Best Dog Food for Newfoundlands: Our 10 Top Brands for 2023

Newfoundlands are known as a giant breed of dog that eats a lot and are very docile… but not all of that is actually correct.

Newfoundlands were developed as a working dog for fishermen in Canada and, although they don’t have a problem working hard, they are generally quite mild and don't really eat that much (considering their size).

Due to their proneness for several health issues, ensuring your Newfoundland is receiving a diet full of high-quality ingredients is super important to try and keep your furry friend around for many years to come. That is why we have put together the best foods to consider through all stages of life, so you don’t have to.

No matter your budget or the ingredients you would like to include in your Newfoundlands diet (or not include), we have covered it all to make sure no dog is left out. Read on to find out what the best dog foods for Newfoundlands are!

OUR TOP 3 PICKS FOR DOG FOODS FOR NEWFOUNDLANDS

5 Key Nutritional Needs of a Newfoundland Puppy

As puppies have different nutritional needs to adult dogs, you must ensure you are aware of the dietary requirements for your Newfoundland puppy so they grow at a healthy rate. Five of the most important nutritional needs include:

• Healthy fats for growth
• Phosphorus to help with forming teeth and bones, as well as using carbohydrates for growth
• Heaps of calcium for healthy bones and teeth
• Lots of protein for energy
• Always make sure you have a food that is suited for the slow growth of a giant dog breed

Overall Best Dog Foods for Newfoundlands in 2023

What Is The Best Dog Food For Newfoundlands?

1. Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food Delivery
2. American Journey Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe
3. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Formula
4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
5. Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food
6. A Pup Above Turkey Pilaf
7. VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus Formula
8. Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula
9. Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe
10. Instinct Original Recipe

 

1. Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food

Top 5 ingredients: Depends on the recipe you choose

A unique option on this list is the Nom Nom meal option. The reason it is unique is it is neither dry nor canned food – it is fresh food delivered to your door. Every batch is cooked on low heat, to preserve nutrients, in their USA kitchens through a set-by-step routine with minimal processing.

The options are customized to your Newfoundland, their age and their needs, as you are required to let them know about your furry friend before you begin. This allows for the best food for your dog, every time.

Nom Nom is delivered to your door frozen and must also be stored in the freezer to ensure freshness. Before you feed your dog their first meal, you must ensure the package has been in the refrigerator for 12 hours.

Then, every meal after that should be defrosted for around 24 hours before eating. One big thing to consider though is the fact that the packaging is not resealable. Therefore, if your Newfoundland is only eating a portion of one meal, ensure you have appropriate containers to store the leftovers until the next meal.

As for the actual food itself, Nom Nom is full of nutritious and fresh ingredients. It is a great choice for balanced wet dog food for your Newfoundland, as it has a range of beneficial ingredients included.

There is a heart-healthy combination of turkey breast and turkey liver as well as fruits and vegetables including kale, carrots, lentils, blueberries, and pumpkin. These offer phytonutrients for eye health, as well as antioxidants and vitamins that assist with overall health.

There's also the addition of chia seeds, for manganese, zinc, and copper, as well as iron sulfate, coconut oil, cod liver oil and vitamin E for a range of benefits.

Tasty Turkey Feast is created with the assistance of a veterinary nutritionist and is AAFCO approved, which suggests it meets all the necessary nutritional guidelines necessary for healthy dog food.

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2. American Journey Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe

Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Chickpeas

If you are looking for quality food that sits at a lower price, than definitely consider American Journey Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe. Even though it isn't super expensive, it still offers a range of benefits to your Newfoundland's health and well being in more ways than one.

The mix contains deboned beef, which is full of protein and amino acids and assists in leaner muscles and a great taste. It can have a strange smell though, as well as being difficult for some senior dogs to digest, so make sure you consider these points before purchasing.

There are also a range of fruits and vegetables included, such as blueberries, carrots, and dried kelp, which offer antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients, as well as immune support and lots of vitamins and minerals.

It is also full of omegas-3 and 6 fatty acids, including long-chain DHA from both salmon oil and flaxseed, which help coat and skin health, as well as healthy eye and brain development.

