Royal Canin Medium Puppy
Royal Canin Medium Puppy provides size-specific nutrition for medium-breed adolescents transitioning from puppy to adult, with kibble shape and controlled energy to support steady, healthy growth. It holds a best-in-class position for precise, clinical nutrient targeting at a mid-market price, offering more tailored portion control and dental-friendly kibble than higher-protein, pricier options like Orijen and Acana.
Size-tailored crunch
Tummy-friendly hug
Size-tailored crunch
Tummy-friendly hug
Review Summary
"Most purchasers report steady growth, good kibble size and consistent stool quality for medium puppies; common criticisms are the high price and use of fillers/less-preferred ingredients."
Breed-aware formula
Kibble size and texture formulated for medium-breed puppies transitioning into the adolescent stage
Breed-aware formula
Kibble size and texture formulated for medium-breed puppies transitioning into the adolescent stage
Self-Improvement & Personal Growth
Increased Safety & Security
Royal Canin Medium Puppy provides size-specific nutrition for medium-breed adolescents transitioning from puppy to adult, with kibble shape and controlled energy to support steady, healthy growth. It holds a best-in-class position for precise, clinical nutrient targeting at a mid-market price, offering more tailored portion control and dental-friendly kibble than higher-protein, pricier options like Orijen and Acana.
Size-tailored crunch
Tummy-friendly hug
Breed-aware formula
Kibble size and texture formulated for medium-breed puppies transitioning into the adolescent stage
Balanced calcium and phosphorus to support controlled bone growth during rapid development
Size-tailored crunch
Tummy-friendly hug
Breed-aware formula
Kibble size and texture formulated for medium-breed puppies transitioning into the adolescent stage
Balanced calcium and phosphorus to support controlled bone growth during rapid development
$60-120 USD
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed is formulated to support large-breed adolescent transitions with controlled calcium and phosphorus plus joint-support nutrients, and it is widely recommended by veterinarians for safe growth-stage feeding. Its clinical backing and targeted large-breed nutrient limits give it a technical advantage over generalist formulas like Purina Pro Plan, while typically costing less than ultra-premium whole-meat brands such as Orijen.
Bone-building bites
Vet-approved wag
Bone-building bites
Vet-approved wag
Review Summary
"Users and many veterinarians praise its digestibility and weight-management formulation for large-breed pups, though buyers often note the premium price and say ingredients aren’t as high-end as some brands."
Large-breed balance
Clinically formulated for large-breed puppies to encourage steady, controlled growth during adolescence
Large-breed balance
Clinically formulated for large-breed puppies to encourage steady, controlled growth during adolescence
Self-Improvement & Personal Growth
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed is formulated to support large-breed adolescent transitions with controlled calcium and phosphorus plus joint-support nutrients, and it is widely recommended by veterinarians for safe growth-stage feeding. Its clinical backing and targeted large-breed nutrient limits give it a technical advantage over generalist formulas like Purina Pro Plan, while typically costing less than ultra-premium whole-meat brands such as Orijen.
Bone-building bites
Vet-approved wag
Large-breed balance
Clinically formulated for large-breed puppies to encourage steady, controlled growth during adolescence
Precise levels of calcium and phosphorus to help reduce risk of abnormal bone development
Bone-building bites
Vet-approved wag
Large-breed balance
Clinically formulated for large-breed puppies to encourage steady, controlled growth during adolescence
Precise levels of calcium and phosphorus to help reduce risk of abnormal bone development
$80-140 USD
Acana Puppy & Junior
Acana Puppy & Junior emphasizes high animal-protein and regionally sourced ingredients to ease the adolescent transition with richer protein profiles and fewer carbohydrates, making it a technical leader for owners seeking a biologically appropriate diet. Financially it sits above mainstream veterinary lines but below ultra-premium competitors, offering a middle ground between budget-friendly Purina and the more expensive Orijen.
High-protein feast
Farm-to-bowl party
High-protein feast
Farm-to-bowl party
Review Summary
"Owners appreciate Acana’s high-quality animal ingredients, good energy levels and improved coat condition; a minority note picky eating or sensitivity and the higher cost compared with mainstream foods."
