Your Great Dane doesn’t just eat dinner—he inhales what looks like a small mountain of kibble while barely breaking a sweat. If you’re tired of lugging home dog food every other week or discovering you’ve run out at 7 PM on a Sunday, you’re not alone. Large breed owners face a unique challenge: finding grain-free nutrition that doesn’t require a second mortgage or constant trips to the pet store.
The sweet spot? A premium grain-free formula that comes in a bag substantial enough to last over 40 days while meeting the precise nutritional needs of your oversized companion. But here’s what most generic guides won’t tell you: simply buying the biggest bag on the shelf can backfire spectacularly, leading to stale food, improper nutrition, or worse—contributing to health issues unique to large breeds. Let’s dive into what actually matters when selecting a grain-free kibble that keeps both your dog and your schedule happily fed.
Top 10 Grain-Free Large-Breed Kibble for Long-Term Use
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Large Breed Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food, 24 lb. Bag
Overview: Nature’s Recipe offers a budget-friendly grain-free formula specifically designed for adult large breed dogs. This 24-pound bag features real chicken as the primary ingredient, complemented by nutrient-dense carbohydrates like sweet potato and pumpkin. The recipe focuses on digestive health and immune system support through natural fiber sources, making it an accessible entry point into grain-free nutrition.
What Makes It Stand Out: The standout feature is its exceptional affordability at $1.92 per pound—significantly undercutting premium competitors while maintaining a clean ingredient list. The inclusion of pumpkin provides natural digestive support rarely emphasized in budget formulas. By eliminating corn and wheat in favor of sweet potato, it delivers grain-free benefits without the premium price tag, making it democratized nutrition for cost-conscious pet parents.
Value for Money: At $45.99 for 24 pounds, this represents outstanding value in the grain-free category. While it lacks some specialized supplements found in pricier options, it covers the fundamentals admirably: quality protein, digestible carbs, and essential nutrients. For owners wanting grain-free benefits without spending $70+, this delivers 90% of the benefits at 60% of the cost.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Excellent price point; real chicken first ingredient; pumpkin aids digestion; grain-free with quality carbs; widely available. Weaknesses: No glucosamine/chondroitin for joints; fewer omega fatty acids; basic vitamin/mineral package; not specifically formulated for seniors.
Bottom Line: Ideal for budget-conscious owners of healthy adult large breeds seeking grain-free nutrition without premium pricing. A practical, reliable choice that prioritizes essential nutrition over specialized supplements.
2. Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food, Supports Joint Health & Mobility, Made in The USA with Natural Ingredients, Chicken & Potatoes, 24-lb Bag
Overview: Blue Buffalo Freedom targets large breed dogs with a comprehensive approach to joint health and mobility. This USA-made formula centers on real chicken as the first ingredient, enhanced with their signature LifeSource Bits—dark, nutrient-dense kibbles packed with antioxidants. Designed for adult large breeds, it addresses the specific orthopedic challenges these dogs face.
What Makes It Stand Out: The triple-threat joint support system sets it apart: glucosamine, chondroitin, and EPA work synergistically to maintain cartilage and reduce inflammation. The exclusive LifeSource Bits deliver a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support immune health. Combined with rigorous quality standards and no poultry by-products, it represents a science-backed approach to large breed wellness.
Value for Money: At $73.98 ($3.08/lb), it sits in the premium mid-range. You’re investing in specialized joint protection that could delay expensive veterinary interventions. Compared to Merrick’s $3.32/lb, Blue Buffalo offers similar benefits with the added value of LifeSource Bits and proven joint support. For dogs over 5 years old or those showing mobility issues, this preventative investment pays dividends.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Comprehensive joint support; antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits; real chicken first; no by-products/corn/wheat/soy; made in USA. Weaknesses: Higher price point; some dogs pick out the LifeSource Bits; potato base may not suit all; caloric density requires portion control.
Bottom Line: Excellent choice for aging large breeds or those genetically predisposed to joint issues. The targeted joint support justifies the premium, making it preventative healthcare through nutrition.