Therefore, if you are after a quality dog food but for a lower price, the American Journey Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe is a great choice.

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3. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Formula

Top 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes

A popular choice for Newfoundlands is Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream. Coming in a range of sizes and based on an all-natural recipe, this dry food is both gluten and grain-free and formulated with novel proteins, which act as great energy sources.

Add this to the sweet potatoes and peas, for highly digestible energy, as well as many other fruits and vegetables that are bursting with natural antioxidants and you have a blend that is perfect for overall health.

Dried chicory root has also been included, for both healthy digestion and prebiotic support, as well as roasted venison and beef for lean muscles and nutrition.

With all these benefits comes a higher price tag, as you are paying for premium food, and with the current FDA warning regarding some foods and DCM, this option may not be the best one for your needs. But generally, it is clear to see how this is the most popular choice for Newfoundland owners.

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4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley

Finally, if you have come to this article looking for puppy food, you’ve come to the right place! The best dry food for Newfoundland puppies is the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food.

It's ‘puppy-sized' kibble bits are the perfect size for little jaws, as well as promoting tartar removal for a healthy mouth. There are calcium phosphorus and essential vitamins for strong teeth and bones, as well as DHA and ARA for brain and eye development and omegas-3 and 6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.

Let’s not forget the ‘LifeSource’ bits as well, which are a precise blend of nutrients that are enhanced with a ‘Super 7′ group of antioxidant-dense ingredients. Everything your Newfoundland puppy could want and/or need!

It is not suited to those looking for high levels of coat health though, nor for puppies that suffer from digestion issues. Despite this, however, this mix is a great choice for Newfoundland puppies for both growth and health.

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More Top Rated Newfoundland Foods

5. Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch 

Top 5 Ingredients: Herring Meal, Peas, Dried Eggs, Canola Oil, Tapioca

Because there are so many great options when it comes to foods for your Newfoundland, we thought we’d add a few more!

This is a high-quality, grain-free dog food that features a variety of fish-based proteins such as whiting, herring, and salmon, providing a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

This recipe is also loaded with wholesome vegetables, fruits, and antioxidants to support overall health and well-being. It is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, and is made with sustainably sourced ingredients. It is formulated to provide a balanced and nutritious diet for dogs of all life stages, promoting optimal health and vitality.

This blend is great for Newfoundlands with stomach issues however, due to the digestion assistance it offers, you may find your furry friend is going to the bathroom more often than before.

It is also worth noting that this dry food mix does not contain corn, grains, wheat or gluten, nor is there any artificial flavors or colors. Seems like a good choice to us!

6. A Pup Above Turkey Pilaf

Top 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Barley, Oat, Eggs

Turkey Pilaf is a premium dog food made with high-quality, human-grade ingredients, inspired by the flavors of a classic turkey pilaf.

This sous-vide cooked dog food features real, whole-food ingredients like turkey, brown rice, vegetables, and superfoods, providing a delicious and nutritious meal option for your canine companion. The turkey in this recipe is sourced from humanely raised and antibiotic-free turkeys, ensuring a high level of quality and sustainability.

This dog food is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, and is gently cooked to retain the maximum nutritional value of the ingredients. The sous-vide cooking process helps to lock in the natural flavors and nutrients, making it highly palatable and digestible for dogs.

This unique kibble is formulated to provide a complete and balanced diet for dogs, supporting their overall health and well-being. With its wholesome ingredients and delicious taste, this is a healthy and tasty option for dogs who deserve the best in their bowl.

7. VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat, Pork Meal, Chicken Meal

The VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus Formula is a good choice if you are after a premium-level dry food with lots of positive ingredients. Containing 88% meat protein, which is made up of chicken, beef, pork, and fish meals, this mix is what your dog needs for overall health and well being.

The addition of gluten-free grains offers a nice balance, as well as vitamins, amino acids, minerals and essential fatty acids which allows it to be eaten by canines in every life cycle, including growing puppies and pregnant/lactating females. If you do not wish to feed your Newfoundland kibble that is on the smaller side though, you may want to give this choice a miss.

8. Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula

Top 5 Ingredients: Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Ground White Rice, Dried Yeast, Egg Product

Another great option for your Newfoundland is the Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula Adult Dry Dog Food.

This blend includes great sources of protein, such as fish and beef, as well as a range of fruits and vegetables such as peas, kale, blueberries, and coconut.

There are also superfoods and probiotics, for the overall health and wellbeing of your furry best friend, as well as omega fatty acids, nurturing minerals and antioxidants for coat and skin health.

If your Newfoundland is a super picky eater, you may find that this mix does not suit them, however mostly it is a great choice.

9. Merrick Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes

If you are searching for dry food that is marketed as ‘allergy-friendly', the Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe is a perfect choice.

This blend contains ingredients such as apples, real deboned beef, blueberries, and sweet potato, as well as chondroitin and glucosamine, which helps with mobility.

There are also omegas-3 and 6 fatty acids, for healthy skin and a shiny coat, and a small kibble size for easy eating. It is gluten-free and free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, in addition to being poultry-free.

10. Instinct by Nature's Variety Original Recipe with Real Chicken

Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Tapioca

To round off this list, we have the Instinct by Nature Variety Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken. This mix is suited for all stages of life, from puppy to senior, and has a raw nutrition base for overall wellbeing.

This high-protein food is created with a balanced approach, including a range of options such as vegetables, real chicken, natural omegas, antioxidants and probiotics for help with every part of your dog's body.

This dry food is free of any corn, grains, soy, potato, and wheat and offers great support for coat health, skin health, and digestion, as well as immune health.

Bear in mind however that it can cause your Newfoundland some gas, and the bag can be difficult to open and close, however it is altogether a good choice for your furry best friend.

Our 2023 Newfoundlands Feeding Guide

Puppy

Average Weight – Anywhere between 11lbs (at 4 weeks) to 101lbs (at 7 months)

Recommended Daily Food Intake – 4-6 cups a day (400g to 600g)

Adult

Average Weight – Approximately 120lbs – 175lbs (55kg – 80kg)

Recommended Daily Food Intake – 4-6 cups a day (400g to 600g)

Senior

Average Weight – Approximately 120lbs – 175lbs (55kg – 80kg)

Recommended Daily Food Intake – When assessing the amount and type of food for your senior Newfoundland (about 6-7 years of age or older), it is highly recommended that you consult a vet. There is a range of factors that can affect what a senior dog should be fed, and how much, so make sure you speak to a professional.

6 Special Dietary and Nutritional Considerations of Newfoundlands

Due to Newfoundlands being large dogs with some environmental sensitivities, certain dietary and nutritional standards must be considered including:

• Low levels of fat due to history of weight issues
• Fatty acids for a nice shiny, thick coat
• A diet that is rich in protein for energy
• Newfoundlands are prone to obesity, so caloric intake is important to consider
• As Newfoundlands have slow metabolisms, it is important to choose a food that is formulated for large/extra-large dog breeds that has all the right nutrition
• Due to heart issues, ensure that there isn’t more vegetable protein, as opposed to meat protein, in your dog’s food

Newfoundland Puppy Feeding Chart

6 Week Old Newfoundland 

• At 6 weeks of age, it is ideal that a Newfoundland puppy is still nursing from its mother
• If they are not feeding from their mother, it is vital to ensure they are receiving the same nutrients as they would be getting from their mother’s milk
• It is difficult to substitute the antibodies, as well as the macro and micronutrients that a puppy receives from their mother’s milk with anything else
• Puppies at this age are growing quite fast, so it is very important to ensure they are receiving enough nutrients to keep this growth going

10 Week Old Newfoundland

• Puppies begin weaning from their mothers at around 8-10 weeks of age
• As a puppy is weaned, they will require more puppy food to replace their mother’s milk
• To help with the transition between milk and dog food, it is recommended to start with wet food (which is about 85% moisture) to help their stomachs
• Wet food also assists with preparing a puppy’s digestive system for whole food later on
• Puppies at this age need to be fed at least 3 times a day
• As they are growing very fast, it is important to ensure they are receiving enough nutrients for healthy growth

12 Week Old Newfoundland

• At this age, the transition from wet to dry food starts
• To avoid diarrhea and vomiting, ensure you complete the transition in small steps, so you don’t upset your puppy’s stomach
• To begin, start with around 10% dry food and 90% wet food and increase the dry food by 10-15% each week
• Puppies at this age need to be fed at least 3 times a day
• Remember, your puppy is still growing so make sure they are getting enough nutrients to fuel this growth!

