The Introduction
Any new proud parent of an English Mastiff needs to understand that they are going to have their hands full caring for their fluffball. And, you can be certain that parenting is no small feat, particularly if it’s a Mastiff pup that has adopted you. Mastiff puppies start around 13 oz (0.49kg). But, this is not a breed known for its miniature size.
Given time, the puppy will grow up to 36 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 160 – 230 pounds – that’s when its fed the best dog food for Mastiffs! It combines strength and gentleness in equal measure. So, you may be sure that your Mastiff will not only be your loyal companion. It’ll be a beloved family member too. However, this gentle giant needs optimal care and attention during its growing years.
The first 18 – 20 months are crucial when it comes to the proper growth and well-being of your Mastiff. These fun-loving canines are huge and need exercise daily. But, you must never over-exercise your Mastiff pup as it may cause many problems such as hip dysplasia. Over-exercise and over-feeding are both causes of abnormal bone formation in English Mastiffs. So, it’s essential to be careful about your Mastiff’s routine and their diet.
How Much Food Should You Feed Your Mastiff?
Mastiffs are a lovable, docile breed, despite what their appearance can reflect. Nonetheless, these hefty doggy machines need plenty of sustenance to keep functionality at optimal levels.
And, when it comes to Mastiff pups, the 100% meat-based diet is best. The growing years of a Mastiff pup are crucial. Providing nutritious meals for your Mastiff means strong bone development, a healthy appetite, and a robust immune system.
Most vets recommend that you should introduce dry feed to your Mastiff pups only after the age of 12 weeks. If you add treats and snacks to the list, your dog is getting all the nutrition it needs. Sticking to fruits and veggies for snacks is preferable to store-bought sugar-laden treats.
Keep wheat, corn, and soy away from your Mastiffs as they do develop Gastric torsion. Remember, Mastiffs are stout beasts with delicate tummies. Food allergies aren’t uncommon in English Mastiffs.
Now, let’s get to how much an adult English Mastiff can eat?
A large breed like an English Mastiff can guzzle down 10 – 12 cups of dog food per meal. They love to eat, snack, and chew. So, if one is to make a rough estimation about how much dog food an English Mastiff can eat, then it’s around 2.5 pounds of food per meal.
They aren’t particular about what they eat. So you can go for beef, venison, and turkey. And, when it comes to treat-time, you can go for veggies like cauliflower or broccoli that have minimal calories.
There are a few things to keep in mind, and that is that you can never allow your Mastiff to feed on onions, chocolate, raisins, grapes, or anything related to caffeine. These things are toxic to dogs. And, as your Mastiff matures, you need to cut down on the high-protein diet as it affects the Mastiff’s bone structure.
At around three years of age, and with sound breeding, your English Mastiff is fully grown, reaching your height if standing on its legs. That’s quite a size to reckon with, especially if you need to travel with your faithful companion. And, that’s where Mastiff crates can come in handy.
In general, a cage of 52 -54 inches is apt for an adult Mastiff. But, if your Mastiff is towards the larger side, then please go for something of broader proportions.
It’s smart to train your Mastiff pup to get familiar with its crate from an early age. And, it’s equally sensible to go for a Mastiff crate that’ll have enough room for your Mastiff to turn around to make it feel more comfortable. If you have bought a Mastiff crate too large for your pup, make use of a crate divider.
Opting for a wire crate provides better ventilation, more security, and if it has a removable tray, then it’s easier to keep clean too. Also, placing a piece of cardboard on the floor of the cage helps. It keeps the noise pollution down when your Mastiff feels the urge to shuffle around in its cage.
