What is the Best Dog Food for Newfoundlands? 2024 Reviews

Imagine a dog as big as a miniature horse with enough fur to lose yourself in and buckets of drool. This gentle giant is the beloved Newfoundland dog.

As a giant breed, these dogs can reach over two feet at the shoulder and weigh up to 150 pounds as an adult. With great size comes great energy!

Because of their incredible size and need for constant activity, these canines are excellent work and rescue dogs. At the same time, they are a lovable family dog, great with young children.

Tons of exercise isn’t the only thing that Newfoundlands need to stay sturdy and strong. Newfoundlands require a healthy, well-rounded diet to stay in the best shape possible. Plus, their enormous size adds some health risks that you can avoid with the appropriate food.

Dog owners have many differing views on the best diet for Newfoundland dogs, but the most vital factors include plenty of meat protein and a careful feeding schedule.

We all want the best for our dogs, so let us help you find the perfect dog food for your Newfoundland. We’ll take an in-depth look at each of our top picks, but first, let’s review some nutritional needs of our fluffy giant friends.

5 Key Nutritional Needs of a Newfoundland

Each dog breed has unique health requirements, but the Newfoundlands’ immense size demands some extra consideration.

Limited Vegetable Protein

Dog food with a high concentration of vegetable proteins (like lentils and peas) and even vegan diets are becoming more popular. However, Newfoundlands are not a small apartment dog; they are large animals that need to be out in nature and eat a more authentic diet.

If your current dog food has some vegetable proteins, that is completely fine. However, make sure the food you give your Newfoundland has a higher percentage of meat proteins than their veggie counterpart since it is harder for them to digest the plant proteins.

Increased Protein

As you reduce the plant protein in your dog’s diet, make sure they are getting enough protein from plenty of meat. The Newfoundland’s immense size means excess energy, thick muscles, and long, flowing fur.

A high-protein diet helps keep your dog’s whole body incredibly healthy, from the fur to the bone. The only thing to keep in mind is to offer more meat than plants in the food. Some fantastic sources of protein include beef, chicken, salmon, and even lamb.

Plenty of Fatty Acids

Newfoundlands have an incredible, luxurious coat of fur. However, it doesn’t become soft and luminous on its own. Your dog needs plenty of fatty acids, like fish and flaxseed oil, to help maintain that fluffy fur you love so much.

A reasonable amount of fatty acids in their diet can also provide more energy, help your dog grow, and limit any inflammation in the body.

Watch Slow Metabolism

Newfoundlands are unfortunately prone to becoming overweight. You can do a couple of things to be aware of the slower metabolism and prevent excess weight gain.

First, make sure to buy dog food with added nutrients, specifically for large and giant dog breeds. You can also create a feeding schedule!

Monitor the Feeding Schedule

Some dogs eat a large amount once a day while others slowly eat from a bowl of food over several hours. With Newfoundland dogs, you cannot do either.

If you feed them their full serving of food all at once, they can eat too quickly and get bloated, which can be potentially fatal. Likewise, if you leave food out all day, they can overeat and gain weight. The best plan would be to serve about two cups of food in the morning and two cups in the evening.

Be sure not to overfeed them. If you are ever unsure of how much you Newfoundland needs a day, ask your vet!

5 Special Dietary and Nutritional Considerations of Newfoundlands

Don’t let their large size fool you; Newfoundlands’ health can be extremely fragile. Their speedy growth rate and massive size make them much more prone to some health conditions.

Skin Allergies

Many Newfoundlands have both environmental and food allergies. The systems manifest in skin problems, ear infections, and even digestive problems.

If you suspect food allergies, make sure to talk to your veterinarian about getting your dog tested.

Obesity

As we mentioned before, massive dogs can easily become overweight, and you might not even notice because of the thick layer of fur.

Stick to your feeding schedule, monitor everything your dog eats, and limit any unhealthy fatty foods. If you buy quality dog food, your Newfoundland will get all the nutrients they need in the few cups of kibble they get each day.

Heart Issues

Your Newfoundland could experience any number of heart issues, from subvalvular aortic stenosis to dilated cardiomyopathy.

Ensure your furry friend’s heart is as strange as possible with a high-protein diet and plenty of healthy vitamins.

Addison’s Disease

Hypoadrenocorticism, or Addison’s disease, comes from a lack of adrenal hormone production. This disease connects to diet because many dogs with Addison’s disease have a subpar diet and tend to vomit.