3 Month Old Newfoundland

• At around 3 months of age, your puppy should be eating dry food only
• If possible, stay away from foods that state they are for ‘all stages of life’, as they likely do not include all the nutrients that your puppy needs at this age
• As a rough guide, look at feeding your puppy a total of 4-6 cups of dry food a day
• Puppies at this age need to be fed at least 3 times a day
• Remember, your puppy is still growing so make sure they are getting enough nutrients to fuel this growth!

5 Month Old Newfoundland

• By the time they get to 5 months of age, your puppy should be completely used to their dry food diet
• Additionally, around 4-5 months of age you can introduce some live animal products into their diet, such as liver, actual bone and raw eggs (but not too much!)
• Puppies at this age need to be fed at least 3 times a day
• As a rough guide, look at feeding your puppy a total of 4-6 cups of dry food a day
• Still growing!

1 Year Old Newfoundland

• Once your puppy gets to around 12 months of age, they will likely be slowing down a little on their food intake (as their metabolism is slowing down too)
• By this time, feed your Newfoundland once or twice a day for a total of 4-6 cups of food (approximately)
• Also remember, puppies continue to grow until 1.5 to 2 years old, so continually ensuring they have enough nutrients to keep up with this growth is important

Conclusion

After reading all this information, it is clear to see that there are quite a few options on the market when it comes to food to feed your Newfoundland in any stage of life… but not every option will be suited exactly to your furry friend’s needs.

It is important to read up on the ingredients that are in your dog's food and ensure that they are meeting all their nutritional and dietary needs, as well as factoring in any allergies or other sensitivities.

From digestive health to energy levels to coat and skin health (and everything else in between), the variety of ingredients that are offered in dog food has different benefits for every part of a canine's body.

When it comes to the best food for your Newfoundland though, we have you covered. If you are looking for a fresh delivery service that offers quality meals and your budget is a little higher, the Ollie Turkey Feast dog food is the perfect option.

If you are after something a little less expensive, the American Journey Salmon and Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food is the choice for you and your furry friend. If you are looking for the most commonly chosen Newfoundland food for your pooch, then the Taste of the Wild High Prairie is what you need.

Finally, if you have a puppy that needs quality food, look no further than the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula, which has ‘puppy-sized’ kibble pieces and heaps of vitamins and nutrients for healthy growth.

If you have read this article and found it all a little overwhelming, don’t be discouraged. Take the information and go to your local vet to talk about what is best for your Newfoundland. They will be able to help you look at all the options, their benefits and which one suits your furry best friend the best.

You have to remember, every dog is different which is why there are so many options available! Not every option will be suited to what your dog needs, so you may have to try a few before you find the best option. Once you’ve found it though, enjoy having a happy and healthy puppy dog for many more years.

Should Newfoundlands eat dry or canned food?

When you are looking at both canned and dry food for Newfoundlands, both have their benefits to consider. When speaking to the experts, they suggest that you feed them a healthy diet that is made up of both dry and canned food, or even fresh food where possible.

Should my Newfoundland eat a grain-free diet?

Although it is up to the individual dog as to whether they need a grain-free diet due to sensitivities, there have been some indications that a grain-free diet is linked to an increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). As Newfoundlands are already prone to this disease, before being fed a grain-free diet, it is a personal choice as to whether this kind of diet is suitable for your furry friend.

Is a Newfoundland considered a Large or Extra Large breed?

A Newfoundland is generally considered an extra-large, or giant breed of dog.

How often should I feed my Newfoundland puppy?

It is recommended that you feed your Newfoundland puppy around 2 cups of food, 3 times a day.