The 7 Best Dog Foods For Mastiffs

Buyer's Guide: How to Select the Best Mastiff Dog Foods

You may have more questions than answers regarding which dog food to pick now that you’ve seen all of these different dog meals that we believe are suitable for Mastiffs. After all, we’ve included a wealth of information on the various ingredients and nutrients present in each of these dog diets.

You may also be wondering whether one would be the most cost-effective while still providing your Mastiff with the nutrients he requires to keep healthy.

But don’t worry, we’ve produced this Buyer’s Guide to address any questions you may still have and to assist you in selecting the finest food for your dog.

Ingredients

When it comes to dog food, one of the first things you should look at is the ingredients. The components are what will provide your dog with the nutrition he requires to be healthy. Here are some crucial components and nutrients to keep an eye out for.

Proteins derived from meat

Dogs, in general, require food heavy in meat-based proteins, which include the most vital elements required to keep your dog healthy.

However, because Mastiffs are such huge dogs with a lot of muscular mass, giving them high-protein diet is crucial for keeping them in shape. The finest dog diets should have meat as the first component, ideally as the first three ingredients.

Avoid meat by-products that are not clearly labeled, as this allows for fluctuations that may damage the quality. Foods with clearly labeled organs, such as “heart” or “liver,” are preferred.

We should also emphasize that it is critical to select food that contains meat that your dog like; do not purchase food that is richer in protein if your dog will not eat it. However, high-protein dog chow comes in a number of tastes, so you’re likely to find something your dog enjoys.

Ingredients derived from plants

Fruits and vegetables in dog chow are also preferable since they often supply nutrients that meat does not. Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, for example, assist maintain several aspects of your dog’s body healthy, including as the brain, skin, coat, and immune system. However, these substances are not as necessary as meat, therefore always select a cuisine with meat as the primary ingredient.

Chondroitin and Glucosamine

Mastiffs, due to their size, are prone to joint disorders such as hip and elbow dysplasia, which can progress to additional issues such as arthritis. As a result, you may wish to select a dog food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which enhance joint health and can alleviate arthritis discomfort if it develops.

DHA

Finally, especially for Mastiff pups, you may want to seek for food that contains DHA. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in seafood and fish oil. DHA benefits all pups and senior dogs because it promotes brain development in puppies, which makes training simpler, and it helps elderly dogs keep a healthy heart and vision.

Age and Health

Another factor to consider while selecting food for your Mastiff is his age and health. Mastiffs aren’t the most active dogs, therefore if they aren’t provided a well-balanced diet, they can easily become overweight. You don’t want to feed your Mastiff foods that are heavy in fat and calories, especially if he already weighs a little more than he should.

If your dog is overweight, consult with your doctor to determine what amount of fat and calories he or she advises before selecting dog food.

Grain-free dog food vs. grain-containing dog food is another topic we’ve discussed in our evaluations. Grains aren’t always harmful for dogs, but some can be allergic to them or have sensitivities or intolerances to them, particularly gluten-containing grains.

You know your dog, and if he or she has difficulty eating or digesting particular meals, a grain-free choice may be preferable.

Finally, examine your dog’s age, since puppies and elderly Mastiffs may require different diet than healthy adult dogs. Puppy food recipes frequently contain numerous nutrients that are essential for healthy growth, as well as smaller pellets to make the meal simpler to chew.

Senior dog food has smaller and softer kibble, but it is also lower in fat, making it more suited for a slower metabolism.

Budget

Your budget is the final item to consider when selecting dog food for your Mastiff. Remember that the greatest thing for a Mastiff is high-quality dog food, which might be expensive.

However, certain high-quality dog diets are more affordable than others, and many dog foods come in a variety of sizes in case you need to go cheaper for a month or two.

You should also keep in mind that just because one brand of dog food is more costly than another does not mean it is healthier for your dog. It all depends on your dog and which nutrients and additives would be most beneficial to him. Many high-quality dog diets are inexpensive yet being nourishing.

