Puppies that are expected to grow into large dogs have different nutritional needs from smaller puppies. Large and giant breeds grow for longer, and how quickly they grow, along with how much calcium and how many calories they get, can matter for healthy bone and joint development. Pet food labels in the US include a statement that tells you whether a food is formulated for growth, including the growth of large dogs. This guide explains how to read that statement and other parts of the label relevant to large-breed puppies. It is general information. Your vet is the best person to advise on feeding your puppy, especially for large and giant breeds.
What "large size dogs" means on a label
In the US, most complete dog foods carry a nutritional adequacy statement based on the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles. The statement tells you which life stage the food is intended for: adult maintenance, growth (including reproduction) or all life stages.
For foods intended for growth or all life stages, the statement usually also says whether the food is suitable for the growth of large size dogs, defined by AAFCO as dogs expected to weigh 70 pounds or more as adults. You may see wording such as:
- "...for All Life Stages, including growth of large size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult)"
- "...for All Life Stages, except for growth of large size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult)"
The second statement means the food is not formulated for large-breed puppies. If your puppy is expected to be large, look for the first type of wording, or for a growth statement that includes large size dogs. Our guide to the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement explains the statement in general.
Why calcium matters
Calcium is essential for growing bones, but large-breed puppies can be sensitive to getting too much. For this reason, AAFCO's profiles set a lower maximum calcium level for growth of large size dogs than for growth in general. A food that says it meets the profiles for growth including large size dogs is formulated to stay within that range.
This is also why many vets advise against adding calcium supplements to a complete puppy food unless they specifically recommend it. Adding supplements, bone-containing chews or large amounts of other foods can change the balance of a diet. Ask your vet before adding anything.
The guaranteed analysis on many labels does not list calcium, since it is not always required. Some makers publish calcium and phosphorus levels on their websites or will provide them on request. See understanding mineral notes on dog food labels.
Calories and growth rate
Large-breed puppies are often fed to grow at a steady, moderate pace rather than as fast as possible. Overfeeding can lead to rapid growth and extra weight, which can put stress on developing joints. Calorie density varies widely between foods, especially between dry, wet and fresh foods.
- Check the calorie statement, usually listed as kcal per kilogram and per cup, can or pack. See reading calorie content on dog food labels.
- Use the calorie statement to compare foods fairly, rather than comparing cups or packs.
- Track your puppy's weight and body condition with your vet at regular checkups.
Feeding guides
Feeding guides on puppy foods usually list amounts by current weight and age, or by expected adult weight. These are starting points, not exact prescriptions. Puppies vary in activity and metabolism, and needs change as they grow. Adjust portions based on your vet's advice and your puppy's body condition. Our guide to feeding a puppy covers general puppy feeding.
Treats and toppers
Treats, chews and toppers add calories and can change the nutrient balance of the diet. Many vets suggest keeping treats to a small share of daily calories. Look at treat labels as well; see reading dog treat and chew labels.
Fresh and homemade diets
Some fresh dog food companies offer recipes formulated for all life stages including growth of large size dogs; others do not. Check the statement on each recipe, not just the brand. Homemade diets for large-breed puppies are especially hard to balance without professional help. If you want to feed homemade food, work with your vet or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. See the difference between homemade and commercial diet labels.
Marketing terms
Words like "large breed," "giant breed" or "for big puppies" on the front of a bag are marketing terms and do not on their own tell you whether the food meets the profile for large size dogs' growth. Always check the nutritional adequacy statement. Our guide to dog food label names and marketing terms explains common terms.
When to switch to adult food
Large and giant breeds often stay on puppy or growth food longer than smaller breeds. Ask your vet when to transition and how, and follow a gradual transition. See how to switch dog foods.
Mixed breeds and uncertain adult size
If you are not sure how big your puppy will get, ask your vet for an estimate based on breed, parents if known and growth so far. Many owners choose a food that is formulated for growth including large size dogs when in doubt.
Questions to ask your vet
- Is my puppy expected to be a large or giant dog?
- Does this food's statement include growth of large size dogs?
- How much should I feed, and how should I track growth?
- Should I avoid adding supplements or other foods?
- When should we switch to adult food?
Checklist
- Nutritional adequacy statement includes growth of large size dogs
- Calorie content used to compare foods and set portions
- No added calcium unless your vet recommends it
- Treats and toppers kept small
- Regular weight and body condition checks with your vet
- A plan for when to switch to adult food
Bottom line
For puppies expected to weigh 70 pounds or more as adults, check that the label's AAFCO statement includes growth of large size dogs. Watch calories, avoid adding calcium supplements unless your vet advises it, use feeding guides as starting points and track your puppy's growth with your vet.
About this guide
Our guides explain how to read labels, plans and specs so you can make your own choice with your vet. We don’t make health claims, we haven’t hands-on tested products, and we don’t publish invented statistics or ratings. Product facts come from official brand pages. How we work.
Product images are illustrative stock photos, not the exact products listed, except Petcube cameras, which show Petcube’s own product photos. Photo credits