Best Dog Foods or Newfoundlands: Puppies, Adults & Seniors

The Newfoundland is a gentle giant. He is a happy, sweet, and devoted pup who is pleasant and polite with all he meets. But in return for his awesome personality, he has a few basic needs that need meeting. And one of those is nutrition. However, a giant breed like this shouldn’t be eating a budget brand dog food. But oftentimes, that makes picking a dog food even harder, especially when shopping for premium brands.

In this guide to feeding your Newfoundland, you’ll learn all about your pup’s nutritional needs at each life stage. You’ll also learn which ingredients to look for and what to stay away from. Newfies can have sensitive stomachs, so it’s important to know what to steer clear of.

In addition to educating you about your Newfie’s nutrition, we’ve also compiled a list of our favorite kibbles for your pup at every life stage. We’ve listed out some of our favorite foods for giant breed dogs like the Newfoundland, with a comprehensive review of why they are compatible with your gentle giant.

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Newfoundland Puppy Nutrient Needs

Puppies need puppy growing power. Which means more protein, energy, and fats. Adult food or all life stage kibble does not contain the optimum nutrition needed for puppy growth. If you want to give your Newfie the best start to life and provide him with healthy foundations, puppy kibble is the best option. High-quality puppy kibbles provide everything he needs for a well-balanced bowl.

Specifically, puppies need a protein content of at least 22%. The first ingredient in the kibble should always be meat. Protein contains the amino acids that his body and muscles need to grow. He’ll also need healthy carbohydrates for energy. Fiber and probiotic ingredients for gut health. And antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals will support his immune system to fight illness and disease.

Another important aspect of puppy nutrition is omega fatty acids. As these ensure healthy cognitive, eye, and organ development. As well as joint support, cardiac and coat health, and overall wellness. Omega fats are found in ingredients such as fish, meat meals, egg, and fish oils. High-quality kibbles will include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), mimicking the goodness provided in mothers’ milk.

Newfoundland puppies are adorable, but he will not stay small for long. He will eventually grow into a giant-sized dog who weighs anywhere between 100 and 150 pounds. Giant dog breeds grow at a much faster rate than small dogs do, and this can cause problems for his skeletal growth. But by feeding him a kibble specifically designed for large and giant dog breeds, you can minimize the potential problems. They contain specific calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and fat ratios to control his rapid bone growth.

Adult Newfoundland Nutrient Needs

Your Newfoundland puppy should be switched to an adult kibble between the ages of 12 and 15 months. Because he has nearly finished growing, he will need less energy and fats at this life stage. Fatty acids are still important though, as you’ll want to keep his fluffy black coat nice and shiny. The Newfie is prone to obesity, and extra weight is linked to a variety of health issues. If you notice that your pup is eating more than he is burning off, consider a weight management kibble.

Stick to a high-quality kibble that will provide a well-balanced diet. This includes protein, healthy carbohydrates, fiber, omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. These are all crucial for a healthy lifestyle and body. The recommended protein content during adulthood is a minimum of 18%. And just as you did in puppyhood, be sure to feed him a kibble that is designed for large or giant breeds (depending on your Newfie’s weight).

You may want to steer clear of higher-calorie formulas if your Newfie is a couch potato. While this breed can be fairly active, and enjoys a good swim, they can also be less active in their later adult years. This means you may need to regulate their food intake, or you may find your pup needing to lose a few pounds by switching to a weight-management kibble.

Senior Newfoundland Nutrient Needs

As your Newfoundland reaches the age of six to seven years, he will be considered a senior. Senior dogs are less active, and as such. This means less energy, and less food, or your pup will pile on the pounds. The Newfie’s joints do not need any extra weight! His aging digestive system will also struggle to digest fats and rich meats like he once used to. Which is another reason for him to consume a specific senior kibble.

There is no hiding from the fact that the Newfie is a gluttonous dog. This is another reason why you should feed your golden oldie a senior kibble because they are higher in fiber. Fiber adds bulk to food without the extra calories, leaving your pup feeling fuller for longer. Fruit and veg are fibrous, and they also offer the extra antioxidants he needs to keep his immunity fighting fit.

The Newfie is a heavy canine, and his joints will have taken the brunt of his weight over the years. Senior kibbles also contain higher levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, which support weakening joints. Glucosamine can be found in meat meals, fish, fish oils, green-lipped mussels, and added supplements.

Best Dog Foods For Newfoundland Puppies

All pups will be weaned off their mother’s milk around the age of six weeks old. Ask your breeder what food they feed your soon-to-be-home puppy. Finding the right formula for a Newfoundland puppy is critical. Their early years of development are their most formative. You’ll need a food that’s rich in antioxidants and nutrients to help your Newfie’s immune system. You’ll also need to ensure they get adequate amounts of calcium to help develop their bones.

