ORIJEN and ACANA Large Breed Puppy recipes are designed specifically for the unique needs of larger breed puppies, setting them apart from our regular puppy food ranges. Crafted with care and attention to growth requirements, these recipes provide balanced nutrition to support healthy development in your big pup.
What Makes Large Breed Puppy Food Different?
At first glance, you’ll notice the larger kibble size, which is more comfortable for puppies with bigger mouths. Beyond kibble size, ORIJEN and ACANA Large Breed Puppy foods are:
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Lower in fat and calories compared to our other puppy recipes
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Contain slightly reduced levels of calcium and phosphorus
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Formulated with a carefully balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio
These features help manage the longer growth period of large breed puppies, supporting healthy weight gain and reducing stress on developing joints and bones.
Calories in Large Breed Puppy Food
It’s crucial to provide enough calories for your growing puppy’s energy needs while avoiding excessive intake that could lead to rapid growth. ORIJEN and ACANA Large Breed Puppy recipes offer carefully balanced calories sourced from:
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High-quality animal protein
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Healthy fats
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Carbohydrates from fresh fruits and vegetables
As seen in the Guaranteed Analysis, these recipes provide slightly more calories from protein and slightly fewer from fats and carbohydrates, supporting steady, healthy growth and joint development.
Nutrients Formulated for Large Breeds
Balanced calcium and phosphorus are vital for a large breed puppy’s skeletal development. Puppies under 6 months cannot regulate calcium absorption, so excessive dietary calcium can cause skeletal problems later in life.
ORIJEN and ACANA utilize their WholePrey philosophy, incorporating cartilage and edible bone to naturally provide calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine, and chondroitin in biologically appropriate ratios—without synthetic supplements. Fish ingredients deliver rich sources of essential fatty acids, supporting brain and eye development, skin and coat health, and overall skeletal growth.
Spot the Difference
The Guaranteed Analysis confirms that ORIJEN and ACANA Large Breed Puppy recipes are lower in calories, fat, and calcium than our regular puppy foods, making them better suited for growing large breed pups.
Is Your Puppy a Large Breed?
Puppies expected to reach a healthy adult weight of over 30kg are considered large breeds. For rescue or mixed-breed puppies, consult your vet for guidance. You can also check recognized dog breeds on the Dogs New Zealand website.
What to Feed a Large Breed Puppy
We recommend starting with ORIJEN Puppy Large Breed or ACANA Puppy Large Breed recipes to provide the optimal foundation for your puppy’s growth. Once your puppy matures, you can transition them to an adult or all-life-stage formula suitable for all breeds, ensuring continued balanced nutrition and health.