Fresh-ingredient focus
High animal-protein recipe using fresh regional meats to support active adolescent puppies
Fresh-ingredient focus
High animal-protein recipe using fresh regional meats to support active adolescent puppies
Recreational Enjoyment
Self-Improvement & Personal Growth
Acana Puppy & Junior emphasizes high animal-protein and regionally sourced ingredients to ease the adolescent transition with richer protein profiles and fewer carbohydrates, making it a technical leader for owners seeking a biologically appropriate diet. Financially it sits above mainstream veterinary lines but below ultra-premium competitors, offering a middle ground between budget-friendly Purina and the more expensive Orijen.
High-protein feast
Farm-to-bowl party
Fresh-ingredient focus
High animal-protein recipe using fresh regional meats to support active adolescent puppies
Lower carbohydrate formulation that promotes lean muscle development during the transition period
High-protein feast
Farm-to-bowl party
Fresh-ingredient focus
High animal-protein recipe using fresh regional meats to support active adolescent puppies
Lower carbohydrate formulation that promotes lean muscle development during the transition period
$90-160 USD
Orijen Puppy Large
Orijen Puppy Large delivers an ultra-premium, meat-rich formula designed for large-breed adolescents who need concentrated calories and amino acids during transition; its high fresh-meat inclusion is technically superior for rapid tissue development but commands a premium price. Compared with Hill's and Royal Canin, Orijen prioritizes raw ingredient density over clinical growth moderation, an advantage for performance-oriented owners but a consideration for those needing strict growth control.
Biologically appropriate
Protein-packed punch
Biologically appropriate
Protein-packed punch
Review Summary
"Highly rated for its biologically appropriate, very high-protein formula and visible improvements in condition and coat, but some puppies experience digestive upset and many users find it quite expensive."
Wild-flavor joy
Very high-protein, fresh whole animal ingredients designed to mirror a natural diet for adolescent large breeds
Wild-flavor joy
Very high-protein, fresh whole animal ingredients designed to mirror a natural diet for adolescent large breeds
Recreational Enjoyment
Self-Improvement & Personal Growth
Increased Safety & Security
Orijen Puppy Large delivers an ultra-premium, meat-rich formula designed for large-breed adolescents who need concentrated calories and amino acids during transition; its high fresh-meat inclusion is technically superior for rapid tissue development but commands a premium price. Compared with Hill's and Royal Canin, Orijen prioritizes raw ingredient density over clinical growth moderation, an advantage for performance-oriented owners but a consideration for those needing strict growth control.
Biologically appropriate
Protein-packed punch
Wild-flavor joy
Very high-protein, fresh whole animal ingredients designed to mirror a natural diet for adolescent large breeds
Controlled mineral balance to support healthy skeletal development during rapid growth
Biologically appropriate
Protein-packed punch
Wild-flavor joy
Very high-protein, fresh whole animal ingredients designed to mirror a natural diet for adolescent large breeds
Controlled mineral balance to support healthy skeletal development during rapid growth
$120-220 USD
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed balances nutrient-dense support for adolescent transitions with broad availability and competitive pricing, including DHA and controlled minerals to support brain and skeletal development. It is a market leader for value—offering technical performance close to veterinary diets but at a lower cost than Acana or Orijen—making it a pragmatic choice for owners seeking effective results without ultra-premium pricing.
Brain-boost bites
Joint-support mix
Brain-boost bites
Joint-support mix
Review Summary
"Widely used and praised for reliable growth and digestibility at a lower price point, with many repeat buyers; a smaller portion of reviewers express concerns about ingredient quality and historical recalls."
Everyday champion
Real poultry as a primary ingredient to provide quality protein for growing muscles
Everyday champion
Real poultry as a primary ingredient to provide quality protein for growing muscles
Time-Saving Convenience
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed balances nutrient-dense support for adolescent transitions with broad availability and competitive pricing, including DHA and controlled minerals to support brain and skeletal development. It is a market leader for value—offering technical performance close to veterinary diets but at a lower cost than Acana or Orijen—making it a pragmatic choice for owners seeking effective results without ultra-premium pricing.
Brain-boost bites
Joint-support mix
Everyday champion
Real poultry as a primary ingredient to provide quality protein for growing muscles
Formulated with controlled calcium levels specifically for large-breed adolescent bone health
Brain-boost bites
Joint-support mix
Everyday champion
Real poultry as a primary ingredient to provide quality protein for growing muscles
Formulated with controlled calcium levels specifically for large-breed adolescent bone health
$80-150 USD