Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Mastiffs
If you have a Mastiff, you’re well aware of their size and that they can consume quite a lot of food. But the thing about Mastiffs is that they are prone to obesity, and large dogs in general often don’t live as long as smaller ones. With that being said, it’s important to feed them high-quality and nutritious dog food in order for them to live a long and healthy life.
Mastiffs are also muscular dogs, so the best food for them should be high in protein in order to keep their muscles in good shape. The food should also be low in fat to help them maintain a healthy weight. Luckily, you don’t have to spend time searching, as we’ve compiled a list of the best dog food for Mastiffs along with reviews of each one to help make your decision easier.
Is wet food better or dry food?
Providing that they meet the nutritional needs of your Mastiff, both wet and dry foods are good for your giant friend. The only difference is that of moisture.
How many times a day should I feed my Mastiff?
Two evenly spaced meals per day are preferred and help to establish a routine for your Mastiff. Dogs love routine.
Is potato in dog food hazardous?
Baked and cooked potatoes are fine. It is the raw potato or potato plants that your dog needs to avoid to stay healthy and free from allergens.
What foods can cause heart problems?
Most larger breeds of dogs are susceptible to heart diseases, which means that your Mastiff is at risk too. Avoid fatty foods to make sure they remain safe and healthy.
Is grain-free dog food better for my Mastiff?
A grain-free diet is a good option for those Mastiffs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. It’s an easily digestible option, but keep in mind though that all dogs are individuals and need a diet catered to their individual needs.
How much should I feed my Mastiff?
A typical mastiff consumes about 10-11 cups of food each day, that means about 2 pounds of food every single day. Just be careful of overfeeding or underfeeding your pup.
What is the best food for English Mastiffs?
A diet rich in protein, fiber, and a small amount of fat is perfect for an English Mastiff. Any of the top eight foods I have listed here can be a perfect fit for your Mastiff.
How much should I feed my English Mastiff puppy?
It depends on the weight and age of your puppy. A new puppy should be fed 3-4 times a day, about 3/4 to 1 cup each time. Ensure that the diet has all the right amounts of proteins, fiber, and fats.
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Mastiffs
Blue Buffalo 38 Large Breed Dog Food— Best Value
Blue Buffalo Large Breed is the best dog food for Mastiffs for the money because it is affordable while providing optimal nutrition. Natural ingredients that are enhanced with vitamins and minerals make a high-quality food that your dog will love to eat. The primary ingredient is chicken and chicken meal — Blue Buffalo does not use any chicken by-products.
Other healthy ingredients include brown rice, oatmeal, barley, and a variety of vegetables. Blue Buffalo is known for its LifeSource Bits that contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for overall health. Unfortunately, some dogs don’t care for the flavor of these vitamin bites and will not eat them, which is why it is in the second spot on our reviews list. But if you don’t have a picky eater, it may not be an issue.
Analysis of this formula is 22% crude protein, 12% crude fat, and 6% crude fiber. There is also glucosamine and chondroitin to help keep joints and ligaments healthy in your large breed dog. Finally, Blue Buffalo contains no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors and preservatives, so you know it has quality ingredients that are healthy for your Mastiff.
- Some dogs don’t like the LifeSource Bits
- No chicken by-products
- Whole-grains included
- LifeSource Bits
- Specific for large breeds
- Affordable
- Natural ingredients
- Protects joints and ligaments
- No corn, wheat, or soy
Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Turkey Fare — Best Overall
Our pick for premium choice dog food for big, lovable Mastiffs goes to Nom Nom’s Turkey Fare recipe. One way to ensure your big dog is getting the nutrition they need is by providing fresh, healthy food and that’s just what Nom Nom has to offer. It’s not only a subscription service but it can also be purchased at certain pet stores. Make sure you make some room in your refrigerator and freezer, though.
Nom Nom is truly a what you see is what you get kind of dog food, you don’t have to question the ingredients because they are right there in front of you. All recipes are crafted by board-certified veterinarians according to AAFCO’s standards for all life stages.
This recipe features fresh turkey as the first ingredient, which is a rich source of lean protein that is full of essential amino acids. Second on the list is brown rice, which can help sustain energy while being easy on the stomach. Eggs are the third ingredient listed, which is rich in protein, fat, and other nutrients.
