Best Dog Food for Newfoundlands in 2024

This is our review of the best dog food for Newfoundlands in 2024

Newfoundlands have a kind demeanor, a great reputation, and are often called “nanny dogs.” These gentle giants are large — getting up to almost 200 pounds — and so need food filled with lots of nutrients.

Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is the best dog food for Newfoundlands. 

It’s high in protein and high-quality nutrients, and it’s also lower in fat to help your pup maintain its weight while avoiding obesity. 

But, there are also many other options available for your friendly canine. They include foods for sensitivities, as well as recipes tailor-made for large breed puppies.

Our Best Dog Food for Newfoundlands

• Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food (Best for Adult Newfoundlands)
• Solid Gold Wolf Cub Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food (Best for Newfoundlands Puppies)
• Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food (Best for Senior Newfoundlands)
• VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food (Best for Active Newfoundland)
• ACANA Singles Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food (Best for Newfoundlands With Allergies)
• Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Canned Dog Food (Best Wet Food for Newfoundlands)
• Nom Nom Dog Food (Best Fresh Dog Food)
• Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Dry Dog Food (Best Budget Dog Food for Newfoundlands)
• Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Dry Dog Food (Best for Weight Loss)
• Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best for Healthy Joints)

10 Best Dog Foods for Newfoundlands Reviewed 

The dog foods and brands listed below follow the AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines. Before switching your Newfoundland’s food, please consult with your veterinarian. 

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Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Wheat, Corn
• Guaranteed Analysis: 22.5% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 3.7% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 346 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Dry dog food formulated for Newfoundlands with DHA and Vitamin E 

Giant breeds need a larger amount of food to thrive. Eukanuba Large Breed Adult dog food provides what they need to protect their joints, their health, and their full bellies. It’s best for dogs 15 months or older that weigh over 55 lbs.

The first ingredient is real deboned lamb, providing high-quality animal protein, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints and muscles. 

Chicken fat provides DHA and vitamin E for coat and skin health, and fish oil is added for additional omega fatty acids, further nourishing joints. 

After that, brewers rice, corn, and dried plain beet pulp supplement healthy fiber for easy digestion, with the beet pulp containing natural antioxidants for a boost to the immune system. 

In addition to these healthy ingredients, Eukanaba also includes their blend of 3D DentaDefense. This proprietary mix helps reduce tartar buildup for clean teeth and healthy gums, and provides natural fiber and prebiotics to aid digestion. 

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Solid Gold Wolf Cub Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Bison, Ocean Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Peas
• Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 345 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: High-protein dry food with probiotics for large breed puppies

A carefully crafted dog food allows your large breed puppy to grow steadily. It also contains essential calcium for bone development, plus protein to nourish healthy muscles. And, of course, it has a decent ratio of vitamin D and phosphorus, too. 

Solid Gold Wolf Cub has all of these qualities. 

It starts with fresh bison — offering 26% pure animal protein. And, since bison is a leaner meat, it keeps calories lower to avoid excessive weight gain during puppyhood. It also includes B vitamins for energy and zinc for a healthy immune system. 

Ground flaxseed and oatmeal provide potassium and calcium for strong bones and teeth. Plus, salmon oil and fish meal offer essential fatty acids to help protect growing joints. 

Superfoods like blueberries, almond oil, and kelp are then added for their antioxidants — helping to boost the immune system. And, lastly, almond oil makes a great natural moisturizer that can keep your dog’s coat shiny. 

This formula doesn’t include corn, wheat, or soy. It’s also potato-free — important if you’re avoiding those in your dog’s diet. 

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Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice
• Guaranteed Analysis: 25% Crude Protein, 11% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 347 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: High-protein dog food with glucosamine for joint support 

As your dog ages, it’s essential to protect their joints and muscles. Because Newfoundlands are large, they can put a lot of stress on these areas of their bodies, which can cause health issues like dysplasia. To prevent extra stress, feed your dog food with plenty of healthy fats. 

Diamond Naturals Senior formula includes essential fatty acids — with benefits like added probiotics. 

