Large and giant breed dogs are adored for their gentle natures and impressive size, but growing into those big paws needs to happen at the right pace. One of the most important things you can do for your puppy’s long-term health is to focus on controlled growth, rather than maximum growth.
Letting your puppy grow too fast can increase their risk of joint, bone, and muscle issues later in life. The key? A balanced, portion-controlled diet that supports steady development, like Wolfworthy.
Why Controlled Growth Matters
Rapid growth in large breed puppies can put too much pressure on their bones, joints, muscles, and tendons, which are still developing. Our complete, all-life-stage food is designed to give your puppy exactly what they need, without overloading their system.
Wolfworthy recipes are:
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Rich in freshly prepared meat and fish
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Naturally supportive of joint health with added glucosamine and chondroitin
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Made with omega-3-rich ingredients like salmon and trout
➡️ Explore what’s inside Wolfworthy recipes
Feed for Their Future Size, Not Just Today
The right feeding amount is based on your puppy’s expected adult weight, plus their current weight and activity level. If you can, ask your breeder about the parent dogs' sizes, that’s the best clue to your pup’s future weight.
➡️ Use our Giant Breed Feeding Guide
Do’s and Don’ts for Growing Giant Breed Puppies
✅ Do:
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Feed a complete, balanced food like Wolfworthy
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Be realistic about your dog’s expected adult size
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Feed set meals, not free-feeding
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Exercise gently - The Kennel Club recommends 5 minutes of formal exercise per month of age (up to twice daily)
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Weigh your puppy regularly and adjust food accordingly
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Visit your vet for regular check-ups
➡️ Is your dog a healthy weight? Use this guide to check
🚫 Don’t:
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Overfeed with treats, scraps, or chews
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Let your puppy jump or climb too often - this stresses developing joints
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Push for intense exercise too early - focus on gentle play and short walks
When to Transition to Adult Feeding Amounts
Giant breed dogs usually reach adult height by 18 to 24 months, but will continue to fill out and mature beyond that. You might notice signs it's time to adjust their feeding plan:
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They leave food in the bowl
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They begin to gain too much weight
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Their stools become soft
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to gradually reduce their food over a few weeks until you reach the amount suitable for their adult weight.
➡️ Read more about when to switch feeding amounts
Tips for Portion Control
Most dogs do best on the recommended amount for their weight. However:
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Working dogs or very active breeds may need more
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If you use other food (treats, chews, scraps), you may need to reduce the main portion to balance the calories
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Feed based on your dog’s ideal weight, not current weight, if they need to gain or lose
Monitor your dog’s:
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Stool quality (too soft or too firm?)
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Body condition (are ribs visible, waist defined?)
📩 Still unsure? Email us at support@wolfworthy.co.uk - we’re always happy to help!
Feeding a large or giant breed puppy doesn't have to be complicated. With Wolfworthy, you can be confident that you're giving your dog the best possible start, without overfeeding, overcomplicating, or overdoing it.
