Big Dogs, Big Needs: A Guide for Large Breed Parents
Nutrition, training, and wellness tips—plus my favorite gear and Rover resources—so your gentle giant gets the care they deserve.
If you’ve got a Lab, Dane, Shepherd, or any other gentle giant, you already know: big love comes with big needs. Larger breeds eat more, need sturdier gear, and can accidentally body-check you like a linebacker when they’re excited. In this guide, I’m breaking down nutrition, training, wellness, and how Rover can help—so you can raise a healthy, happy XXL bestie without the guesswork.
Quick note: I’m not your vet—just your dog-obsessed friend. Always chat with your veterinarian for tailored advice.
Nutrition for Large Breeds: Fuel for Gentle Giants
Large breeds have special needs when it comes to food: joint support, controlled calories, and slow, steady eating are the name of the game.
What to focus on:
Balanced formulas designed for large breeds (think joint support + controlled growth).
Portion control—keeping their weight healthy is the #1 joint saver.
Slow feeding to help reduce bloat risk (especially in deep-chested breeds).
Fresh food I love:
Justfoodfordogs — pre-portioned, fresh meals delivered. Easy, convenient, dog-approved.
Amazon picks (quick wins):
Large breed kibble (or use it as a base + fresh topper).
Joint support (glucosamine, omega-3).
Pro Tip: Slow feeders + smaller meals can help reduce the risk of bloat—a major concern for deep-chested breeds like Great Danes and Shepherds.
👉 Want more feeding tips and my favorite fresh food options? Check out the Big Breed Gear Guide
Training & Exercise: Big Body, Big Manners
A 90-lb dog jumping on Grandma is… not adorable. Start early and keep it consistent.
Your game plan:
Manners first: sit, down, stay, leave-it, and especially polite greetings.
Leash skills: a solid no-pull harness + consistent cues = safer walks.
Controlled exercise: avoid intense, repetitive impact when they’re still growing.
Brain work: puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and short training sessions burn energy without pounding the joints.
Quick Reminder: A tired brain = a well-behaved dog. Ten minutes of training can be as effective as a long walk in burning energy.
Wellness & Vet Care: Protect Those Joints (and Your Wallet)
Large breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia, arthritis, and bloat—but smart habits go a long way.
Prevention habits that matter:
Healthy weight (hard truth: most issues start here).
Slow, measured meals (hello again, slow feeder).
Regular vet checks and baseline bloodwork as they age.
Supportive sleep—orthopedic beds help big joints recover.
Helpful resources & picks:
Pet insurance (because “oh no” vet bills are real). I like using The Swiftest to compare plans.
Orthopedic dog bed sized for sprawlers.
Grooming tools made for heavy shedders/double coats.
Did you know? Large breeds are more likely to develop hip dysplasia than smaller dogs—making prevention and early vet checks extra important.
👉 Protect your gentle giant’s health with my go-to comfort + wellness picks in the Big Breed Gear Guide
Backup You Can Trust: Why Rover Helps Big Dog Parents
Not every sitter or walker is confident handling a strong, 80+ lb dog—and that’s okay. On Rover, you can filter for sitters who specialize in large breeds, check reviews, and book meet-and-greets to make sure it’s a match.
When Rover is clutch:
Long workdays or travel (exercise + potty breaks covered).
Recovering from surgery or a busy season (we’ve all been there).
Extra socialization and mental stimulation for your big buddy.
Raising a gentle giant takes the right fuel, the right habits, and the right support team. Start with solid nutrition, train those big-dog manners, protect the joints, and don’t be afraid to tag in a pro when you need help.
Top 5 Large Breed Essentials
FAQ’s
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Yes—formulas for large breeds support joints and controlled growth, which helps prevent problems later.Description text goes here
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Aim for consistent, moderate activity + daily brain work. Avoid high-impact repetition while they’re still growing.Description text goes here
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Yes—filter for sitters/walkers with large-breed experience, read reviews, and always do a meet-and-greet.Description text goes here
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Dog Spot Pack KC!
Health note: This article is educational only and not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always consult your vet for personalized recommendations.