Feeding a Newfoundland is a bit different than feeding, say, a Chihuahua. While all dogs will have similar protein needs, there are other things your Newfoundland will require in a dog food (such as minerals and nutrients). Finding the perfect dog food for your pet can be a struggle, though, as the market is saturated with dog food brands that all sound fairly similar.
But never fear because we’re here to give you some quick reviews on the 10 best dog foods for Newfoundlands, along with some info on what you should be looking for in a dog food. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to narrow down the dog food options you have and make an excellent choice in no time. Keep reading to be done with your dog food search sooner rather than later!
A Quick Look at Our Favorite Choices in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription
Fresh, whole ingredients
Healthier than other foods
Customizable plans
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Best Value
Purina ONE Natural SmartBlend
Contains excellent source of protein
Good for dogs with food allergies
Contains glucosamine for healthy joints
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Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed
High-quality ingredients
Larger than normal food pieces
Supports healthy joints, heart, skin and coat, and digestive health
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Best for Puppies
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Smaller sized pieces for easier chewing
Packed with vitamins and nutrients
Aids with controlling tartar
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Vet’s Choice
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Adult
Specially formulated for giant dog breeds
Nutritionally sound for larger dogs
Extra-large pieces to encourage chewing
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The 10 Best Dog Foods for Newfoundlands
1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall
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Main ingredients: Turkey, beef, pork, chicken, chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, sweet potato, lentils, green beans, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, bok choy
Protein content: 8–11%
Fat content: 5–8.5%
Calories: 282–361
The best overall dog food for Newfoundlands is made by The Farmer’s Dog. If you’re not familiar with them, this company runs a meal subscription service for dogs that features fresh, homemade meals for your pup. While there aren’t a lot of recipes to choose from (they have four total), each recipe is made with whole, human-grade ingredients that consist of clean proteins and simple produce. That makes them a healthy choice for your Newfoundland. And you can customize your dog’s meal plan by answering a few questions about their weight, how much they exercise, and general health.
The downsides are that The Farmer’s Dog is a bit more expensive than other dog food brands, and it must be shipped to you (no running to the store last minute if you run out). Plus, a couple of the recipes have legumes that have been linked1 to dilated cardiomyopathy (though this link is tentative and requires more research). So, if that’s a concern, you may want to stick with the recipes without legumes.
Pros
Fresh, whole ingredients
Healthier than other foods
Customizable plans
Cons
On the pricier side
Requires subscription & shipping
Some recipes contain legumes
If you’ve been looking for the best dog food for Newfoundlands for the money, you’ll want to check out Purina ONE Natural SmartBlend Lamb & Rice Formula. With lamb as the first ingredient, this food is an excellent option for dogs with common food allergies2; plus, lamb is an excellent source of protein3 and highly digestible, so there are fewer stomach issues for your pet. This dog food also comes with glucosamine, which aids in keeping joints healthy—incredibly important for big dogs. And Purina ONE’s antioxidant blend and omega-6 fatty acids give a boost to your dog’s immune system and the health of its coat.
Fresh, whole ingredients
Healthier than other foods
Customizable plans
- Fresh, whole ingredients
- Healthier than other foods
- Customizable plans
On the pricier side
Requires subscription & shipping
Some recipes contain legumes
- On the pricier side
- Requires subscription & shipping
- Some recipes contain legumes
Main ingredients: Lamb, rice flour, whole grain corn, whole grain wheat
Protein content: 26%
Fat content: 16%
Calories: 380
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The only real complaint pet owners had was that some dogs didn’t enjoy the chewier pieces of this food because the pieces were difficult for them to chew.
Pros
Contains excellent source of protein
Good for dogs with food allergies
Contains glucosamine for healthy joints
Cons
Some dogs had difficulty with the chewy pieces
When it’s a premium dog food you’re after, look at this one by Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed. Made specifically for large and giant breed dogs, the pieces in this food are larger than average, so your Newfoundland has an easier time chowing down at dinner time. This chicken meal and oatmeal recipe features high-quality ingredients that promote and support your pup’s digestive health, as well as the health of its joints, coat, skin, and heart. And if you find the fact that chicken meal is the first ingredient concerning, you needn’t worry as chicken meal is a perfectly acceptable source of protein for your dog.
Contains excellent source of protein
Good for dogs with food allergies
Contains glucosamine for healthy joints
- Contains excellent source of protein
- Good for dogs with food allergies
- Contains glucosamine for healthy joints
Some dogs had difficulty with the chewy pieces
- Some dogs had difficulty with the chewy pieces
Main ingredients: Chicken meal, rice, oatmeal, oats
Protein content: 24%
Fat content: 13%
Calories: 453
On the con, a couple of pet parents mentioned that the pieces of food were smaller than they expected, and a few said their picky eaters weren’t fans.
