Affectionately nicknamed “newfies,” Newfoundland dogs are gentle giants. The Newfoundland’s sweet personality, powerful build, and their positive response to training, make them great working dogs and family pets. Feeding a Newfoundland dog can be challenging, though. Take note that dogs have different dietary needs at different stages of their lives. In this guide, we will dive into the essential diet requirements for the beloved newfie — from their puppyhood all the way to their senior years — and why American Natural Premium stands out as the best dog food for Newfoundland dogs.
Dietary Needs of Newfoundland Puppies
As a large breed, Newfoundlands take longer to reach their full size than regular-sized breeds. However, newfie puppies are just as energetic and grow just as fast as any other pup.
- Protein and Fat Requirements: Newfoundland pups need high-protein and high-calorie puppy food to fuel their growth. The best dog food for Newfoundland puppies should contain 22% protein, 8% fat, and 6% fiber.
- Feeding Schedule and Portions: The general recommendation for feeding newfie pups is to give them around two cups of puppy-formulated food per day, divided between two to three meal times a day.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Take note of the following common mistakes to avoid when feeding a Newfoundland puppy:
- Overfeeding, especially with treats
- Inconsistent feeding schedules
- Only feeding unbalanced homemade food
- Feeding leftovers or table scraps
- Not reading dog food labels
- Not giving puppies enough water
Transitioning to an Adult Dog Diet
Newfoundlands are puppies until they are about two years old or around the time they reach their full adult size. However, pups generally switch to an adult diet at around four to six months old. This switch is done to prevent them from growing too quickly.
Choosing the Right Adult Dog Food
When it comes to the best dog food for Newfoundland adults, go for high-quality and nutrient-dense options. For instance, you can try the American Natural Premium line of adult dog food. Take note that adult newfies need dog food that is specifically formulated for adult growth and lifestyles.
Look for adult dog food with at least:
- 18% protein
- 5% to 7% fat
- 2.5% to 4.5% fiber
Monitoring Weight and Adjusting Portions
Mature Newfoundland dogs need about four to six cups of dry food for adult dogs. You can divide this into two meals with two to three cups of feed per meal. Frequent and heavy meals can cause indigestion and bloating, as well as obesity down the line.
Adjusting meal portions and meal frequency becomes more crucial as your dog ages. Regular vet visits, home weigh-ins, and visual assessments can help prevent weight problems. Additionally, high-quality and nutrient-balanced dog food — like American Natural Premium — become more crucial.
Senior Newfoundland Dietary Needs
As Newfoundlands age, their metabolism slows down and they become less active. As such, your dog can gain a lot of weight if their diet is not properly adjusted. In general, senior newfies need less calories. However, they need more fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.
More importantly, switch to senior dog food formulations. Your senior newfie needs dog food that matches their health needs and metabolism.
Also, consider joint supplements for your dog. Glucosamine or chondroitin supplements may help keep your dog active for longer.
The ideal weight for senior Newfoundlands is slightly less than their adult weight. Regular vet check-ups are crucial to track their weight and dietary requirements.
Common Dietary Issues and Solutions
Newfoundlands are known to be susceptible to certain diet-induced issues, such as:
- Obesity: Newfoundlands are big, but they love to laze around. Monitoring food intake, regular exercise, and well-balanced diets help prevent newfie obesity.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus or severe bloating: Newfoundlands are prone to bloating because of slow metabolism. It’s best to feed them small, frequent meals and easily digestible food. Try to avoid vigorous exercise around meal times as well.
- Taurine deficiency: Newfies generally do not process taurine well. Go for beef, pork, and chicken-based dog food, which are good taurine sources. Consider giving your Newfoundland taurine supplements for optimal health, too.
- Pancreatitis: High-fat diets can cause pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas. You can prevent this by not giving fatty foods to your Newfoundland dogs. Stick to easily digestible foods instead.
Creating a Newfoundland Diet Plan
Creating a diet plan for your Newfoundland dog is easy. As long as you feed them American Natural Premium, you don’t have much to worry about.
Below is a basic diet plan guide for Newfoundland dogs:
- Puppies: Between 1.5 to 3 cups of dry puppy food, split into two to three meals per day for two to four-month-old puppies
- Adults: Between four to six cups of dry dog food, split into two meals per day
- Seniors: Three to five cups of dry dog food, divided into two meals per day for senior Newfoundlands
- Treats: Stick to 10% of your dog’s total calorie needs. For example, if your newfie needs 2,000 calories, limit their treats to around 200 calories.
Homemade vs Commercial Dog Food
Homemade dog food gives you better control over the quality and variety of the food. However, it is easier to meet the nutritional needs of your pup with commercial dog food.
Brands like American Natural Premium are the best food option for giant dog breeds. Commercial dog foods make it easy to meet the nutritional needs of large breed dogs. Basically, you can make sure your dog gets the right balance of proteins, fats, and more for their age.
Buying the Best Dog Food for Newfoundland Dogs
Like many other large dog breeds, proper diet plays a critical role in the health of your Newfoundland dog. American Natural Premium and the right feeding practices lead to healthier newfies. Consult a veterinarian if you encounter any dietary issues or need specialized diet plans.
Give your gentle giant the best dog food for Newfoundland dogs. Get them American Natural Premium dog food today. Contact us for bulk order inquiries.
