Bringing home a Leonberger puppy is the beginning of a rewarding journey. These gentle giants need more than just love—they need the right nutrition to grow strong, healthy, and calm. At Leonrua, we’ve raised generations of thriving Leonbergers, and we believe thoughtful feeding is the key to lifelong health.
In this guide, we share our tried-and-true approach to feeding Leonberger puppies—including what we feed, why we feed it, and how it supports their development at every stage.
Why Nutrition Matters for Leonbergers
Leonbergers grow rapidly during their first year, and as a giant breed, their bones, joints, and muscles need careful support. A poorly balanced diet can lead to skeletal issues, joint instability, and long-term health problems.
The right nutrition helps ensure:
- Controlled, steady growth (not rapid weight gain)
- Strong bones and joint health
- Digestive stability
- Glossy coat and clear skin
- Balanced energy levels and calm behaviour
Our Feeding Philosophy: Natural, Balanced, and Tailored for Giants
We feed a thoughtfully varied diet: high-quality grain-free kibble, raw meat and offal, raw bones, fruits and vegetables, and targeted supplements. This approach reflects what nature intended, while meeting the modern nutritional needs of a growing Leonberger.
🥣 Grain-Free Kibble
We start our puppies on a premium, grain-free large or giant breed puppy kibble. This provides:
- Correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratios
- Protein from real meat sources
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint development
- No fillers, artificial colors, or by-products
Kibble offers convenience and complete nutrition—especially when chosen carefully.
🍖 Raw Meat & Offal
In addition to kibble, our Leonbergers enjoy a diverse rotation of fresh meats:
- Beef – Lean protein and iron
- White fish & salmon – Omega-3s for coat and brain health
- Specialist meat mixes – Formulated blends for working and large breeds
- Organ meats (heart, kidney, green tripe) – Nutrient-dense and naturally rich in vitamins
This variety mimics a more natural canine diet and provides nutrients in their most bioavailable form.
🦴 Raw Bones for Teeth, Jaws & Enrichment
Each day, our dogs receive a raw brisket bone or chicken frame. These are vital for:
- Dental hygiene (we’ve never had dental problems in our dogs)
- Jaw strength and satisfaction of chewing instincts
- Natural mental stimulation
⚠️ Always feed bones raw. Never offer cooked bones, as they can splinter dangerously.
🍎 Fruits & Vegetables: Nature’s Treats
Our Leonbergers love fruit and veggies—and we encourage it!
Some of their favourites include:
- Carrots – Crunchy, sweet, and good for teeth
- Apples – Vitamin-rich (just remove the seeds)
- Blueberries – Full of antioxidants
- Strawberries – A beloved treat!
In fact, our dogs often wander into the strawberry patch to forage for ripe berries—they’re surprisingly good at finding the best ones!
Fresh produce offers natural fibre, supports digestion, and provides variety to keep mealtime fun and enriching.
💊 Supplements for Joint Health & Vitality
While most of our dogs’ needs are met through their food, we support their long-term health with a few key supplements, especially important for such a large breed:
- Fish Oil (Daily) – For skin, coat, brain and joint health
- Glucosamine, Chondroitin & MSM – Support cartilage, reduce inflammation, and promote joint flexibility (particularly important during growth and in senior years)
- New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel (Older Dogs) – A powerful natural source of omega-3s and joint support
- Golden Paste (Turmeric, Coconut Oil, Black Pepper – Older Dogs) – Helps manage inflammation and supports overall wellness
These additions ensure our puppies grow strong and our older dogs stay mobile and comfortable for many years.
🐾 Sample Feeding Schedule for a Leonberger Puppy (8–16 Weeks)
| Time | Meal Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Kibble | 1–2 cups of grain-free giant breed puppy kibble |
| Midday | Raw Meal | Beef mince + white fish + kidney + tripe |
| Afternoon | Snack | Carrot stick, apple slice, or a few blueberries |
| Evening | Bone | Raw brisket bone or chicken frame |
| Daily Suppl. | Supplements | Fish oil + glucosamine/chondroitin/MSM; green-lipped mussel & golden paste for older dogs |
Portion sizes should be adjusted as your puppy grows. Aim for steady growth, not fast growth—a lean puppy is a healthy puppy.
✅ Our Top Feeding Tips
- Consistency matters – Feed on a regular schedule
- Monitor body condition – Avoid excessive weight gain
- Separate raw and kibble meals – For better digestion
- Always provide fresh water – Especially with kibble and supplements
- Make mealtime enriching – Use chew time and snacks as bonding opportunities
🐶 Final Thoughts from Leonrua
Feeding your Leonberger puppy is about more than nutrition—it’s about building the foundation for a long, healthy, and joyful life. Our approach blends the best of natural foods with modern nutritional science, tailored specifically for this noble breed.
With love, variety, and a focus on long-term wellness, your Leonberger will grow up strong, serene, and full of vitality. And if they sneak a ripe strawberry from the garden now and then—well, we think that’s part of the magic.
