Feeding large breed puppies is very different from feeding small or medium breed puppies. Large breed puppies have their unique nutritional requirements.
Whereas puppies, in general, need higher nutrients for their growth and development, large breed puppies require more of a balanced diet.
It is due to their bone and joint related risk factors. After working with many puppy parents I have now created a universal large breed puppy feeding chart and schedule.
I have also included some tips and tricks with warnings about common mistakes to help you ensure the optimal wellbeing of your little furry friend.
Nutritional Needs of Large Breed Puppies
The nutritional needs of large puppies are very different from small breed puppies due to their body structure and lifestyle requirements. Their diet should include nutrients which will not only support their growth and development but also mitigate the risk of skeletal and joint issues common in larger breeds.
As a parent of a large breed puppy you should ensure the nutritional needs mentioned below are met in their diet and follow an appropriate large breed puppy feeding chart.
The diet should include enough nutrients to support muscle growth and development, strengthen bone development, joint health and cartilage development, energy source and enough hydration.
- Balanced Protein
- Controlled Calcium and Phosphorus
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin
- Moderate Fat
- Vitamins and Minerals
- High-Quality Carbohydrates
- Water
Large Breed Puppy Feeding Chart
Puppies need more frequent meals as they have a comparatively smaller tummy and live an active life. In the beginning, you may start with 4 meals a day. With time you can gradually reduce meal frequency as your puppy matures.
Throughout my experience as a veterinarian, I have made puppy feeding charts for many puppies. However, I have a special feeding chart when it comes to large breed puppies that can mostly work with any large breed puppy.
Here is my universal large breed puppy feeding chart.
| Age (in months) | Daily Meals | Amount per Meal |
| 2-3 | 4 | 1/2 – 3/4 cup |
| 4-5 | 3 | 3/4 – 1 cup |
| 6-8 | 2 | 1 – 1 1/2 cups |
| 9-12 | 2 | 11/2 – 2 cups |
| 12-18 | 2 | 1 1/2 – 3 cups |
Feeding Schedule for Large Breed Puppies
Here is a feeding schedule to help you with feeding your little canine friend. This schedule is specially designed to accommodate puppy parent’s busy schedules. As puppies require frequent meals in the early stage of their lives you may want to ask for friends or family to help you out in maintaining this feeding schedule in the initial stage.
| Age (in months) | Daily Meals | Amount per Meal | Feeding Times | Total Daily Amount |
| 2-3 | 4 | 1/2 – 3/4 cup | 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 8:00 PM | 2 – 3 cups |
| 4-5 | 3 | 3/4 – 1 cup | 8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 6:00 PM | 2 1/4 – 3 cups |
| 6-8 | 2 | 1 – 1 1/2 cups | 8:00 AM, 5:00 PM | 2 – 3 cups |
| 9-12 | 2 | 11/2 – 2 cups | 8:00 AM, 5:00 PM | 3 – 4 cups |
| 12-18 | 2 | 1 1/2 – 3 cups | 8:00 AM, 5:00 PM | 3 – 6 cups |
Large Breed Puppy Feeding Tips
While you are following my recommended large breed puppy feeding chart and schedule to ensure the wellbeing of your beloved little friend. Take a look at some additional tips and tricks that have helped many puppy parents to ensure proper nutrition for their puppy throughout the years.
- Educate yourself about your large breed puppy’s nutritional requirements.
- Buy puppy food that is specially made for large breed puppies.
- Observe your puppy’s body condition in case of stomach sensitivity or allergic reaction.
- If you are to make the change from one puppy food to another, make the transition gradually.
- Monitor your puppy and adjust portion sizes as needed.
- Observe signs of hunger regardless of following the recommended chart.
- Follow the schedule consistently to establish a disciplined lifestyle and healthy routine.
- Sync the potty training schedule with the feeding schedule for cohesive behavioral management.
- Visit the veterinarian regularly for consultation, check ups and early diagnosis.
- Gradually transition to adult dog food around 12-18 months of age, following your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Along with following the recommended large breed puppy feeding chart, be aware of the common mistakes to avoid puppy health issues and complications.
- Overfeeding
- Feeding a diet inappropriate for large breeds
- Rapid growth due to excessive calorie intake
- Imbalance in calcium and phosphorus levels
- Ignoring signs of obesity
- Inconsistent feeding schedule
- Using human food as a primary diet
- Ignoring specific dietary requirements for large breeds
- Not monitoring portion sizes accurately
- Inadequate hydration
Conclusion
Our little canine friend’s wellbeing is our priority. Ensuring proper nourishment through efficient feeding charts and effective schedule planning can help keep them healthy and happy.
A happy feeding time will not only ensure your puppies health and happiness but also ensure a strong bond between you and your puppy. For more information related to puppy caretaking check out our website.
