Bringing a new puppy into your life is one of the most exciting times of dog ownership. And when it comes to large breed puppies, this excitement is super-sized.
Not only will your large or giant breed dog stay in puppyhood longer, but they will also become larger than life as they grow and grow some more! However, large breed dogs come with a few unique dietary needs. Which is why so many owners ask, “‘What should I feed my puppy?”
Well, we’re here to help make heads and wagging tails of large breed puppy food knowledge. Because the better you feed your puppy now, the more years you will have with your best friend later!
What Makes Dog Food for Large Breed Puppies Unique?
Large breed dogs grow considerably more than medium and smaller breed dogs. A puppy that is born under half a kilo can grow to 35 kilograms or more–which is a much faster rate than humans that take years to reach 35 kilograms, and most babies are born at around 3.5 kilograms.
Most of a large breed’s puppy’s growth occurs in the first 10 months of their lives, and they continue growing until they’re about one year to a year-and-a-half of age [1]. This growth results in a large breed dog’s need for special considerations diet-wise.
Preventing Orthopedic Diseases
Because giant and large breed dogs grow so quickly and to such massive sizes, they’re more vulnerable to joint, skeletal, and muscular disease [2].
Growing too rapidly can lead to a greater risk of:
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- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Panosteitis
- Osteochondrosis
- Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
- Retained ulnar cartilage core
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How Does a Large Breed Puppy Food Benefit Your Best Friend?
Accelerated growth means giant and large breed puppies need the right amount of calories and nutrients to support healthy cell production while preventing them from growing too heavy for their developing joints.
Large breed puppy food is formulated to provide these puppies with the right amount of calories along with the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients for a lifetime of health.
How Does Large Puppy Food Differ from Small or Medium Breed Food?
Your puppy’s food is formulated by a veterinary nutritionist to support their body as they grow. The levels of calories, vitamins, and minerals will differ depending on how quickly your dog’s breed is expected to grow and their final size.