Conclusion

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes you found these reviews and the Buyer’s Guide useful when it came to selecting the best dog foods for Mastiffs. We believe that Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Meal is the best overall food for mastiffs since it is high in nutrients.

American Journey Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food is the best dog food for the money since it is inexpensive yet high in protein and low in fat and calories.

And Ollie’s Fresh Beef with Sweet Potatoes is our top recommendation because it combines excellent nutrition with ease of preparation. Whatever food you pick, we hope your lovely and generous Mastiff enjoys it and that it will help him live a long and healthy life.

Reviews

Best Overall: Grain-Free Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dog Food

• Water buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, and peas are the main ingredients.
• Protein percentage: 32% min.
• Minimum fat content: 18%
• 422 calories per cup

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food is our pick for the finest overall dog food for Mastiffs. This diet has at least 32% protein, and the first three components are animal protein sources, which is precisely what you want in dog food.

Bison and venison, coupled with chicken and lamb, produce a delicious flavor that your Mastiff will enjoy. This diet also contains dried chicory roots and sweet potatoes, which assist with digestion.

K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics, as well as prebiotics and antioxidants, support good digestion and an immune system, allowing your Mastiff to live a long and happy life. It also includes vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids, which promote a healthy coat and give your dog energy.

The only disadvantage is that this diet has more fat than other dog foods. Fat is also required for normal muscular function, however if your Mastiff is overweight, the fat level may be excessive. Aside than that, this is a good, low-cost option.

Pros

• High protein content
• Antioxidants are present.
• Promotes good digestion
• The first three components are all meat.

Cons

• Fattier than other dog foods

 

Best for Puppies: Chicken & Rice Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Puppy

• Chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, and barley are the main ingredients.
• Min. protein content: 26%
• Minimum fat content: 15%
• 386 calories per cup

Puppies, whether large or little breed, frequently require nutrients that aren’t available in adult dog food. However, because Mastiffs are large breed dogs, they should eat dog chow designed specifically for large breed puppies.

That is why we recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe as the finest puppy food for Mastiffs.

This meal includes 26% minimum protein, which may seem excessive for pups, but it is really beneficial since it will aid in the development of your Mastiff’s muscles as he matures into an adult.

This dog food also includes DHA, which is vital for pups of all breeds since it aids with brain development. Furthermore, the fact that chicken is the major protein element ensures that your puppy will enjoy the flavor, especially if this is the first food he consumes.

One disadvantage of this diet is that it contains barley, a grain that can be difficult for some dogs to digest if they have a sensitive stomach.

It may be vital to keep a watchful check on your puppy until you are certain that he can take grain-containing foods. Another disadvantage is the cost; if you’re on a tight budget, this might not be the greatest option for you.

Pros

• The major component is real chicken.
• DHA aids in the development of your puppy’s brain.
• A high protein diet aids in the development of your puppy’s muscles.

Cons

• Not cost-effective.
• Grain content may cause gastrointestinal distress in certain dogs.

 

Original Grain-Free Dog Food by Orijen

• Chicken, turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, and Chicken Liver are the main ingredients.
• 38% min. protein content
• Minimum fat content: 18%
• 473 kilocalories per cup

Let’s start with the negative aspects of this cuisine. It’s pricey, which is why we’ve selected it as our top pick. However, if you can afford the expense, it’s one of the greatest dishes you can give your Mastiff because the first five components are meat, including chicken, turkey, and fish.

As you might expect, it’s heavy in protein, and the combination of meats offers a taste that even fussy dogs should like.

This meal also includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, including beans, pumpkin, squash, apples, and cranberries. These components assist to give fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that meat cannot supply for your Mastiff.

This dog food also has no artificial flavors or preservatives, and each component contributes to your dog’s overall wellness.

Pros

• High protein content
• The first five components are all meat.
• A variety of fruits and vegetables are included to provide additional nutrition.

Cons

• Not cost-effective.

