Happy Dog NaturCroq XXL, 15 kg is a complete premium dry food from the German brand Happy Dog for adult large and giant breed dogs. The first ingredient is poultry meal, followed by grains: wheat, corn and barley. Protein is moderate at 21%, fat is 10%, and the kibble is large to suit a big dog's jaw. Energy: 356 kcal per 100 g.
What it is and who makes it
Happy Dog is a German dog food brand. NaturCroq is its more affordable grain-based premium range, unlike the grain-free and single-protein Sensible lines. NaturCroq XXL is designed for adult large and giant breeds, with moderate protein and fat and large kibble that the dog crunches rather than swallowing whole.
Ingredients and analysis
Poultry meal, whole wheat, wheat flour, whole corn, corn flour, whole barley, poultry fat, beef fat, fish meal, meat meal, beet pulp, liver hydrolysate, dried haemoglobin, apple pulp (0.8%), yeast, malt sprouts, salt, and herbs (green oats, sunflower, cress, parsley — 0.3% in total).
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Protein | 21% |
| Fat | 10% |
| Fibre | 3% |
| Ash | 5.5% |
| Calcium / phosphorus | 1.25% / 0.85% |
| Energy | 356 kcal per 100 g |
Pros
- Large kibble. The dog has to chew rather than gulp.
- Moderate protein and fat. 21% and 10%, no excess load for a calm large dog.
- Lower calories. 356 kcal per 100 g makes overfeeding less likely.
- 15 kg bag. A good price per kilogram.
- German maker. Consistent quality between batches.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- Grain-heavy. Wheat, corn and barley — not for dogs that react to them.
- Generic meat sources. "Poultry", "meat meal", "fish meal" without species or percentages.
- No joint additives. Glucosamine and chondroitin aren't listed.
- Not for active dogs. Working and sporting dogs may not get enough energy.
How to feed a large dog
Check the daily amount on the pack by your dog's weight and adjust for body shape and activity. Large dogs do better with 2 meals a day rather than one. Don't feed right before an active walk, and keep the dog from running and jumping for 1–2 hours after eating, since large, deep-chested dogs are at risk of gastric torsion (bloat). More on portions in how much to feed a dog a day.
Joints in large dogs
Excess weight is the main enemy of a big dog's joints, so moderate calories are a plus. But NaturCroq XXL has no chondroprotectors of its own: if your dog already has joint problems or is getting older, your vet may suggest a separate supplement. How to choose food by dog size is covered in food for large-breed dogs.
Storing a 15 kg bag
A dog takes several weeks to finish a big bag, and in that time food can go stale or damp. Keep it in a tightly closed bag or container in a cool, dry place, and don't pour the whole bag loose into a plastic bin. More in how to store dry food.
Who it suits
Adult large and giant breed dogs with normal or low activity and no grain or poultry allergy: Labradors, Shepherds, Central Asian Shepherds, Cane Corsos, Newfoundlands. If you want a clearly named meat, look at Happy Dog NaturCroq Beef & Rice. Other foods are in dry dog food.
Verdict
Happy Dog NaturCroq XXL is an affordable grain-based food with large kibble and moderate protein and fat for big, calm dogs. Good value per kilogram if your dog tolerates grains well and doesn't need a therapeutic or sports diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dogs is Happy Dog NaturCroq XXL for?
Adult large and giant breed dogs.
How much protein and fat?
21% protein and 10% fat.
Does it contain grains?
Yes, wheat, corn and barley.
How many calories?
356 kcal per 100 g.
Does it contain glucosamine?
It isn't listed in the ingredients.
How many meals a day?
Large dogs are better off with 2 meals a day.