This food also includes a mix of fresh vegetables, fish oil, and other vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy, vibrant life. Fresh foods like Nom Nom can be very expensive when fed exclusively, especially for extra-large breeds like Mastiffs. If it doesn’t fit into your budget, you can offset the cost by adding it as a topper to high-quality kibbles.
- Expensive to feed exclusively
- Requires space in refrigerator/freezer
- Pre-portioned for unique needs
- Made from real, fresh ingredients
- Formulated by board-certified veterinarians
- Meets AAFCO standards for all life stages
- Available in some pet stores
Royal Canin 492836 Puppy Dry Dog Food — For Puppies
This food is made specifically for puppies who are expected to weigh between 56 to 100 pounds as adults. It uses a special blend of minerals that promote bone growth and support joints. The high amount of quality protein ensures that your puppy develops strong muscles for their large bodies.
The primary protein is chicken by-product meal, with a crude protein level of 28%. There is plenty of fat to provide energy for your growing dog at 14%. The recipe contains a blend of antioxidants and vitamins for the immune system and prebiotics for optimal digestive health. The design of the kibble makes it so your Mastiff has to chew the food thoroughly, which helps prevent bloat and improve digestion.
It is recommended to feed this food until your puppy is 15 months old, and then convert to an adult formula. On the downside, corn and wheat are present in the formula, which may be a concern for some pet owners. However, these are sources of carbohydrates, and the food contains plenty of protein and fat.
- Contains corn and wheat
- Antioxidants included
- Plenty of essential vitamins and minerals
- Encourages dog to chew slowly
- Ideal for large breed puppies
- Supports bone and joints
- High in protein and fat
- Supports digestive health
Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food
Holistic Select has formulated a grain-free recipe to meet the nutrition of dogs who weigh more than 50 pounds. It has ingredients to support joint and bone health, so it is an ideal choice for Mastiffs. Unfortunately, it is a pricey product, so we ranked it number three on this list.
It contains fruits and vegetables that provide vitamins and minerals for a healthy immune system and plenty of antioxidants to support cellular health. All ingredients are natural, and we like how this food focuses on digestive health with the addition of prebiotics, probiotics, fiber, yogurt life cultures, and digestive enzymes.
The primary protein source is chicken meal, with pork meal and chicken fat for flavor. Crude protein is 26%, crude fat is 14%, and crude fiber is 5.5%, which is plenty for your large breed dog to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Pricey
- Ideal for digestive health
- Plenty of antioxidants
- Tasty
- Formulated for large breeds
- Supports bone and joint health
- Natural ingredients
- Supports immune health
- Grain-free
CANIDAE Premium Dry Dog Food
Canidae offers a formula that is ideal for all life stages and all breeds and sizes. It contains chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish meals that provide high-quality protein for your Mastiff. There is no corn, wheat, or soy within this food, but you will find healthy grains such as rice, rice bran, barley, and millet.
It also includes probiotics for digestive health, antioxidants for the immune system, and fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Crude protein equals 24%, crude fat 14.5%, and crude fiber 4%, which are adequate amounts of each to keep your dog healthy. Another great addition is glucosamine and chondroitin to help protect joints and ligaments.
On the downside, this recipe is not ideal for dogs who have food allergies or sensitivities, but if your dog doesn’t have concerns, this is an ideal choice that provides plenty of healthy ingredients and optimal nutrition.
- Not ideal for those with grain sensitivities
- High-quality protein
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Ideal for all life stages
- Appropriate for all breeds
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
- Whole grains
Diamond Naturals Meat Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food
This chicken and rice formula from Diamond is made specifically for large breed adult dogs. It includes Diamond proprietary probiotic technology: the K9 Strain Probiotics that contains all the beneficial bacteria to maintain a healthy digestive system. Glucosamine and chondroitin are added for joint and cartilage support, while omega fatty acids work toward a healthy skin and coat.
Chicken and chicken meal are the primary ingredients, followed by whole grains and then chicken fat for flavor and energy. Diamond uses fruits and vegetables in this recipe, so all the needed nutrients that a Mastiff needs to thrive are present. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or added preservatives, nor any corn, wheat, or filler, so you know each ingredient present is geared toward optimal nutrition for your dog.
