Living Large: Nutrition for Big Dogs

Puppies: a healthy start

All puppies go through a rapid growth phase. When this happens for large and giant breed dogs, it directly affects their joints and skeletal formation. Large-breed puppy formulas carefully balance calories, protein levels and minerals to ensure steady growth and reduce the risk of potential health problems.

Big dogs, big nutrients

As they age, large and giant breeds like German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Mastiffs and Great Danes can become prone to osteoarthritis. Remember that old saying, an ounce of prevention? Feeding your dog a diet specially formulated for big breeds will help:

• Reduce hip and joint stress
• Minimize the risk of skeletal issues

Look for these ingredients:

• Fatty acids like EPA and DHA
• Glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint health
• High-quality protein sources (not all proteins are created equal—easily digestible meat, fish and eggs are superior to bulky byproducts)

No more lazy-bones

Big guys tend to bulk up, but excess weight can be a real drag for large dogs. What’s the fix? Regular exercise and following the recommended portion size of premium light/reduced-calorie dog foods.