Choosing the right dog food for your large breed puppy is a crucial decision that sets the foundation for their long-term health and well-being. Large breed puppies have unique nutritional needs, requiring a diet that supports their controlled growth to prevent joint issues later in life. One popular option in the market is Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food, Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe. This formula boasts real lamb as the number one ingredient and promises a recipe crafted with non-GMO ingredients, steering clear of chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, and soy. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into a detailed look at this dog food, considering both the manufacturer’s claims and, importantly, what real customers are saying.
Nutro emphasizes that their Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy food is designed to support healthy vitality in growing pups. They highlight key benefits such as promoting healthy brain and eye development through DHA, supporting healthy digestion, and boosting immunity. Furthermore, they claim the recipe contributes to a healthy skin and coat, strong bones, and robust muscle development – all vital for a large breed puppy as they grow into adulthood. The food is manufactured in the USA using fine ingredients sourced globally, adding to the product’s appeal.
But what do dog owners who have actually used this food think? A look at customer reviews reveals a generally positive sentiment, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 2,700 ratings. Many reviewers echo the brand’s claims, frequently mentioning the quality of ingredients as a major positive. Customers consistently praise the food for using “great ingredients” and being a “high-quality product”. One reviewer even states, “Love that this product does not contain corn, soy, peas or meat by products,” highlighting the appeal of the ingredient list for health-conscious pet owners.
Another recurring theme in the reviews is dog enjoyment. Many owners report their puppies “love it” and “eat all the food every meal”. One enthusiastic customer exclaimed, “He loves this as much as wet food! Incredible.” This is crucial because even the most nutritious food is useless if your puppy refuses to eat it! Beyond palatability, customers are also happy with the perceived health benefits they observe in their dogs. The food is frequently credited with contributing to a shiny coat. Owners boast about their dogs having “nice silky coats” and an “unbelievably shiny” fur, indicating the recipe’s effectiveness in promoting coat health, likely due to the inclusion of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Furthermore, several reviewers point to the food’s support for their puppies’ energy levels. One reviewer whose dog competes in AKC hunt tests mentions, “Nutro food smells fresh and my dog loves it! It keeps him strong and he has the energy to hunt all day.” This suggests the food provides sustained energy, essential for active large breed puppies. Customers also appreciate the nutritional completeness of the food, with comments like “Puppy likes it and it seems to have the vitamins and minerals he needs.”
However, as with any product, not all feedback is glowing. Some negative reviews mention issues with diarrhea. A few customers reported their dogs experiencing “bad bad horrible violent diarrhea” or “loose stools” after consuming this food. This could be a concern for some dogs with sensitive stomachs, and it’s a point to consider, especially if your puppy has a history of digestive issues. Another less frequent, but still noted concern, is the smell of the food. While some find it “fresh,” others describe it as having a “horrible smell” or causing “bad gas” in their pups. It’s important to note that smell is subjective, and what might be unappealing to one person might not bother another.
Overall, Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food, Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe, appears to be a well-regarded option for large breed puppy nutrition. The positive reviews emphasize its quality ingredients, palatability, and noticeable health benefits like coat shine and energy levels. While some negative feedback regarding diarrhea and smell exists, it seems to be less prevalent than the positive experiences. If you’re looking for a puppy food with a focus on natural ingredients and targeted nutrition for large breeds, Nutro Natural Choice is definitely worth considering, keeping in mind to transition your puppy to any new food gradually and monitor their digestive response.