3. Merrick Grain Free Premium Large Breed Dry Dog Food, Wholesome and Natural Kibble, Chicken and Sweet Potato - 22.0 lb. Bag
Overview: Merrick positions itself as the premium high-performance option with impressive nutritional metrics. This 22-pound bag features deboned chicken as the first ingredient in a grain-free recipe boasting 70% protein from animal sources. The formula emphasizes a 58% healthy fat to 42% produce ratio, targeting lean muscle maintenance and sustained energy for active large breeds.
What Makes It Stand Out: The macronutrient transparency is exceptional—70% animal-based protein and a carefully calibrated fat-to-produce ratio demonstrate a commitment to biologically appropriate nutrition. The use of deboned chicken (not just “chicken meal”) signals quality, while the inclusion of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids alongside glucosamine and chondroitin provides comprehensive wellness support in a single formula.
Value for Money: At $72.98 for 22 pounds ($3.32/lb), it’s the most expensive option but delivers the highest protein concentration. The smaller bag size is offset by nutrient density—you may feed less volume. For working dogs, canine athletes, or highly active large breeds, the premium ingredients and high animal protein content justify the cost. For sedentary dogs, it may be overkill.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Exceptional animal protein content (70%); deboned chicken first; balanced omega fatty acids; joint support included; no artificial additives. Weaknesses: Highest price per pound; smaller 22lb bag; may be too rich for low-activity dogs; protein content could stress kidneys in seniors.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active, athletic large breeds requiring maximum protein and nutrient density. A top-tier choice for performance dogs where nutrition is prioritized above budget constraints.
Why Large Breeds Need Specialized Grain-Free Nutrition
Large and giant breed dogs aren’t just bigger versions of their medium-sized cousins—they’re an entirely different metabolic puzzle. Their rapid growth rates, susceptibility to orthopedic issues, and unique digestive capacities demand precise nutritional engineering. When you remove grains from the equation, you’re not just eliminating potential allergens; you’re restructuring the entire macronutrient profile that fuels your 100+ pound companion.
The 40-day supply benchmark emerged from owner convenience, but it reveals something deeper about large breed management. Dogs weighing 70-150 pounds consume between 4-8 cups of kibble daily. A 30-pound bag might last a Labrador two weeks, but a Mastiff could plow through it in 10 days. This consumption rate makes bulk purchasing economically sensible, but only if the nutritional integrity remains stable throughout the extended feeding period.
Understanding the 40-Day Benchmark
The 40-day threshold isn’t arbitrary—it represents the point where cost-per-day savings become significant while still maintaining freshness. Most premium kibble retains optimal nutritional value for 6-8 weeks after opening when stored properly. Pushing beyond 40 days requires hermetic sealing, minimal air exposure, and cool storage conditions. For multi-dog households or owners of true giants like Great Danes or Saint Bernards, this timeframe balances the convenience of fewer purchases against the risk of nutrient degradation or rancidity in omega-rich formulas.
Calculating the Right Bag Size for Your Gentle Giant
Before you grab that economy-sized bag, you need to do some math that most feeding guides gloss over. The relationship between your dog’s weight, activity level, and caloric density creates a highly variable feeding chart. A 90-pound active German Shepherd might need 4,000 calories daily, while a senior Newfoundland of the same weight might require only 2,800.
Start with your dog’s resting energy requirement (RER): 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75. Then multiply by an activity factor (1.6 for typical adults, 2.0-5.0 for working dogs). This gives you actual caloric needs, which you can compare against the kibble’s kcal/kg rating printed on the bag.
The Math Behind Multi-Week Meal Planning
Let’s get practical. A 40-pound bag of grain-free kibble typically contains around 18,000 kcal (assuming 1,000 kcal per pound, though this varies widely). If your 80-pound dog needs 3,500 kcal daily, that bag lasts roughly 5 days—not even close to your target. You’d need a 30-pound dog for a 40-pound bag to stretch 40 days.
For true 40-day coverage with large breeds, you’re looking at 50-60 pound bags minimum, often requiring specialized retailers or direct-from-manufacturer purchases. Some formulas achieve this with calorie density exceeding 4,500 kcal/kg, meaning less volume delivers more nutrition. Always verify the “calories per cup” rather than relying on cup-count feeding guides, which can be off by 30% or more.
