Nutrition & Diet for Large & Giant Breed Dogs: Feed Smarter, Live Longer
This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more →
The BigDog360 Philosophy
If you share your life with a big dog, you already know — feeding them right isn’t optional. Their health, joints, energy, and even their lifespan depend on it.
Here’s my honest take: raw feeding is the gold standard. Period. It’s the diet dogs were designed to eat — meat, bone, organ, fat — just like their ancestors. But I also know not everyone has the time, budget, or freezer space to go full raw.
So here at BigDog360, our goal is simple:
Help you feed your big dog better — wherever you are on the journey.
Whether you’re raw-curious or just want a better kibble, I’ll show you practical ways to move closer to real food, step by step.
Why Nutrition Matters So Much More for Big Dogs
Large and giant breeds live life on a different scale. Their hearts, bones, and joints are under constant strain. That means what you feed — and how much — can add years to their life or shave them off.
Here’s why diet quality matters more for big breeds:
- Joint Health: Excess carbs and poor-quality proteins inflame joints.
- Heart & Organ Support: Big breeds need nutrient-dense, low-filler diets.
- Cognitive & Energy Function: Healthy fats = sharper focus, calmer energy.
- Dental Health: Raw or minimally processed foods clean teeth naturally.
The short version: if you want your Great Dane, Mastiff, or German Shepherd to stay strong into old age, it starts in the bowl.
The Raw Diet: Nature’s Blueprint
Let’s start at the top — what I believe is the best possible diet for any dog: raw feeding.
What “Raw” Really Means
A true raw diet includes:
- 70–80% muscle meat
- 10% raw edible bone
- 10% organ meats (half should be liver)
- A touch of vegetables, eggs, or fish (optional)
Raw diets are rich in enzymes, amino acids, and hydration that cooked foods just can’t replicate.
Why Raw Works
- Cleaner teeth & breath — bones act as natural toothbrushes.
- Lean muscle growth — protein-rich, low-carb feeding builds strength.
- Balanced hormones — natural fats support joints and metabolism.
- Smaller, firmer stools — your dog’s body absorbs more of what you feed.
Common Raw Feeding Concerns
Yes, raw takes effort — sourcing meat, keeping it safe, storing it. But it’s doable.
Start small: mix in raw toppers, add a few fresh items weekly, or buy pre-made raw blends from trusted brands.
The Next Best Thing: High-Quality Alternatives
If full raw isn’t realistic right now, don’t sweat it — you’ve got powerful “close to raw” options that can still transform your dog’s health.
The “Good → Better → Best” Feeding Framework
| Tier | Example Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Good | Premium Kibble | High-protein, grain-free, low filler (look for meat-first labels) |
| Better | Air-Dried or Dehydrated | Gently processed, retains nutrients, shelf-stable |
| Best | Freeze-Dried / Commercial Raw | Maximum nutrition, minimal processing — nearly raw |
Good — Premium Kibble (Still Counts!)
If kibble is what works for your routine, choose wisely. Skip the supermarket brands and look for:
- Named meats as the first ingredient
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Moderate fat content (12–18%)
- Added glucosamine & chondroitin for joint support
Better — Air-Dried or Dehydrated Foods
Air-dried foods bridge the gap between raw and kibble — minimally processed, nutrient-dense, and easier to store.
They’re pricier, but you feed less, so the cost often evens out.
Best — Freeze-Dried & Commercial Raw
These are nearly identical to homemade raw diets but much easier to handle. You just add warm water.
They’re great for travel, busy weeks, or mixing into kibble as a topper.
Don’t Forget the Add-Ons
Even the best diet can benefit from a few key extras — especially for big dogs:
| Supplement | Why It Matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 Oils | Supports joints, skin, heart | Sardine oil, salmon oil |
| Probiotics & Enzymes | Gut health, nutrient absorption | Powdered blends or kefir |
| Bone Broth | Collagen, hydration, gut healing | Homemade or freeze-dried |
| Natural Chews | Teeth cleaning, jaw strength | Raw bones, tendons |
Wrapping It Up
Feeding your big dog isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress.
Every upgrade you make — switching from kibble to air-dried, adding broth, trimming carbs — moves your dog closer to optimal health.
Start where you are. Learn, test, improve. Your dog will feel the difference, and so will you.
And when you’re ready to take it further, grab the free Big Dog Health & Nutrition Tracker, follow our feeding guides, and join a growing community of owners who refuse to settle for “average health.”
Because your big dog deserves a big life — strong, lean, and full of energy.
Recommended Products
Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
A complete, airline-approved travel kit for big dogs. Includes two insulated food containers, two collapsible bowls, a waterproof placemat, and tons of storage space for leashes, meds, wipes, toys, and travel gear. Perfect for road trips, hotels, camping, and weekend getaways.
Orijen is the highest-quality kibble you can realistically recommend — 85% animal ingredients, biologically appropriate, low filler, great for upgrading from supermarket kibble.
Key Strength:
High-protein, meat-first kibble that mimics ancestral diets better than any standard dry food.
Ideal For:
Owners who want better nutrition but aren’t ready for raw or freeze-dried.
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food (Beef or Lamb)
Why It Fits:
This is the gold standard of air-dried foods — slow-air-dried raw nutrition, shelf-stable, and extremely nutrient-dense.
Key Strength:
A near-raw diet without needing a freezer, with significantly higher digestibility than kibble.
Ideal For:
Owners upgrading from kibble but wanting minimal processing and maximum convenience.
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties
Why It Fits:
Stella & Chewy’s is one of the most trusted freeze-dried raw brands — simple ingredients, raw nutrition, easy to rehydrate.
Key Strength:
Almost-identical-to-raw nutrition that’s perfect for travel or mixing into kibble as a topper.
Ideal For:
Owners who want to go raw but need grab-and-go meal options.