Pros
High-quality ingredients
Larger than normal food pieces for easier eating
Supports healthy joints, heart, skin and coat, and digestive health
Cons
Picky eaters weren’t fans
Food pieces may be smaller than expected
When you have a Newfoundland that’s a puppy, you need to find a food that guarantees your pup will grow up healthy and strong—and Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula does just that! Made with real meat and whole grains, this dog food has ingredients designed to promote the growth and well-being of your dog. This includes essential vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth, ARA and DHA4 for healthy eyes and brain, and other omega fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection formula also includes the brand’s LifeSource Bits, an antioxidant blend that aids immune system health. Plus, this kibble is sized so puppies will have an easier time chewing (and doubles as a tartar control aid)!
High-quality ingredients
Larger than normal food pieces for easier eating
Supports healthy joints, heart, skin and coat, and digestive health
- High-quality ingredients
- Larger than normal food pieces for easier eating
- Supports healthy joints, heart, skin and coat, and digestive health
Picky eaters weren’t fans
Food pieces may be smaller than expected
- Picky eaters weren’t fans
- Food pieces may be smaller than expected
Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meals, brown rice, oatmeal
Protein content: 27%
Fat content: 26%
Calories: 400
Dog owner complaints included stinky gas and occasional loose stool after their dogs ate.
Pros
Smaller-sized pieces for easier chewing
Packed with vitamins and nutrients good for your pup
Aids with controlling tartar
Cons
May cause stinky gas
Might result in the occasional loose stool
When you want a dog food for your Newfoundland that’s been recommended by vets, you’ll want to go with Royal Canin’s Size Health Nutrition dog food. This dog food has been made explicitly for dogs weighing over a hundred pounds and over the age of 2 years, so it contains the precise nutrition your pup needs. With glucosamine and chondroitin to improve the health of your dog’s joints, EPA and DHA to keep bones strong, taurine to promote a healthy heart, and plenty of fiber and easily digestible proteins to aid the digestive system in running smoothly, this food has it all. And the kibble size of Royal Canin’s Size Health claims to be extra-large to encourage more chewing, which will aid in digestion.
Smaller-sized pieces for easier chewing
Packed with vitamins and nutrients good for your pup
Aids with controlling tartar
- Smaller-sized pieces for easier chewing
- Packed with vitamins and nutrients good for your pup
- Aids with controlling tartar
May cause stinky gas
Might result in the occasional loose stool
- May cause stinky gas
- Might result in the occasional loose stool
Main ingredients: Chicken by-product meal, brewer’s rice, chicken fat, brown rice
Protein content: 26%
Fat content: 18%
Calories: 427
A few pet owners did say the size of the kibble is ridiculously large (though some pet parents thought the size was excellent, so whether you or your Newfoundland enjoy the size could go either way). And you and your pet may not enjoy this recipe’s lack of real meat.
Pros
Specially formulated for giant dog breeds
Nutritionally sound for larger dogs
Extra-large pieces to encourage chewing
Cons
Pieces might be too large
No real meat in recipe
This grain-free food is high in protein (beneficial for your Newfoundland’s muscle and bones), and because it contains lamb as the first ingredient, it’s a good choice for dogs allergic to common protein sources. However, this food does contain peas and lentils, which have been tentatively linked to heart disease in dogs, so take note of that if it’s a concern for you. Also, be aware that grain-free diets aren’t for every dog, so it’s best to speak with your vet before beginning your pet on one. Besides the tons of protein your pup will get with this Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain recipe, it’ll also receive plenty of vitamins and nutrients (such as vitamin E, taurine, and zinc), along with omega fatty acids, plus probiotics and prebiotics—all of which are necessary to boost your pet’s health from head to tail!
Specially formulated for giant dog breeds
Nutritionally sound for larger dogs
Extra-large pieces to encourage chewing
- Specially formulated for giant dog breeds
- Nutritionally sound for larger dogs
- Extra-large pieces to encourage chewing
Pieces might be too large
No real meat in recipe
- Pieces might be too large
- No real meat in recipe
Main ingredients: Lamb, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, egg product
Protein content: 25%
Fat content: 15%
Calories: 410
When it comes to possible downsides, a handful of pet parents mentioned that their dogs became itchy after eating this food, and a few pups hated the smell of the food and wouldn’t eat it.