Key Nutritional Requirements for Large Breed Dogs
Large breeds need controlled calcium and phosphorus levels—between 1.2-1.8% calcium and 1.0-1.6% phosphorus—to prevent developmental orthopedic diseases. This is non-negotiable for puppies and remains important for adults. Grain-free formulas must replace grain-based calcium sources with precise alternatives like eggshell meal or chelated minerals.
Protein content should fall between 26-32% for adults, with higher levels justified only for working dogs. Excessive protein doesn’t equal better health and can strain kidneys in genetically predisposed lines. The source matters more than the percentage—look for named meat meals as the first ingredient, not just fresh meat which is 70% water.
Protein Power: What Levels Matter Most
The protein debate gets heated, but veterinary nutritionists agree: 26-28% crude protein from animal sources optimally supports large breed muscle mass without overtaxing renal function. “Crude protein” measures nitrogen content, not quality. A bag boasting 38% protein from pea and potato concentrates delivers less usable amino acids than a 26% formula based on chicken meal and fish.
Check the ingredient split. If the first five ingredients include multiple legumes (peas, lentils, chickpeas) before any meat meals, you’re buying a plant-based diet with meat flavoring, not a meat-based diet. For large breeds, the first two ingredients should be animal-derived, with legumes appearing further down as carbohydrate and fiber sources.
Joint-Supporting Nutrients That Can’t Be Overlooked
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate should exceed 800 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg respectively—levels that actually impact joint health, not token amounts for label dressing. Omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources (EPA and DHA) should total at least 0.3% to combat inflammation. Grain-free formulas often shine here, using fish meal or algae-derived DHA instead of flaxseed, which dogs convert poorly.
Vitamin C and E act as antioxidants, but large breeds specifically benefit from L-carnitine (50-100 mg/kg) for heart muscle metabolism and taurine (0.1% minimum) to support cardiac function. The grain-free DCM conversation makes these additions critical, not optional.
Calorie Density and Portion Control
High-calorie density (over 4,000 kcal/kg) means smaller portions, which reduces stomach distension—a key factor in bloat prevention. Large breeds eating 8-10 cups of low-calorie kibble ingest massive air volumes. A dense formula requiring only 3-4 cups delivers the same nutrition with less aerophagia. This is perhaps the most underappreciated benefit of premium grain-free kibble for giants.
Grain-Free vs. Traditional: What the Science Actually Says
The grain-free movement isn’t baseless—some large breeds show genuine sensitivities to corn, wheat, and soy. But “grain-free” doesn’t automatically mean “low carb” or “healthy.” Many grain-free formulas replace grains with peas, potatoes, and tapioca, which have higher glycemic indices than oats or brown rice.
The key difference lies in fiber type and fermentability. Grain-free diets typically use beet pulp, pumpkin, or chicory root—fibers that feed beneficial gut bacteria and produce short-chain fatty acids. This can improve stool quality and nutrient absorption in large breeds with sensitive digestion.
Addressing the DCM Conversation Responsibly
Let’s tackle the elephant in the room: dilated cardiomyopathy. The FDA’s investigation linked certain grain-free diets to DCM, but correlation isn’t causation. The issue appears connected to formulas high in legumes and low in animal protein, coupled with insufficient taurine or its precursors.
Responsible grain-free formulations for large breeds now include taurine supplementation, varied protein sources, and limited legume content (under 30% of total ingredients). If a brand hasn’t reformulated since 2019’s DCM reports, that’s a red flag. Look for companies that publish complete nutrient analyses, not just guaranteed analysis minimums.
Ingredient Quality Indicators That Separate Premium from Pretenders
“Grain-free” on the label means nothing without quality context. Premium manufacturers specify ingredient origins: “deboned chicken from USDA-inspected facilities” versus “poultry meal.” They avoid “natural flavors” as a catch-all for hydrolyzed animal tissues and use mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) instead of BHA/BHT.
The ash content—revealed in detailed analyses—should stay under 7%. Higher ash means more bone and connective tissue, reducing digestibility. Large breeds need every calorie to count; filler ingredients waste stomach space and money.