This recipe starts with cage-free chicken and chicken meal. These ingredients provide natural glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. Egg and chia seed are added, too — adding omega fatty acids to promote a shiny coat and additional joint support. 

Probiotics are supplemented in this formula as well. They not only help with a healthier immune system, but also aid in healthy digestion. 

Diamond Naturals is made in the US by a family-owned company. It’s made without corn, wheat, and artificial colors and flavors. 

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VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat, Pork Meal, Chicken Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 20% Crude Fat, 3.8% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 406 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: High protein and gluten-free dog food for active Newfoundlands

When your dog is highly active or needs higher-protein dog food, it’s important to choose one that doesn’t include too much fat or calories. 

Newfoundlands are prone to obesity, so you’ll need dog food that meets their protein needs while maintaining their weight. Try out VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro dog food. 

This formula starts with high quality ingredients like beef and chicken meal. These meat meals offer 25% protein while keeping the formula low-fat, and beef also contains B vitamins for energy and taurine for a healthy heart. 

It is considered gluten-free but not grain-free. Grain sorghum (also known as millet) adds fiber and prebiotics for digestion support, while brown rice is added for additional fiber and magnesium — which can reduce inflammation in joints. 

Pre and probiotics are supplemented as well for a healthy gut, and dried kelp and fresh fruits — like oranges — provide vitamin C for immune support. 

This delicious dog food is both sourced and made in the US. It’s free of corn, wheat, and soy. 

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ACANA Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Oat Groats, Whole Sorghum, Lamb Liver
• Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 371 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Grain-free and limited ingredient dog food for Newfoundlands with allergies

While Newfoundlands aren’t prone to food allergies, your dog may need a special diet if they have sensitivities. ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet provides nutrition without triggering symptoms like a sensitive stomach.

Deboned lamb is the single source meat. It offers 27% protein, as well as B vitamins and iron for energy. 

Fish oil provides omega fatty acids for joint support and a shiny coat, and whole pumpkin includes beta-carotene, which can aid in eye health. It’s also rich in fiber, supporting gut health. 

This formula is free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. It also doesn’t include legumes, gluten, and potatoes. 

ACANA’s premium ingredients are sourced from a trusted group of farmers, ranchers, and fishers. Each batch of food is made in their Kentucky, US kitchen. 

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Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Canned Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Peas
• Guaranteed Analysis: 8.5% Crude Protein, 5.5% Crude Fat, 1.8% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 451 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: High protein wet dog food to entice picky eaters 

Due to their size, Newfoundlands would need a lot of canned food for calories and protein if they were eating solely that. If your dog is particular, you can look at adding wet food to their kibble to entice them to eat and to offer other benefits as well. 

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe is the perfect formula to mix with dry dog food. It’s higher in protein than other wet foods, and it’s free of wheat, corn, and soy — an excellent choice for dogs who may have allergies. 

It starts with high-quality protein from deboned chicken and chicken liver. These ingredients include glucosamine and chondroitin — supporting lean muscle mass and nourish joints.

Carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes offer fiber and plenty of nutrients. Sweet potatoes contain calcium and vitamin D for healthy bones, while carrots and peas contain vitamin A for healthy eyes. 

This formula doesn’t include any by-product meals, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives.

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Nom Nom Pork Potluck

• First 5 Ingredients: Ground Pork, Russet Potatoes, Green Beans, Squash, Kale
• Guaranteed Analysis: 7% Crude Protein, 5% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 75% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 1246 kcal/kg
• Key Feature: Human-grade fresh food with high-quality protein 

Are you looking to feed your dog a healthier diet but don’t know where to start? Fresh food is always a great option. However, if you’re not familiar with nutrition, try a delivery service to make things extra easy! 

Nom Nom offers customized dog food that provides your dog with a balanced diet fitting their needs. 

First, you’ll start with a quiz about your dog. You’ll answer questions like how much your dog weighs and how active they are, and you’ll note possible allergies as well as list their likes and dislikes. 

Once the quiz is complete, Nom Nom will create a customized meal plan to fit your dog’s daily calories and nutrition needs. They will also make a note of how much your Newfoundland will need to eat. 

