Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Treats
by admin ~ January 14th, 2009These treats are wheat-free and can be stored in the freezer. They taste pretty good, too!
Oatmeal Peanut Butter Dog Treats
1/2 Cup Butter
1/2 Cup Peanut Butter
2 Cups Oat Flour
1 1/4 Cups Old Fashioned Oats
1 Egg
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Ginger
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Mashed Banana
Blend egg, butter, peanut butter, vanilla and banana until well mixed. Add oats and dry ingredients and blend well. Drop by 1/2 teaspoon sized balls onto a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees, 10 minutes for soft treats, 20 minutes for crunchy treats. Store in the refrigerator or freezer in an air-tight container or freezer bag. For added omega-3, roll in flaxseeds after they come out of the oven.
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Where to Get a Puppy?
by admin ~ November 12th, 2008We get a ton of e-mails from our readers asking for assistance finding a puppy. It can be an overwhelming process, and with terms like “puppy mill” and “byb” floating around, it can also be confusing. So here’s the breakdown on your options for finding a great dane puppy, mastiff puppy (or any puppy for that matter), and what the terms mean:
Option #1: A Reputable Rescue Organization or Shelter
We say reputable, because all rescues and shelters are not necessarily that great. A reputable rescue’s number one priority will be the welfare of the dog or puppy. The facilities or foster homes will be clean and well maintained, and the adoptable dogs and puppies will be healthy, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, checked by a vet, and probably temperament tested. Adoption fees will be reasonable, and they will likely have reputable businesses as sponsors. Expect to go through a hard-core interview. Reputable rescues will spend some time with the dog before placing it up for adoption to ensure a good match. They should be able to tell you whether or not the dog is good with other animals and kids, and whether or the puppy is housebroken and obedience trained. Reputable rescues and shelters don’t breed or sell puppies. You should do a quick search of the rescue’s name online before adopting, check references, and check non-profit licensing status to make sure there aren’t any red flags. Reputable rescues and shelters are a great place to get a dog or puppy. You may not be able to find the exact pet you’re looking for right away, so be patient and check back with the organizations regularly.
Option #2: A Reputable Local Breeder
Again, reputable is the key word here. So how do you know if a breeder is reputable, and how do you find one? A reputable breeder’s number one priority will be the health and welfare of their dogs and puppies. Here’s a checklist you can use when interviewing breeders:
- A reputable breeder will be more concerned about making sure you can provide a good home for a puppy than the money. If a breeder is willing to sell a puppy to anyone who shows up with cash, they’re probably not that great. A reputable breeder will spend some time interviewing you before allowing you to purchase a puppy.
- A reputable breeder will have a written guarantee and contract. In most cases, you will be required to spay/neuter the puppy unless you are signing a show contract.
- A reputable breeder always tests dogs for common genetic problems before breeding. If you are looking for a large or giant breed, like a great dane or mastiff, these tests should include OFA hips (hip dysplasia), cardiac, thyroid, and CERF (eye disease). Other screenings may include Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD), OFA elbows (elbow dysplasia), Cystinuria and PRA depending on the breed.
- A reputable breeder is a member of a breed club (ie: The Great Dane Club or Mastiff Club); or shows their dogs in AKC/UKC confirmation; or participates in obedience, rally, agility, therapy, field trials, search & rescue, or other dog sport; or volunteers for a rescue or shelter on a regular basis. If a breeder doesn’t participate in at least one of these, you should probably consider moving on.
- A reputable breeder does not breed dogs younger than 2 years, and does not breed every heat cycle. Usually reputable breeders breed no more than once a year, and will breed a female a maximum of two-four times during her life.
- A reputable breeder doesn’t let puppies go to their new homes until at least 7 weeks, preferably 8 or 9 weeks.
- A reputable breeder will feed a high quality, premium food. Nutrition is crucial while puppies are in the womb and during their first few months of life. If a breeder is feeding a cheap “grocery” brand, or doesn’t seem well-versed in giant breed nutrition requirements, you may want to move on.
- A reputable breeder will take the time to properly socialize the puppies, so they shouldn’t cower or show fear when you approach them. The area the puppies are kept in should be clean, and the puppies should be alert, playful, curious, clean and healthy. They should have plenty of room to move around and play. Likewise, the adult dogs should also be in healthy condition and well socialized, with plenty of space if they are kenneled.
- A reputable breeder can provide a long list of references, not just one or two.
- A reputable breeder will provide you with assistance should you have questions about your puppy. They will contact you with any phone or address changes, so they will always be available to you for the life of the dog.
