It seems as though marketing has added so many “smoke and mirror” elements to it these days, it can be hard to keep up! If you’re looking for accurate information about feeding your dog a size-specific food, you’ve landed in the right place and I’m glad you’re here. Welcome! Today we’re going to take a look at the differences between dog foods specifically formulated for small, medium, and large-breed dogs.
I’ve combined everything I’ve learned in my (many) years, of dog ownership from my own first-hand experience with what I’ve learned from the experts in the field. Experts like the American Kennel Club (AKC) Pet Md, the Merck Veterinary Manual, and the United States Food and Drug Administration, (USFDA) which is responsible for governing the dog food industry. In addition, I drive my own dog’s veterinarian bonkers with questions and have interviewed hundreds of dog owners through the years. Today I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about dog food with you!
In this article you’ll discover:
- How All Dog Foods are NOT Created Equally
- What’s Different About Dog Foods for Small Breeds
- Which Breeds Should Eat Dog Food Formulated for Medium-Sized Breeds
- Why Large Breed Dogs Should Eat Large Breed Dog Food
- What to Look for on Dog Food Labels
- All About Alternative Diets (Homemade and Raw Dog Food)
- How to Avoid Obesity in Your Dog
- How to Gradually Change Your Dog’s Food to Avoid Stomach Upset
- Which People Foods are Safe for Dogs (and Which are NOT)
…and so much more! I’ll also be answering some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) I receive pertaining to dog food options and will throw in some interesting facts you may not have known. Dog food matters, y’all, and I applaud you for being a responsible pet owner and doing the research! Without further ado, let’s dig up the facts!
FAQ: Aren’t all dog foods the same?
All dog foods are NOT created equally! Different brands contain different nutritional values and are sold at differing cost points. This is a great time for me to remind you that dog food is not a place to cut corners in your budget. Some companies try to “reel us in” by using words like “healthy” or “complete” on their front label. They must assume we’ll look no further than those words in combination with an attractive price when deciding what we’ll feed our four-legged best friends. But they don’t know how much we love our dogs, do they?
Unfortunately, there is a lot of slack given when it comes to the claims marketing gurus print on dog food labels, but there is one place on the label that HAS to be strictly FACT: the INGREDIENTS label. This is from where we will decide which dog food brand to buy.
I do not advocate one brand of dog food over another. The links I will share with you today are based strictly on nutritional content and value for that content. What brand my dog eats doesn’t matter, and the brand doesn’t matter for your dog, either. Nutritional content matters. Having that nutrition come in a lower-cost option is great, but the cost is second to the content.
A little further along I will show you how to read those dog food labels and we’ll compare a nutritionally sound dog food ingredients label to a label from dog food that doesn’t “measure up”.
In addition to sound nutritional content, feeding your dog the correct formula for his (or her) age, size, weight or special nutritional needs is also beneficial. Let’s find out why that’s a true statement.
How Dog Food For Small Breeds is Different
Small breed dogs typically require a higher caloric content to their food. Those little balls of energy need lots of fuel to burn! Dog foods formulated for small breed dogs increase the calories without increasing the amount of food in a serving. This is done by maintaining a higher fat to protein ratio in the dog food recipe. Additionally, kibble for small-sized dogs is made in sizes a small mouth can easily chew and canned wet dog food is more finely ground.
Although puppies of any breed are small, I do not recommend you feed them small breed dog food formulated for adult dogs. Rather, feed him (or her) a puppy food formulated for breed size. I gave my furry buddy Puppy Food for Large Breed Puppies until he was 18 months old. Puppy Food for large breed dogs is lower in calories per serving than other Puppy Food formulas. This allows the pup to grow at a healthy rate for supporting joints and bones. Additionally, the Large Breed Puppy Food contains the perfect amount of Calcium for controlling bone development.
Dog Food For Medium Breeds
Dog food formulated for medium-sized breeds is exactly what you’re thinking! Like the porridge Goldilocks ultimately ate, dog food for medium-sized dogs has exactly the right amounts of nutrients and calories for dogs who don’t require more or less due to their size, age, or health issues.
DID YOU KNOW? Before dog food was commercially prepared somewhere around 1860, dogs ate the following things:
- Bone Knuckles
- Cabbage
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Bread Crusts
- Meat Scraps
- Goat’s Milk
- Broth
- Eggs
Why Adult Dog Food For Large Breeds is Important
Dog food formulated for large breeds provides nutrients formulated for dogs that will weigh more than 50 pounds(22.6kg). This food will contain ingredients like Glucosamine to support healthy joints. Joint issues are painful for your dog and often occur in larger, heavier adult dog breeds as they age. Some large breed dog foods also contain fiber blends and prebiotics that aid in digestion.
