Having a fluff ball of your own to love and cuddle is one of the greatest joys of life. And, if you happen to be the new proud guardian of Newfoundland, then you are going to be making plenty of happy memories with your companion. But, becoming a pet parent entails quite a few responsibilities, too. Especially if you want your Newfoundland to have a long and healthy life. So, let’s take a look at the best dog food for Newfoundlands to ensure that you are giving your beloved pet the best that it deserves.
But before that, here’s a little info on the nutritional needs of Newfoundlands: you have to consider protein and carbohydrate intake. These are, after all, a gigantic breed of dogs. And, the bigger the size of the dog, the larger their dietary needs. The added minerals and vitamins are also of great significance for your canine’s well-being. But, it does become somewhat mind-boggling for some animal lovers to keep track of the essential nutrients for your dog. The easy way out is to find the best food for Newfoundlands. And we’re going to help you with that.
16 Best Dog Food For Newfoundlands
The surest way to test if the dog food is suitable for your Newfs is to see how well your furry friend is doing. Also, vets recommend doggie parents adhere to a rotation diet.
Through a rotation diet, your doggo gets a mix of proteins from different sources. Your Newfoundland has a lesser chance of food intolerances and develops a more refined palate. So, without further ado, let’s go through the list.
1. Diamond Naturals Premium Large Breed Formulas
When you look at dog food for large dog breeds, nothing beats Diamond Natural. You’ll find high-quality sourced chicken for extra proteins for Newfoundlands. The blend has superfoods like kale and blueberries for antioxidants for better immunity. Dried chicory roots in the mix provide prebiotics to keep the digestive system clean.
The vitamins from natural-sourced vegetables enhance vision and improve buccal health. And, the chia seeds and quinoa bring in the fibers. While the glucosamine gives joint and cartilage support. The blend also contains omega fatty acids 3 and 6 for shiner coats and great skin. So, you have a happy fluff ball that looks snazzy and is healthful, too. Not to mention, most Newfie parents claim that their canines love the taste, making this our top pick for dog foods for Newfoundlands.
Pros
- Rich in antioxidants for better immunity
- Improves joint and bone health
- Takes care of your dog’s vision
Cons
- Some dogs became gassy
- Not for picky eaters
2. Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken – Large Breed
Looking at Eukanuba Adult dry dog food, one would think that it is for Newfoundlands. You see, taurine is an element present in most dog foods. But, Newfies are prone to heart conditions and do not process taurine well. And, Eukanuba makes it a point to cut it from their dog food.
No dog meal should make your canine grow too soon as it exposes your pet to musculoskeletal issues in adulthood. And, Eukanuba seems to be quite well received by most Newfoundland Puppies in this respect.
Furthermore, the 3D DentaDefense helps reduce tartar. The DHA and vitamin E enhances mental acumen. And, the fiber and prebiotic blend make for a regulated digestive system.
Pros
- Contains taurine for a healthy heart
- It has DHA for brain development
- Promoted healthy digestion
Cons
- It has fillers
3. Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Large Breed
Purina ONE is a blend of dog food so sure about its combination of ingredients for dogs that they offer animal lovers a 28-day challenge. If in the 28 days you see a visible difference in their overall health, you continue to feed them Purina SmartBlend. Otherwise, you get a complete refund.
It features real chicken as its #1 ingredient. The blend contains calcium, potassium, and added minerals for healthy bones and joints. It has several vegetable-sourced carbohydrates. As Purina believes that real veggies make your dog’s gut stronger and aid digestion.
Pros
- Contains calcium and potassium
- Promotes healthy bones and joints
- Aids in healthy digestion
Cons
- Some bags are full of crumbs
4. Iams Proactive Health Minichunks Dry Dog Food
Talk about zero fillers, no additives, colors, flavors, or preservatives. Iams is dry dog food made from farm-raised chickens and high-quality veggies. The easily digestible ingredients are gentle on your puppy’s tummy and great for its whole-body health.
Iams focuses on taking a few ingredients and making a delicious meal for your big dog. But, they provide a nutritious and balanced meal to ensure that your doggos grow into healthy and happy adults.
Pros
- Made from farm-raised chicken
- Contains high-quality vegetables
- Promotes healthy digestion
Cons
- Not for dogs with chicken allergies
- Some dogs become gassy
5. Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Steak
Another well-known name in the world of dog nutrition is Pedigree adult dog food. They guarantee their customers that their furry friends will love their meals once you switch to Pedigree. The delectable meals provide a nutritional and balanced diet for your gentle giants.