Decoding Meat Meals and By-Products
“Chicken meal” is your friend—it’s chicken with water removed, delivering 65% protein versus fresh chicken’s 18%. But “meat meal” or “animal by-product meal” is a mystery meat gamble. Named species meals (salmon meal, lamb meal) guarantee consistent amino acid profiles.
By-products aren’t inherently evil—organ meats are nutrient-dense—but unnamed by-products allow ingredient variability that can upset sensitive large breed stomachs. For 40-day feeding consistency, you need ingredient consistency. Named meals provide that; generic by-products don’t.
The Role of Legumes and Tubers
Peas, lentils, and chickpeas became grain replacements, but they’re not benign fillers. They contain lectins and phytates that can interfere with mineral absorption. High-quality formulas use legumes below 25% of total ingredients and include fermentation products or enzymes to neutralize anti-nutrients.
Sweet potatoes and regular potatoes offer digestible carbs but raise glycemic load. For large breeds prone to weight gain, look for formulas using lower-glycemic options like chickpeas or lentils combined with pumpkin. The fiber content should exceed 4% to slow glucose absorption.
Synthetic vs. Natural Preservatives
A 40-day supply bag will be open for weeks. Natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract, and citric acid protect fats from rancidity but have shorter activity spans than synthetic BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin. Premium brands compensate with nitrogen-flushed bags, resealable closures, and antioxidant coatings on kibble pieces themselves.
Check the “best by” date—should be 12-18 months from manufacture, indicating recent production and robust preservation. Bags dated only 6 months out suggest either old stock or weak preservation systems.
The Price-Per-Day Equation: Getting True Value
A $120 bag that lasts 40 days costs $3 daily. A $60 bag lasting 20 days costs the same but requires double the effort. However, the real calculation uses calories, not bag weight. Divide bag cost by total kcal to get cost per 1,000 kcal. This reveals true value.
Premium grain-free kibble runs $8-12 per 1,000 kcal. Economy brands might hit $5-6, but you’ll feed 30-40% more volume to meet nutritional needs, negating savings. Factor in potential vet costs from subpar nutrition, and premium becomes economical.
Why Bigger Bags Don’t Always Mean Better Value
Manufacturers know consumers equate size with savings. Some dilute large bags with air, using thinner kibble pieces that crush easily, increasing perceived volume while reducing actual food density. Others stuff bags with low-cost plant proteins that meet label percentages but deliver poor bioavailability.
The 40-pound bag might cost less per pound than the 30-pound, but if the caloric density is 20% lower, you’re not saving money. Always calculate cost per calorie, not cost per pound. And verify the bag’s physical dimensions—excessive air space indicates potential quality shortcuts.
Storage Strategies for Maintaining Freshness Over 40+ Days
Once opened, kibble’s enemy is oxygen, light, heat, and moisture. The original bag, despite appearances, offers superior protection to most consumer containers. It’s designed with oil-resistant liners and light barriers. Your best strategy: roll the bag top tightly, clip it shut, and place the entire bag inside an airtight container.
Never dump kibble directly into plastic bins. The residual oils coat the container, turning rancid and contaminating fresh food. If you must transfer, use the container for unopened bags only, and clean it monthly with hot, soapy water, drying completely.
The Container Conundrum: What Works and What Doesn’t
Vittles Vault-style containers with gamma lids work well but only when you keep food in the original bag inside them. Metal tins conduct heat, warming kibble and accelerating fat oxidation. Clear plastic lets light degrade vitamins. The ideal setup: a dark, food-grade plastic container large enough for the bag, kept in a climate-controlled pantry.
For true 40-day storage, consider splitting the bag. Freeze half in airtight bags, thawing as needed. Freezing halts lipid oxidation and preserves vitamin potency. Just ensure the kibble is sealed—freezer odors permeate porous kibble pieces.
Temperature and Humidity Considerations
Store kibble below 70°F and under 50% humidity. Every 18°F temperature increase doubles the rate of fat rancidity. That garage storage spot that hits 85°F in summer turns your 40-day supply into a 20-day freshness window. Basements often exceed humidity thresholds, causing mold in kibble dust at bag bottoms.
Use silica gel packets (food-grade) in your storage container to absorb moisture. Replace them monthly. And never buy bags that have been stored on retailer’s loading docks—temperature fluctuations during shipping already started the degradation clock.
