Tibetan Mastiff Dietary Needs and Feeding Guide
Tibetan mastiffs are fierce and loyal companions, known for their protective nature and large size. As pets, they require diligent care, particularly in terms of diet. As such, understanding your Tibetan mastiff’s dietary needs is key to ensuring they grow big, happy, and healthy. With this guide, we’ll help you ensure your Tibetan mastiff gets all the nutrients they need and discover what makes American Natural Premium the best dog food for Tibetan mastiffs.
Dietary Needs of Tibetan Mastiff Puppies
Tibetan mastiff puppies need a lot of proteins and fats in their diet. These two are fundamental to support the pups’ fast growth and development.
- Protein and Fat Requirements: Tibetan mastiff puppies’ dog food should have at least 22.5% protein and 8.5% fat. Ideally, look for animal-based proteins as these are easily digestible for your puppy. For this reason, American Natural Premium is one of the best dog foods for Tibetan mastiff puppies.
- Feeding Schedule and Portions: Puppies require three to four meals a day until they are around six months old. After that, you can go down to two meals a day, but stick to puppy-formulated dog food.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Overfeeding is one of the biggest and most common mistakes when feeding puppies, no matter the breed. Other mistakes you’ll want to avoid are:
- Giving too many treats
- Not having a feeding routine or schedule
- Feeding your puppy leftovers or table scraps
- Feeding your puppy processed or canned food with artificial ingredients
- Not giving puppies enough water
- Not reading dog food labels
Transitioning to an Adult Dog Diet
Tibetan mastiffs are still puppies until they are around 12 to 15 months old. It takes them up to 18 months until they grow to their full adult size. However, Tibetan mastiff puppies switch to an adult diet early. The rule of thumb is to start feeding them adult dog food at nine months old.
Choosing the Right Adult Dog Food
If you want the best dog food for Tibetan mastiff pets, look for high-quality protein. Additionally, Tibetan mastiffs also need enough fats, carbohydrates, and other nutrients and minerals.
American Natural Premium’s adult dog food variations contain at least 24% protein, 14% fat, and 4% fiber. This balance makes the brand’s products perfect for Tibetan mastiffs.
Monitoring Weight and Adjusting Portions
Tibetan mastiff adults usually only eat one to two meals a day. However, feeding frequency may change based on your dog’s age, size, and weight. On top of that, your dog’s health condition may also affect their diet plan.
If your Tibetan mastiff appears overweight, reduce portion sizes slightly and increase their physical activity. Always consult a veterinarian for more precise feeding instructions for your dog.
Senior Tibetan Mastiff Dietary Needs
As Tibetan mastiffs age and transition into their senior years, their dietary needs change. It’s best to switch to dog food formulated specifically for senior dogs.
The metabolism of senior dogs typically slows down as they get older. Older Tibetan mastiffs also become less active. Consequently, your senior Tibetan mastiff will need fewer calories for energy compared to their younger self.
However, they still need a diet rich in higher-quality protein to maintain muscle mass. Additionally, take note of the following dietary needs:
- High-fiber content for healthy digestion
- Omega fatty acids for joint health
- Glucosamine or chondroitin supplements for joint health
Common Dietary Issues and Solutions
Tibetan mastiffs are prone to certain health concerns linked to their diet, such as:
- Obesity: An overfed Tibetan Mastiff can easily gain weight, especially as they get older and become less active. As such, it’s vital to monitor your pet’s weight regularly. Make sure to also adjust their food portions as they age.
- Bloat: Large, deep-chested dogs like the Tibetan mastiff are more susceptible to bloating or gastric torsion. Feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals will minimize bloating. In addition, it also helps to stop your dog from eating too fast.
- Hip Dysplasia: If your dog has hip dysplasia or other joint-related health concerns, they need a balanced, nutrient-dense diet. Taking glucosamine and omega-3 supplements to promote joint health may also help.
Creating a Tibetan Mastiff Diet Plan
Creating a diet plan for your Tibetan mastiff dog doesn’t have to be complicated. If you opt for store-bought dog food like American Natural Premium, know you’re getting the best dog food for Tibetan mastiff pets. All that’s left is to get the meal size and schedule right.
Below is a basic diet plan guide for Tibetan mastiff dogs:
- Puppies: Around 0.7 ounces (20 g) of puppy food per two pounds (1 kg) of body weight
- Adult dry food: 1/4 cup per three pounds (1.36 kg) of your dog’s weight — also around two to four cups of dog food, split into two meals per day
- Adult wet food: Around three ounces (85 g) per three pounds (1.36 kg) of the dog’s weight; divide the amount between two meal times
- Water: About one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day
Homemade vs Commercial Dog Food
Choosing between homemade and commercial dog food is common for dog owners. If you choose the homemade dog food route, you get the advantage of knowing exactly what’s in your dog’s dish. It’s also easier to customize according to your pet’s individual preference.
However, crafting a nutritionally balanced meal at home can be challenging and time-consuming. Commercial dog food — like American Natural Premium — is a more convenient and reliable option. Since the food is formulated by experts, you can be sure you’re getting the best dog food for Tibetan mastiff breeds.
Buying the Best Dog Food for Tibetan Mastiff Dogs
Tibetan mastiffs have meticulous dietary needs and considerations, just like other large dog breeds. They need balanced portions, well-balanced and high-quality dog food, and proper feeding schedules. Moreover, if your Tibetan mastiff shows signs of dietary or health issues, you need to consult a veterinarian and adjust their diet.
If you want your fierce and loyal giant to have a long and happy life, they need the best dog food for Tibetan mastiffs. Switch to American Natural Premium dog food today.
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