On the downside, some dogs have turned their noses at this food and don’t enjoy the flavor profile.
- Taste not liked by all dogs
- Promotes healthy skin and coat
- No artificial ingredients or fillers
- Whole grains
- Specific for large breeds
- K9 Strain probiotics
- Joint support
- Fruits and vegetables
Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Chicken and Rice Formula
| Main Ingredients: | Chicken, Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal |
| Protein Content: | 26% min. |
| Fat Content: | 12% min. |
| Calories: | 407 kcal/cup |
Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Chicken and Rice Formula is designed for Mastiffs and other large breed dogs that weigh 50 pounds or more. Containing 26% minimum protein and 12% minimum fat, this food can help your dog maintain his ideal body weight provided that he gets the right amount of exercise. It also contains glucosamine for joint health as well as probiotics and prebiotics that support digestive health.
Although this food does contain chicken as the first ingredient, one of the downsides is that it also contains chicken by-product meal, which isn’t the best in terms of quality. Finally, this dog food is a little more expensive than some of the other dog foods that have slightly better and more nutritious ingredients in them.
Iams Proactive Health Dry Dog Food
Iams has created an adult large breed formula that supports healthy joints and strong bones throughout your dog’s life. Chicken is the primary ingredient, and with the included egg, it provides plenty of protein to build strong muscles. L-carnitine is added to help burn fat and maintain an ideal metabolism so your dog doesn’t become overweight.
Each cup contains 353 kcal, and the crude protein amount is 22.5% and fat is 12.5%, which meets the AAFCO nutrient profiles. The Proactive formula contains all the required vitamins and minerals, with no wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives. Beet pulp and whole grains promote a healthy digestive system, as well as provide energy. On the downside, this food is not ideal for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities but otherwise provides complete nutrition for those who can tolerate grains.
- Not ideal for dogs with allergies
- High-quality protein
- L-carnitine added
- Suited for large breeds
- Supports healthy joints and bones
- No wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients
- Great for healthy digestion
Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
Purina One offers a recipe geared toward large breed nutrition at an affordable price. It contains no fillers and provides 100% nutrition for a complete and balanced diet. It includes glucosamine to promote the joints and plenty of protein to build lean muscles so your Mastiff stays strong and healthy.
The dual defense antioxidant blend of vitamins E and A, zinc, and selenium support the immune system and encourage a shiny coat and healthy skin. Purina states that every ingredient has a purpose, and it meets AAFCO standards to provide optimal nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs.
The recipe contains corn, corn gluten, and soybean meal, which are sources of carbohydrates, though some owners prefer not to have these ingredients in their pet’s food. On the upside, dogs love the flavor profile of chicken, rice, and beef fat.
- Contains wheat, corn, and soy
- High in protein
- Tasty
- Antioxidant blend
- No fillers
- Affordable
- Ideal for large breeds
- Contains glucosamine
- Complete and balanced nutrition
Royal Canin Giant Adult Dry Dog Food
This formula from Royal Canin is ideal for Mastiffs who are older than two years and weigh more than 100 pounds. It includes an antioxidant complex for heart health and uses easy-to-digest proteins and fiber for digestive support. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and EPA and DHA help support bones and joints, while the kibble itself is extra-large to encourage chewing so your dog doesn’t eat too fast.
On the downside, it contains corn and wheat, but the nutrition of this formula is tailored to large breeds, so they receive optimal nutrition that keeps them healthy for the rest of their life. Each cup contains 427 kilocalories, and the guaranteed analysis shows that the recipe has 26% crude protein, 18% crude fat, and 3.9% crude fiber.
- Contains corn and wheat
- Large kibble
- Supports joints and bones
- High in protein and fat
- Ideal for adult large breeds
- Antioxidant complex
- Easy to digest
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Foods for Mastiffs
- Now that you’ve seen all of these different dog foods that we think are good for Mastiffs, you may be left with more questions than answers about which one to choose. After all, we’ve given you a lot of information about different ingredients and nutrients that are found in each of these dog foods.
- You may also be trying to figure out which one is going to be the easiest on your wallet while still giving your Mastiff the nutrients that he needs to stay healthy. But don’t worry because we’ve created this Buyer’s Guide with the hopes to answer any questions you may still have with the hope that it can help you choose the best food for your dog.
