Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, and providing them with the right nutrition is paramount for their healthy development, especially for large breeds. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula is specifically crafted to support the unique needs of growing large-sized dogs, ensuring they receive the essential nutrients for a strong start in life. This formula focuses on high-quality ingredients to promote overall well-being, from bone development to a healthy immune system.
Understanding the Nutritional Foundation
The cornerstone of this formula is a carefully selected blend of ingredients designed for optimal puppy growth. Lamb and lamb meal are the primary protein sources, crucial for building lean muscle mass and supporting overall development. Whole grain brown rice and cracked pearled barley provide sustained energy release, helping your puppy stay active throughout the day. These whole grains are also good sources of fiber, which aids in digestion.
The inclusion of egg product offers a rich source of essential amino acids, while chicken fat, preserved with mixed tocopherols, provides a concentrated source of energy and supports healthy skin and coat. Fish meal and salmon oil are included to deliver vital Omega-3 fatty acids, including Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), which is critical for brain and vision development in young dogs.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
Beyond the core components, Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula is enriched with a variety of beneficial ingredients:
- Flaxseed: Another excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, contributing to overall health.
- Dried Chicory Root: A source of prebiotic fiber that helps promote a healthy gut microbiome, essential for proper nutrient absorption and a strong immune system.
- Kale, Chia Seed, Pumpkin, Blueberries, Oranges, Quinoa, Coconut, Spinach, Carrots, Papaya: This blend of superfoods provides a wide spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help protect your puppy’s cells from damage and support their immune system.
- L-Carnitine: Plays a vital role in energy metabolism, helping to convert fat into energy, which is particularly important for growing large breed puppies who require consistent energy for development.
- Taurine: An essential amino acid that supports heart health, which is crucial for all dogs, especially those prone to certain cardiac conditions.
- Yucca Schidigera Extract: Helps to reduce waste odor in the litter box.
- Probiotic Blend: Contains a guaranteed level of live and active cultures, including Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium, and Bifidobacterium animalis. These probiotics work to support a healthy digestive and immune system.
Guaranteed Analysis and Feeding Guidelines
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including the growth of large-size dogs (70 lbs. or more as an adult).
The guaranteed analysis indicates:
- Crude Protein: 27.0% Minimum
- Crude Fat: 15.0% Minimum
- Crude Fiber: 3.5% Maximum
- Moisture: 10.0% Maximum
- DHA: 0.05% Minimum
- Calcium: 1.2% Minimum
- Phosphorus: 1.0% Minimum
- Zinc: 150 mg/kg Minimum
- Selenium: 0.35 mg/kg Minimum
- Vitamin A: 10,000 IU/kg Minimum
- Vitamin E: 150 IU/kg Minimum
- Taurine*: 0.12% Minimum
- L-Carnitine*: 300 mg/kg Minimum
- Omega-6 Fatty Acids*: 2.0% Minimum
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids*: 0.3% Minimum
- Total Microorganisms: Not Less Than 80,000,000 CFU/lb
The feeding guide provides a starting point for daily food intake based on your puppy’s current weight and age. For instance, a 10 lb puppy between 2-4 months should receive approximately 1½ cups per day. As your puppy grows, these amounts will need to be adjusted. For pregnant or nursing dogs, free-choice feeding is recommended. It’s essential to monitor your puppy’s body condition and consult with your veterinarian to determine the ideal feeding amount and ensure they maintain a healthy weight.
Important Considerations for Your Puppy
Always ensure that fresh, clean water is readily available for your puppy at all times. This is crucial for hydration and overall health. When transitioning your puppy to this new food, do so gradually over a period of 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset. Mix increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the old food.
The facility where this food is produced also makes food that may contain other ingredients, so if your puppy has severe sensitivities, it’s always best to discuss this with your veterinarian.
By choosing Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula, you are providing your growing companion with a balanced and nutritious diet designed to support their journey from puppyhood to adulthood.