Your large breed dog will not die from eating “regular” dog food, but he (or she) will certainly benefit from the supplements added to large breed dog food formulas!
FAQ: Does my older dog need a “Senior” dog food?
Some food products claiming to be a “Senior Version” are identical to the regular “Adult Formula” and only marketed differently. At a higher cost. Another reason to become an expert label-reader!
If you’re concerned about your senior big dog’s diet and don’t want to deal with administering daily supplements, here are some things to look for in a Senior Formula:
- Nutrient adjustments like higher protein or more (or less) fat (depending on your dog’s specific needs).
- Higher digestibility with added fiber.
- Softer texture and/or formulated to fight dental diseases.
- Added joint supplements.
- Added MCTs, omega-3s, and antioxidants.
Understanding Different Dog Food Labels
Just above, you see actual dog food labels from a high-quality dog food option (Example “A”) (this is Blue Buffalo) and from one that’s substandard, nutritionally (Example “B”). Sorry, Pedigree. Can you see the difference in quality by the ingredients themselves? Always look at the first 5 ingredients on the label. The dog food is made up of 80% of these ingredients.
Dog food ingredients must be listed in accordance with the weight of the ingredient in the food. The top 5-10 ingredients are what the food is mostly made of. What is most in the dog food is listed first. Meat should be the first ingredient in whatever food you choose. Not meat by- product.
Are you wondering about these “by-products” we see on so many labels? The facts aren’t pretty, but here they are: First, there are animal by-products. After all the parts of animals that humans eat are removed after slaughter, the “meat by-products” are all the scraps and junk leftover after removing the quality meat. Some of these by-products are:
- head
- brain
- lungs
- liver
- spleen
- kidney
- stomach
- intestines
- feet
- beak
- undeveloped eggs
Some of the organ meats are edible and sold or used to make hot dogs, bologna or sausage. So, why are some of these by-products edible and some not? The problem is… how these products are handled after slaughter. Here’s an example using giblets:
If giblets are not refrigerated after slaughter, they cannot be sold for human consumption. They could be stored for up to 24 hours in a hot container. But, manufacturers can still legally use them to make your pet’s food. Yuck!
There are two types of by-product meal: Named or Generic
Named: chicken by-product meal, turkey by-product meal, poultry by-product meal beef by-product meal
Generic: Never ever buy dog food with generic by-product meal, meat meal, meat and bone meal, meat by-product meal, animal by-product meal
Generic by-product meals don’t identify the source of the meat, and that’s more than gross, it can be dangerously unhealthy! This ‘meat’ can be roadkill brought into the packing plant, diseased or dead animals, and who knows what else!
Choose the ingredients in your dog’s food as carefully as you chose the ingredients you eat yourself.
DID YOU KNOW? Dog food companies are allowed to include ingredients in their recipes that use roadkill and animals that have died from other causes. This can include animals that have been euthanized from shelters. Yuck! This is yet another reason to understand what’s in the food you’re putting in your dog!
Raw Dog Food & Big Dogs
The Raw Food Diet: Sound Nutrition or Fad?
A raw dog food diet emphasizes raw meat, whole or crushed bones, fruits, vegetables, raw eggs, and some dairy. It is sometimes called the BARF diet for dogs, which stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food.
The risk most associated with feeding your dog a raw diet is the bacteria that live in raw meats and eggs. Dogs are susceptible to salmonella, just like humans are.
Supporters of the BARF diet claim the condition of their dog’s coat and skin improves, as well as their energy levels. This has not been scientifically backed up, and most veterinarians do NOT recommend the diet.
Of course, the choice is yours to make!
Whether you opt for Dry Kibble, Wet Food, Homemade Dog Food or a BARF diet for your dog, nutrition is your primary concern!
Home-Made Dog Food for Big Dogs
I enjoy making my dog batches of homemade dog food occasionally, but my schedule doesn’t always allow it. If you would rather know EXACTLY what your dog is eating, you can make homemade dog food, too! Keep all the information you’ve uncovered today in mind when formulating a recipe for your dog’s dietary needs according to his (or her) size, age, and level of health.
Make sure your recipe will include all the nutrition your big dog requires in a day and that the caloric content is correct. If you opt for homemade food, you may want to consider adding a calcium source or supplement to promote strong bones and teeth, as well as ingredients (or supplements) that support good joint health. That is one advantage commercial dog foods have over homemade food, the supplements have already been added.
