Skip to content

16 Best Soft Dog Foods For Large Breeds

Written by Laura
Laura is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Published on
Wednesday 8 June 2022
Last updated on
Tuesday 9 May 2023
best soft food for large dogs
This page may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links.

There are plenty of reasons why owners prefer to buy their dog soft food over hard food, but when you have a large breed, it can be hard to find foods that meet their needs. So, we’ve done it for you!

Let’s take a look at the best soft foods for large breeds, but before that, let’s get into some nutritional top tips and soft food facts.

Our Recommended 16 Best Soft Dog Food For Large Breeds:

1. Purina Beneful Simple Goodness Soft Dry Dog Food

This dry dog food by Purina is available to buy in 12 packs of 3.53 oz pouches. It comes in two flavors; chicken or beef, and all of the meat used is farm-raised.

The food is nutritionally complete and balanced, with real meat listed as the first ingredient. It’s also filled with healthy, fiber-rich veggies like peas and carrots, and contains no artificial colors or flavorings.

The soft texture is easy to chew and soft on mouths, as it was designed for dogs who have oral health issues, such as missing teeth, sensitive gums, and periodontal disease. It’s also suitable for adult dogs of all sizes, and it’s an Amazon’s Choice product. Reviews highly recommend it and confirm that it’s perfect for dogs with dental problems.

Pros

  • Has balanced and complete nutrition
  • No artificial flavors and colors
  • Improves oral health

Cons

  • Needs to improve in packaging to maintain freshness
  • It has no iron and copper

2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Wet Dog Food

If your dog isn’t a fan of dry food, try this wet food by Blue Buffalo. It contains meaty chunks in tasty, hearty gravy, and it’s completely free from grains and additives. It’s perfect for large breeds as it’s high in protein and completely wholesome, with real meat as the first listed ingredient in all of the flavor options.

The food is available to buy in four different flavors; chicken, salmon, beef, duck, and chicken with beef, as well as some variety packs. The pouches all contain 3.5 ounces of food, and they come in boxes of 12, 24, and 48. It’s also an Amazon’s Choice product and the reviews praise the quality of the ingredients.

Pros

  • It has tasty gravy
  • High in protein

Cons

  • It is slightly expensive

3. Instinct Limited Ingredient Wet Dog Food

This wet food by Instinct has a limited ingredient formula and contains a single protein and vegetable source. It comes in two flavors; cage-free turkey and chickpeas or grass-fed lamb and chickpeas.

Both of the recipes contain less than 10 ingredients and are free from artificial additives and common allergens like grains, soy, dairy, eggs, carrageenan, and allergenic meat proteins. The simple, high-protein formula is ideal for large dogs with food allergies and digestive sensitivities.

It’s made in the USA and you can buy it in cases of twenty-four 3 oz pouches. Reviews are highly complimentary of the product, with lots of buyers also saying that it works well with fussy eaters.

Pros

  • Single protein source
  • Good for dogs with sensitive stomachs
  • Made from free-range farm animals

Cons

  • It has a poor smell

4. Freshpet Vital Fresh Semi-Moist Dog Food

This semi-moist dog food by Freshpet comes in packs of four 1.75 lb pouches. It’s packed with protein and essential nutrients from natural sources like chicken, beef, salmon, and egg, plus lots of yummy, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like spinach and cranberries.

The food is suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes and also helps to promote a healthy weight. This combined with the high protein content makes it ideal for large dog breeds. It’s also completely free from grains, GMOs, by-products, and artificial preservatives.

Not only that, but the food is steam-cooked, as well. This method of cooking preserves the taste and nutrients in the food better than most other methods, which makes it great for picky eaters. It’s also proudly made in the USA and reviews love the product.

Pros

  • Semi-moist dog food
  • Rich in antioxidants
  • GMO-free

Cons

  • It’s on the expensive side
  • Some dogs do not like the smell

5. Purina Moist & Meaty High Protein Dry Dog Food

This soft, semi-moist food by Purina is suitable for all breeds. It offers complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs, with high protein content from real chicken and beef that is perfect for bigger breeds.

