Every dog has unique nutritional needs in order to grow up and live healthily. That is why for large breed dogs, choosing food that is specifically formulated for them can make all the difference in their health.
Large dog breeds need to eat a lot to feel full but have a slower metabolism than small dog breeds. So, incorporating wet dog food into a large dog’s diet is a good idea.
While both dry and wet dog food can provide nutritionally balanced diets, wet food provides better palatability and satiety for fewer calories.
If you’re looking for the best wet food for your large furry friend, then you’ve come to the right place! Continue reading to find six of the best wet dog food for large breeds!
Why Choose Wet Dog Food Specifically Formulated For Large Breeds?
Large dogs have specific nutritional needs to accommodate their size and growth rate. And wet dog food formulated for them has the appropriate calories and nutrients to support an ideal weight and strong bone health.
The Benefits Of Wet Dog Food For Large Breeds
Wet dog food specifically formulated for large breeds can have several health benefits. And some of them are:
- Higher moisture content: Wet food has about 78% moisture, as compared to dry food that only has about 10% moisture. A higher moisture content means it has more water, which has fewer calories and is actually better for hydration.
- Weight management: Thanks to the moisture content, wet food can also help your dog feel a lot fuller. This is especially helpful in managing your dog’s weight and avoiding obesity.
- Supports proper joint, muscle, and bone health: Large breeds are more prone to orthopedic problems brought about by their size. And wet food has higher meat protein content and other nutrients that help support strong bones and joints and help maintain muscles.
- Improved palatability and appetite: Since wet dog food has more meat choices and is more flavorful and aromatic, it can be highly appealing to dogs.
Of course, if you ever switch to wet dog food, make sure to consult with your dog’s veterinarian first. They can provide recommendations that are specifically based on your dog’s current health and specific needs.
3 Of The Best Wet Dog Food For Large Breed Puppies
Large breed puppies grow a lot! And compared to adult dogs, they require a lot of calories to support such massive growth they undergo. So, a balanced diet that can support and promote proper growth is a must.
A high-protein and low-fat diet is generally recommended for large breed puppies. They should consume at least 22% high-quality protein and 8% fat to grow healthily. Too much or too little calories and protein can lead to problems like obesity or skeletal abnormalities.
At 8 weeks old, you can start incorporating wet dog food into your puppy’s diet. So, if you’re looking for wet food for your large puppy, then these options might be for you:
1. Wellness Complete Health Just for Puppy Canned Dog Food
Wellness’ Complete Health Just For Puppy Canned Dog Food is a wet food option we highly recommend. This is an excellent wet puppy food made from organic ingredients, such as apples, flaxseed, salmon, chicken, and chicken liver.
It is packed with nutrition and proteins needed to support a large puppy’s healthy growth. Furthermore, it also supports brain development and helps build a healthy immune system and maintain a shiny coat.
In addition to all of these, the consistency of the food is paste-like and completely smooth. So, puppies will have no problem enjoying this wholesome, healthy, and appetizing wet food.
2. Royal Canin Puppy Canned Dog Food
Roya Canin’s Puppy Canned Dog Food is another one of our wet food recommendations. This wet dog food option for puppies is suitable for all breeds, including large dog breeds.
It is formulated to help puppies grow and develop healthily. And it provides a well-balanced diet that supports healthy bone growth.
In addition to these, it is made with ingredients that are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is made of chicken, pork, chicken liver, salmon, beet pulp, and fish oil among other things.
Furthermore, this wet dog food meets The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards.
3. Purina Pro Plan Development Puppy Wet Dog Food
If you’re looking for a grain-free wet food option for your large puppy, then the Purina Pro Plan Development Puppy Wet Dog Food is for you.
Aside from being grain-free, it also doesn’t contain any preservatives, corn, wheat or soy. So, if your pooch has a sensitive stomach, then this option might be for you.
It is specially formulated for puppies up to one year old and is made with ingredients like chicken, liver, and salmon. Furthermore, it provides all the proteins and nutrients your large puppy needs in order to grow healthily and build lean muscles.
3 Of The Best Wet Dog Food For Large Breed Adults
Large breed adult dogs have different nutritional requirements than puppies. Compared to puppies, they only need about 18% of high-quality protein, and they need less fat in their food to maintain a healthy weight and keep their joints healthy.
Here are a few wet dog food for large breed adult recommendations you can check out:
1. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Large Breed
This wet dog food is specifically formulated for large breeds. It is made from appetizing, high-quality chicken, whole grains, garden fruits and vegetables like carrots, blueberries and sweet potatoes. And it also doesn’t contain any preservatives.
This Blue Buffalo wet food goes well when mixed with dry dog food. And a lot of fur parents said that their picky dogs loved this appetizing choice.
Furthermore, Blue Buffalo also has a wet dog food option for puppies!
2. Canidae All Life Stages Canned Dog Food
Canidae’s All Life Stages Canned Dog Food is another good option for large breeds. It provides a complete and balanced diet for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds, including large dogs.
It is made with natural ingredients that help support a healthy digestive and immune system and is also great for your pooch’s joints, skin, and coat.
Furthermore, the product’s consistency is smooth, so a lot of fur parents say that their senior dogs enjoy it with no problem.
3. Wellness Complete Health Natural Wet Canned Dog Food
Wellness is known for its high-quality dog food, so it’s no surprise that both of their puppy and adult wet food formulas have made it onto our list.
This specially formulated wet food for adults is made of wholesome and natural ingredients that are vital in maintaining a large dog breed’s overall health.
Furthermore, this wet dog food comes in different flavors like chicken, lamb, duck, and turkey. You can also choose between a pate or stew formula.
How Much Wet Food Should I Feed My Dog?
Every dog has unique feeding requirements. So, the amount of wet dog food you should feed your large breed dog will depend on their activity level, age, and current weight. But generally, most wet dog food manufacturers will have a feeding guide that comes with their products, so you can follow that.
However, if you are unsure, you can consult with your dog’s veterinarian. Or you can follow this general daily feeding guide from PetKeen and adjust it accordingly.
| Weight | Canned Wet Dog Food Only | Wet Food + Dry Food |
| 4 lbs. | 2/3 can | 1/4 can + 1/3 cup |
| 12 lbs. | 1–1/3 can | 1/2 can + 2/3 cup |
| 20 lbs. | 2 cans | 2/3 can + 3/4 cup |
| 35 lbs. | 2–2/3 cans | 1 can + 1–1/4 cups |
| 50 lbs. | 3-1/2 cans | 1–1/4 cans + 1–2/3 cups |