet chicken or beef dog stew. Not only is this a special bonus for your pet, but it will add the necessary protein to their diet to keep them healthy and lively for longer.

    Low Fat Diets

    • It may sound silly to put your dog on a low fat diet, but for some breeds, it's necessary to keep them healthy. For larger dogs in particular, weight can quickly become a problem. Fat can increase the amount of stress on a dog's joints, which is why it's important to keep large breeds active and slender. Bigger dogs typically only have one or two large meals a day, so do them a favor and make it a healthy one. Look for low or reduced fat when you're buying dog food, regardless of whether it's in a can or in a bag. Food specifically catered toward large breeds will often already have this issue taken into account.

    Essential Acids

    • Like humans, dogs need essential fatty acids to keep their skin, teeth, and coats healthy. Many dog food companies are beginning to add Omega 3 and 6 acids to their products for this reason, and you have every reason to take advantage of it. Look for dog food that mentions these acids and proteins on the label, and try to incorporate it into your large dog's diet. With the right proteins and acids, your dog will have a shinier coat and not to mention, healthier bones. You can add years onto your dog's life just by making sure it gets the nutrition it needs to be healthy.