Dog food
Large Breed Dog Food
Large breed dog food from Hill's, Royal Canin, Pro Plan and Eukanuba.
Same day in the metros
Free metro delivery from R500
35% off your first Autoship (up to R400)
Preferred by vets
R1,843
Hill's Science Plan Senior Vitality Large Breed Mature Adult 6+ with Chicken & Rice
About large breed dog food
Large and giant breeds such as Labradors, German Shepherds, Boerboels, Rottweilers and Great Danes have different nutritional needs from smaller dogs. They grow for longer, carry more weight on their joints and tend to age sooner. Large breed dog food is formulated with this in mind: puppy recipes control calcium and calories to support steady, healthy growth, adult recipes help maintain lean muscle and an ideal weight, and many include nutrients such as glucosamine to support joints. The kibble is also bigger, which encourages chewing. When choosing, start with your dog's life stage, then look at weight, activity level and any special needs such as sensitive digestion or joint support. ZUKI Pet Shop stocks large breed food from Hill's Science Plan, Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan, Eukanuba, Acana, Orijen, Montego, Ultra Pet and Olympic, plus breed-specific recipes. Browse the range below, or see our full dry dog food range.
How to choose large breed dog food
- Feed a large breed puppy food until your dog is fully grown, usually 15 to 24 months depending on the breed.
- Avoid adding calcium supplements to a complete puppy food; too much can affect bone development in large breeds.
- Keep your dog lean: extra weight puts more strain on the joints of big dogs.
- Large and giant breeds are often moved to a mature formula from about 5 to 6 years.
- Splitting the daily portion into two or more meals is generally recommended for large, deep-chested dogs.
Guides: How to choose the best puppy food, including what large-breed puppies need · How much to feed a dog, with a calorie table by weight.
Large breed dog food FAQs
What counts as a large breed dog?
Most brands class dogs that will weigh roughly 25 kg or more as adults as large breed, and dogs over about 45 kg as giant breed. Labradors, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Boerboels and Great Danes are common examples.
How long should a large breed puppy eat puppy food?
Large and giant breeds grow for longer than smaller dogs, so they usually stay on a large breed puppy food until about 15 to 24 months. Your vet can help you decide when to switch to adult food.
Can a large dog eat regular adult dog food?
Many can, but large breed formulas are tailored to bigger dogs, with a larger kibble, calorie levels suited to maintaining a healthy weight and often added joint support. If your dog has a joint or medical condition, ask your vet which diet is best.
ZUKI offers: get 35% off your first Autoship order (up to R400), then 5% off every Autoship delivery after that. Delivery is free from R500 in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban (from R750 to other main hubs and R1,000 elsewhere), with same-day delivery in those four metros on orders placed by 10am. See our latest specials.
Also shop: puppy food · senior dog food · weight control dog food · all dog food. Not sure which food suits your big dog? Chat to us on WhatsApp or email hello@zuki.co.za.