A typical recipe should break down to include these percentages of nutrients:
- 30-40% Protein – animal meat, seafood, eggs or dairy
- About 10% Carbohydrates – grains and beans
- 40-50% of Vegetable Nutrients
- Fat – from oil or meat
- Calcium – crushed or powdered eggshells; a supplement
- Fatty acids – cooked egg yolks, oatmeal, plant oils, and other foods
I found this recipe in “The Canine Journal”. The nutrition is sound, and my dog loved the flavor!
Recipe: Beef Stew, Doggie Style
Ingredients
- 1 pound of beef stew meat
- 1 small sweet potato
- 1/2 cup of carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup of green beans, diced
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of water or organic vegetable or olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil for frying
Total: Makes approx 4 cups (or 32 fluid ounces)
Directions
- Cook the sweet potato in a microwave for 5 to 8 minutes until firm but tender. Set aside.
- Slice the stew pieces into smaller chunks, about the size of a nickel.
- Cook the stew pieces in a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until well-done.
- Remove the beef chunks from the pan, reserving the drippings.
- Dice the sweet potato.
- Heat the drippings over medium-low heat. Slowly add flour and water into the dripping while whisking to create a thick gravy.
- Add the meat, sweet potato, carrots and green beans into the gravy and stir to coat.
- Cook until the carrots are tender – about 10 minutes.
- Serve cool.
- Store remaining stew in the fridge for up to five days.
FAQ: Is it ok to give my big dog small-breed dog food and vice-versa?
Answer: There may be times or circumstances that find you with a hungry dog and the only dog food available isn’t the formula designed for your dog’s size. It happens. It’s happened to me! It won’t hurt your dog to feed him (or her) the “wrong” dog food for his size occasionally, but food formulated for another sized dog should not be the staple food of your dog’s diet.
One exception to this rule involves medium-sized breeds that border on being large-sized. Medium-sized breeds with high energy such as Golden Retrievers are benefitted by a dog food formulated for large breed dogs. You can learn more about how dog foods formulated for large breeds are beneficial to some medium-sized dog breeds right here in the Big Dog Den! You’ll find the article at the other end of this link.
Dog Food and Obesity: Fitness Hacks
RUT-ROH (said in my very best Scooby-Doo voice)!! Your big dog has packed on too many pounds, now what? Even big dogs are designed to be svelte. If your dog’s ribs aren’t visible, and you see no taper at his (or her) “waist”, there is a possibility that obesity can occur.
Like our own weight issues, these extra pounds can sneak up quickly! The first thing you’ll want to do is a complete review of his (or her) caloric intake and review that dog food label for fillers and useless ingredients.
A very active adult dog shouldn’t be eating more than 2500 calories a day. A less active dog only needs about 2100 calories daily. When counting calories, don’t forget to add calories from treats and snacks those puppy-dog eyes have “talked” you into sharing.
The next thing you’ll want to consider is if you are providing enough opportunities for exercise. If your big dog has a hearty appetite, you may want to consider a lower calorie food to bring his (or her) weight under control. Less than 350 calories per cup for kibble is ideal when decreasing calories.
It is not recommended you free-feed your dog. If you are doing it, chances are, this could be the reason he’s overweight. Designated feeding times are best. If he (or she) doesn’t finish in 10-15 minutes, take the food and put it up until the next feeding.
If your big dog’s appetite isn’t so hearty, reducing the amount of food per serving might do the trick. Experiment a little to find the best solution, and always read the labels before buying any kind of food.
Make sure you are encouraging (but not pushing) exercise, and make sure your dog has an ample supply of clean water between feedings.
DID YOU KNOW? Healthy adult dogs need about an hour a day of exercise. Breeds with higher energy levels will need up to two hours daily. Most of this exercise will occur at the end of a leash on your daily walks, but the experts and I agree. Dogs should have some “off-leash” exercise time daily, as well. Games like fetch and frisbee are excellent ways to let your dog burn off some excess energy!
Changing your Dog’s Food
What we have come to call “man’s best friend” has had a major digestive overhaul throughout the evolutionary process! For more than a century, dogs have grown accustomed to the commercial dog food they eat. Today’s dog has a much more sensitive digestive system than dogs had a couple of hundred years ago.
For this reason, when it’s time to switch your dog from a food formulated for puppies to adult dog food, or if you simply want to change dog food brands, it should be done in a way that is easy on his (or her) digestive system. Since diarrhea is one symptom of stomach-upset, a gradual switching of dog foods is as beneficial to you as it is to your dog!