One box contains four 72 oz pouches, and reviews are positive, but some buyers say it is not suitable for dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs as it contains wheat.

Pros

  • Suitable for all breeds
  • Contains balanced nutrients
  • Made with real ingredients

Cons

  • Has a strong smell

6. Yumwoof Perfect Kibble

This dry food by Yumwoof is super soft and chewy. The brand claims it to be the best tasting dog food out there, as it was created by a top-rated chef from New York City. It’s all-natural with no fillers or artificial additives, and the brand also claims that their food is higher in antioxidants than any other dog food on the market to protect your pet’s health.

It contains real fresh chicken, eggs, organic coconut oil and glycerin, wholesome gluten-free oats, whole peas, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, pumpkin, beef liver, and superfoods like seaweed and chia seeds, as well as extra vitamins and minerals.

The food is also slow-cooked to retain its nutrients and taste, and produced in a USDA facility with strict health and safety standards. It’s suitable for all dog breeds and life stages, and reviews can’t recommend it highly enough.

Pros

  • Has no fillers
  • Contains organic ingredients
  • Suitable for all dog breeds and life stages

Cons

  • Some packages have crumbled contents
  • Expensive for its size

7. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Puppy Wet Dog Food

Blue Buffalo’s wet food for puppies comes in packs of twelve 12.5 ounce cans. It’s available to buy in two flavor options; red meat and turkey with chicken. Both formulas are packed with real meat and omega fatty acids, including DHA for skeletal and cognitive development.

It’s all-natural, wholesome, and high in protein, which is ideal for large breed puppies, with added vitamins and minerals for strong, healthy growth. It’s also free from meat by-products meals, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives and preservatives. The food can be eaten as a whole daily meal, as a treat, or mixed in with dry food. It’s an Amazon’s Choice product and reviews call it excellent value for money.

Pros

  • Contains omega fatty acids
  • It has DHA
  • High in protein

Cons

  • It can be difficult to open
  • Some cans may have dents

8. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Senior Wet Dog Food

Another product by Blue Buffalo, this wet food is tailor-made for senior dogs. One pack contains twelve 12.5 oz cans that are rich in protein from real meat and enhanced with vitamins and minerals for senior health, which is perfect for older dogs of large breeds.

The food is turkey and chicken-flavored and made with the finest natural ingredients. It’s also free from all filler ingredients and artificial additives, colorings, and preservatives. It’s an Amazon’s Choice product and reviews highly recommend it, with some buyers even saying it works great with picky eaters.

Pros

  • High in protein
  • Made from real meat
  • No additives or artificial flavors

Cons

  • It has a strong smell
  • Some dogs can have diarrhea at first

9. Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Tender Food

This tender, moist kibble for adult dogs by Wellness Core comes in turkey and chicken flavor and is available to buy in 8-ounce bags and 2-pound bags. It contains an all-natural, premium quality formula and 70% raw protein ingredients like air-dried chicken and omega fatty acids to support joint health, which is perfect for large breed dogs.

It can be given as a complete and balanced meal, mixed in with other food, or used as a meal topper. It’s also free from grains and artificial additives and preservatives. The food is backed by the brand’s Wellness Guarantee and made in the USA. Several buyers claim that their dogs love the product, however, some reviews say that it’s not ideal for pets with super sensitive tummies.

Pros

  • Has raw protein
  • Supports joint health
  • It can be mixed with other foods

Cons

  • Some picky eaters will not like it
  • It is expensive

10. Portland Pet Food Company Homestyle

This variety pack by Portland Pet Food Company contains five 9 oz pouches of premium-quality, high-protein wet food for dogs. There are five flavors to choose from, so your dog will never get bored; beef, chicken, pork, salmon, and turkey.

Each one contains around ten natural, nutritious, human-grade ingredients like brown rice, carrots, cranberries, and green beans, for complete and balanced nutrition that is suitable for adult dogs of all sizes.

