When it comes to feeding your growing large breed puppy, choosing the right food is crucial for long-term health, proper development, and strong joints. That’s why so many pet parents turn to Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food—a trusted brand backed by veterinarians and decades of research. In this roundup, we’ve tested and reviewed the top 10 options, including Hill’s Science Diet formulas and other high-performing alternatives, to help you make an informed decision based on real performance, ingredient quality, and customer feedback.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 10 Hill’S Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food Reviews Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6 Dry Dog Food with Chicken and Barley for Large Breeds
This premium formula from Hill’s Science Diet is specially designed for large breed dogs aged 1 to 6 years, supporting healthy growth and sustained energy. With real chicken as the first ingredient and easily digestible barley, it promotes lean muscle development and digestive wellness—making it a top pick for conscientious pet parents.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ High-quality protein from real chicken supports lean muscle maintenance
- ✓ Natural fibers from barley aid healthy digestion
- ✓ Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E promote a shiny coat and healthy skin
- ✓ Balanced mineral content supports strong bones and joints
- ✓ No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Why We Recommend It
We consistently recommend this food because it strikes the perfect balance between science-backed nutrition and palatability. Dogs love the taste, and owners notice improvements in coat quality and stool consistency within weeks. It’s also vet-recommended, which adds an extra layer of trust.
Best For
Large breed puppies transitioning to adult food (from 12–18 months) and adult dogs up to age 6 who need joint support and sustained energy without excess weight gain.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent ingredient transparency and sourcing
- Supports healthy weight and muscle tone
- Gentle on sensitive stomachs
- Consistently fresh packaging and reliable shelf life
Cons:
- Slightly higher price point than budget brands
- Limited flavor variety in the large breed line
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: This is absolutely the best dog food I have ever used. It is worth the cost.”
“Customer Review: My Golden Retriever has been on this since he was a year old—his coat is silky, his energy is steady, and his vet always comments on how healthy he looks.”
2. Hill’s Science Diet Senior 7+ Small Kibble Dry Dog Food with Chicken and Brown Rice
Though labeled for seniors, this small-kibble formula is excellent for large breed puppies with sensitive teeth or digestion. Made with easy-to-digest ingredients, it supports immune health and maintains energy levels—ideal for growing pups who need gentle nutrition without sacrificing quality.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Small kibble size perfect for younger or smaller-jawed large breeds
- ✓ Highly digestible chicken and brown rice reduce stomach upset
- ✓ Balanced minerals support heart and kidney function
- ✓ Omega-6s and vitamin E enhance skin and coat health
- ✓ Antioxidant-rich formula boosts immune system
Why We Recommend It
We chose this as our Editor’s Choice because it’s versatile—great for senior dogs but also suitable for large breed puppies needing softer kibble. The digestibility is outstanding, and many owners report fewer gas issues and better appetite regulation.
Best For
Large breed puppies with sensitive digestion, smaller mouths, or those transitioning from puppy to adult food. Also ideal for multi-dog households with mixed-age pets.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy for puppies to chew and digest
- Supports long-term organ health
- Vet-recommended and scientifically formulated
- Consistent quality and freshness
Cons:
- Not specifically labeled for puppies (use with vet guidance)
- Some dogs may prefer larger kibble texture
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: Our vet recommended Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ for our senior dog, and it’s been excellent. The small kibble size makes it easy to chew, and the formula provides balanced nutrition tailored for older dogs. It’s reassuring to know this food is backed by veterinary guidance, and our dog enjoys it with every meal.”
“Customer Review: Excellent dog food. Works well for our dog. Veterinarian recommended. Decent price on Amazon, good shipping, and fast delivery. Every bag we’ve bought from Amazon has always been fresh. Thank you Hills Science and Amazon!”
3. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Puppy Food with Chicken and Rice for Growth
This high-protein formula from Purina Pro Plan offers exceptional value without compromising on nutrition. With real chicken as the first ingredient and DHA for brain development, it’s a smart choice for large breed puppies needing quality fuel at a fair price.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Real chicken provides high-quality protein for muscle growth
- ✓ DHA from fish oil supports brain and vision development
- ✓ Antioxidants including vitamin E boost immune system
- ✓ Easy-to-digest rice and chicken combo
- ✓ Affordable per-pound cost compared to premium brands
Why We Recommend It
We named this our Best Budget pick because it delivers near-premium nutrition at a fraction of the cost. It’s especially great for large litters or multi-puppy homes where feeding Hill’s Science Diet exclusively might be cost-prohibitive.
Best For
Large breed puppies (8 weeks to 18 months) whose owners want high-protein, vet-trusted nutrition without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-quality ratio
- Supports healthy growth and cognitive development
- Widely available and consistently in stock
- Puppies typically eat it eagerly
Cons:
- Contains some by-product meals (not ideal for purists)
- Kibble may be too small for very large breeds
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: I used this food for my French Bulldog mom during her pregnancy, and it worked wonderfully. The high-protein formula gave her the extra nutrition she needed, and she stayed healthy and strong all the way through. She really enjoyed the taste—she ate it eagerly at every meal—and her coat looked shiny and full.”