Pros
High protein
Tons of needed vitamins and nutrients
Pre- and probiotics
Good for dogs allergic to common proteins
Cons
Contains peas
Grain-free diets are not for all dogs
Possibility food may make your pup itchy
Some dogs hate the smell and wouldn’t eat
With a whopping 30% crude protein, this recipe by VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus contains beef, chicken, and pork and is ideal for dogs with high levels of activity. It’s also packed with vitamins, nutrients, protein, amino acids, and vital fatty acids, so your dog stays healthy. Even better, VICTOR Classic’s VPRO Blend ensures this food is easily digestible to avoid stomach issues (and the blend boosts the immune system of your pup). And though this food contains grains, they are gluten-free (if that’s a concern for you). Best of all, this food is suitable for dogs no matter their age!
High protein
Tons of needed vitamins and nutrients
Pre- and probiotics
Good for dogs allergic to common proteins
- High protein
- Tons of needed vitamins and nutrients
- Pre- and probiotics
- Good for dogs allergic to common proteins
Contains peas
Grain-free diets are not for all dogs
Possibility food may make your pup itchy
Some dogs hate the smell and wouldn’t eat
- Contains peas
- Grain-free diets are not for all dogs
- Possibility food may make your pup itchy
- Some dogs hate the smell and wouldn’t eat
Main ingredients: Beef meal, grain sorghum, chicken fat, pork meal
Protein content: 30%
Fat content: 20%
Calories: 406
There were a handful of random complaints from dog owners, with the biggest one being that several dogs refused to eat this food because they didn’t like the smell or taste. Other than that, one person complained of their pet having stinky breath after eating, and a couple stated their dogs had stinky poop after eating.
Pros
High protein
Easily digestible
Gluten-free
Cons
Some dogs dislike the smell and taste
Might cause stinky breath
May cause stinky poop
If you have a Newfoundland that suffers from allergies, food sensitivities, or digestive issues, going the route of a limited ingredient diet may work wonders. Several pet parents who tried this food said their dogs’ ear infections and skin allergies cleared up after eating. This limited ingredient recipe has only a handful of ingredients and features lamb as the first one—excellent for pups with food allergies and as a protein source in general. The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient dog food also packs a ton of fiber via whole grains, which should help ease any digestive issues your pet may have.
High protein
Easily digestible
Gluten-free
- High protein
- Easily digestible
- Gluten-free
Some dogs dislike the smell and taste
Might cause stinky breath
May cause stinky poop
- Some dogs dislike the smell and taste
- Might cause stinky breath
- May cause stinky poop
Main ingredients: Lamb, lamb meal, brown rice, brewers rice
Protein content: 22%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 370
On the flip side of things, a couple of dog parents found the kibble pieces too small for their dogs, and there was the rare complaint of dogs’ breath becoming extremely smelly after switching to this food.
Pros
Limited ingredient
Good for those with allergies, food sensitivities, and digestive issues
High in protein and fiber
Cons
Kibble may be too small for dog
Possibility food may cause stinky breath
Give your favorite dog a food that’s good for them and tastes delicious with Hill’s Science Diet Chicken & Barley dog food! Formulated specifically for large breed dogs, this recipe contains chicken as the first ingredient for a boost of protein that will keep your pup lean and healthy. As an easily digestible dog food, Hill’s shouldn’t cause any digestive problems, and with added glucosamine and chondroitin, your dog’s joints should stay strong. This recipe also comes packed with vitamins C and E for immune system support and omega-fatty acids to keep your dog’s coat looking fabulous.
Limited ingredient
Good for those with allergies, food sensitivities, and digestive issues
High in protein and fiber
- Limited ingredient
- Good for those with allergies, food sensitivities, and digestive issues
- High in protein and fiber
Kibble may be too small for dog
Possibility food may cause stinky breath
- Kibble may be too small for dog
- Possibility food may cause stinky breath
Main ingredients: Chicken, cracked pearled barley, whole grain wheat, whole grain corn
Protein content: 20%
Fat content: 11.5%
Calories: 363
However, a couple of dog owners thought the size of the kibble was too small for large breeds, and at least one person complained that the recipe made their pup gassy.
Pros
Large breed specific
Claims to be easily digestible
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
Cons
Some found kibble size too small for larger breeds
Might cause gassiness
Another dog food made especially for large breed dogs, Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult contains not only chicken as the first ingredient but lamb and salmon as well for a nice blend of protein sources. This recipe also has a combination of superfoods that include kale, blueberries, and chia, making this dog food vitamin and nutrient-rich to boost your pup’s overall health and well-being. And Nutro claims that all ingredients used are tested rigorously for safety, making this dog food a good choice. Plus, according to pet owners, this recipe was popular with dogs and helped with issues such as unhealthy coats and stomach problems!