Gastric Torsion

The reason that a schedule is so important for Newfoundlands is that if they eat or drink water too fast, they can experience gastric torsion or bloat. This phenomenon occurs when the stomach distends with air or gas and then twists so that the dog can’t remove the excess air.

While bloat sounds simple enough, it can be deadly, so make sure to monitor your dog’s eating habits.

Newfoundland Feeding Schedule

Puppy (one to seven months, 11-101 pounds): 400 to 600 grams per day

Adult (seven months to seven years, 120-175 pounds): 400 to 600 grams per day

Senior (seven years and older, 120-175 pounds): varies, depending on your vet’s recommendation

Newfoundland puppies eat as much as an adult dog because they are growing at an incredibly rapid rate. Here are some more tips on how to feed your Newfie puppy:

• Let the puppy nurse as long as possible
• Add some food to their diet as they begin to wean around two months of age
• Begin the transition wet dog food
• Split the total daily food intake into three feedings
• Provide dry dog food at three months, but make the transition slowly
• You can present live animals products to your puppy at five months
• At one year, you can switch to two feedings a day
• Remember to provide sufficient nutrients throughout their first year of life

As you plan your Newfie’s feeding schedule, considering implementing a rotating diet. There are three main options: regular kibble, home-cooked meals, and a raw diet.

Giving your dog dry kibble is probably the easiest option since the experts have already measured and included the correct amount of nutrients in the product.

However, home-cooked meals and raw food diets let you monitor what your dog is ingesting. Before taking meals into your own hands, talk with your vet about the best options.

Another option for home-cooked meals without the hassle is food delivery services, which we’re going to explore more in our list of top dog foods below!

Our 2024 Picks: Best Newfoundland Dog Food

Once you understand more about the Newfoundland digestive system and what the breed needs, you can take a look at our top dog food picks. Here’s a quick rundown of all of our options.

Our 2024 Picks: Best Newfoundland Dog Food
	The Farmer’s Dog Food Plan Human-grade Perfectly portioned Delivered to your door Price: Varies based on plan	CHECK PRICE
	Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Unique salmon taste with plenty of fatty acids and antioxidants Grain-free composition gives your dog extra protein for energy all day long Price:  $1.05/lb	CHECK PRICE
	SPORTMiX Wholesomes Large Breed Formula Quality food for large dogs at a low price Plenty of added nutrients for healthy fur and joints Price: $1.05/lb	CHECK PRICE
	American Journey Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe A favorite among dog owners thanks to the varied ingredients and stellar nutrients High-quality blend with antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids Price:  $1.87/lb	CHECK PRICE
	Authority Chicken and Rice Formula Perfect for larger breeds like Newfoundlands Bang for your buck with numerous nutrients at an affordable price Price:  $1.17/lb	CHECK PRICE
	Ollie Dog Food Detailed explanations about the ingredients and why they can help your dog Customizable meal plans based on your dog’s current size, health, and habits Price: Varies	CHECK PRICE
	A Pup Above Texas Beef Stew Fresh, home-cooked meals in a simple bag High-quality ingredients free of any chemicals Price: $10.00/lb	CHECK PRICE
	Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Formula Formula packed with nutrients for the rapid puppy development Small, bite-sized pieces that promote easy digestion and tartar removal Price:  $1.67/lb	CHECK PRICE
	Diamond Naturals Senior Formula The formula includes numerous nutrients to strengthen a senior dog’s whole body, from their joints to their fur Plenty of probiotics and zero corn, wheat, and artificial flavors for ultimate digestive health Price:  $1.06/lb	CHECK PRICE
	Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat The specific formula for weight loss approved by vets Has sufficient calories while including prebiotics and fatty acids Price:  $2.99/lb	CHECK PRICE

It’s hard to pick just one product since each canine has specific tastes and needs. However, this dog food grabbed our attention from the first glance.

Our Top Pick: The Farmer’s Dog Food Plan

Since Newfoundland dog’s diet is crucial to all-around good health, our top pick is a fresh-food delivery service.

With The Farmer’s Dog food plan, you can give your dog the advantage of healthy, well-rounded meals without spending time researching and preparing the meals. Each one of the meals made by The Farmer’s Dog goes above and beyond the standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

The Farmer’s Dog takes a detailed inventory of your dogs before offering any meal plans. You will need to fill out everything from your dog’s age and weight to their breed, body type, and activity level.

