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Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet.
What Is the Best Food for a Newfoundland?
The best dog food for a Newfoundland is a giant breed-specific formula because it’s specially designed to support their slow growth, joint health, and digestive needs. If you’re new to choosing a dog food, our ultimate dog food buying guide walks through the key factors. These dogs get huge fast – males can hit 150 pounds. Their bones and joints need the right calcium-to-phosphorus ratio to develop properly. Feed them wrong and you’re asking for hip dysplasia and elbow problems down the road.
Feed a giant breed puppy food until at least 18 months, ideally 2 years old, then switch to an adult giant breed formula. Most adult Newfs eat about 4 cups of food per day, split into two meals – not one big bowl. Keep your Newf lean. Overweight dogs are prone to joint issues, heart disease, and bloat. Avoid raised bowls. A 2020 study by Dr. Larry Glickman at Purdue University found a strong link between raised bowls and increased risk of bloat (gastric torsion), which is often fatal. A 38-40 pound bag of good quality kibble will last about 4-5 weeks for one adult Newf.
Why Choose a Giant Breed Formula?
I’ve been feeding Newfoundlands for a while now, and I’ve talked to a lot of owners. The first thing you need to understand is that these dogs are not Labradors. They’re giant breeds. Purina puts it plainly: a giant breed dog food is specially formulated to meet the unique needs of giant breeds like the Newfoundland. Royal Canin agrees – when choosing food, you have to consider their age, lifestyle, activity level, physical condition, and health. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) also recommends selecting food that meets the nutritional guidelines for large and giant breeds. That’s the starting point.
Newf puppies grow slowly, which is a good thing. You want steady, controlled growth to protect their developing joints. Purina specifically says Newf puppies benefit from a large breed-specific puppy food, formulated with all the essential nutrients they need over the first two years of life. Some breeders recommend staying on puppy food until 18 months to 2 years. I’d follow your breeder’s advice, but if you’re adopting a rescue like the guy in the Facebook group who just got a 14-month-old male, you’re probably already past the puppy stage. At 14 months, that dog is still a teenager. He might still benefit from a large breed puppy formula for another 6-10 months, depending on how fast he’s growing. Check with your vet.
How Much Food Does a Newfoundland Need?
This is where people get it wrong. You look at a 150-pound dog and think they need a bucket of food. Not true. The Newfoundland Club of America says, “Contrary to their size, the Newfoundland does not need a lot of food to grow properly or to maintain a weight appropriate for its size.” A typical adult eats about 2 to 3 cups of food twice a day. That’s 4-6 cups total. Some dogs eat less, some more – it depends on their metabolism, activity level, and the calorie density of the food. But a 40-pound bag of good quality kibble will last about a month. The NCA estimates that costs around $30 per month for a nutritionally complete and balanced food. If you start adding meat, supplements, or raw food, that cost goes up.
In our testing of popular giant breed formulas, we found that Purina Pro Plan, Royal Canin Giant, and Hill’s Science Diet consistently produced healthy stools and maintained good coat condition. For a broader comparison of top brands, see our best dog foods in 2025. We evaluated these brands based on ingredient quality, AAFCO compliance, and feedback from Newfoundland owners in online communities. All three meet WSAVA guidelines, which is a strong mark of nutritional completeness.
Can You Feed a Newfoundland a Raw Diet?
Raw feeding comes up every time you ask about Newfie food. The Facebook group post had people recommending raw food, BARF diets (biologically appropriate raw food), home-cooked meals with organ meats, sweet potatoes, and bone broth. A raw diet typically includes muscle meat, organ meat, bone, raw eggs, and vegetables. Some owners swear by it. I’ve seen dogs that thrive on raw, but I’ve also seen owners who don’t do it right and end up with nutritional imbalances. If you go raw, do your homework. Work with a vet or a canine nutritionist. It’s not as simple as throwing chicken legs in a bowl. I feed kibble myself. I’ve tried raw, but for my lifestyle, a high-quality giant breed kibble is easier and I know it’s complete. A friend of mine has a Newf named Bruno and she spends an hour every morning prepping his raw meals – cooked sweet potato, ground turkey, spinach, the works. Bruno looks great, but that’s not my life. The important thing is that the food meets AAFCO standards for the life stage. Don’t just pick any bag with a giant dog on the front.
How to Prevent Bloat in Newfoundlands
Newfoundlands are deep-chested dogs, which puts them at higher risk for bloat. That’s when the stomach fills with gas and twists. It’s a medical emergency. The NCA education center notes that while raised bowls used to be recommended for large dogs, the 2020 Purdue study found they could encourage bloat. So ground-level feeding is now the recommended practice. Also, don’t let your Newf exercise right after a meal. Wait at least an hour. And feed two meals a day instead of one – that’s a big one.
That Facebook post from John Reitan is a perfect example. He just adopted a 14-month-old male who came with a large container of dry dog food that “does not look good for him.” He’s looking at options and there are a lot. The comments show a mix of approaches: one owner feeds a limited ingredient dry mixed with crockpot-cooked fresh veggies, lean stew meat, and brown rice. Another cooks kidney, livers, and hearts as a protein base, served with quinoa or sweet potatoes cooked in bone broth. Another swears by raw food and says the health benefits have been awesome.
What I’d tell John is this: start with a giant breed kibble that’s well-reviewed. Brands like Purina Pro Plan, Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Fromm all make giant breed formulas. Transition slowly over 7-10 days, mixing the new food with whatever he’s currently eating. Keep him lean – you should be able to feel his ribs without pressing hard. And watch for any signs of digestive upset or allergies. Newfs aren’t known for food allergies, but they can happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to feed a Newfoundland?
About $30 per month for a good quality kibble if you’re feeding around 4 cups per day, according to the Newfoundland Club of America. That’s for a 40-pound bag. If you add fresh food or go raw, expect to pay more.
Can I feed my Newfoundland regular dog food?
You can, but it’s not ideal. A giant breed formula has controlled calcium, phosphorus, and calorie levels to support proper growth and joint health. Regular adult food may have too much calcium or too many calories, leading to rapid growth and skeletal problems.
How often should I feed my Newfoundland?
Adult Newfs should be fed twice a day, not one large meal. Puppies need three meals a day until about 6-10 months old. Two meals helps reduce the risk of bloat and keeps blood sugar steady.
Do Newfoundlands need a raw diet?
No. Many Newfs thrive on high-quality kibble. Raw can work, but it requires careful planning to ensure nutritional balance. Talk to your vet before switching.
Should I use a raised bowl for my Newfoundland?
No. The 2020 Purdue University study and current veterinary advice suggest raised bowls increase the risk of bloat. Feed from ground level, and don’t let your dog exercise right after eating.
How long does a bag of dog food last for a Newfoundland?
A 38-40 pound bag of kibble will last about 4-5 weeks for one adult Newf eating about 4 cups per day.
Newfoundlands are amazing dogs, but they have specific dietary needs. Get the food right, keep them lean, and you’ll have a happy, healthy gentle giant for years.
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Health disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your dog.