Then, the recipes are individually portioned to make serving food easy. 

The pork potluck recipe is delicious, but you can also choose beef, turkey, or chicken. You can also select all four to mix and match. 

Once you’ve placed your order, Nom Nom will ship the food directly to your door. 

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Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley
• Guaranteed Analysis: 23% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 374 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Wheat-free and budget-friendly dry dog food made with real chicken 

High-quality food doesn’t have to break the bank — there are many great options that offer great value for the money. Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed is an excellent choice for giant dogs like Newfoundlands. 

This formula starts with both real chicken and turkey, lean proteins that will help develop muscles. Plus, the chicken provides glucosamine and chondroitin for optimal joint health. 

Salmon is full of healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote a healthy coat and skin, and dried chicory root provides prebiotic fiber for digestive health. Brown rice then offers calcium for bone support. 

Rosemary extract naturally preserves the food, but it also provides antioxidants that can help with indigestion and reduce inflammation. 

Chicken Soup for the Soul is made right in the US. It doesn’t include any by-product meals, wheat, corn, or soy, and is formulated without artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors. 

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Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Whole Grain Corn, Poultry By-Product Meal, Corn Germ Meal, Soybean Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 9% Crude Fat, 5.5% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 330 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Low-calorie and low-fat dog food with prebiotics for digestive support  

Newfoundlands are large dogs, but they shouldn’t gain too much weight. Because they aren’t usually as active as other dogs their size, they are prone to obesity and joint issues like dysplasia. To maintain your dog’s healthy body weight, you’ll want to offer lower calorie and fat food. 

Purina Pro Plan Weight Management dry food fits the bill for a healthy but delicious formula. Each serving contains only 9% fat, but provides 27% protein to keep your dog satiated. 

This recipe starts with deboned chicken as the first ingredient. It offers both glucosamine and taurine for joint and heart health, and helps maintain lean muscle mass. 

Rice, corn, and barley offer easy-to-digest carbohydrates and high fiber content, with rice being known to include magnesium — boosting metabolism and keeping your dog lean. 

Purina Pro Plan Weight Management is also fortified with probiotics. These help with digestion and protect your dog’s immune system. 

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Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
• Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 422 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Grain-free dry dog food with omega fatty acids for joint health

A Newfoundland’s large build can affect their joints as they get older, if they gain too much weight, or just due to everyday stress. Because of this, feeding them dog food that protects and nourishes their joints can be beneficial.  

Taste of the Wild High Prairie dry dog food utilizes all of the joint-friendly vitamins and minerals. It includes real buffalo and bison — providing 32% protein and 18% fat — providing both energy and metabolism support. 

And, they also contain essential fatty acids and glucosamine to support joints. 

Peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes provide high fiber content, prebiotics, and easy-to-digest carbs. These help your dog digest their food and are great for sensitive tummies. 

Fresh fruits like blueberries and raspberries are added for natural antioxidant support. This helps protect your dog’s immune system and gives them a boost of energy. 

This formula is made in the US by a family-owned brand. It doesn’t include grains, corn, wheat, artificial flavors, or artificial colors.

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How to Choose Food for Your Newfoundlands

Newfoundlands need a diet specifically made for giant breeds to live their best lives. Here’s how to choose the best food for your dog.

High-Quality Protein

Your Newfoundland can thrive on a diet that’s moderate or high in protein. Any food between 20% to 35% can be a great fit.

But, it’s most important to focus on high-quality and animal proteins first. Real meats like duck, lamb, chicken, and fish are better than pea protein or by-products. 

Low Fat

Because they can suffer from disorders like hip dysplasia or obesity, Newfoundlands shouldn’t eat too many fats. However, it is crucial to choose a food with healthy fats and amino acids. 

These can help protect joints and provide a silky coat. And, fat increases the flavor of food too, making it tasty for your pup! 

Choose fats like flaxseed oil, fish oil, and coconut — they provide unsaturated fats that can be used as energy without weight gain. 