Large breed specific
Claims to be easily digestible
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Large breed specific
- Claims to be easily digestible
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
Some found kibble size too small for larger breeds
Might cause gassiness
- Some found kibble size too small for larger breeds
- Might cause gassiness
Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, whole grain sorghum
Protein content: 22%
Fat content: 13%
Calories: 350
However, picky eaters weren’t as big of fans of this food as other dogs, and there was the rare complaint that the kibble seemed a bit small.
Pros
Large breed specific
Has a nice blend of protein sources
Dogs seem to be big fans
Cons
Picky eaters, though, do not seem to like this food
Kibble might be a bit small
Large breed specific
Has a nice blend of protein sources
Dogs seem to be big fans
- Large breed specific
- Has a nice blend of protein sources
- Dogs seem to be big fans
Picky eaters, though, do not seem to like this food
Kibble might be a bit small
- Picky eaters, though, do not seem to like this food
- Kibble might be a bit small
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Food for Newfoundlands
What to Look for In a Dog Food for Newfoundlands
You may be unsure where to begin looking when it comes to the best dog food for your Newfoundland. Here are some items to check for in dog foods that will help you narrow down your options.
Amount of Protein
All dogs need protein. But your Newfoundland will need the most protein when it’s a puppy (about 30%), as protein contributes to the strength and health of growing muscles. As they get older, they will need a bit less protein in their diets (about 18%). So, ensure you’re checking the amount of crude protein contained in a food so that it suits your dog’s life stage.
Quality of Protein
Your pet will need to get its protein from a high-quality source. That means checking foods to see whether meat or meat meal is listed as the first or second ingredient. Real meat as the first ingredient is always best, but meat meal is also perfectly acceptable. If you see a meat by-product or meat meal by-product listed at the top of the ingredient list, you may want to keep looking around for a dog food.
Also, if your pet has food allergies or sensitivities, you’ll want to look at what kind of meat is used in a dog food. The most common food allergies are to proteins such as beef and chicken, so check around for a food that uses an alternative source of protein such as lamb, fish, bison, etc.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine can play an important role in keeping joints healthy, especially as your pup ages, which large breed dogs need. Larger breeds are more at risk of developing issues such as arthritis as they get older, so keeping on top of joint health is vital.
Peas & Legumes
As mentioned previously, peas and legumes have been loosely linked to heart disease in dogs—specifically dilated cardiomyopathy. This link requires more research to verify how much peas and legumes could be related to the illness, but if the heart health of your dog is a concern, you might want to find a food without these ingredients.
With or Without Grains
Most dogs won’t require a grain-free diet; in fact, grain-free diets could be harmful (especially since dog foods without grains tend to include peas and legumes). So, talk to your vet before beginning your dog on foods that don’t contain grains. And check dog food labels carefully because some grain-free dog foods might not advertise themselves as being without grains, and some with grains may advertise as grain-free.
Calorie Amount
As with protein amounts, puppies will need more calories than adult dogs. However, too many calories as a puppy could result in your dog growing too quickly. And too many calories for any age can be harmful because some Newfoundlands are prone to obesity. It can be challenging to balance caloric needs, so check with your vet if you’re unsure of the number of calories your dog should have each day.
Price
Dog food can get expensive, but if you shop around, you’re liable to find a dog food with the ingredients you want for a lower price. So, don’t necessarily go with the first dog food you find that seems like a good fit. Chances are you can get a similar food for less.
Reviews
There really is no better way to pick out the perfect dog food for your Newfoundland than by checking out reviews from other pet parents. Reviews by dog owners will likely be a bit more honest than a brand’s marketing. Plus, finding reviews from other Newfoundland owners on how their dogs did on a certain food will be priceless!
Conclusion
Now that you’ve looked through our reviews of the top 10 dog food for Newfoundlands, here’s a refresher on our top five picks. For the best overall food, we recommend The Farmers Dog for its fresh ingredients and overall healthiness. If you want the best value food, our choice is Purina ONE Natural SmartBlend Lamb & Rice Formula, as it’s affordable and suitable for those with food allergies. Our premium choice is Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Chicken Meal & Oatmeal for its high-quality ingredients and larger bits of kibble that make chewing easier. If you have a puppy, our recommendation is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe due to its smaller-sized kibble and amount of essential nutrients. Finally, if you’re looking for a dog food picked by vets, we suggest Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Adult since it’s large breed specific and has oversized kibble bites. Happy shopping!
Featured Image Credit: YAN WEN, Shutterstock