Pedigree promises to provide the very best care for immunity, dental care, and energy optimization. This dog food formula is for large dogs like Newfoundland, so it guarantees superior bone, muscle, and joint buildup.
Pros
- Promotes dental health
- Improves immunity
- Provides enough energy for large dogs
Cons
- Some dogs become gassy
- Some picky dogs don’t like the flavor
6. Purina Pro Plan With High Protein, Adult Dry Dog Food
Awarded with Amazon’s Choice, Purina takes a five-star of 83% of 6500 ratings. Purina Pro Plan is a high-protein diet with real beef. The best part is that Purina comes in dry kibble with shredded meat for flavor and texture, making it an excellent choice for picky eaters.
The blend comes with live probiotics for digestive and immune health. And, Omega 6 fatty acids and vitamin A nourish the coat and skin. Also, the beef and rice formula proves soothing for your canine’s gut. So, if you are on the lookout for Newfoundland dog food, it is smart to opt for the Purina Pro Plan full of nutrition and easy to digest.
Pros
- Suitable for picky eaters
- Contains probiotics for healthy digestion
- Improves immunity
Cons
- Inconsistent kibble size
- Some bags have lots of crumbs
7. Purina Pro Plan Large Breed & Giant Breed Adult Dog Food
Once again, Purina takes away Amazon’s Choice with their Purina Pro Plan dry dog food in chicken flavor. Here is a product that emphasizes your doggo’s joint and bone development. Thus, you find many vets recommending this meal for your adult Newfoundlands.
The extra glucosamine and EPA – omega-3 fatty acid give your large dog breed all the limber support it needs. The ideal protein-to-fat ratio provides whole-body wholesomeness. And, the guaranteed live probiotics take care of your dog’s immune system.
Pros
- Promotes healthy bone development
- Rich in essential fatty acids
- Improves immune health
Cons
- Not for dogs with chicken sensitivities
- Hard to find some stock
8. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Chicken and Brown Rice provide your dog with the highest protein, carbs, and fibers for optimal health. And the flavor seems to be a favorite of large dog breeds, too.
Blue buffalo is available in five different flavors such as fish and rice, chicken with the grain-free recipe, or lamb with brown rice. It comes in three different sizes to allow pet parents to practice a rotation diet for their dogs.
The meal comes with the Super 7 package of antioxidant-rich ingredients. The added calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins offer dental protection. And, glucosamine makes for excellent mobility support.
Pros
- Available in a wide variety of flavors
- Rich in antioxidants
- Contains glucosamine and calcium for healthy joints and bones
Cons
- There is a price increase
- Needs improvement in packaging
9. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
Here’s a product that gives you a 30-day challenge to witness improved mobility in your large breed dogs. The EPA from fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin together present your dog with superb joint development. Hill’s Science provides a nutritious diet for your Newfoundland with zero by-product meals or fillers.
It supports healthy heart functioning with clinically proven antioxidants. And, vitamins C and E are for better immunity. The brand comes highly recommended by well-known vets from all across the United States. If you read through some of the reviews, you’ll see that Hill’s Science does deliver on its promise.
Pros
- Contains antioxidants
- Rich vitamins C and E
- No fillers or by-product meals
Cons
- Has a strong smell
10. Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Nutro Ultra uses completely natural ingredients in its dry dog food. Thus, it has no filler, preservatives, coloring, or artificial flavors. There is no corn, soy, wheat, or by-product meal in the blend. So, it is quite suitable for Newfs with their sensitive tummies.
The blend features a combination of proteins from lamb, chicken, and salmon to deliver high-quality nutrition for joint health. The optimal kibble size and shape provide A-grade dental care. Moreover, the blend includes 15 superfoods such as blueberries, kale, chia seeds. These ingredients improve immunity, the digestive system, and the heart’s functioning.
Not to mention, your Newfoundland’s skin and coat are going to be shinier and healthier than ever before with Nutro dog food. And, if you don’t believe us, glance through the rave reviews from parents of large breed dogs.
