home - the breed - photo gallery - the kennels - puppies - diet - products - the staff - rubrica

A mastiff will live on average for nine to ten years and these years can be divided into three periods which correspond to growth, maturity and aging. The first period, called puberty/youth goes from the second to the eighteenth month and is the growth phase. The second called youth/ maturity, which begins at the eighteenth month and ends at the fifth year, is the growth and maturation phase. The third and final period corresponds to maturity/senility and goes from the fifth year until death and is considered to be the phase of aging. Nutrition is very important in each of these periods.
The correct quality and quantity of food in relation to the three phases of growth is, in fact, a decisive factor. That said, in order to develop well, a medium - large sized dogin particular, must grow in a constant and steady way for all of the first and second periods, and during the second period it must maintain the form acquired. In order to achieve this the mastiff must eat in a balanced way, with the correct amount of kilocalories in each of the three phases. A kilocalorie (kc), put simply, is the energy given by the nutritious elements of the food, in relation to the quantity which is consumed daily. To understand better we can say that the mastiff needs:

  • 274 kc. per each kg weight of the dog, from weening to the sixth month
  • 250 kc. per each kg weight of the dog from the sixth to the twelfth month
  • 225 kc. per each kg weight of the dog from one to two years
  • 200 kc. per each kg weight of the dog from two to three and a half years
  • 175 kc. per each kg weight of the dog from three and a half to five years
  • 130 kc. per each kg weight of the dog from five to seven years
  • 100 kc. per each kg weight of the dog from seven years onwards

To calculate the amount of food the dog has to eat in relation to the table, you can use the following formula:

  • kc. x (weight of the dog)^0,75 = kc necessary;
    eg. 274 x (13)^0,75 = 1874
  • kc necessary: kc food = amount eaten daily;
    eg. 1874: 330 = 5,6 hg per day to be divided by the number of daily meals.

The number of daily meals should be calculated according to the age of the Mastiff:

  • 4 meals from weaning to three months
  • 3 meals from three to six months
  • 2 meals from six months onwards

 

TYPE OF DIET

A. Prepacked food
 - There are some excellent ones on the market (see page concerning products) for size, age and special needs of the dog. They may be :

  • Dry ( biscuits)
  • Semi-moist (dry soup to add water to before consumption)
  • Moist (food which contains approx. 1.82% water and is conserved in a tin)

- Prepacked food, if it is of an excellent quality, as well as being highly practical, also meets the daily nutritional requirements that we breeders find ourselves having to face, without giving any contraindications.

B. Food derived from leftovers or food used by man
- I think it is only right to speak about this type of diet which is still in use, even if not so prelevantly, by breeders and above all private owners. Before considering which of the types of diet is more useful and suitable, it is a good moment to describe the characteristics of the substances used in fresh food:

  • Meat: does not contain sufficient quantity of calcium, sodium, copper, iodine and vitamins H, D and E. Therefore these substances must be added in correct proportions to meat.
  • Fish: like meat, this is a good source of protein, but also has the same deficiencies as meat, apart from calcium and phosphorus, which most of the time can be found in the fish bones.
  • Oils and fats: these are pure energy and can be used in larger quantities than usual when the dog has particular need.
  • Eggs: these must be given cooked as the fresh egg white contains a substance which destroys vitamin H. They contain a high concentration of protein.
  • Milk: contains a high quantity of protein, calcium, phosphorus and vitamins. Some dogs do not tolerate it well and it may cause diarrhoea.
  • Cheese: very appetising for most dogs contains a high percentage of protein, calcium, phosphorus and vitamins. It must be given in small amounts, as due to it being high in phosphorus (ratio - Calcium: Phosphorus 1:2) it may cause some problems in skeletal growth.
  • Offal: in general is very good because it containsProtein (in particular tripe), mineral salts, calcium and phosphorus (apart from liver, which has a ratio calcium:phosphorus 1:35)
  • Vegetables: must be used as a meal supplement rather than a meal in their own right.
  • Sugars: these have a prominent position in the dog's diet. In fact, the dog's organism uses them prelevantly for energy. They can be found in plant form, in cereals, vegetables, fruit etc and in animal form in milk, meat and fish.

- I strongly advise against using meal left-overs, as seasonings, even if very appetising, may after periods of prolonged consumption cause diarrhoea, and in predisposed subjects, pancreatitus. As far as the diet prepared with fresh food is concerned, apart from the cost and the daily commitment required to prepare the foodstuffs, there is also the danger of not using the substances in a balanced way and therefore preparing rations which are not adequate or suitable for the growth and maintenance of the dog.

- USEFUL ADVICE: The Mastiff must eat its food in a bowl, preferably stainless steel, in a quiet area, away from noise that may agitate or upset him. The bowl should be raised from the ground, on level with the dog's shoulder blades. It should not run or drink before or after eating, to avoud danger of twisting the stomach

- Special food for puppies, pregnant bitches and older dogs will be dealt with on the page dedicated to the Rubrica.

Cesare Gilardi