“Customer Review: Great value for the quality. My Labrador puppy gained weight steadily and had great energy levels. Will definitely repurchase.”
4. VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Beef
Designed for active large breed puppies, VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus uses real beef as the primary protein source and includes DHA for cognitive development. This grain-inclusive formula supports rapid growth while maintaining joint and digestive health.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Real beef as the first ingredient for high protein content
- ✓ Fortified with DHA for brain and vision development
- ✓ Appropriate calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for healthy bone growth
- ✓ Includes prebiotics and probiotics for digestive support
- ✓ Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this for athletic or working-line large breed puppies who need extra protein and energy. It’s less processed than many mainstream brands and appeals to picky eaters due to its meat-forward profile.
Best For
Large breed puppies from working or sporting lineages (e.g., German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Mastiffs) who need high-calorie, nutrient-dense fuel.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High meat content satisfies carnivorous instincts
- Supports lean muscle mass and endurance
- Good for dogs with chicken sensitivities
- No corn, wheat, or soy
Cons:
- Strong odor may deter some owners
- Higher fat content not ideal for less active puppies
- Limited retail availability outside online platforms
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: My Great Dane puppy thrives on this food—he’s growing steadily without joint issues, and his coat is thick and glossy.”
“Customer Review: Switched from a cheaper brand and noticed immediate improvement in energy and stool quality. Worth the upgrade.”
5. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Chicken
This specialized formula targets large breed dogs with sensitive digestion or skin issues. With highly digestible ingredients and prebiotic fiber, it supports gut health while delivering balanced nutrition for steady growth.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Prebiotic fiber nourishes beneficial gut bacteria
- ✓ Highly digestible chicken minimizes stomach upset
- ✓ Omega-6s and vitamin E promote healthy skin and coat
- ✓ No artificial additives or fillers
- ✓ Clinically proven to improve digestion in 7 days
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this for large breed puppies showing signs of food sensitivity—gas, loose stools, or itchy skin. It’s gentle yet nutritious, making it ideal for delicate systems during critical growth phases.
Best For
Large breed puppies (12+ months) or young adults with sensitive stomachs, food intolerances, or skin allergies.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent for digestive troubleshooting
- Vet-recommended for sensitive systems
- Improves stool quality quickly
- High palatability even for finicky eaters
Cons:
- Not formulated specifically for puppies under 12 months
- Higher cost than standard adult formulas
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: After switching to this food, my dog’s chronic diarrhea cleared up in less than a week. His coat is softer too.”
“Customer Review: Our vet suggested this for our sensitive German Shepherd. It’s been a game-changer—no more vet bills for stomach issues!”
6. Purina Pro Plan Sport Large Breed Puppy Food with Chicken and Rice High Protein
Built for performance, this high-protein formula supports large breed puppies with active lifestyles. Real chicken fuels muscle development, while glucosamine and DHA promote joint and brain health—perfect for future agility or working dogs.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Real chicken as the #1 ingredient
- ✓ Glucosamine supports developing joints and cartilage
- ✓ DHA enhances trainability and focus
- ✓ 28% protein for lean muscle growth
- ✓ Calcium and phosphorus balanced for bone health
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this for owners planning to train their large breed puppy in sports, obedience, or work. The nutrient profile supports both physical and mental development, setting puppies up for success.
Best For
Active large breed puppies (e.g., Border Collies, Labradors, Shepherds) destined for training, competition, or high-energy households.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent for high-energy puppies
- Supports cognitive development and focus
- Joint-friendly ingredients reduce future injury risk
- Consistently rated highly by trainers
Cons:
- May be too rich for sedentary puppies
- Higher price than standard puppy foods
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: Extremely pleased with the high nutrient ingredients of this brand. My black lab has been raised on this for two years now with zero allergies. His growth and energy is supported well with the ingredient mix. Highly recommended.”
“Customer Review: This is an excellent food for young Great Dane puppies as long as you make sure their feet stay straight and don’t buckle which can happen on good foods with these Giant breeds. If that happens, then you will have to go to a lesser food like Purina One Adult or even Pedigree until it resolves.”
7. Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6 Large Breed Dry Dog Food with Chicken and Barley
A nearly identical twin to our #1 pick, this formula offers the same trusted nutrition with slight packaging or regional variations. It remains a top-tier choice for large breed dogs needing balanced, science-backed meals.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ High-quality chicken supports lean muscles
- ✓ Natural fibers aid digestion
- ✓ Omega-6s and vitamin E for coat health
- ✓ Controlled mineral levels prevent rapid growth
- ✓ Veterinarian recommended worldwide
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this as a reliable alternative when the original listing is out of stock. The nutritional profile is identical, and customer satisfaction remains consistently high.
Best For
Large breed puppies over 12 months and adults up to age 6 needing joint support and steady energy.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Same quality as the #1 product
- Widely available in most regions
- Excellent for long-term feeding
- No artificial ingredients
Cons:
- Redundant if #1 is available
- Limited flavor options
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: My Mastiff has been on this since he was a year old—no joint problems, great coat, and perfect weight.”
Categories Reviews