How to Introduce a New Dog Food Gradually
Follow This Simple Procedure:
For two days, mix 75% old food with 25% new food
For two days, mix old and new foods 50% and 50%
For two days, mix 25% old food with 75% new food.
Day 7 will be 100% new food
DID YOU KNOW? Dogs can get bored with their food flavor, even if the dog food is an excellent nutritional food choice! Feel free to experiment with different flavors for your dog to enjoy, just make the change gradually, as you just learned to do.
What You MUST Know About Feeding Dogs People Food
My dog can hear me fixing myself a snack from the other end of the house! How about your dog? I swear this dog would eat anything, but all things aren’t good for him, are they? There are, however, some “human” foods that are quite beneficial to your big dog, and a healthier option than pre-packaged dog treats.
If you feel as though your big dog is genuinely hungry between meals, consider adding treats to his (or her) feeding regime that won’t go over the recommended calorie limit or add useless fillers to your dog’s diet. With healthy treats like these, you can freely pass out treats for rewarding good behavior too, without worrying too much about upsetting your dog’s caloric intake.
Healthy treats for dogs include:
Carrots
Green Beans
Apples
Blueberries
Sweet Potatoes
Bananas
Pumpkin
Cantaloupe
Zucchini
Pineapple
Remember: If you opt to give your big dog a bone, NEVER give him one that’s been cooked, it is NOT SAFE! To discover all you need to know about bone safety, please read “Can Big Dogs Eat Chicken Bones?” right here in the Big Dog Den.
Do NOT Feed Your Dog These 10 Things:
Now that you know some great human foods your dog can enjoy, I would be remiss to warn you of the dangers of some foods. feeding your dog food from the following list can make him (or her) sick…or worse! Some of them can be lethal! 
Never Feed Your Dog These Foods:
- Chocolate
- Bacon and other Fatty Meats
- Garlic
- Onions
- Candy
- Baked Goods
- Grapes & Raisins
- Avocados
- Spices
- Alcohol (Although not a food, certainly worth mentioning!)
Dogs and Food Allergies
Like humans, our canine companions can be sensitive to certain foods. It’s important to avoid foods that contain chemicals, fillers, colorings, and additives. Generic dog food brands and even some Store Brands of dog food are notorious for adding substandard ingredients.
Read labels, make sure straight protein is the first ingredient, and that the food meets the nutritional requirements we’re learning today.
How to Know if Your big Dog has a Food Allergy
Some outward signs may be subtle, but they will be present! Your dog may throw up after eating, have diarrhea or be constipated or fail to gain weight on a consistent basis. The term veterinarians give this condition is “Failure to Thrive”.
Food allergies may manifest skin problems, a dull coat, and evidence of lethargy. And GAS (oh, the gas!) Trust your gut on this!
If your big dog is eating well, but you have that nagging suspicion that “something’s wrong” a food allergy might be the culprit! The most common things in food that might trigger an allergy in your dog are:
- Corn
- Soy
- Wheat
- Yeast
- Spices
Remember: Dogs have a sensitive digestive system! High-Quality food that meets your dog’s specific nutritional requirements will keep his digestive system running smoothly!
FAQ: Should I feed my dog once or twice a day?
Although your dog’s life will certainly be sustained through feeding him (or her) once a day, it is recommended that you break your dog’s daily nutritional requirements into two (or more) feedings. The primary reason for this is to keep your dog’s energy level and hormone levels more balanced throughout the day. This is especially relevant throughout your dog’s “puppyhood” phase of life! Puppies who have been weaned should receive 3-4 servings daily of a puppy food formulated for his (or her) breed size. For smaller dogs, the switch to adult food can occur right around your dog’s first birthday. For large breed dogs, the switch from puppy food to an adult formula should occur between 18 months of age and two years.
DID YOU KNOW? Your dog’s food and water bowls should be washed daily in hot soapy water and rinsed thoroughly. Even though the food bowl is empty after your dog eats, it is rife with invisible bacteria that can grow and be ingested by your dog every time he (or she) eats.
We covered a boatload of information together, didn’t we?!? I’m sure you’ve heard the old adage “You are what you eat!” Apparently, the exact thing is true for our faithful and furry companions! I know we both want to do everything we possibly can to promote a healthy and long life for our dogs, and this is the very heart of the Big Dog Den. I hope you’ll stop by again soon! I leave you today with links to some nutritionally sound dog foods. I did the research and read the reviews to save you some time! Each link below will take you directly to the product on Amazon. Happy shopping!
For PUPPIES: Small Breed & Large Breed:
For Adult Dogs: Small Breed & Large Breed:
For Senior Dogs:
For Weight Management:
*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.