Transitioning Your Large Breed to a New Grain-Free Formula
Large breeds have sensitive gastrointestinal tracts and even more sensitive microbiomes. A sudden switch can trigger a week of diarrhea in a 120-pound dog—an experience no one wants. The standard 7-day transition is insufficient for giants; plan for 10-14 days minimum.
Start with 10% new food, 90% old. Every two days, increase new food by 10-15%. Watch stool quality—soft but formed is okay; watery means you’re moving too fast. Large breeds are prone to stress colitis during dietary changes, so maintain routine and avoid other stressors during transition.
The 10-Day Rule and Why Large Breeds Need More Time
The 10-day rule accounts for gut flora adaptation. Beneficial bacteria populations need time to develop enzymes that break down new protein and carb sources. Rushing this process leaves undigested material fermenting in the large intestine, causing gas and loose stools.
For senior large breeds or those with known sensitivities, extend transitions to 3 weeks. Add a probiotic supplement containing Enterococcus faecium or Bacillus coagulans during weeks 2-3 to accelerate microbiome establishment. This small investment prevents costly vet visits for digestive upset.
Red Flags: What to Avoid in Grain-Free Large Breed Kibble
“Boutique” brands with beautiful packaging but no veterinary nutritionist on staff are a growing concern. Check company websites for staff credentials—look for PhD or DACVN (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition) qualifications. If they only list “pet nutrition experts,” that’s code for marketers.
Avoid formulas where peas, pea protein, or potatoes appear in the top three ingredients. This signals a plant-heavy diet inappropriate for carnivorous-leaning large breeds. Also beware of excessive fiber (>6%) which dilutes calories and reduces mineral absorption, critical for giants.
Marketing Gimmicks That Waste Your Money
“Superfood blend” with blueberries, kale, and coconut might sound impressive, but the amounts are often negligible—sprinkled in at less than 1% total. These ingredients appear on labels after vitamins, meaning they’re present in tiny, non-functional quantities.
“Made with real meat as the first ingredient” is meaningless when the second ingredient is pea protein and the third is potatoes. The food might be 20% fresh meat (mostly water) and 40% legumes. The first ingredient should be a named meat meal, with fresh meat as a secondary source for palatability.
Vague Ingredient Sourcing
“Ocean fish meal” could mean anything from sardines to unspecified trimmings. “Regionally sourced ingredients” sounds farm-to-bowl but legally means nothing. Premium brands specify “wild-caught Alaskan salmon meal” or “free-range bison from Montana.” This traceability ensures consistent quality across 40 days of feeding.
If a company won’t disclose ingredient origins, assume the worst: commodity ingredients from the lowest-cost supplier, varying batch-to-batch. Large breeds need consistency; their digestive systems can’t handle ingredient roulette.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I accurately calculate if a grain-free bag will last my large breed 40 days?
First, determine your dog’s daily caloric needs using the RER formula (70 × [weight in kg]^0.75) multiplied by an activity factor (1.6 for typical adults). Then check the kibble’s kcal/kg on the label—this varies from 3,200 to 4,800 kcal/kg. Multiply bag weight in kg by kcal/kg for total calories. Divide total calories by your dog’s daily needs. For example, a 50-pound bag (22.7 kg) at 4,000 kcal/kg = 90,800 total kcal. If your dog needs 2,500 kcal daily, that’s 36 days. Always round down 10% to account for measuring inconsistencies and treat calories.
Is grain-free actually healthier for large breeds or just marketing?
It depends on the individual dog. True grain allergies are rare (<1% of dogs), but grain sensitivities causing chronic ear infections or itchy skin are more common in large breeds. Grain-free isn’t inherently healthier—some grain-inclusive formulas outperform grain-free on digestibility. The benefit emerges when grain-free formulas use higher-quality carb sources like sweet potatoes or chickpeas that offer better fiber profiles and lower glycemic impact than corn. For large breeds prone to bloat, the lower volume of dense grain-free kibble can be genuinely beneficial.
What’s the real risk of DCM with grain-free diets for my large breed?