Once you have answered all of the questions, The Farmer’s Dog will offer you the ideal food for your dog.

An example of an ideal food package for a Newfoundland has USDA turkey, carrots, chickpeas, broccoli, vitamin B12, and D3 supplements. They will show you a breakdown of the percentage of protein and fat in each package, so you know the nutritional benefits.

From the fresh ingredients to the incredibly personalized food plan, The Farmer’s Dog is a fantastic choice for the healthiest Newfoundland diet. The only potential downside is the cost, which is higher than a regular bag of kibble.

10 More Top-Rated Dog Foods for Newfoundlands

If you want to look at some more dog food options, we have ten more stellar options for you and your Newfoundland. Whether you’re specifically looking for a puppy or senior formula or a product to help your dog lose weight, we have the perfect product for you.

Runner-up: Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream

Key Features:

• Easy-to-digest grain-free dog food
• Taste gives your dog a flavor of the wild, awakening their instincts

Newfoundlands need a high-protein diet that is easy on their stomach. The Taste of the Wild offers various dog food products that have fresh meat, giving your dog the energy and nutrients they need.

This particular dry dog food bag has delicious smoked salmon, peas, and sweet potatoes. There is also a touch of antioxidants in the fruits and vegetables that improves your dog’s digestion. The complex carbohydrates (legumes and sweet potatoes) are easy on your dog’s stomach and provide exceptional energy.

Thanks to the salmon in the dry dog food, this product has a wealth of Omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy fur and skin.

However, since salmon is not a particularly common ingredient in dog food, some dogs were adamant about not eating the food. Of course, each dog has their own preferences and taste.

Pros:

• Ingredients made in the USA by trusted farmers
• Includes fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants

Cons:

• Some dogs may not immediately like the food

On a Budget: SPORTMiX Wholesomes Large Breed Formula

Key Features:

• Delicious dog food at an affordable price
• Packed with nutrients that larger dogs need

Although dog food can be extremely costly, especially if you are considering home-cooked meals, you don’t have to break the bank to get a quality product.

With the SPORTMiX dog food, you can get a bag of dog food specially designed for larger dogs at a very competitive price. Quality does not always equal expensive prices.

Large dogs may often struggle with joint pain, so SPORTMiX added glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to help strengthen those fragile bones. The extra Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids will give your dog a beautiful fur coat.

The company also ensures that there are absolutely no common grains or low-protein meats that could cause digestive issues in your Newfoundland. There are actually natural vegetable fibers that aid the digestive tract.

Most dogs loved this food, but a possible downside is the packaging. The bag does not have heavy-duty material, so handle it with care.

Pros:

• The formula is specifically for large and extra-large dogs
• Fantastic low price

Cons:

• The bag could easily rip open when using it

Most Popular: American Journey Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe

Key Features:

• Delicious combination of deboned beef, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas
• Added salmon oil and flaxseed for the needed Omega-3 fatty acids

American Journey is one of Newfoundland owner’s favorite brands. This blend of beef and sweet potato has tons of added ingredients for as much nutritional value as possible. It includes dried kelp, carrots, blueberries, salmon oil, and flaxseed.

These ingredients provided the necessary fiber, antioxidants, fatty acids, and phytonutrients that your dog needs to thrive. Without any corn or wheat, this blend is ideal for any dogs with a sensitive stomach.

American Journey promises that each of their dog foods always has protein as the first ingredient. The beef in this particular recipe provides your dog with vitamin B12 and iron. Sweet potatoes are also a source of vitamins, minerals, and beta-carotene.

While most dogs love this mix, even picky eaters, a few dogs may have more frequent bowel movements as they adjust.

Pros:

• Ideal for all breed sizes, especially larger dogs
• Ingredients help support your dog’s muscles, fur, and immune system

Cons:

• Could cause more frequent bathroom trips

Best Value: Authority Chicken and Rice Formula

Key Features:

• The bag is full of multiple vitamins, fatty acids, and zinc
• Each bite of kibble comes with an Ora-Shield system for healthy teeth

If you’re looking for dog food that gives you incredible value for your money, Authority is a fantastic choice.

At one of the lowest prices on our list, this formula provides just as many benefits as more expensive options. The recipe, crafted by vet nutritionists, includes prebiotics and fiber for a healthy digestive system, as well as vitamin E and zinc for a well-functioning immune system.

