large breedUpdated March 2026

Best Dog Food for Hovawarts

Our top food picks for Hovawarts. Fresh food delivery, subscription boxes, and kibble brands that actually work for this breed.

At 55 to 90 pounds, the Hovawart is a high energy large breed. They have specific nutritional needs based on their large build. What you put in the bowl has a direct effect on how they feel and perform day to day.

Hovawarts are prone to Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Bloat. Joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine help. A food that addresses these breed-specific risks goes a long way.

We put together our top picks below: subscription food services, monthly boxes, and kibble options that work well for this breed.

Hovawart Nutrition Profile

22–26%
Protein
10–15%
Fat
4–6%
Fiber
20 cal/lb
Calories

Best Fresh Food Delivery for Hovawarts

These services build a meal plan around your Hovawart's weight and age. Real food, vet-approved recipes, shipped to your door.

Best Subscription Boxes for Hovawarts

Monthly boxes with toys, treats, and chews picked for your Hovawart's size. Good nutrition is half the battle. Enrichment is the other half.

Feeding by Life Stage

🐶Hovawart Puppies

Hovawart puppies should be on a large-breed puppy formula with controlled calcium. They grow to 90+ pounds, and rushing that growth stresses developing bones. Since Hovawarts are prone to joint issues, this is especially important.

🧓Senior Hovawarts

Hovawarts live about 10 to 14 years, so around age 9 you should start thinking about a senior formula. Fewer calories, easier on the stomach. Joint supplements like glucosamine become more important at this stage.

Recommended Kibble Brands

Widely available dry food brands suitable for Hovawarts. Listed for informational purposes.

Best Overall
Orijen Large Breed
Tailored for large and giant breeds with glucosamine and chondroitin from natural sources
Vet Favorite
Hill's Science Diet Large Breed
Clinically proven antioxidants and glucosamine for large breed joint and immune health
Joint Support
Wellness Core Large Breed
Glucosamine and chondroitin built in, optimized protein-to-fat ratio for bigger dogs
Popular
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed
L-carnitine for lean muscle, glucosamine for joints, controlled calories
Budget Pick
Diamond Naturals Large Breed
Added glucosamine and chondroitin at the lowest price in the large breed category
Premium
Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Chicken
Humanely raised proteins, sustainably sourced, easy to digest

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Hovawart

How much food does a Hovawart need per day?

A Hovawart weighing 55 to 90 lbs needs roughly 1650 to 2700 calories per day, depending on age and how active they are. Split that into two meals. Use a slow feeder or puzzle bowl to reduce the risk of bloat.

What health issues should Hovawart food help with?

Hovawarts are known to develop Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Bloat. Look for foods that address these: glucosamine and chondroitin for joints, smaller kibble and slower feeding for bloat prevention, and omega-3 fatty acids for overall health.

What protein percentage is right for a Hovawart?

Hovawarts do well on 22–26% protein. The first ingredient should be a named meat like chicken, beef, fish, or lamb. Skip foods where corn, wheat, or soy is listed first.

When should a Hovawart puppy switch to adult food?

Hovawarts are a bigger breed, so keep them on puppy food longer. 12 to 24 months is the usual range because their bones need time to finish developing. Your vet can check growth progress and give you a more exact timeline.

What foods are toxic to Hovawarts?

Same as all dogs: chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol (check sugar-free gum labels), onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and cooked bones. Hovawarts can get into things fast, so keep these stored where they can't reach.

When is a Hovawart considered senior?

Hovawarts live about 10 to 14 years, so they start hitting senior territory around age 9. That's when you might want to look at lower-calorie formulas with joint support and easier-to-digest protein.

Learn More About Hovawarts