Ingredients
One of the first things you should pay attention to when it comes to choosing dog food is the ingredients. The ingredients are what are going to give your dog the nutrients that he needs to stay healthy. Here are some key ingredients and nutrients to look for.
Meat-Based Proteins
- Dogs, in general, need food that is high in meat-based proteins, as these contain the most important nutrients needed in order to keep your dog healthy.
- But considering that Mastiffs are such large dogs and often have a lot of muscle mass, feeding them food that is high in protein is essential for helping to keep them in shape. The best dog foods should have some kind of meat listed as the first ingredient, but preferably as the first three ingredients. Steer clear of meat by-products if they are not clearly named as this allows variations that might affect the quality. Prefer food with clearly named organs such as “heart” or “liver”.
- We should also mention that it’s important to choose food that contains meat that your dog likes; don’t buy food that is higher in protein if your dog won’t eat it. But when it comes to high-protein dog food, they come in a variety of flavors so you’re sure to find something your dog loves.
Plant-Based Ingredients
Dog food that contains, fruits, and vegetables are also better because these ingredients often provide nutrients that meat does not. Examples include antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help keep different parts of your dog’s body healthy, such as the brain, skin, coat, and immune system. But, these ingredients are not as important as meat, so again, always choose a food that contains meat as the first ingredient.
DHA
Finally, you may want to consider looking for food that contains DHA, especially for Mastiff puppies. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is commonly found in fish or fish oil. All puppies and even adult dogs can benefit from DHA as it helps support brain development in puppies, which can make training them easier and can help older dogs maintain a healthy heart and vision.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Being large dogs, Mastiffs are prone to joint problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia, which can lead to them developing other problems such as arthritis. Because of this, you may want to choose a dog food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which help support joint health and can reduce arthritis pain if it were to develop.
Health and Age
- Another important thing to consider when choosing food for your Mastiff is his health and age. Mastiffs aren’t the most active dogs, so they can easily become overweight if they aren’t fed a balanced diet. You don’t want to choose food that is high in fat and calories, especially if your Mastiff already weighs a bit more than he should. It’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian if your dog is overweight to see what amount of fat and calories he or she recommends before choosing dog food.
- Something else we’ve mentioned throughout our reviews is grain-free dog food vs. food that contains grains. Grains aren’t necessarily bad for dogs, but some dogs can be allergic or have sensitivities or intolerances of them, particularly grains that contain gluten. You know your dog, and if he or she has trouble eating or digesting certain foods, it may be better to try a grain-free option.
- Finally, consider the age of your dog, as puppies or senior Mastiffs may need different food than healthy adult dogs do. Puppy food formulas often contain different nutrients that are crucial for healthy development and tend to contain smaller kibble as well to make the food easier to eat. Food for senior dogs tends to contain smaller and softer kibble as well but is also lower in fat so that it is better suited for a slower metabolism.
Budget
- The last thing to consider when choosing dog food for your Mastiff is your budget. Remember that high-quality dog food is the best thing for a Mastiff, and these foods are often pricey. However, some high-quality dog foods are more budget-friendly than others, and many dog foods come in different sized packages as well in case you need to go cheaper for a month or two.
- You should also remember that just because certain dog food is more expensive, it doesn’t mean it is better for your dog than a cheaper alternative. It all depends on your dog and what nutrients and ingredients will benefit him the most. Many high-quality dog foods are affordable while still being nutritious
Final Thoughts
Finding the right dog food doesn’t need to be a frustrating chore, as there are many options available, and we’ve featured great choices on this reviews list.
Our top pick is the Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Turkey Fare, which uses high-quality ingredients that support all breeds of dogs throughout their lifespan. The best value is Blue Buffalo, which is formulated for large breed adult dogs, with plenty of glucosamine to protect the joints and high-quality protein to maintain healthy muscles. If the price isn’t a concern, then Holistic Select is a great choice for dogs who need a grain-free diet that uses all-natural ingredients and provides a complete balanced diet specifically for large breeds.
We hope that this article provides insight into what type of food meets your expectations and fits the qualities that pertain to your dog. Feeding your dog the right food will ensure that they are healthy and fit for many years to come.