It is also free from wheat, soy, corn, by-products, and artificial additives. The brand sources all of its ingredients from the USA, and the grab-and-go pouches are super convenient. Customer ratings are overwhelmingly positive, in fact, it has no bad reviews.

Pros

  • Rich in flavor
  • Made with human-grade ingredients
  • Has superfoods

Cons

  • It is slightly pricy

11. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics

Purina Pro Plan is rich in standard animal protein with its shredded blend chicken and rice recipe. It is also rich in live probiotics for good digestion and absorption of nutrients. It also helps strengthen your dog’s immunity. This dry dog food is best for large breeds of all life stages. 

It consists of dry kibble with tender, shredded real chicken pieces for additional texture and flavor that your dog will love. This dog food is also rich in omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A for good eyesight and healthy skin and coat.

Pros

  • High level of protein
  • Supports overall health
  • Contains balanced nutrients

Cons

  • Not good for picky eaters
  • Some customers are having trouble with the packaging

12. Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Recipe

Merrick Freeze-Dried Dog Food for large breed dogs contains real deboned chicken as its first ingredient. Since it is raw, there are added nutritional benefits that your dog can get. Each pack contains freeze-dried raw bites and raw-coated kibbles which your dog will love.

It also includes lamb and duck which are highly digestible and rich in protein. This dog food contains high levels of healthy fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It is gluten-free which is good for dogs with sensitive stomachs. 

Pros

  • Rich in glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint health
  • Helps build healthy muscles
  • Provides enough energy throughout the day

Cons

  • Kibble size is getting smaller
  • Not for picky dogs

13. Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food

Now Fresh Dry Dog Food provides nutrients from freshly deboned meat and fish. It is high in protein which makes it suitable for developing dogs. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy-looking skin and coat. 

This dry dog food does not contain any meat by-products or artificial flavors and preservatives. It only contains premium ingredients and top-quality turkey as its ingredient. Salmon and duck are also the main sources of healthy fats and protein. 

Moreover, it helps maintain your dog’s healthy weight with L-carnitine, which is a fat-burning substance. It also promotes heart health. Similar to Merrick’s, it contains chondroitin to support joint and hip health. 

Pros

  • Packed with fresh ingredients
  • Contains natural flavor and nutrients
  • Has 20+ superfoods with antioxidants

Cons

  • Kibble size is quite large
  • It is expensive

14. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Chicken Recipe

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe is made with real and freshly deboned chicken as the first ingredient. It helps build and maintain your dog’s muscle mass. To improve your dog’s mobility and joint health, it contains chondroitin, glucosamine, and EPA.

Furthermore, this dog food contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote a lustrous coat and healthy skin. It also has an accurate mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to ensure holistic development and health. 

Pros

  • Improves immunity
  • Made with 100% natural ingredients
  • Free from meat by-products
  • Wheat- and soy-free

Cons

  • The price is slightly high
  • It has a strong smell

15. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Chicken & Turkey Recipe

Wellness Core is a grain-free meal for large breed dogs. It is made with real chicken, turkey, fruits, and vegetables. The kibble size is big enough for large dogs for easy consumption. Moreover, this dog food promotes healthy skin and coats with its healthy fats.

It is also formulated to promote lean muscles and not fats. It is rich in glucosamine, chondroitin, omega fatty acids, probiotics, antioxidants, and many vitamins and minerals. With its superfood contents, it also offers balanced nutrition.

Pros

  • Contains natural protein
  • Wheat-free
  • No fillers

Cons

  • Not as tasty as other dog food on the list

16. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties

These freeze-dried dinner patties offer enough protein for your large breed dogs. It is made with 95% free-range turkey, organs, and bone, such as gizzards. This single animal protein helps your dog prevent allergic reactions and sensitive stomachs.

This food also promotes strong teeth and gums. It improves your dog’s stamina, immunity, and vitality. You will also see improvements in their skin and coats. This freeze-dried dog food is suitable for all stages. It has no fillers or preservatives.

Pros

  • Contains omega fatty acids
  • Has 100% organic ingredients
  • Rich in antioxidants

Cons

  • Can cause diarrhea in some dogs
  • Some customers received crumbled patties

What is Soft Dog Food?