Carbohydrates and Fiber

Unless your dog needs low-carb food, carbohydrates are perfectly healthy. But choose easier to digest carbs like oats, potatoes, carrots, and sweet potatoes. These will aid in digestion and include other vitamins and minerals for additional support. 

Vitamins and Minerals

Choosing high-quality dog food from this list will ensure that your dog gets the vitamins and minerals they need. But, if you want to support your pup’s joints, look for formulas with omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. 

Ingredients to Avoid

At best, fillers and additives don’t offer any nutrition to your dog. But at worst, these ingredients can cause long-term health problems like heart disease. Manufacturers include fillers in their formulas to cut costs, but that doesn’t mean your pup has to eat them. 

Avoid brands that fill their foods with artificial colors, flavors, and artificial preservatives. Meat by-products, wheat, soy, and corn can also be harmful to dogs with sensitivities, so you may want to avoid these as well, in order to keep your pup’s allergies at bay.   

Newfoundlands Feeding Guide

Newfoundlands are a large dog breed, and they need high-quality protein and calories to sustain their daily activity. Here’s what you should know about feeding them.

Puppies

Just like other large breeds, Newfoundland puppies need to grow slow and steady. If they grow too fast, they could have joint, muscle, and digestive issues. So, focus on offering high-quality puppy food that’s high in protein and contains healthy fats for growing joints. 

Also, because Newfoundlands are a giant breed, their formula needs to meet their nutrient requirements. It will need to have the right ratio of vitamins and nutrients, plus extra protein and healthy fats. Remember to buy food that is made for large or giant dogs. 

Your puppy will need around 30 to 35 calories per pound that they weigh. They’ll also need to be fed three times a day until they reach about 12 months of age. 

Adults

Newfoundlands reach adulthood at around 18 months of age. At this time, you can switch their feeding time to twice a day. If you want to switch your dog’s food any earlier, please consult with your veterinarian. 

Because they’re prone to obesity, you’ll also want to drop your dog’s calories to about 25 calories per pound. At the average size of 140 pounds, that’s around 3,500 calories a day. 

Seniors

Senior Newfoundlands will need to lower their calorie limit to work with their slower metabolism. Starting at around 5 years of age, your dog will need to eat approximately 20 calories per pound that they weigh. 

You’ll still need to feed your Newfoundland twice a day. If you find that they’re not eating all of their food, add wet food to their kibble to entice them to eat. You can also switch to a fresh food like Nom Nom so they won’t have difficulty chewing. 

Common Newfoundland Health Issues 

Newfoundlands have an average lifespan of about 10 years. While they are considered a healthy breed, their size is what causes a shorter overall lifespan. 

When it comes to health issues, Newfoundlands are prone to just a few. These are preventable or can be found early to keep injuries at bay. 

The first is hip dysplasia. As with most other large breeds, these dogs are more likely to get hip dysplasia when they’re overweight. This makes the hip bone to dislocate and causes luxation — leading to immense pain. 

You’ll need to keep your dog at a healthy weight and give them food with plenty of protein and omega fatty acids to protect their joints and muscles. 

Next, von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD) is a common bleeding disorder that Newfoundlands can inherit. This disease hinders blood from clotting properly, and if injuries, cuts, or hemorrhages happen, they can cause uncontrollable bleeding. 

While you can’t fix vWD with diet, it’s vital to get your Newfoundland tested by their veterinarian.

There’s also Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD). This disease usually affects the shoulder joint, but it can also affect your dog’s elbows or other joints. It’s more common in large and giant breeds because of genetics and repetitive stress on joints. 

You can help prevent OCD by avoiding overnutrition and avoiding strenuous activity.  

Our Verdict

Newfoundlands may be larger than most dogs, but they need high-quality food — not just food filled with empty calories. 

Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Adult is the one of the best dog foods, offering plenty of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. 

And, it also includes a way to clean your dog’s teeth naturally, which is an excellent bonus for dog owners. 

Of course, all of the other foods on this list are great options as well. They fit many lifestyles — all you have to do is pick the best choice for your dog. 

FAQ About Newfoundlands

Curious about your Newfoundland? Here are some frequent questions and their answers!