Newfoundland puppies grow fast! Most giant breed puppy foods will have a higher calorie content to support their rapid growth. If there’s a particular formula that your puppy does well with during the puppy stage, consider sticking to the same brand & flavors in an adult formula as your puppy ages. Let’s take a look at our favorite foods for Newfoundland puppies.

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This is our premium pick for the Newfie puppy. At 35%, this option has the highest protein content on the list. So, you can be certain that he will go crazy for the big meaty taste. Deboned chicken and chicken meal are the first two ingredients. Turkey meal and salmon oil are also found on the ingredients list. Which provides healthy omega fatty acids for his puppy development needs and glucosamine for his large joints.

This is a grain-free recipe that lists peas, potatoes, and lentils instead for energy. It has a high fiber content of 5.5%, which should satisfy his hunger between meals. Superfoods such as bananas, broccoli, and blueberries support his developing immunity. This kibble is fortified in a coating of probiotics, which promote friendly bacteria in his gut and support regular digestion.

We love that this premium recipe has the highest protein content on this list. Meaning he will get all the amino acids and puppy growing puppy he needs for his healthy development.

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This American Journey recipe is a chicken-free formula that only lists fish as the protein source. Deboned salmon and menhaden fish meal are the first two ingredients on this list. Making it super tasty and nutritious! DHA and ARA are present in each bite, thanks to the fish and eggs. Brown rice is the third ingredient, making this a grain-inclusive recipe, and the included oatmeal promotes digestion.

Cranberries and blueberries strengthen his immunity, as do nutrient-dense ingredients such as dried kelp and alfalfa meal. This is a high fiber diet offering a 6% content, thanks to peas, sweet potato, beet pulp, and chicory root. This recipe will keep him feeling fuller in between meals. The healthy fats, flaxseed, biotin, and folic acid will nourish his skin and coat from the inside out.

We love that this is a salmon-based formula that is full of healthy omega fats. Making this a great alternative for giant dog breeds who do not like chicken, or are intolerant of it. American Journey is becoming more popular over the last few years, competing with many big brands when it comes to nutritional value.

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This recipe is designed with giant puppies in mind, meaning you can be certain it will provide a well-balanced diet. Lamb meal and chicken meal are the first two ingredients. Which are rich in concentrated protein for puppy growth and glucosamine for this joint needs. Papayas, blueberries, pomegranate supply antioxidants, salmon oil, and flaxseed take care of his coat.

It is a grain-free kibble that uses chickpeas and lentils as the main carbohydrate source. This recipe focuses on digestibility. Pumpkin and beet pulp supply the prebiotic fibers, and dried fermented probiotic ingredients add friendly bacteria to his gastrointestinal system. Live yogurt cultures and digestive enzymes are found in every bite. Yucca schidigera extract also makes poop and gas less stinky.

We love that this option is great for giant dog breeds. Especially Newfies with sensitive stomachs or those with poor stool health as it focuses on digestibility.

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This option is from Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection range, which is one of their most popular food lines. It concentrates on a balanced diet for your growing puppy’s every need. Deboned chicken and chicken meal are the first two ingredients providing plenty of yummy meaty taste. Menhaden fish meal, egg, and fish oil provide plenty of omega fatty acids for his puppy developmental needs. Plus, it keeps his coat and skin supple and shiny.

Dried probiotic ingredients are added to this kibble, which takes care of his digestive tract. Fruit and veggies such as peas, sweet potatoes, and carrots provide the prebiotic fiber and antioxidants needed for his immunity. Plus, added vitamin and mineral supplements keep him extra healthy. Taurine is listed, which helps to keep his cardiac system healthy. This is a grain inclusive option.

We love that this recipe lists Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits. These are made from seven superfoods that are crucial for large breed puppy development.

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Purina’s Pro Plan food line is a popular pick of many dog parents, regardless of their size. This kibble was manufactured specifically with large breeds in mind, meaning that the calcium and phosphorus levels are balanced for controlled growth. It provides a high protein content of 28%, with chicken listed as the first ingredient. Dried egg product and fish meal add extra protein to the mix, plus DHA and ARA for healthy cognitive and sight development.

The high-calorie count provides the energy for healthy but controlled puppy development. This is a grain inclusive recipe that lists corn and wheat for his energy needs. Vitamin and mineral supplements fortify this kibble to support his developing immune system. Plus, live fermented ingredients welcome those much needed friendly bacteria into his digestive tract.

We love that this option has a high fat and calorie count, which is great for active pups. It also has a high glucosamine content to prepare his joints and cartilage for his future weight.

