If you are new to dog ownership and specifically own or are looking to adopt a large breed of dog, it is imperative that you have a comprehensive understanding of their nutritional needs, as this will ensure that your dog, commonly referred to by many as “man’s best friend”, is in the best shape possible.
There are dozens of breeds of dogs, but those who decide to have a large breed dog more often than not were captivated by their canine’s appearance and large size.
You may think that large dog breeds are temperamental, however, that isn’t the case, as many owners of large breed dogs will tell you. Many refer to their furry family member as a gentle giant.
Most large breed dogs tend to be family-friendly and have mild temperaments thus making them suitable for families that have young children.
As a large breed dog owner, it is imperative that you keep a keen eye on your dog’s diet. You may be wondering should you be feeding a large breed dog with formula? Well, when it comes to the diet of a large breed dog, their main diet should comprise foods that have a lower calorie and protein count compared to other species of dogs.
You may assume that because they are large breeds, you may stuff them with any type of food.
Nonetheless, they tend to have distinct nutritional requirements. This guide provides large breed dog owners with tips on how to care for their gentle giant.
- Establish Whether Your Dog Is Truly a Large Breed
When you visit dog adoption centers, ensure that the dog you are adopting is a large breed.
One way of knowing whether your dog of choice is a large breed is if it weighs more than 70 pounds. Breeds such as German Shepherds and Rottweilers are some of the large dog breeds that fall under the aforementioned weight category.
Having an understanding of whether your dog is a large breed or not will provide you with a good understanding when planning and budgeting for its diet. It also affects how often you may end up feeding them.
- Feed Your Large Breed Dog in Stages
As a large breed dog owner, it’s dangerous to assume that your dog possesses the knowledge to regulate itself when feeding.
That is where you step in, don’t overfeed large breed dogs as they may end up being overweight, and the pressure on their skeleton may end up being immense leading to complications such as osteochondrosis.
At any given time, aim to ensure that your dog is getting the recommended balance of nutrients.
- Aim to Strike a Balance with Dog Supplements
Despite the heavy marketing of dog supplements and the benefits your dog stands to gain by consuming said supplements, pumping your large breed dog with supplements that contain concentrated phosphorous, calcium, and vitamin D may lead to a buildup that can adversely affect the health of your giant friend.
To avoid medical and health complications for your dog, strive to consult with a veterinarian as they have expert knowledge on the right type of supplement for your specific large breed dog.
