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If you share your home with a large breed dog, you know just how special they are. Whether you’ve got a bouncy Labrador, a noble Great Dane, or a gentle giant like a Bernese Mountain Dog, these dogs fill our lives with love—and take up a fair bit of sofa space too!
Because of their size and energy levels, large dogs have unique dietary needs. More and more owners are turning to grain free large breed dog food as a solution for better health, digestion, and overall wellbeing. But is it the right choice for your dog? And if so, what should you look for?
This guide breaks it all down in a friendly, easy-to-digest way (pun intended), so you can make the best decision for your dog’s long-term health.
Let’s start with the basics. Grain free simply means the food doesn't contain grains like wheat, corn, rice, or barley. Instead, it uses other sources of carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, lentils, or peas.
For many large breed dogs, especially those with sensitive stomachs or food allergies, grain free diets can be a game changer. You might notice less itching, fewer digestive upsets, and even more energy.
Take Ruby, for example—a four-year-old Golden Retriever who used to scratch constantly and have runny stools. After switching to a grain free food with joint support and salmon as the first ingredient, she’s now healthier, more comfortable, and full of life.
Large breed dogs often suffer from tummy troubles. Their digestive systems can be a little more sensitive than their smaller counterparts. Foods without grains are often easier to digest, especially when they’re made with quality proteins and gentle carbs like sweet potato. If your dog struggles with loose stools or excessive gas, a switch to a grain free option might be just what they need.
Some dogs develop food intolerances or allergies to common grains. If your dog constantly licks their paws, suffers from ear infections, or has red, irritated skin, it might be time to try a hypoallergenic grain free recipe. Eliminating grains can help calm those itchy flare-ups and improve coat health too.
One thing all large dogs have in common is the need for strong muscles and healthy joints. High-quality grain free diets often focus on premium proteins—think grass-fed lamb, free-range turkey, or Scottish salmon—packed with amino acids and naturally occurring collagen. Add in glucosamine and chondroitin, and you’ve got a food that’s helping your dog stay active and pain-free.
Let’s be honest—big dogs can easily pack on extra pounds, especially as they age. And too much weight can put a serious strain on hips, elbows, and knees. Grain free foods are often lower in carbs and free of unnecessary fillers. When paired with lower fat formulas designed for large breeds, they can help your dog stay trim and agile.
Choosing a dog food isn’t just about avoiding grains. You want to make sure the overall recipe supports your dog’s health.
Look for foods that start with fresh, named proteins like “Freshly Prepared Turkey”, “Freshly Prepared Chicken”, or “Freshly Prepared Salmon.”Ideally, the protein content should be high at least 50%, with a good portion of that being freshly prepared meat. This supports lean muscle mass and keeps your dog satisfied.
Not all carbs are bad. In fact, complex carbohydrates like sweet potato and lentils are excellent alternatives to grains. They provide energy without spiking blood sugar and offer gentle fiber to aid digestion.
Larger breeds benefit hugely from omega-3s (especially DHA and EPA), which help with brain function, mobility, and reducing inflammation. Many grain free options now include a joint care pack—a blend of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM—to support healthy movement from puppyhood to senior years.
High-end grain free foods often feature natural superfoods like spinach, turmeric, blueberries, and kale. These ingredients are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory properties. A great example would be a food containing a 5-superfood blend, which offers support for digestion, immune health, and vitality.
What your dog needs from their food depends on where they are in life. Thankfully, many grain free large breed foods are tailored to puppies, adults, and seniors.
Growing dogs need more protein and fat for development. Look for:
A grain free puppy food for large breeds with DHA for brain development
Controlled calcium and phosphorus levels to protect bones
Recipes with easily digestible proteins like turkey or fish
Your adult large breed dog needs balance—enough protein to maintain muscle, support for joints, and a healthy fat content to prevent weight gain. Foods like high protein, low fat grain free dry dog food for large breeds are perfect here.
Older dogs slow down, but they still need nutrients to thrive. Choose recipes that are:
Lower in fat and calories
Rich in joint-support ingredients
Easy to digest, with gentle proteins and added collagen
There’s been some concern in the past about a potential link between grain free diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The research is still ongoing, but the current consensus is that this may be related to nutrient imbalances in some boutique or poorly formulated foods, not necessarily all grain free diets.
To stay on the safe side:
Choose brands that follow veterinary nutrition standards
Avoid foods that rely too heavily on peas and lentils
Make sure the food contains added taurine or naturally taurine-rich proteins like lamb, beef, or fish
When in doubt, have a quick chat with your vet especially if your dog has any pre-existing heart conditions.
We’re big fans of the Ultimate Superfoods for Dogs range. Designed with science, care, and large dogs in mind, this grain free line checks all the right boxes.
Each recipe is:
Made with 65% total animal ingredients, with a minimum of 35% freshly prepared meat or fish
Contains a 5-superfood blend including spinach, turmeric, and blueberries
Offers a joint care pack for mobility and flexibility
Includes prebiotics like MOS and FOS for digestive health
You can choose from mouthwatering flavours like:
Free-Range Turkey
Grass-Fed Angus Beef
British Lamb
Scottish Salmon
All tailored to meet the needs of active large breed adults, growing puppies, or older dogs with slower metabolisms.
Feeding your large breed dog isn’t just about keeping them full—it’s about keeping them thriving. A thoughtful, grain free diet can make a noticeable difference in your dog’s energy, digestion, coat, and joint health.
By choosing a food made with natural, high-quality ingredients, rich in protein and free from grains, you’re giving your dog the best chance at a long, healthy life by your side.
And let’s face it—they deserve it.
Not sure if your dog will love it? Why not request a free Grain Free Sample Pack and see how they react? You can also use our handy Dog Food Matchmaker App to get a tailored recommendation based on your dog’s current food, breed, age, and lifestyle. We’ll even lock in a 12-month price match on your perfect recipe.
🐾 Try it today—because big dogs need big love and smart nutrition.