Large dogs can be particularly susceptible to joint problems

Large and heavy dogs put more strain on their joints than smaller dogs. Every walk, every set of stairs, every jump into the car, and every play session means more mechanical stress on the hips, elbows, knees, and back.
This doesn't mean that all large dogs will develop joint problems. But it does mean that proper nutrition, a healthy weight, and good daily routines become extra important.
For large dogs, good food is therefore not just about satisfying hunger. It's about supporting the body long-term.

The right nutrition can support joints over time

Joints, muscles, and bones need the right building blocks to function well over time. For large dogs, it is especially important to have a food that contributes to:

  • Strong and maintained muscle mass
  • Normal joint function
  • Healthy skin and coat
  • Stable digestion
  • Good energy and body control
  • Good weight balance

A food for large dogs should not just contain energy. It should contain the right type of energy, the right protein, and functional nutrients that support the body every day.

Glucosamine 1000 mg/kg for joint health

Glucosamine is one of the most well-known nutrients linked to joints and mobility in dogs.
Our Dogfather feeds contain:
Glucosamine 1000 mg/kg
Glucosamine is a natural building block in cartilage and joint fluid. For large dogs, it is especially relevant as their joints are subjected to greater stress over time.
This makes Dogfather a strong choice for those who want to provide a feed with clear joint support already in the recipe, without having to add separate supplements on the side.

Glucosamine 1000 mg/kg – support for joints, cartilage, and mobility.

Omega-3 with EPA and DHA

Omega-3 is not just important for skin and coat. The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are also of interest in relation to joint health, inflammation, and the body's natural recovery. Research on dogs shows that omega-3, especially EPA and DHA, can play a positive role in canine health and are commonly found in nutritional strategies for dogs with joint problems. Dogfather contains omega-3 and omega-6 to support:

  • Skin and coat
  • The body's normal inflammatory response
  • Joint function
  • Overall health over time

Omega-3 + omega-6 – support for skin, coat, joints, and balance.

High animal protein for large bodies

Large dogs need strong muscles to carry their body well. Therefore, protein is one of the most important components of a good food for large dogs. Dogfather is built with high animal protein and meat as the first ingredient. This helps the dog get the right building blocks for:

  • Muscles
  • Recovery
  • Energy
  • Satiety
  • Body control

For large dogs, this is extra important, as strong musculature relieves strain on the joints and helps the dog move better in everyday life.

High animal protein – for strong muscles and better body control.

L-Carnitine for Energy and Weight Balance

For large dogs, weight balance is one of the most important factors for long-term health. A few extra pounds can mean significantly more strain on their joints. Dogfather contains L-carnitine, a nutrient that helps the body use fat for energy. This makes L-carnitine particularly relevant for large dogs as it can contribute to:

  • Energy metabolism
  • Weight management
  • Preservation of muscle mass
  • Physical endurance

This is not about dieting. It's about giving the body the right conditions to stay strong, active, and in good shape.

Taurine 1500 mg/kg for heart function

Large dogs don't just have large joints. They also have large bodies that require a strong circulatory system.
Taurine is an amino acid that plays an important role in the normal function of the heart.
Dogfather contains:
Taurine 1500 mg/kg
This makes the food particularly interesting for those who want to provide their dog with a complete food that supports more than just the stomach and coat.

Taurine 1500 mg/kg – nutritional support for heart function.

Stable digestion is extra important for large dogs

Large dogs can often have more sensitive stomachs than one might think. Additionally, a upset stomach quickly becomes a major everyday problem when the dog is large. That's why Dogfather contains both probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support a balanced gut flora. Prebiotics, such as FOS and MOS, act as nourishment for these beneficial bacteria. Together, they support:

  • Digestion
  • Gut flora
  • Stool quality
  • Nutrient absorption
  • Immune system

A stable food for the stomach makes everyday life easier for both your dog and you.

Skin and coat that show how the dog is feeling

A large dog also has a lot of skin and fur to take care of. Therefore, fat quality and the right fatty acids are important components of a well-considered food.
Dogfather contains omega-3 and omega-6 to support the skin's barrier function and contribute to a healthy, shiny coat.
This is particularly relevant for large, heavily coated breeds, such as Bernese Mountain Dog, Newfoundland, Leonberger, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd.

