Dog breeds are unique in different ways. One of the ways dogs differ is how they feed. It’s ideal to know how to choose the best dog food for large breed if you own one and what to look for in large breed dog food.
Typically, choosing the right dog food is very important for large dog breeds. These are dog breeds that are over 56 pounds when they mature. It’s even more important for giant dogs who are over 75 pounds.
Even though they are big, some of these dogs are very friendly while some are dangerous dogs best for security.
In this article, we’ll be discussing how to choose the best dog food and important tips to consider in choosing dog food for large breeds of dogs.
But first of all, why is it important to feed your dog the correct way?
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Importance Of Proper Dog Feeding
As human beings, we develop various health problems and complications when we are not feeding properly, and it’s no different for dogs.
According to Pet MD, you need to feed your pet properly to ensure your pet has the right balance of nutrients. The amount of protein, carbs, fats, etc. ideal for a specific dog breed is different for others.
Not feeding your dog the correct way could lead to various problems such as poor muscle tone, poor skin & coat health, and worse, it could make them prone to diseases as their immune system is weak.
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How To Choose The Best Dog Food For Large Breed
Here are some tips for choosing the right food for large breed dogs;
1. Dog’s Age
The rate at which dogs eat differs depending on their age. A large breed puppy would not be as big as it would be later on, and so shouldn’t feed as much. There are specific foods for large breed dog puppies and senior large breed dogs.
If you own a large breed puppy, knowing when to switch from puppy food to senior large breed dog food is also important. Large breed puppies take about two years after birth to reach maturity.
2. Consider Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a combination of glutamine and glucose, and you would find it in foods like beef and chicken. It helps protect bones and joints from damage as it is a cartilage building block.
Due to its inflammatory properties, it’s recommended that you consider large breed dog foods that contain natural glucosamine. It will help protect your pet from joint and bone pain, which large breed dogs are more prone to.
It is ideal for both puppy and senior dogs, although the quantity administered should be checked as it will vary based on age.
3. Safety Of The Dog Food
By now, you should know that not every ingredient written on food labels can be trusted. Hence, it would be best to look beyond that to ensure that a particular food is safe for your large breed dog to consume.
An ideal way is to look for foods that meet regulatory standards. For example, foods that are approved by the FDA or those that follow the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guides. See the video below on what to look out for in food ingredients labels.
4. Check What Your Dog Prefers
Dogs can be stubborn and refuse to eat if you give them what they don’t like. Hence, it would help to consider your dogs’ individual preferences when choosing the right dog food.
This has to do more with taste – flavor & texture. Many dog foods come in different textures and flavors, so picking one your pet loves shouldn’t be a hassle. Simply buy small quantities of different varieties and try them out before committing to a brand.
5. Go For Quality
Large breed dogs would consume more food than a regular dog breed. As a result, feeding them could be expensive.
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This could make some dog owners settle for poor quality dog foods because they are cheaper. That is wrong, and at the same time, you could end up paying more for low-quality food.
It is best to go for quality dog food. Just make sure you investigate the food you are purchasing to ensure it is worth the money.
Reviews from previous customers on amazon could help you make a good decision.
How Much Should Large Breed Dogs Feed
It may be hard to decipher how much you should feed your large breed dog on your own. However, you can start by using the label or feeding guideline that comes with the dog food. You may need to purchase a measuring spoon and serve it in the right dog bowl to ensure you get the correct measurements to avoid overfeeding your dog.
Also, you can get feeding instructions from your vet. Getting instructions is important if your pet has other problems that could affect what it eats. For example, if your dog is overweight, underweight, or has allergies, etc.
Bottom Line
We’ve looked at how to choose the best dog food for large breed. At this point, you might be curious to know which dog food is the best for large breed dogs. If to go for wet or dry foods etc.
Well, the best food to give your dog depends on you, the owner, and what your dog likes. You also need to consider the ingredients to ensure the food is healthy and safe for your dog. No specific dog food is the best, but you could narrow down and settle for just the right brand by using the tips above.
If you’re still indecisive, take a look at this post on the best dog foods as it has a lot of healthy food brands you can buy. You can also choose to consult your vet or get advice from a pet dietician. I hope you enjoyed this post on the best food for large dogs; please share with others.
