How to choose kibble for a large dog?
Having a big dog comes with big responsibilities, especially when it comes to choosing his food . After all, you want your canine friend to have a long, healthy, and active life, and that starts with good nutrition , good diet, and good digestion. Feeding your dog a balanced , high-quality ration is one of the most important things to keep him healthy, prevent disease and provide him with the vitality he needs. There are a wide variety of food options for large breed dogs . However, before making a choice, we recommend that you read this article in order to choose the best kibbles for large dogs .
What is a big dog?
Large dogs are very good guardians . In general, they are perfect companions for the whole family. They can weigh from 40 to 60 kg . Here are the most famous large dog breeds:
Large adult dogs need a wide variety of nutrients in their food , including vitamins and minerals, in the proper proportions to avoid overweight and digestive problems . Therefore, feeding your adult dog a balanced ration is the most reliable option.
Dog foods include meat or other animal protein sources such as insects, grains, and vegetables to meet their nutritional needs . A high-quality food, or premium food , combines sources of protein , fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in an easy-to-digest formula for your canine friend.
Overall, the nutrition of large breed dogs is similar to that of other medium or small breed dogs, with some important exceptions. Indeed, large breed puppies need a special diet to avoid certain health risks and to increase their natural defenses .
Large-breed adult dogs require continuous monitoring for orthopedic disease , obesity , and signs of gastric torsion . All these diseases are influenced by nutrition. So if you want your dog to have a stronger immune system , you're going to have to bank on his food and understand that price doesn't matter.
How to feed a large breed puppy?
Large puppies grow very quickly. This rapid growth makes large breed puppies very sensitive to changes in nutrient and calorie intake . Imbalances, deficiencies and excesses have a direct impact on the health of your puppy and this is all the more true for the Labrador Retriever .
Excessive feeding plays a major role in excessive growth , so it is important to feed the puppy a ration formulated specifically for its nutritional needs . And this applies to all races .
In other words, you should only give large puppy kibble to your maxi pet. In general, parents of puppies prefer to opt for a high- protein diet . Lamb, salmon, tuna, chicken, venison, game, poultry, duck, insects, your little one needs kibble rich in proteins of animal origin, amino acids and good fats.
The amount you feed your puppy is also important. Veterinarians do not recommend feeding puppies on demand. Instead, feed your pup several small meals throughout the day.
How to feed a large breed dog?
Once your puppy reaches adulthood, it's time for a change in diet . This transition period is a good time to discuss options and dog food with your veterinarian. The professional can advise you based on the breed, size and health of your dog. Additionally, professionals have access to a wide variety of resources that allow them to better assist you in making an informed choice for your pet .
There are three common nutrition-related illnesses that affect large and giant breed adult dogs :
- orthopedic diseases;
- obesity ;
- gastric torsion.
Large and giant breed dogs are more likely to develop these disorders. This is why it is essential to feed them with quality kibble for large dogs . In addition, you should choose kibbles that are easier to digest such as protein-rich kibbles or kibbles with good grains like rice .
Avoid meals high in fat and only offer large kibbles to your dog. The best option to avoid health issues is to use a specific diet for large breed adult dogs .
How do I know what is in large dog kibble?
Pet food labels are a valuable source of information. They can also be misleading. So look for a food labeled as " whole food " and avoid foods with too much fat or too many carbohydrates . Finally, check that dog food offers a high protein rate (20 to 35%).
Indeed, for your big canine friend, delicious and appetizing croquettes must contain a maximum of proteins . Remember that canine nutrition can be tricky. So, don't hesitate to ask your veterinarian questions about the choice of food for your companion. Finally, be aware that you can start by buying dog food individually to find out your companion's preferences before moving on to buying kibble in batches.
FAQ on kibbles for large dogs:
- What are the best kibbles for large dogs?
The best kibbles for large dogs are those that contain few carbohydrates and a high level of protein. The size of these kibbles must also be adapted to the dog's jaw.
Large dogs have large bones, so they need to eat more to ensure proper joint growth.
Large dogs cannot eat the same kibble as small dogs. They need a suitable diet in which fat intake will be reduced to avoid overweight.
