Picture this: A powerhouse of muscles, weighing anywhere between 100-130 pounds, and standing tall with a height of 24-27 inches. If you’re picturing a Bullmastiff, you’re spot on! These gigantic creatures are well known for their intimidating presence, yet they’re as gentle as lambs with their immediate family. Undoubtedly, feeding these colossal creatures with the right balance of foods is crucial in maintaining their well-being and energy levels!
So, let’s get straight to it. What should we feed these gentle giants to ensure they live happy, healthy, and turbulence-free lives?
Cue the drumrolls because the answer is surprisingly simple: a well-balanced diet. This diet consists of high-quality protein, healthy fats, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. Doesn’t sound too far off from what we humans need, right?
Let’s break this down further into bite-sized details.
Protein is the powerhouse nutrient needed to maintain lean muscles and encourage tissue repair. For an adult Bullmastiff, animal-based protein sources like lean beef, chicken, fish, and lamb constitute the best sources of high-quality proteins. If you have a Bullmastiff puppy, they will require more protein (around 22-28% of their total diet) compared to an adult Bullmastiff (who needs about 20% of their diet to be protein) to support their rapid growth phase.
While ensuring your gentle giant’s protein requirements are met, let’s not forget about the fats. And when we say fats, we are of course talking about the good, healthy fats! Fats provide the most concentrated form of energy for dogs. For a Bullmastiff, about 8-15% of their diet should consist of healthy fats. These can be found particularly in fish and fish oil, flaxseed, and canola oil, and they help support a healthy coat, skin, and cognitive function.
Now, no meal is completely balanced without the right amount of fiber, isn’t it? And this fact remains true for your Bullmastiff as well. Incorporation of vegetables, whole grains, and certain fruits can provide this nutrient to help maintain their gut health.
To top off their nutritional needs, don’t forget the vitamins and minerals. Bring on foods that are rich in vitamins A, B, D, E, and K and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and iron. These components are usually found in high-quality commercial dog foods, but can also be given through supplements under a vet’s guidance.
Now, doesn’t that sound like the picture-perfect diet for a Bullmastiff? It sure does! But, just as we promised valuable advice, here are a few more tidbits.
The colossal size and rapid growth of Bullmastiffs make them particularly susceptible to issues like hip or elbow dysplasia, arthritis, and cruciate ligament rupture if their diet and exercise are not regulated properly. Therefore, feeding them a balanced diet is not a mere choice, but a necessity.
While commercial dog food has its own fair share of benefits, if you’re going down the homemade food route, seek a veterinarian’s advice to design a well-rounded and balanced diet plan.
Don’t forget that Bullmastiffs are prone to obesity, so keep an eye on their weight. Maintaining portion sizes correctly and avoiding overfeeding is the key to keeping these giants in shape. Regular exercise coupled with a balanced diet can work wonders in maintaining their overall health.
Lastly, water is essential. A Bullmastiff should have free access to clean, fresh water at all times.
So, there you have it! When it comes to feeding your Bullmastiff, remember that every dog is unique, and their diet should be tailored to their specific nutritional needs. It is always a good idea to consult with your vet regarding dietary changes or concerns.
Feeding your Bullmastiff, the right food can seem overwhelming given their large size, but remember, Bullmastiffs are not just any dog breed. They are, after all, one of the most loyal, affectionate, and gentle giants out there. So they are worth every bit of effort that goes into ensuring their health and happiness. With this guide to the best food for a Bullmastiff, you’re well equipped to provide them with a diet as excellent as they are!