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Best Dog Foods For Adult Newfoundlands

Your Newfie should transition from a puppy kibble to an adult kibble between 12 and 15 months. Yes, this is even despite their size. Always consider your Newfie’s dietary needs when selecting a kibble. Most Newfies will be fine with grain-inclusive dog food, but dogs with sensitive stomachs should consider a pea or legume-free food. Dog foods without poultry are also an option if there are allergies present.

If your Newfie did well with a particular brand or formula as a puppy, consider keeping the same brand/flavor going with your pup as they enter into adulthood. This will help minimize an upset stomach that can typically happen when changing foods. Dogs like the Newfie can have especially sensitive stomachs, and changing foods can cause stomach problems for at least a few weeks. Let’s look at our favorite dog foods for the adult Newfoundland.

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Following on from our Wellness puppy recommendation, this is the adult version. Meaning if your Newfie did well on this as a pup, he should do well on this as an adult. It is designed with large breeds in mind, so the calcium and phosphorus levels are optimized for his remaining development. Turkey Meal, Deboned chicken, and chicken meal are the first three ingredients, contributing to the highest protein content in our adult recommendations.

The use of lentils, peas, and potatoes ensures a grain-free formula, which is gentler on some Newfies digestive systems. This recipe is fortified in probiotics and omega fats. And a boost of superfoods such as spinach, broccoli, carrots, apples, blueberries, and kale support his immunity to stay healthy. Taurine is also listed for his cardiac health, and omega fats keep his coat lush.

We love that this premium recipe provides a 34% protein content, which is the highest protein content on this list. Making it ideal for large and active adult Newfoundlands or those fussier dogs who crave meatier tastes.

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This is another adult option that follows on from the American Journey puppy food line. So again, if your pup did well on this American Journey recipe as a puppy, it is likely that he will do well on this as an adult. As with most American Journey Formulas, it provides a well-rounded diet for large breed dogs. It assists in looking after his bones, joints, and other needs. The first two ingredients are salmon and menhaden fish meal, full of healthy fats and glucosamine for his joints.

It offers a high fiber content of 6%, so it will keep your Newfie feeling fuller in between mealtimes. It is a grain inclusive recipe, using brown rice, rice bran, and oatmeal. Blueberries, cranberries, sweet potatoes, and dried kelp are nutrient-dense. Taurine is listed, which is important in maintaining cardiac health, as are a variety of other vitamins and minerals.

We love that this recipe is salmon-based, which offers an alternative for those Newfies who do not like chicken or other commonly used meats in their dinners.

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Holistic Select has created a few recipes specifically for giant breeds, and this is our favorite for the adult Newfie. Chicken meal is included as the first ingredient, which is not only full of concentrated protein. But also high levels of glucosamine, which is fantastic for his joints. Pork meal is also listed further down for an extra boost.

This is a grain-free option for the Newfie, and lentils are one of the first non-meat ingredients listed. They are fibrous and full of nutrients and energy. Pumpkin is listed in this recipe, which is known for its gentle effect on the digestive tract. And with the long list of probiotic ingredients, you can be sure that this is an easy to digest formula. Cranberries and pomegranates are full of antioxidants for a healthy oxidative state.

We love that this recipe has the highest fat content, which will nourish his skin and coat from the inside out. As well as the highest glucosamine content for his heavily laden joints.

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This Blue Buffalo recipe is from their high protein range, offering 28% protein. It is free from chicken and poultry meat, making this the ideal pick for those who are intolerant of such ingredients. Instead, it uses red meat, including beef, lamb, and venison. Full of big taste and amino acids for a healthy muscle mass. Fish meal and fish oil add a boost of glucosamine for his joints, which is high in this recipe.

The meat meals and oil, along with flaxseed, vitamin E, biotin, and folic acid, will keep his skin supple and his coat shiny. This is a grain-free recipe that is often better for those dogs with sensitive digestive systems. Fresh veggies and fruits, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and blueberries provide vitamins and minerals. And don’t forget about the exclusive LifeSource Bits.

We love that this recipe provides a high fiber content, which will satisfy your Newfie’s immense appetite. Keeping him fuller between mealtime will prevent scavenging and weight gain.

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This is a slightly different formula than the puppy option, but this one is a giant-specialized formula. Chicken is the first ingredient offering lots of taste for your giant pup, but more importantly, the amino acids and care his large muscle mass needs. The protein to fat ratio helps to keep giant dog breeds lean and healthy.

Fish meal, fish oil, and egg product provide the DHA and ARA for his cognitive function and glucosamine for his joints. Prebiotic fiber keeps his digestive tract regular, and probiotic ingredients provide enzymes and friendly bacteria to keep everything smooth. An optimum blend of vitamins and minerals fortifies this kibble to ensure that he remains strong and fit.

We love that this recipe is designed solely with giant breeds in mind, so you can be sure that your giant Newfies nutritional needs are catered for.

