Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Chicken and Rice is a dry puppy food made for dogs that will weigh 50 pounds or more as adults. Purina lists at least 28 percent protein and 13 percent fat, with chicken as the first ingredient, controlled calcium and added DHA and glucosamine. It is a popular, vet-trusted choice, as long as you feed it by weight and age rather than free-feeding.
What Is in It?
- First ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn protein meal, whole grain corn and poultry by-product meal.
- Protein and fat: At least 28 percent crude protein and 13 percent crude fat.
- Calcium and phosphorus: At least 1.1 percent calcium and 0.9 percent phosphorus. Large-breed puppies need controlled calcium so their bones do not grow too fast.
- DHA and glucosamine: DHA from fish oil supports brain and eye development, and the formula includes glucosamine for joints. Glucosamine is not an AAFCO essential nutrient.
- Live probiotics: Added to support digestion.
Purina lists about 419 kilocalories per cup. Check the label on your bag, because formulas can change.
Why Large Breeds Need Their Own Puppy Food
Large and giant breeds such as Labradors, German Shepherds and Great Danes grow fast, and too many calories or too much calcium can raise the risk of developmental bone and joint problems. A large-breed puppy formula keeps calories and calcium in a safer range. Choose one that carries an AAFCO statement for growth, and for large size if possible.
How Much to Feed
The bag’s chart is based on your puppy’s current age and expected adult weight. As an example, Purina’s chart for a puppy that will reach 50 to 75 pounds as an adult lists about 3 2/3 to 5 1/4 cups a day at 6 to 11 months. Use the chart as a guide, then adjust to keep your puppy lean. You should be able to feel the ribs without seeing them.
- Feed three small meals a day when young, tapering to two.
- Measure meals with a scale or cup rather than free-feeding.
- Count treats toward the daily total, keeping them under about 10 percent of calories.
- Switch foods over 7 to 10 days.
When to Switch to Adult Food
Large breeds often finish growing later than small dogs, around 12 to 24 months. Ask your vet when to move to an adult large-breed food.
Pros and Cons
- Pro: Controlled calcium, high protein and DHA for a large-breed puppy.
- Pro: Widely available and made by a company that runs feeding trials.
- Con: Includes corn and by-product meal, which some owners avoid.
- Con: Not suitable for puppies with chicken or grain allergies.
If your puppy has diarrhea, our guide on what to feed a puppy with parvo covers when to call a vet.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet to set a feeding plan for your puppy.
Bottom Line
Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy is a well-tested option with the controlled calcium big puppies need. Measure portions, watch body condition and ask your vet when to switch to adult food.