That's why Dogfather is particularly suitable for large dogs

Large dogs need food that is more than just filling. Dogfather is developed to provide broad support for the entire dog, every day.Dogfather contains:

  • High animal protein
  • Meat as the first ingredient
  • Glucosamine 1000 mg/kg
  • Taurine 1500 mg/kg
  • Omega-3 and omega-6
  • Probiotics
  • Prebiotics, FOS and MOS
  • L-carnitine
  • Complete vitamin and mineral profile

This makes Dogfather one of the most complete feeds on the market for those who want to give their large dog a stable base with functional supplements already in the recipe.

Choose the right food for your large dog

Both our feeds are complete and suitable for large dogs. Choose a recipe based on your dog's taste, sensitivity, and needs.

Dog Food Lamb & Rice

A complete food with lamb, rice, and high animal protein. A good choice for large dogs who need a stable and gentle base.

  • Lamb as the main protein
  • Rice as the only grain
  • Glucosamine 1000 mg/kg
  • Taurine 1500 mg/kg
  • Omega-3 and Omega-6
  • Pro- and prebiotics
Buy Lamb & Rice

Dog Food Chicken & Duck

A complete food with lamb, rice, and high animal protein. A good choice for large dogs that need a stable and gentle base.

  • Grain-free recipe
  • Chicken and duck
  • High animal protein
  • Glucosamine 1000 mg/kg
  • Glucosamine 1000 mg/kg
  • Taurine 1500 mg/kg
  • Pro- and prebiotics
Buy Chicken & Duck

How much food does a large dog need?

Large dogs eat more in total, but they don't always need more energy per kilogram of body weight than smaller dogs. Therefore, the correct amount is at least as important as the correct food. Always refer to the feeding guide on the package, but adjust according to your dog's:

  • Weight
  • Age
  • Activity level
  • Body condition
  • Neutered/spayed status
  • Any sensitivities

A large dog shouldn't just be "large." It should be strong, mobile, and in good shape. Quick tip: Feel your dog's ribs regularly. You should be able to feel them easily, but they shouldn't protrude prominently.

Developed from experience with thousands of dogs

Dogfather has been developed by dog people with extensive experience from Changdobels, one of Sweden's largest players in dog daycares and kennels.
We meet dogs every day. Small, large, young, old, picky, sensitive, active, and calm.
This experience has shaped our approach to dog food.
We wanted to create a dog food with everything we ourselves believe a really good dog food should contain. Not as separate supplements, but directly in the recipe.

Common questions about food for large dogs

Yes. Dogfather is a complete feed that is suitable for all breeds and sizes, including large dogs.

Large dogs put more strain on their joints over time. Glucosamine is a natural building block in cartilage and joint fluid and is often used in food and supplements focusing on joint health.

Dogfather contains glucosamine 1000 mg/kg.

Yes. Dogfather contains omega-3 and omega-6, including omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA.

Dogfather is formulated with glucosamine, omega-3, high animal protein, and L-carnitine, making it a powerful feed for those who want to support joint health, muscle development, and body control in large dogs.

Yes, but the amount of food may need to be adjusted as neutered dogs often gain weight more easily. Follow the feeding guide and adjust according to body condition and activity level.

Lamb & Rice is a good choice if you want a gentle recipe with rice as the only grain. Chicken & Duck is a good choice if you want a grain-free recipe with high animal protein.

Give your large dog a stronger foundation every day

Large dogs need more than just a filling food.
They need a food that supports joints, muscles, stomach, skin, coat, and heart.
Dogfather is built for just that.

View our feeds

Sources and further reading

WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines – guidance on nutritional assessment and individualized feeding of dogs.
Studies and reviews on omega-3, EPA/DHA, and dog health show that these fatty acids can play a positive role, including in areas such as joint health and inflammation.
VCA Hospitals describes that large and giant dog breeds have specific nutritional needs, including those related to energy per kilogram of body weight and gastrointestinal health.
Research on glucosamine and dogs exists, but the evidence is mixed. Therefore, glucosamine should be described as nutritional support for joints, not as a treatment for joint disease.

The information on this page is general and does not replace advice from a veterinarian. If you suspect pain, lameness, stiffness, obesity, or joint disease, you should always contact a veterinarian.