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Best Dog Foods For Senior Newfoundlands

Your Newfie will become a senior dog between the age of six and seven years old. Because this breed can be a giant, this means it’s usually a good time to consider an age-appropriate dog food to support his aging joints and ligaments. You’ll want to be sure to take the transitional period slowly to avoid stomach upset.

This means looking for a higher balance of glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as dialing back on the calories to ensure your Newfie doesn’t end up with a weight problem in their old age. You’ll also want to consider food with a higher fiber content, which will aid in digestion. Here are our favorite picks for a Newfie in their golden years.

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This kibble is based on the scientific needs of large and giant breeds. It has a relatively low protein content compared to the others on this list. But this makes this the ideal option for those older Newfies who struggle to digest rich meats and kibbles. Chicken meal is the first ingredient, which provides enough protein, amino acids, and glucosamine for his aging needs.

This is a grain inclusive diet that uses barley, rice, wheat, and corn, making this a good pick for owners wishing to steer clear of grain-free diets. There is a variety of vitamin and mineral supplements to strengthen his aging immune system. Omega fatty acids from oils and flaxseed keep his skin supple and his coat healthy. L-carnitine works to keep him lean too.

We love that this recipe was created by scientists and canine nutritionists who have studied the needs of large breeds. So you can be sure that his every nutritional need will be met.

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This is a premium pick that uses a variety of high quality and lean meats. Deboned turkey is the first ingredient, with salmon and duck following shortly after. Many probiotic ingredients promote friendly cultures in his gut, helping him to digest these meats. Eggs provide DHA and ARA for cognitive function, and green mussels provide a high glucosamine level for his joints.

There are vitamin and mineral supplements to keep his immunity strong. And a long list of fresh fruits and veggies such as pumpkin, squash, bananas, blueberries, blackberries, pomegranate, papayas, and broccoli provide antioxidants. Flaxseed and coconut oil nourish his skin from the inside out, keeping his coat looking his best.

We love that this premium recipe is the best option for seniors looking to maintain their weight or lose a few pounds. Thanks to the lean ingredients, optimized fat rations, and l-carnitine.

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This is our only senior pick that isn’t made specifically for large breeds, but it ticks all of the large breed boxes and more. It has market-leading levels of glucosamine, which is fantastic for the Newfies aging joints. It has the highest protein on this list. At 30%, fussy Newfies will go crazy for this lip-smacking meaty kibble. Chicken and chicken meal are the first two ingredients, with turkey meal and salmon meal also listed.

Healthy omega acids are listed, which is great for keeping his coat thick and healthy. As well as his cognitive and cardiac function. L-carnitine helps to keep him lean and balance the healthy fats. Prebiotic fiber and probiotic ingredients support his digestive tract. This is a grain-free option.

We love that this recipe has the highest glucosamine content on this list. Making this ideal pick for those with stiff joints or larger Newfies needing extra support.

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This recipe offers the second-highest protein content, thanks to chicken being the first ingredient. Fish meal provides extra protein, plus a boost of healthy omega fats and glucosamine for his overall aging needs. Eggs are listed, which helps to keep his cognitive function supported thanks to DHA and ARA. And added botanical oils such as l-arginine keep his mind alert and active.

This is a grain inclusive kibble that provides him with slow-release energy thanks to rice and wheat. Vitamin and mineral supplements support his aging immune system, including taurine for his heart. Each bite guarantees live probiotic ingredients for digestive support and healthy immunity.

We love that this recipe is infused with botanical oils that keep your Newfies cognitive function bright and alert.

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Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection range cares for every nutritional need of large and giant breed dogs. Deboned chicken is the primary ingredient, and chicken meal provides an extra protein boost to maintain his large muscle mass. Chicken meal is rich in healthy fats and glucosamine for his joint and cardiac needs. Salmon oil and flaxseed keep his skin and coat shiny and beautiful.

Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits are included in this recipe, which supplies seven superfoods and other optimized nutrients important for his senior years. Gentle grains such as brown rice are easy to digest and provide slow-release energy. Gentle oatmeal and lots of prebiotic fiber keep him feeling full, and l-carnitine keeps him lean.

We love that this recipe has the highest fiber content on this list. At 7%, you can be sure that it will keep him feeling full in between meals. Meaning it should stop snack scavenging and senior weight gain.

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Final Thoughts

After reading this Newfoundland nutritional guide, you now know exactly what you need to put in his bowl for a healthy body and lifestyle. When choosing a kibble, always consider your Newfies individual dietary needs first.

Be sure to stick to a high-quality kibble that will provide him with a well-balanced diet and superior ingredients. Thankfully, our wide variety of top Newfie kibble picks above provide every Newfie with an option so that he can live his best life.