If all dogs need a quality diet, even more care must be devoted to this section when our dog has a disease or special characteristic. This is the case of large or giant dogs, weighing more than 25-30 kg.
The particularities of these dogs mean that their menu must adhere to specific needs that we review. Next, in this article on our site in collaboration with Lenda, we talk about the best food for large and giant dogs.
Types of food for a large or giant dog
What is the best food for giant and large breed dogs? Currently, we have numerous options to provide quality food to our large dog. We can decide on the feed, a very widespread alternative thanks to its ease of administration and storage. In addition, its price is competitive and it has become so diversified that we can almost find a variety for each dog. Of course, there are feeds designed for larger dogs, covering their needs at all stages of their lives, from puppyhood to old age.
On the other hand, there are also other options, such as wet food, although this, less economical, is usually reserved for giving to the dog on a special day or moment. In recent years, other alternatives have gained popularity, such as dehydrated food, which is prepared by adding water. Of course, a traditional way of feeding dogs is still in force, such as homemade food, but updated, since we have been discovering that the leftovers from our dishes do not They should be your main source of food. To ensure that all their nutritional needs are covered, a complete menu must be prepared with the advice of a canine nutrition professional.
Feeding a large or giant puppy
Si the growth stage, especially the first months when it is faster, is delicate for any puppy, much more so for large or giant ones. In the first place, the recommendation is that they remain with their mother until they are at least eight weeks old so that they can feed on her milk, which is supplemented, approximately from one month, with solid food formulated for puppies. Thus, they must arrive at their new homes already weaned.
With large puppies a mistake is often made, which is to give them too much food, precisely because of their size. But with this we can cause a growth of muscles and tendons out of step with respect to the bones, which ends up harming their correct development.
In addition, another common mistake is to think that they need an extra supply of vitamins and minerals such as calcium. Supplementation without the veterinarian's prescription is harmful to your he alth Therefore, the key is to choose a quality food, with a high protein content and the right proportion of fats and offer it in the right amounts in several portions a day. Finally, it should be remembered that large and giant dogs do not stop growing at 12 months, but their development continues until 18 or even 24 months
Feeding large or giant breed adult dogs
When a dog of this size becomes an adult, it is important to switch to a food suitable for this stage, which maintains its weight and physical condition. Being a carnivorous animal, regardless of its size, the menu must be composed, as the first ingredient, of protein of animal origin, either from the meat or fish. Then, the recipe can be completed with cereals, legumes, vegetables, vegetables or fruit This composition is recommended for all ages. An example is the Lenda Pollo Maxi recipe, highly recommended for large or giant breeds for various reasons. Among them stands out its high content of collagen and chondroprotectors, which serve to strengthen bones, ligaments and joints. It also includes ingredients that promote good intestinal transit and prevent gastric torsion, a serious complication, more common in large breeds, which can lead to death. In addition, the size of the croquette is ideal for the mouth of these dogs, which prevents them from eating too quickly and ingesting too much air, also helping to prevent torsion.
In this line, High or slow feeders are interesting options for these dogs. It is important to respect the amounts and control the extra calorie intake that food prizes can entail. We must strive to avoid being overweight, because, among other damages, it harms the joints. It is better to give the food divided into two times a day to prevent large intakes at once. It is advisable to go to a veterinary check-up at least once a year. This allows pathologies to be detected early that may require a change to a specific diet.
Feeding large or giant breed elderly dogs
Unfortunately, large dogs age faster than other dogs. From the age of seven, even earlier, many should start consuming a food formulated especially for them, with fewer calories to avoid becoming overweight,more high-quality protein , unless a kidney disease is detected, and greater amount of fiber to promote the intestinal transit that at these ages becomes slower. antioxidants and a balanced supply of vitamins and minerals are also recommended.
Some specimens also have different chronic diseases, such as kidney or heart failure, which make it convenient to give them a specific diet that will be part of the treatment. Even dogs without this type of pathology are likely to have mobility problems, since they carry a great load on their joints. In these cases, in addition to the measures prescribed by the veterinarian, which may include drugs and physiotherapy, it is recommended to offer a food designed to relieve inflammation and pain and protect the joints
A dog that is having trouble walking and is in pain is more likely to move less and less, which can not only make his condition worse, but also increases the risk of weight gain, which which is bad for your joints, makes you more prone to some diseases, and lowers your tolerance for anesthesia, heat, or exercise. It is recommended to divide the ration into two meals a day
