Best Large Breed Dog Foods January 2023
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s 15 top-rated large breed dry dog foods for January 2023.
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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.
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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 dog’s 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.
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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, that’s 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 |
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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.
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Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed recipe contains added glucosamine and chondroitin to help support healthy hip and joint function, essential for large breed dogs. Omega fatty acids from salmon oil help ensure a healthy skin and coat.
A unique raw-infused kibble recipe loaded with protein. Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, apples and blueberries are also included to boost your dog’s immune system.
| Key Facts |
|---|
| Made in the United States |
| Grain-free, gluten-free |
| Large kibble size |
| No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives |
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Adult is recommended by 86% of actual buyers on Chewy.com and is an exceptional choice for large breed adults.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 dog’s 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The FDA is investigating a potential link between diet and heart disease in dogs. Click here for details.
The Best Dog Food for Small Dogs January 2023
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s top 10 best small breed dog foods for January 2023.
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Appalachian Valley Small Breed is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
Appalachian Valley Small Breed derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh venison and lamb meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A fully balanced, grain-free recipe containing no artificial colors, flavors or toxic chemical preservatives. Highly recommended.
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Classic Small Breed is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Merrick Classic product line.
This Merrick Classic recipe takes the major portion of its animal protein from fresh chicken as well as chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Merrick Classic Small Breed is a solid grain-inclusive recipe with fiber-rich quinoa to help maintain digestion. Easily recommended.
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Turkey Fare is one of 4 fresh wet recipes covered in our review of the Nom Nom dog food product line.
Nom Nom Turkey Fare derives most of its animal protein from fresh turkey as well as whole eggs. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 17% fat and 39% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 45%.
If you’ve ever wished you could serve your small dog a fresh home-cooked meal… but without all the fuss… then Nom Nom makes a smart choice.
Top level, human-grade ingredients and a balanced recipe designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Not cheap. But highly recommended.
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Freestyle Small Breed is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Nulo Freestyle product line.
This Nulo formula gets the lion’s share of its meat protein from fresh salmon as well as turkey and menhaden fish meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 34% protein, 19% fat and 39% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.
Nulo Freestyle Small Breed is designed to support the higher metabolism and energy levels of smaller dogs. Highly recommended.
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Original Small Breed is one of 5 dry recipes included in our review of the Instinct Original product line.
This Instinct Original formula derives the greatest part of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 22% fat and 31% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Instinct Original Small Breed provides an optimal balance of protein, fat and calories to ensure a balanced nutrition for your small dog. Highly recommended.
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Life Protection Small Breed Chicken and Brown Rice is one of 21 dry recipes as well as 5 small breed formulas included in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 17% fat and 46% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.
A small breed formula boasting a fully balanced blend of minerals, antioxidants and vitamins to promote a healthy immune system.
What’s more, Blue is one of the few major brands offering multiple flavor options specifically designed for small dogs…
Which makes Life Protection an ideal choice for those who like to routinely rotate their pet’s diet.
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Small Breed Turkey is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Now Fresh product line.
Now Fresh Small Breed derives the largest share of its meat protein from fresh de-boned turkey and dried egg. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 19% fat and 43% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Small-size, clover-shaped kibble ideal for small to medium breed dogs. Contains probiotics and pre-biotic fiber to support healthy gut bacteria and better digestion. The recipe also includes taurine and L-carnitine for healthy heart function.
Also contains whole dried eggs, nature’s most “complete” protein. Which means this ingredient alone naturally includes every essential amino acid a dog needs for optimal health.
A bit pricey. But an excellent, nutritionally balanced design optimized for small and medium breed dogs. Highly recommended.
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Halo Small Breed Turkey and Duck is one of 3 wet recipes included in our review of the Halo Grain Free product line.
This Halo canned formula derives the major portion of its meat protein from fresh turkey and turkey liver. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 50% protein, 23% fat and 19% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 45%.
A top canned pick for small breed dogs. Highly recommended
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Diamond Small Breed Chicken and Rice is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
This Diamond Naturals formula obtains the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
A solid, budget-friendly option ideal for small breed adult dogs. Highly recommended.
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Nutro Small Breed Adult Chicken is one of 19 dry recipes included in our review of the Nutro Wholesome Essentials product line.
This Nutro Wholesome Essentials formula derives the lion’s share of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 17% fat and 49% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
A complete and balanced dog food designed to provide optimal nutrition for smaller dogs. Highly recommended.
What foods should I not feed my large breed dog?
There are a few types of food that you should avoid feeding your large breed dog. These include:
Pet Nutritionist Ranks Dog Foods | Tier List
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In an ideal world, all dog food would be created equal. Instead, dog owners are presented with an overwhelming array of options, all claiming to be the best dog food on the market. Wading through these choices to find a dog food brand that is healthy, affordable, and appealing to your pet is often frustrating. We’ve compiled expert advice to help you narrow down your options.