Pros
- No fillers or artificial preservatives
- Improves dental health
- Promotes healthy digestion
Cons
- Some bags are filled with crumbs and dust
- The price is always increasing
11. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Puppy
Developed to promote overall health, Wellness Core helps in the development of large breed puppies such as Newfoundlands. It contains just enough phosphorus and calcium to support healthy development of bones.
Moreover, it has DHA that promotes cognitive development. It is also fortified with antioxidants and probiotics for good digestion, glucosamine for healthy joints, and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and shiny coats. It is also packed with taurine for a healthy heart and eyesight.
Pros
- It has advanced natural nutrition combined with premium protein
- Contains superfoods
- Helps develop healthy muscles
Cons
- Some dogs had a loose stool at first
- Some picky eaters don’t like the taste
12. Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Lamb & Chicken Meals
Holistic is a great food for large and giant breed puppies. It contains many ingredients that support your dog’s digestive system. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that keep your dog’s skin and fur healthy.
This dog food has glucosamine that promotes healthy joint development. It also contains probiotics and antioxidants for healthy digestion. Moreover, it has taurine for a healthy heart. It is formulated with great taste for your pup to enjoy.
Pros
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- Specifically designed for large breed dogs
- It has live yogurt cultures, natural fibers, and digestive enzymes
Cons
- Some customers received a smaller bag than the indicated size
13. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food
Another nutritious food from Wellness is made specifically for adult large breed dogs. It has a larger kibble size for easy eating and chewing. It contains protein from turkey and chicken and other essential nutrients from fruits and vegetables.
With its protein formulation, it is good for building lean muscles. It also promotes healthy skin and coats. Furthermore, it has probiotics and antioxidants for healthier digestion. It has chondroitin and glucosamine for joint health.
Pros
- Rich in omega fatty acids
- Contains nutrient-dense superfoods
- Free from meat by-products and fillers
Cons
- The kibble size can damage some dogs’ teeth
- Kibbles are too big for medium-sized breeds
14. Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Senior Recipe Dry Dog Food
This dog food from Now Fresh does not contain grains or by-products. It is safely made for senior large dog breeds. It is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
This dog food contains fresh salmon, duck, and turkey to provide a moderate amount of protein and fats. It helps dogs maintain a healthy weight and heart with its L-carnitine content. It also supports healthy joints and hips with chondroitin.
Pros
- No artificial flavors and preservatives
- Contains 20+ superfoods rich in antioxidants
- Rich in essential fatty acids
Cons
- Some seniors may have difficulty with the large kibbles
15. Merrick Grain-Free Senior Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Merrick is grain-free dog food for large breed seniors. It has real deboned chicken and sweet potatoes that provide enough energy for your dog. It contains 77% of protein, fewer calories, and low fats to help elderly dogs maintain a perfect weight.
Another important feature for older dogs is the presence of glucosamine and chondroitin to keep hips and joints healthy. It also has L-carnitine for healthy digestion. Lastly, it has essential fatty acids to keep skin and coat healthy and shiny.
Pros
- Highly palatable
- Provides enough energy for senior dogs
- Free from fillers and artificial preservatives
Cons
- Some customers received defective bags
- Not for dogs with chicken allergies
16. American Journey Active Life Formula Large Breed
American Journey provides a well-rounded, balanced diet for dogs. It has 24% high-quality protein made from real deboned salmon. It is specifically formulated for active large-breed dogs with balanced nutrients and antioxidants to support digestive health and overall well-being.
Aside from salmon, it also contains nutrient-dense vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes. It also contains fiber-rich grains that can be easily digested. It is high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Pros
- No corn, soy, wheat, and meat by-products
- Free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors
- Rich in essential fatty acids
Cons
- Not for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Some dogs had a loose stool
About Newfoundland Dogs
Let’s talk a bit about Newfoundland dogs and their nutritional needs. Standing over two and a half feet, well over a hundred and thirty pounds in weight, the Newfoundland is no tiny creature. It’s a robust dog that loves to carry out its responsibility with diligence. Not to mention, it is a faithful and friendly giant that is forever on all fours to play catch with you. Its size matches its personality. Thus, you’ll seldom find a Newfie that doesn’t mingle with family or friends or is at odds with the world.
But, if you’re wondering which area Newfoundland excels at, well, wonder no more: Newfs are expert swimmers, which is why they are also featured in our article on dog breeds that can swim. Their tremendous lung capacity and oily, waterproof coat allow them to swim over long distances with supreme efficiency. Newfoundlands have massive and oddly-webbed paws that provide effective propulsion in water. Also, their ability to lug heavy weight across rough seas makes them superb at rescuing and lifesaving.