Soft dog food is basically anything that isn’t too crunchy to eat, but that doesn’t mean dry kibble is out of the question. There are soft dry kibbles, semi-moist dry kibbles with water mixed in, canned dog food, and dog foods in pouches.

Pros

  • Soft foods tend to be tastier, which is great for fussy eaters
  • They’re easier to chew, which is good for elderly dogs and dogs with dental issues
  • They’re also easier to digest, which is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs

Cons

  • The lack of crunch means that the teeth don’t get cleaned
  • Extra dental care will definitely be required
Nutrition for large dog breeds
Large breed puppies will need extra calcium and DHA to support their developing skeletons and minds

Nutritional Needs Of Large Dogs

Dogs of all sizes should eat food that provides complete and balanced nutrition, with all of the essential vitamins and minerals needed to thrive. Bigger breeds will need foods with lower fat content (around 9%) and higher protein (at least 30%) from high-quality, natural sources like chicken and salmon, as well as high-fiber fruits and veggies to promote a healthy weight and energy levels, as bigger dogs are more prone to obesity.

Large breeds are also more likely to experience heart and joint problems, so extra omegas and vitamins B and E are essential for support and prevention.

Large breed puppies will need extra calcium and DHA to support their developing skeletons and minds, and seniors will also need extra DHA to retain good brain function, as well as extra joint supporting nutrients.

If your dog has allergies or digestive sensitivities, you’ll need to look into foods that are free from common allergens, with fewer grains, and added probiotics. Despite their size, large dogs can be just as fussy as any other dog, so the taste is just as important as anything else. So, be sure to buy foods containing tasty, natural ingredients and look for those that have been slow-cooked to retain taste and nutrients.

Try to avoid foods that contain artificial colorings, flavorings, and preservatives, as well as unhealthy filler ingredients like wheat, unnatural chemicals, and GMOs. You may also want to think about buying products from well-loved brands that have good customer ratings, are sourced and made in the USA, use ethical and eco-friendly ingredients, and are good value for money.

How Much Food Do Big Dogs Need?

A large, healthy adult dog such as a Siberian Husky or German Shepherd will need 2-4 cups of food per day, split into two meals. Exactly how much they need to eat will depend on their size and activity level. Have a look at the feeding guidelines on your dog’s food packaging to help you out, or ask your vet for tailored advice.

Young pups will need to eat 20 grams of food per kilogram of their body weight per day. Large puppies under four months of age should eat four small meals a day, dropping down to three meals at four months old. From six months onwards, they should eat twice a day.

Seniors generally need 20% fewer calories than adults because as they age, their activity levels decrease, and their bodies need less food to fuel them. It also prevents weight gain which can accelerate health deterioration.

Soft Dog Foods For Large Dogs: FAQ

Feel free to check out our Frequently Asked Questions section for more details. And, if in doubt, always check in with your vet for advice.

Is soft food better for dogs?

Soft food is neither better nor worse than hard food for dogs. Soft foods often tend to hold more taste, which is great for picky eaters. They’re also easier to chew and digest, which is ideal for dogs with severe dental and digestive issues. However, many hard dog foods are designed to clean your dog’s teeth as they chew, so the lack of crunch in soft food means that your dog’s teeth will require extra care should they eat it every day.

What should large dogs eat?

Large dogs should eat foods containing complete and balanced nutrition, with essential vitamins and minerals, low-fat content, and high protein content from high-quality, natural sources like chicken and salmon. They also need extra vitamin B and E, as well as omegas, taurine, and carnitine to support their hearts and joints. Natural foods are always best and are sure to avoid anything containing filler ingredients and artificial additives.

How much should a large dog eat?

Large adult dogs should eat between 4-6 cups of food a day, and this is best split into two daily meals. Exactly how much your dog will need will depend on a few factors, so ask your vet for specific advice.

Those are the best soft dog foods for large breeds! Will you be trying out one of our product recommendations or have one of your own to recommend? Let us know in the comments down below!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *