best dog food recipes for large breeds
Recipe: Homemade Dog Food for Large Dogs
Large-breed dogs have unique nutritional needs. If you do not provide them with proper nutrition, large dogs can suffer from nutrient deficiencies, obesity, or even stunt their growth.
Thishomemade dog food for large dogs recipe is appropriate for most adult large breed dogs, but be sure to check with your veterinarian to see if they recommend adding any supplements to meet your dogs needs.
Commercial dog food for large breed dogs and large breed puppies is nutritionally balanced for their unique needs. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for homemade recipes.
Most recipes that you can find on the internet or in books are not nutritionally balanced for canines, even recipes that state they are recommended by or formulated by veterinarians.
Remember that balanced homemade dog food should include:
- A high-quality source of protein
- Calcium, such as dairy
- Fat via oil or meat
- Carbs via vegetables or grains
- Essential fatty acids, such as via oatmeal or egg yolks
- Vitamins, including K, A, B, C, D, and E
- Minerals, including sodium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium
You must seek the help of your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist when planning a diet change for your canine companion.
They are the only ones that can tell you exactly your dogs unique nutritional needs.
Without a lot of difficult, time-consuming research, it would be impossible for you to figure these needs out on your own.
Your dog's nutritional needs will vary based on his age, weight, breed, activity level, overall health condition, and many other factors. His nutritional needs will also change many times over the course of his life.
This is why it is extremely important that you discuss your dogs diet with a trained professional.
RELATED:13 Dog Nutrition Tips That Are Actually Science-Based
Homemade Dog Food for Large Dogs Recipe
As you will see in my video guide, the next step is to layer 1/2 of the chicken mixture on the bottom of the pan, then the veggie mix, the other 1/2 of the chicken mixture, and then the final 1/3 of the veggie mixture goes on top.
Bake this homemade dog food for large dogs in your 340 oven for 35 minutes. Once the meal has cooled, you can serve it to your pet immediately.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Common Questions About Homemade Dog Food for Large Dogs
Love the above recipe but want more information on homemade dog food for large dogs? Weve gathered the following questions and answers to ensure you have all the information you need.
What are the best ingredients for homemade dog food?
Your homemade dog food should always include high-quality muscle meat. Vegetables and raw meaty bones are also great additions. Dont forget to ensure you include fats and carbs as well.
How much do you feed your dog with homemade dog food?
When giving your dog homemade dog food, try to provide him with about 2 or 3 percent of his body weight. If your dog is 50 pounds, you should give him about 16 ounces of food.
How do I make large dog food?
The above recipe offers a simple option for large dogs. It features chicken, brown rice, eggs, apples, green beans, carrots, and peas.
Whats the healthiest dog food for large breeds?
The healthiest dog food for large breeds will focus on their unique nutritional needs. It will also help prevent potential health problems that are more common in large breeds, such as joint issues.
What is the best filler for homemade dog food?
Some great fillers for homemade dog food include tomato pumice, beans, sweet potatoes, potatoes, beet pulp, and vegetables.
READ NEXT: Top 10 Best Large Breed Dog Food Brands
Best Large Breed Dog Food
Wellness Core Large Breed formula is a grain-free, high protein recipe with substantial kibble size to promote proper chewing time in larger mouths. Increased amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin also supports bone and joint health in these larger sized dogs.
This recipe contains the perfect amount of fat and calories to help maintain a healthy weight for a dog of this size. A higher quality food with an abundance of animal protein and nutrient-rich vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli.
Key Facts No meat by-products or fillers Grain-free. Absolutely no corn, wheat or soy High protein recipe for strong muscles No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives Wellness Core Grain-Free Large Breed is recommended by 94% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is highly recommended for large breed adult dogs.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, lentils, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large dogs Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Chicken is a great option for those looking for higher protein and an optimal blend of calcium, phosphorus and essential vitamins to help keep bones strong.
Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids found in fish meal and flaxseed ensure a healthy coat. An ideal blend of protein, fat and carbohydrates are also included to assist your large breed dog in keeping a healthy weight. Never any grains or gluten and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Key Facts No poultry by-product meals Glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints Antioxidants to boost dogs immune system 100% Grain-free Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Chicken is recommended by 98% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a great choice for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned Chicken, chicken meal, dried chicken, oatmeal, barley Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adults including large breeds All Ollie meals are human-grade and expertly designed by a board certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN). Each recipe is suitable for larger breed adults.
An exceptional, grain-free option. Ideal for those who prefer a fully balanced diet, thats as close to homemade as you can get. Without all the fuss. Not cheap. Enthusiastically recommended.
Key Facts Made with fresh poultry. Contains no by-product meals. Free of BHA or other chemical preservatives Optimized for the age, weight, activity level and breed size of your pet Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver Type Grain-free, fresh AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Now Fresh Large Breed Adult contains balanced proteins and fats from turkey, salmon and duck. Contains antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables such as spinach, cranberries, pumpkin, blackberries, and carrots. Great for building a strong immune system to help fight disease.
Recommended for dogs over 50 pounds and between 15 months and 5 years of age. Contains extra nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint care for larger breed dogs.
Key Facts No by-products or artificial preservatives Omega-3 and 6 from coconut and canola oil for healthy coat Probiotics to support digestion Grain-free. No gluten, wheat, corn or soy Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Adult is recommended by 100% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a superb selection for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Now Fresh Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients De-boned turkey, whole dried egg, potatoes, peas, potato flour Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Adult Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice is one of 19 dry recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan product line.
Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend combines a hard kibble with tender, pieces of real, shredded chicken for enhanced flavor and texture.
A classic, grain-inclusive kibble that derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken and poultry by-product meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
Key Facts Live probiotics to support healthy digestion Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat Highly digestible recipe for optimal nutrient delivery No artificial colors or flavors This Purina Pro recipe is recommended by 96% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a top pick for large breed adult dogs.
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All adult dogs including large breeds From its founding, Champion Petfoods, the fabled maker of Orijen, has always favored and touted a meat-based, biologically appropriate canine diet a proven, balanced formula which makes this food a top choice for large breed dogs. Highly recommended.
Key Facts Coated with freeze-dried liver for enhanced flavor Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat Grain-free. No corn, wheat or rice Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for optimal joint health Orijen Six Fish Grain Free is recommended by 96% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is an outstanding buy for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Whole Atlantic mackerel, whole Atlantic herring, monkfish, Acadian redfish, flounder Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breeds Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed recipe is a high-protein formula with sweet potatoes, peas, apples and blueberries. These fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants to help fight disease resistance while the significant protein is included to help larger breed dogs retain lean muscles.
Like most large breed dog food formulas, extra glucosamine and chondroitin are essential and included for hip and joint health. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids are incorporated to enhance a healthy skin and coat.
Key Facts No artificial preservatives Grain-free. No corn, wheat or soy 60% protein and healthy fats No by-product meals Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed is recommended by 90% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a fantastic choice for large breed adult dogs.
Read our review of the full Merrick Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, sweet potatoes, potatoes Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breeds Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult contains a variety of protein sources. These include fresh chicken, chicken meal and egg product with minimal protein derived from plant-based ingredients. Ideal for mirroring an ancestral diet.
Chelated minerals are also added for superior absorption.
Key Facts Contains no plant-based protein boosters No artificial colors or preservatives Abundance of meat-based protein Ancestral diet Diamond Naturals Large Breed recipe is recommended by 91% of actual buyers and earns 4.5 stars on Chewy.com. A great option for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Wellness Complete Health Large Breed is formulated with glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate for excellent hip and joint health. Balanced blend of high-quality protein, healthy fat and grain-free carbohydrates for extra energy and optimum performance.
Added fiber and probiotics to aid in digestion making it ideal for a dogs naturally sensitive stomach. Antioxidants to defend against disease and infection.
Key Facts High-quality ingredients Salmon oil for healthy skin and coat Grain-free. No corn, wheat or rice No meat by-products or filler Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Large Breed recipe is recommended by 100% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and an excellent selection for your large breed dog.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, potatoes, chickpeas Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Eagle Pack Adult Large and Giant Breed is specially formulated with the right amount of fat, protein and carbohydrates to help larger dogs maintain a healthy weight. Dual animal proteins also help provide lean muscle mass.
This formula contains no corn, wheat, or meat by-products of any kind and has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Perfectly balanced nutrition for dogs over 50 pounds.
Key Facts Affordable, budget friendly recipe Glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints Traditional grain-inclusive formula Calcium and phosphorous to support strong bones Eagle Pack Adult Large and Giant Breed recipe is recommended by 96% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is highly recommended for large breed adult dogs.
Read our review of the full Eagle Pack Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, oatmeal, rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Health has produced a dog food unique to large and giant breed dogs. It incorporates extra glucosamine and chondroitin for strong joints with calcium and phosphorous for healthy bones.
This special formula also contains specific ingredients for proper canine digestion. This is accomplished by adding probiotics and plenty of fiber to support a healthy gut and chelated minerals for better absorption.
Key Facts Antioxidant-rich to support cellular health Free from artificial colors or preservatives Traditional grain-inclusive formula Specially formulated for large and giant breed dogs Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Health is recommended by 97% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a great option for your large breed adult.
Read our review of the full Holistic Select Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, rice, oatmeal, oats, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds Taste of the Wild Wetlands recipe is loaded with animal protein. Not only is duck and duck meal the first two ingredients, but there is also turkey, quail and chicken meal included in this formula.
Real fruits and vegetables are included with antioxidants to fight disease. Probiotics and chelated minerals are also incorporated to aid in digestion and provide superior absorption. A budget-friendly option with extremely high quality, high protein ingredients.
Key Facts Grain-free. No corn, wheat or rice Budget-friendly, affordable option High protein for lean muscle mass Made in the USA using high quality ingredients Taste of the Wild Wetlands recipe is recommended by 98% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is a fantastic choice for a large breed adult dog.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Duck, duck meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds I and Love and You Nude Super Food Poultry Palooza is made with whole deboned meat and rich antioxidants from real fruits and vegetables. Whole flaxseed, coconut and fish oils are included as well to provide Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to support a healthy skin and coat.
Never any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and 100% grain-free. Chelated minerals are incorporated to ensure superior absorption and probiotics aid in digestion.
Key Facts Grain-free. No corn, wheat, soy or rice No fillers or by-product meals GMO-free ingredients Contains probiotics for healthy digestion I and Love and You Nude Super Food Poultry Palooza is recommended by 95% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and a superb option for large breed dogs.
Read our review of the full I and Love and You Nude Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, chickpeas, red lentils Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breeds Formerly called Go! Fit and Free Chicken, Turkey and Trout, this new recipe is enhanced with plenty of premium-quality animal protein your large breed dog needs to build strong muscles.
Now called Go! Solutions Carnivore Chicken, Turkey and Duck, this formula still holds true to its original great taste and exceptional ingredients. Still no by-product meals, artificial preservatives, or wheat, corn and soy. This protein-rich recipe has plenty of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables which provides ample nutrition for your active large breed adult dog.
Key Facts Grain-free. No corn, wheat or rice Omega-3 fish oil for healthy skin and coat High-protein recipe for lean muscles GMO-free ingredients Go! Solutions Carnivore is recommended by 97% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and an exceptional selection for large breed adults.
Read our review of the full Go! Carnivore Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, de-boned chicken, de-boned turkey Texture Dry Type Grain-free AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs including large breeds