And, if for a moment you thought that these lovable beasts hold no charm, then you couldn’t be more wrong. Newfoundland dogs were a marked favorite of the notable artist, Sir Edwin Henry Landseer of the Victorian age. Newfies have acquired a reputation as a ‘nanny dog.’ Newfs are so gentle and trusting that they are safe even to be around very young kids. But, having a dog that weighs twice as much as you do poses evident challenges. So, let’s take a look at the dietary requirements of Newfs.
Newfoundland Dietary Needs
Before we talk about the best dog foods for Newfoundlands, let’s take a look at their dietary needs. Like all dogs, Newfs need protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Proteins act as the building blocks for healthy muscle and tissue development. More importantly, protein for Newfoundlands ought to come from animal-based sources such as meat, fish, or eggs.
Newfoundlands require animal-sourced fats for immune support. The fats also essential for their shiny coat and hair as well as concentrated energy. And, carbs are a slow-releasing source of energy that helps build stamina and reduce appetite. Carbohydrates also bring the element of fiber into the meal that promotes digestion.
It would help if you kept in mind that your gentle giant has a delicate tummy. In short, Newfies are allergic to many things such as corn or soy. But, if you still feel clueless, allow us to provide you with a list of the 10 best dog food for Newfoundlands.
Best Dog Foods for Newfoundlands – FAQs
Most new pet parents are bewildered by their new family member’s dietary needs. But, it isn’t rocket science. And, the more you read into it, the easier it will become for you.
Here are a few queries that most pet guardians ask to understand their canine’s everyday needs.
In general, puppies need more protein than fat for proper joint, muscle, and bone development. The caloric intake for a 10-pound puppy is 990 and for an adult is 404. If the appropriate nutrition is lacking, most large breed puppies experience stunted growth. Remember that Newf puppies need to have 30% high-quality protein and only 9% fat.
Your Newf should only have 4 -5 cups of dog food per day, divided into two meals.
There is a misconception that Newfies need at least 10 cups a day of dry dog food. Nothing can be further from the truth. Your Newfoundland does need more nutrients. But, a high-quality diet can take care of that.
Excessive feeding leads to bloating or too much weight gain. For Newfs, it is never ideal to be overweight as they develop joint complaints.
Human-grade meat is suitable for Newfoundlands as they need high-quality protein for limber joints and stronger bones. You can feed your Newfs raw fish, veggies, and fruits. Yet, you have to take particular care that nothing that you provide your canine contains any pollutants or chemicals.
Furthermore, before you try to feed them veggies or fruits, make sure that none of it is toxic for your Newfie. Uncooked chicken can make your pets carrier of the bacteria of salmonellosis. So, be cautious of the items you include in your pet’s daily meals or snacks.
Newfoundlands are enormous dogs, so they tend to get heart conditions if their diet or exercise is up to par. One condition known as Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is genetic in Newfs. So, it pays to pay attention to their diet to keep DCM under control.
Newfies are prone to obesity, leading to joint conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia and canine bloat (GDV). Sub-Aortic Stenosis is another affliction common in Newfoundlands. It is a heart condition that is due to excessive weight.
Never overfeed your Newfies. A limited but balanced diet is all that is necessary to keep them active and healthy.
Newfoundland puppies need about 22% protein and 6% fat. As for adults, they need more fats and less protein. Thus, less than 18% protein and about 5-7% fat is all your adult Newfoundland needs. The higher fat content is essential for more energy levels in adult dogs. Considering the size of your Newfs, it needs more energy as Newfs are energetic dogs.
But, too much protein can mean accelerated growth, which may cause the under-development of joints.
For senior Newfies, you have to provide a special diet to support their slowed metabolism. A meal with less caloric intake and more fiber does help their digestive system. Your Newfoundland enters their old age around six years of age. So, do regulate their diet accordingly.
Many animal lovers find it a daunting task to take up the responsibilities of adopting a dog. But, if you dare and bring into your life an adoring and faithful companion, you’ll find that it is the best decision you have ever made.
As for the extra love and time you will have to put into taking care of your Newfoundland puppies or adults, you can be sure it’ll pay you back with even more affection.