One of the most interesting features of this dog food is the addition of the brand’s Ora-Shield system. Every piece of kibble has a unique design that works to fight plaque and tartar as your dog chews.

While there may be a few dogs that don’t like this particular blend, most dogs enjoy the flavor. One thing to watch out for is the shipping conditions, as the bag could come damaged.

Pros:

• Recipe created by the Healthy Pet Advisory Council
• Dog food protects teeth, coat, muscles, and bones

Cons:

• Bags of food could arrive in poor condition

Best Customizable: Ollie Dog Food

Key Features:

• Detailed questionnaire to determine the perfect meal plan for your dog
• Complete transparency about the ingredients
• Meals arrive directly at your door

Similar to The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie sends delicious home-cooked meals straight to your door.

The plans are extremely customizable, thanks to the short quiz you fill out before looking at the food options. Fill in information about your dong’s current and ideal weight, age, and activity level.

You can start your experience with a two-week starter box that has 28 packs of food. You can anywhere from one to four food options for those 28 packages. Depending on which meal plans you choose, the price will change accordingly.

An example of a Newfoundland food package is the lamb meal with kale, butternut squash, and added fiber. Ollie includes detailed information about their products and why they include them in the packages, so you can do your own research and personalize the food plan even further.

The one downside to this service is the price. However, if you choose to use this plan with regular kibble, you can significantly reduce the weekly price.

Pros:

• A home-cooked meal without you spending time and effort on the creations
• Assurance of high-quality ingredients
• Includes a plan for overweight or underweight dogs

Cons:

• Higher price since it is a delivery system

Premium Option: A Pup Above Texas Beef Stew

Key Features:

• Adjust how much food you buy according to your dog’s eating habits
• Quality of home-cooked meals in a packaged bag that easily ships to your house

We’ve looked at several options that create a specific home-cooked meal plan and ship it to you. A Pup Above doesn’t personalize the food quite as much as those options, but they do offer a similar option.

A Pup Above has four different types of dog food, all of which are healthy, fresh food options. Choose which one you would like, such as the Texas Beef Stew, and select either a three or seven-pound bag.

You cannot accommodate the package any further, but the website helps you calculate how much food per week you will need based on your dog’s size and appetite.

Nevertheless, each package is full of quality, fresh, human-grade ingredients. The vegetables are non-GMO, and the company only uses meat without growth hormones and antibiotics.

If you want more information about the ingredients, A Pup Above includes details of where they grew the products and whether they have any unwanted chemicals.

The negative side of incredibly fresh, chemical-free ingredients is that the price is much higher than other bags of dog food.

Pros:

• Added superfoods for extremely healthy meals
• High protein foods ideal for larger breeds

Cons:

• Much higher price than other options

Best for Puppies: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Formula

Key Features:

• Complete package with the Super 7 antioxidant-rich ingredients
• Small kibble size so your puppy can easily chew and digest the food

A Newfoundland puppy needs specific nutrients that will keep them healthy as they go through a huge growth spurt during the first year of their life. This Blue Buffalo blend is ideal for larger dog breeds, so you can trust that it will provide what your puppy needs.

The dry dog food has ARA and DHA for well-functioning eyes and brain, chelated minerals and antioxidants for a healthy immune system, and calcium for strong bones. The company debones the chicken for easy digestion, and there are additional fruits, whole grains, and veggies to give a well-rounded diet.

One of the best parts of this blend is the small size of the kibble. The style of the pieces fit well into smaller puppy mouths, and the design helps remove any tartar buildup.

Pros:

• Only includes high-quality mean and no chicken by-products
• Plenty of vitamins for good eyesight, healthy teeth, and strong bones

Cons:

• Some puppies may experience gas

Best for Seniors: Diamond Naturals Senior Formula

Key Features:

• Between 10 and 20% of the blend is made of superfoods for extra minerals and nutrients
• Key ingredients to strengthen aging joints

As your beloved Newfoundland ages, you need to provide them with a specific blend of ingredients to avoid any illnesses, joint pain, and overall health decline.

This Diamond Naturals product is full of superfoods (10-20% of the blend) with high-quality chicken. Your dog will be able to digest the food easily, so you don’t have to worry about any digestive illnesses as they age.