The DCM risk correlates with specific formulation flaws, not grain-free status alone. Diets high in legumes (>40% of ingredients) and low in animal protein, combined with insufficient taurine or methionine, are problematic. Large breeds are inherently at higher DCM risk genetically. Mitigate this by choosing grain-free formulas with named meat meals as first ingredients, taurine supplementation (0.1% minimum), varied protein sources, and legume content below 25%. Have your vet run a proBNP blood test annually to catch cardiac changes early.
How much protein should grain-free large breed kibble contain?
Adult large breeds thrive on 26-28% crude protein from animal sources. Puppies need 28-32% for growth but require precise calcium control. More protein isn’t better—excess beyond 32% forces kidneys to filter more nitrogenous waste without added benefit. Focus on protein quality: look for digestibility values >85% (some brands publish these). A 26% protein formula with 90% digestibility delivers more usable amino acids than a 32% formula with 75% digestibility.
Can I safely store opened kibble for 40+ days without nutrient loss?
Yes, with proper technique. Keep kibble in the original bag, rolled tight and clipped, placed inside an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry below 70°F. The fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) degrade first with oxygen exposure—expect 10-15% loss over 40 days, which is acceptable. Omega-3 fatty acids oxidize rapidly; ensure the bag uses mixed tocopherols and rosemary extract. For maximum freshness, divide the bag into two airtight containers, freezing one portion. Freezing pauses oxidation completely.
Why can’t I just feed my large breed puppy adult grain-free food to make it last longer?
Large breed puppies have critical growth windows where improper nutrition causes permanent orthopedic damage. Puppy formulas control calcium at 1.2-1.8% and calories to slow growth rate. Adult grain-free food often exceeds 2% calcium, accelerating bone growth and causing painful developmental diseases like hip dysplasia or osteochondrosis. The 40-day supply concept applies to adult maintenance only. For puppies, buy smaller bags to ensure freshness as their needs change every few weeks during rapid growth phases.
What specific ingredients should I avoid in grain-free large breed formulas?
Avoid unnamed meat meals (“meat meal,” “animal fat”), which indicate commodity sourcing. Steer clear of pea protein concentrate or potato protein appearing in the top five ingredients—these inflate protein percentages without providing complete amino acid profiles. Skip formulas with cellulose or peanut hulls as fiber sources; these are indigestible fillers. Avoid menadione (synthetic vitamin K3), which is controversial for long-term safety. Finally, beware of excessive salt (>1.5%) used to mask poor palatability.
How slowly should I transition my 120-pound dog to a new grain-free diet?
Plan a 14-day minimum transition for dogs over 80 pounds. Start with 10% new food, increasing by 10% every 2-3 days. If stool softens, hold at that ratio for 3-4 days before proceeding. Add a digestive enzyme supplement containing protease and amylase during week two to help break down new protein and carb sources. For dogs with sensitive stomachs or previous GI issues, extend to 21 days. The stakes are higher with giants—diarrhea in a 150-pound dog can cause dehydration quickly and creates a mess you won’t forget.
Are 50-pound bags always cheaper per day than smaller bags?
Surprisingly, no. Calculate cost per 1,000 kcal, not cost per pound. A 50-pound bag at $120 with 3,500 kcal/kg costs $15.12 per 1,000 kcal. A 30-pound bag at $80 with 4,200 kcal/kg costs $13.23 per 1,000 kcal. The smaller bag is actually cheaper to feed. Large bags also risk spoilage if storage conditions aren’t perfect, wasting the last 5-10 pounds. Buy the largest bag only if you can verify higher caloric density and have proper storage. Otherwise, two smaller bags might be the smarter economic choice.
What should I do if my large breed refuses the new grain-free kibble after I bought a 40-day supply?
First, rule out medical issues—sudden food refusal can indicate dental pain or illness. If it’s palatability, try topping with warm water or low-sodium broth for 3-4 days to enhance aroma. Mix in a tablespoon of canned food from the same brand to maintain nutritional balance. If refusal persists after a week, contact the retailer. Many premium brands offer palatability guarantees and will exchange unopened portions. For future purchases, request samples or buy the smallest bag first for a 3-day trial. The 40-day supply only saves money if your dog actually eats it.