 

Chicken & Brown Rice Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed

• Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, and barley are the main ingredients.
• Minimum protein content: 22%
• Fat Content: 12% min.
• 352 kilocalories per cup

Formula Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe is a large breed adult dog food that is similar to our puppy recommended product. If you choose the puppy version for your Mastiff, why not also try the adult version?

This diet has less protein, fat, and calories than other dog foods, especially the puppy version, but it’s a terrific choice for keeping your Mastiff at a healthy weight.

This diet also includes glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health, as well as omega fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coats.

It also includes calcium and other minerals that are good for bone and tooth health, as well as antioxidants that are good for the immune system. It is not, however, the cheapest dog food on this list, albeit it is less expensive than the puppy version.

Pros

• Fat and calorie-free
• Aids in the maintenance of healthy joints and bones
• Antioxidants are present to support a healthy immune system.

Cons

• Lower in protein than other foods
• More costly than other foods

 

Hearty Beef, Veggies, and Brown Rice Rachael Ray Nutrish Big Life

• Beef, chicken meal, soybean meal, dried peas, and ground whole corn are the main ingredients.
• Minimum protein content: 25%
• Minimum fat content: 12%
• 360 calories per cup

Rachael Ray Nutrish Big Like Hearty Meat, Veggies, and Brown Rice Recipe dog food is the only one on our list with beef as the first component. If your dog dislikes chicken-flavored dog food, it’s worth a go.

This diet is higher in protein but lower in fat than other dog feeds, and it’s also low in calories, making it ideal for maintaining muscle mass while also keeping your Mastiff at a healthy weight.

This composition, like other dog diets, contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, as well as carrots and peas, which are strong in fiber and make this food easier to digest.

It’s also designed specifically for large breed dogs weighing more than 40 pounds. The disadvantage of this cuisine is that it is somewhat more expensive than other foods.

Pros

• Fat and calorie-free
• Beef is the primary protein source.
• Aids in the maintenance of healthy joints and digestion.

Cons

• More costly than other foods

 

Ocean Fish Formula Victor Select Dog Food

• Menhaden Fish Meal, Grain Sorghum, Peas, Chicken Fat, Whole Grain Millet are the main ingredients.
• Min. protein content: 24%
• Minimum fat content: 12%
• 370 calories per cup

Ocean Fish Formula Victor Select Dog food is not always for large breeds, nor is it always heavy in protein. However, we enjoy it since it is high in nutrients that will keep your Mastiff healthy.

Because the major protein element is fish, some dogs may dislike the flavor; nevertheless, if your dog enjoys fish, this is one of the greatest meats for keeping his heart healthy. It’s also low in calories and fat, which will help your dog keep a healthy weight.

This meal also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that target various elements of your dog’s body to ensure optimal functioning. It’s also an excellent choice for pups. Another thing to keep in mind is that this food is more pricey than some of the other items on this list.

Pros

• Gluten-free
• Low in fat and calories
• Excellent for both pups and mature dogs.

Cons

• Not cost-effective.
• Some dogs may dislike the flavor.

 

Adult Large Breed Chicken and Rice Formula Purina Pro Plan

• Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, and chicken by-product meal are the main ingredients.
• Min. protein content: 26%
• Minimum fat content: 12%
• Calories per cup: 407

Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Chicken and Rice Formula is intended for large breed dogs weighing 50 pounds or more.

This meal, which has 26% minimum protein and 12% minimum fat, might help your dog maintain his optimal body weight if he receives enough activity. It also has glucosamine for joint health and probiotics and prebiotics for digestive health.

Although this cuisine comprises chicken as the primary component, one of the disadvantages is that it also contains chicken by-product meal, which is of poor quality. Finally, this dog meal is somewhat more expensive than other dog feeds with slightly better and more healthy components.

Pros

• Made for big breed dogs.
• Aids in the maintenance of healthy joints and digestion.

Cons

• Gluten is present.
• Not cost-effective.
• This product contains chicken by-product meal.