There are so many different foods out there nowadays that it is very hard to make a decision without being an expert in the field anymore.  

 

I believe there is no one dog food for all dogs or all dogs of a certain breed even.  

 

All the information that I am sharing below has been developed by a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist by the AVMA or a PHD in companion animal nutrition.  

 

Large breed dogs have been said to need glucosomine and chondroitin in their diet from when they are born, but what I have been shown is that there is no study so far that proves that this practice is effective or harmful because of the risk of DOD (developmental orthopedic disease).  Their bodies produce enough to grow properly and maintain, that it is when they start aging or have another problem that they need joint supplements.

 

One of the main concerns with large breed dogs is the amount of Calcium and Phosphorus.  This is to ensure proper growth of the bones and joints for a healthy puppy.  I have been shown to look for dog foods with a maximum Calcium level of 1.8% DM, and a Calcium to Phosphorus ratio of 1.8:1 DM.    

 

Large breed dogs with a predisposal for heart or brain problems should also have L-Carnitine and Taurine starting from birth.  

 

Golden Retrievers are known for having cancer, so I like to help their bodies fight and give them as best a chance to fight against it in the beginning, starting with healthy food and nutrition.  

 

So, I cannot honestly recommend everyone to feed their new puppies a certain brand and kind of dog food, as each and every dog is different just as each and every human is different.  I believe any dog food that meets the requirements above that is a premium dog food will be fine.  

 

I myself feed my girls both home-made, kibble, and canned depending on their life-stage.  For when they are puppies, I put them on Now! Large Breed Puppy although Now! Regular size will work since the only difference between the two is L-Carnitine and Taurine and my dogs don't have issues with their hearts or brains.  I also add Go! canned food mixed in with the kibble, only the Daily Defense salmon pate and turkey stew since the others have high calcium levels, which can be bad for bone growth in large breed puppies.  After 18 months, I switch them over to my home-made recipes from Balanceit.com with kibble and canned mixed in just to change up the food every once in a while.