Best Dog Food For Mastiffs: Four Yummy Choices (2019 Edition)

The Mastiff, a gentle giant, is one of the largest dog breeds.  For this rapidly growing dog, appropriate nutrition is critical.

For proper growth, the best dog food for Mastiffs will incorporate the right amount of nutrients for slow and steady growth.

To learn how to choose the best dog food for English Mastiff, continue to read this complete guide.

Quick Comparison: Best Food For Mastiffs 

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Below you’ll find in-depth reviews of each of the above products.

General Nutritional Information

Proteins. It is very important that the food for a Mastiff comes from a good protein source. Proteins or whole meats should be one of the first ingredients listed on the food label. Whole meat meals are those that have moisture removed which are higher in proteins.

The Mastiff needs a high protein diet that is monitored to prevent them from becoming overweight.

The best ones to look for include:

• Chicken
• Fish
• Lamb
• Beef

Supplements. Omega -3 fatty acids found in fish oils help to keep the skin and coat healthy. They are also big helpers with both eye and brain development. Puppies need DHA (docosahexaenoic acids) whereas the older dogs seem to benefit more from MCFAs (medium chain triglycerides or medium, chain fatty acids).

Ingredients to Avoid.  Many people like to look for diets low or free of corn, soy, and wheat as they tend to be allergens. Avoiding unnatural sweeteners, preservative, colors, and flavors are suggested to help in keeping their immune systems stronger.

Additionally, the Mastiff needs a dog food that has more natural ingredients to help keep their immune systems strong.

Recommended Calorie Intake

According to The National Research Council of the National Academies, an adult mastiff that is active and weighing around 200 pounds require a calorie intake daily of 3710 calories. However, a dog that has been neutered or spayed or older might need fewer calories. A dog’s metabolism and activity level determine how many calories are needed.

Puppies and mastiffs that are still growing will need to consume more calories. It is estimated the calorie intake be roughly 3487 calories per day for a young adult that weighs in at about 160 pounds.

Common Health Problems

Some common health problems that the Mastiff may get include the following.

Developmental orthopedic disease (DOD) is more prevalent in large breed dogs such as the Mastiff. Bone and joint disorders such as hip dysplasia affect many large breed pups.

According to research by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) the mastiff ranks 35th for hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia typically develops because of an abnormally developed hip joint.

For elbow dysplasia, the Mastiff ranked 22nd with the Bullmastiff at 20th, the Tibetan Mastiff at 25th, but the Neapolitan did not make the list.

Feeding Guidelines

Nutritional Needs

Large breed pups grow substantially and it needs to be regulated.  They should not grow up too fast. Feeding a diet that is too calorically dense or high in fat can make a pup grow faster than his bones can accommodate resulting in skeletal abnormalities.

It is suggested that meals be measured out and only be left out for about half an hour or so. After this time put the food away. For the most part, this ensures that your dog has had plenty of time to eat, but does not overeat.

The calories consumed by the Mastiff must come from a balanced diet that promotes healthy bone and muscle growth. This is a breed that requires good nutrition and is not one that will do well on cheaper food brands.

Editor’s Choice – Best Dog Food For English Mastiff

Here are some of our top food choices for your Mastiff!

1. Fromm Gold

Fromm Gold is large breed adult dry dog food that we highly recommend. It has “A” nutrition rating.

• Duck, chicken meal, and chicken are the first three ingredients
• A natural form of glucosamine is found in the addition of chicken cartilage
• Contains probiotics to help with digestion.
• Does NOT contains no wheat, soy, or corn
• Contains moderate fat and protein
• Food is moderate in calories per cup at 378

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2. CANIDAE Life Stages

Canidae is an all life stage formula dry dog food and it comes highly recommended by Mastiff breeders. It has a nutrition rating of a “B+”.

• First three ingredients are meat proteins that include chicken, turkey, and lamb
• A fourth protein is also found in the ingredients – it’s fish
• They offer both grain free version and one with grains
• Includes guaranteed probiotics and antioxidants levels that are guaranteed
• Guaranteed levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids included.
• No wheat, soy, corn, antibiotics, fillers, preservatives, hormones, colors, or artificial flavors.
• Contains a moderate and healthy level of fat and protein.
• Food is moderate in calories per cup at 468

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3. Wellness CORE

Wellness Core Grain Free large breed formula has a nutrition rating of a “B”.

• The first three ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal
• Food is high in protein at 34 percent crude protein
• Food is relatively low in fat at 12 percent crude fat
• 36% more protein than the large breed complete health adult recipe
• Contains antioxidants, omega fatty acids, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
• It is naturally gluten-free.
• Comes in a larger kibble size for the larger dogs
• Food is moderate in calories per cup at 346

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4. Now Fresh

Now Fresh Grain Free large breed adult recipe has a nutrition rating of a “B”.

• Food is made 100% from turkey, duck, and salmon.
• Food is made 100% from fresh omega-6 and omega-3 oils from canola and coconuts.
• Does not contain soy, wheat, corn, or other grains
• There is no gluten or beef added.
• There are no rendered meats, no artificial preservatives, and no by-products
• Contains glucosamine, New Zealand green mussels, and chondroitin
• Includes taurine, pre-and probiotics
• Contains 27 percent crude protein and 13 percent crude fat
• Food is moderate in calories per cup at 363

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