This blend has chondroitin and glucosamine to support the joints, probiotics for digestive health, and fatty acids for a healthy coat.

Pros:

• No wheat, corn, or soy for the sensitive stomachs of older dogs
• Addition of probiotics aids in your dog’s overall ability to digest food

Cons:

• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste

Best for Weight Control: Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat

Key Features:

• Provides extensive nutrients for dogs with a sensitive stomach or weight issues
• Expert formula approved by veterinarians

Since Newfoundlands often struggle with obesity, you may need dog food that helps them keep their weight down. Royal Canin has several dog food blends that cater to dogs with special dietary needs.

This particular option is a low-fat dry dog food that works to improve the whole digestive system. Since this product has an extremely specific formula, you will need authorization or a prescription from your veterinarian to purchase this dog food.

If your vet signs off on this purchase, your Newfoundland will be able to enjoy a delicate formula and a happier stomach. All of the proteins and prebiotics will allow your dog to digest the food easier and produce a smooth bowel movement.

Plus, the addition of fish oil and fibers improves the overall health of your dog’s gastrointestinal tract.

Pros:

• Helps dogs lose weight in a natural and healthy way
• Delicious combination of proteins, fatty acids, prebiotics, and antioxidants

Cons:

• Requires a veterinarian’s approval for the purchase

Our 2024 Newfoundland Feeding Guide

Our furry friends make up such a huge part of our lives, so we want to make sure they have the best nutrition possible. As such, you probably have numerous questions about what the perfect diet is for your Newfie.

Here are some of the most common questions people ask about Newfoundland dog food and our answers. Hopefully, they’ll help you keep your pup in fantastic shape.

Is Fresh or Dry Food Better for My Newfoundland?

Instead of choosing either dry or fresh food, it’s best to include a combination of them both.

It can be difficult and expensive to include a daily diet of fresh food. Alternating fresh food with dry food ensures your Newfie gets everything they need without expending your resources.

How Much Should I Give My Newfoundland to Eat?

Even though Newfoundlands are massive dogs, you do not need to feed them an excessive amount of food. In fact, you should be careful not to feed them too much since they can easily become overweight.

The ideal amount of dog food for an adult Newfoundland dog is four to six cups or 400 to 600 grams. Make sure to split this amount into two feedings so that your dog doesn’t bloat from eating too much at one time.

Should I Give My Newfoundland a Grain-Free Diet?

After talking about Newfoundlands’ struggle to digest plant proteins, you may think that a grain-free diet is the best option. However, completely removing grains can actually increase their already high risk of dilated cardiomyopathy.

Each dog is unique, though, so this decision is ultimately up to you. Of course, you can always talk to your vet if you have further questions.

How Long Should My Newfoundland Puppy Stay on a Puppy Diet?

The puppy stage is arguably the most important few months of your dog’s life. Their rapid growth requires plenty of nutrients for strong bones and muscles.

When the puppy is weaning, at about two months of age, start including wet food throughout the day to get them accustomed to eating something other than milk. Transition to dry dog food at three months, and continue the puppy kibble until one year old.

It is essential that you purchase puppy kibble for large dogs so that they get all the necessary nutrients.

How Can I Tell If My Newfoundland Is Overweight?

With all that luscious fur, it can be near impossible to tell if your Newfie is over or underweight. Here are some tips to help you test your dog’s size.

If you look down at your dog from directly above, you should be able to see where their waist narrows. Also, place your hands on your dog’s back with your fingers on the dies of the dog and your thumbs on the spine. If you can feel the ribs without applying pressure, they are a healthy weight.

Conclusion

Newfoundlands are fantastic, loving, and loyal dogs with a heroic streak. Nevertheless, they do require more nutritional care than other dogs.

By understanding your dog’s needs, you can easily handle these responsibilities and provide the perfect, well-balanced diet for your pup.

We hope that the list above has given you a great idea of what type of food your dog needs. Try a few options, or implement a rotational diet with dry and fresh food until you find the perfect meal for your Newfie.

At the end of the day, listen to your dog. They will tell you which food they prefer and need. It could be the cheapest or most elite option, but no one can have greater insight into what your Newfoundland needs than the dog themself.

We hope this guide has helped you find the perfect dog food. The best part is that any of the choices above is an incredibly healthy option. Pick one that your dog loves, and you can rest peacefully knowing your Newfoundland has incredible nutrition.