Best Dog Food For Mastiffs: Four Yummy Choices (2017 Edition)

The mastiffs are one of the large dog breeds that grow at massive rates without the need to give them any additional means of speeding growth. They need to have the proper proteins and fat as the main ingredients in their diets – read on to learn how to choose the best dog food for mastiffs.

Quick Comparison: Best Food For Mastiffs in 2017

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

Introductory Part

It is very important that the food they eat comes from good sources. The best form of whole meats is found in the first of the ingredients listed on the ingredients list. The best ones to look for include the following types.

• Chicken
• Fish
• Lamb
• Beef

Whole meat meals are those that have had a lot of the moistures removed. These are several times higher in proteins.

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).

General Nutritional Information

The mastiff is in need of a high protein diet that is watched and monitored to prevent them from becoming overweight. They need to grow on their own without influencers to prevent them from getting Wobbler’s Syndrome. The mastiff needs a dog food that has more natural ingredients to help keep their immune systems strong.

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 is suggested to help in keeping their immune systems stronger.

Recommended Calorie Intake

According to The National Research Council of the National Academies an adult mastiff that is active and weighing in at around 200 pounds require a calorie intake daily of 3710 calories. However, a dog that has been neutered or spayed or older might need a lower calorie daily intake. The dog’s level of metabolism and activity level are areas that have a huge determination on calories 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. This is a breed that requires good nutrition and is not one that will do well on the cheaper food brands.

Common Health Problems

Some of the other health problems that the mastiffs face that were not mentioned above include the following examples.

According to research by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) the mastiff ranks 35th for hip dysplasia, the Neapolitan Mastiff ranked 4th, the Tibetan Mastiff ranked 67th, and the Bullmastiff ranked 27th. 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.

The OFA’s patellar luxation statistics show Bullmastiffs were rank 118th and the Mastiff having a rank of 109th. In regards to cardiac statistics the Bullmastiff ranked 31st, the Mastiff came in at 49th, and the Neapolitan Mastiff ranked 98th. For thyroid statistics the Tibetan Mastiff ranked 15th, the mastiff ranked 67th and the Bullmastiff ranked 86th.

Feeding Guidelines

Calcium levels and phosphorus levels are very important to pay special attention to with the mastiff. They can eat most of the good quality dog foods with no issue as long as they are a good quality nutrition.

It is suggested that meals be measured out and only be left out for them to feed upon for about half an hour or so. After this time put the food away. This for the most part ensures that the dog has had plenty of time to eat.

Be sure to keep the diet one that is low to moderate in the carb percentages. The correct ratio for large breed dogs, such as the mastiff, would be 1.2:1 (1.2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus) with a allowable variation of 1.5:1.  If this ratio is not included on the dog food packaging it will be able to be located on the brand’s website.

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.

• Contains duck, chicken meal, and chicken as the first three ingredients.
• A natural form of glucosamine is found in the addition of chicken cartilage.
• Contains probiotics to help with digestion.
• Contains no wheat, soy, or corn that might irritate.
• Contains a 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+”.

• The All Life Stages formula 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 probiotic culture levels.
• Includes 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.
• Have 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.
• Has 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.
• There is no soy, wheat, corn, or other grains added.
• There is no gluten or beef added.
• There are no rendered meats, no artificial preservatives, and no by-products added.
• Contains glucosamine, New Zealand green mussels, and chondroitin.
• Has taurine, pre-and probiotics added.
• Contains 27 percent crude protein and 13 percent crude fat
• Food is moderate in calories per cup at 363

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Best Dog Foods List – Puppies

• Now Fresh
• Canidae – Life Stages

Conclusion

In conclusion, if one is considering to bring home a mastiff it is imperative that they are prepared to care for them in the best possible way just as they would do with a human baby.