- A reputable breeder will take the time to discuss important issues before you leave with a puppy. These include special nutrition requirements, potential health concerns and issues, vaccinations, obedience and house training, information on spay/neuter, information on showing, and information on socialization.
- A reputable breeder will provide you with a copy of the AKC/UKC paperwork and a pedigree.
- A reputable breeder does not breed unregistered dogs or mixed breeds, and in most cases offers either an American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, or Canadian Kennel Club Registration.
- A reputable breeder doesn’t have more dogs than they can reasonably care for, socialize, exercise, feed well, house comfortably, keep clean and happy, and provide proper veterinary care for.
- In most cases, at least one parent or grandparent of the puppies will be a champion or titled dog.
- In the event a buyer is unable to keep a puppy, a reputable breeder will take back the dog rather than allowing it to be turned over to a shelter.
A reputable breeder is another great option for finding a puppy, second only to adopting from a reputable rescue or shelter.
Option #3: A Backyard Breeder, or “BYB”
Backyard breeders can often resemble reputable breeders at first glance. BYBs range from dog owners that “want to have just one litter because it would be good for the kids to experience” to more commercialized operations with several dogs in the yard, breeding regularly. BYB’s often advertise their puppies in the newspaper, online, or on their own website. BYBs are commonly criticized for breeding dogs carelessly, without health screenings, or simply breeding for profit while disregarding the heath and best interests of their dogs and puppies. Backyard breeders contribute to the animal overpopulation crisis by not only over-breeding their dogs, but selling puppies without spay/neuter requirements.
The easiest tip off to recognizing a BYB is to ask about health screenings. Since most byb’s are only interested in generating cash or having a “hobby” litter, they usually won’t spend the time and money to screen their dogs for health problems before breeding. In some cases, this can result in severely ill puppies that may require expensive surgeries, or may die at a young age. Since the symptoms of genetic issues often don’t arise until several months or years later, the breeder ususally doesn’t take responsibity, has not provided a contract or guarantee, or is nowhere to be found.
Backyard breeders will usually sell a puppy to anyone with cash, don’t usually have a contract or guarantee, and don’t usually spend much if any time educating buyers as to the responsibilities of dog ownership and proper puppy care and training. This often leads to new puppy owners becoming frustrated with unwanted behavior or overwhelmed by the amount of work required to raise a puppy, and in turn drop off the puppy or dog at a shelter where it may be euthanized.
Backyard breeders usually don’t pay much attention to conformation (what a certain breed of dog is supposed to look and act like) so the puppies may not resemble the breed you’re expecting in type or personality. They often get their dogs from other byb’s or pet stores (since a reputable breeder probably wouldn’t sell them a puppy and a rescued dog would have been spayed/neutered), so the health and lineage of the puppy’s parents may not be known or may be of questionable health. The dogs may be mixed breeds or may not be registered.
Some backyard breeders are much worse than others. There may be some out there that genuinely care about their dogs and the puppies, treat them as family members and provide quality care and attention. Others, however, can be really bad. BYB’s that breed only for cash may keep their dogs in cramped, dirty kennels and may not provide adequate care, exercise, shelter and nutrition. If you encounter a backyard breeder like this, you should file a report with your local humane society, animal control, or police department. Buyer Beware: In some cases, puppy mills or puppy brokers may pose as “hobby breeders,” selling litters from their homes rather than directly at a mass breeding facility.
Backyard breeders are not usually a great place to get a puppy, but depending on the situation, there may be worse places.
Option #4: Online Ads or “Breeder” Websites
Buyer beware. The industry has caught on to the fact that people know to avoid puppy mills, so they don’t advertise with “We’re a Puppy Mill” at the top of their website or ad. Puppy mills and backyard breeders can place ads or put up sites offering “home raised puppies” with heartwarming stories and images. The fact of the matter is, anyone can put up a website with whatever information they want on it, so unless you do some diligent research, you may unknowingly purchase a puppy mill dog. See the above checklist on recognizing a reputable breeder, and be sure to check references. You may want to visit the breeder in person to pick up your puppy so you can inspect before you buy. Most reputable breeders will not ship puppies as cargo anyways. Many reputable breeders have websites, too, so just make sure you do your research before purchasing a puppy online.
Option #5: Pet Stores
Reprinted by permission of The Humane Society of the United States:
Most puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills — factory-like facilities, churning out purebred puppies in large numbers. Puppy mills look to make a profit; commonly disregard the dog’s physical and emotional health; and do not adhere to sound breeding practices. The result is often sick or dying puppies who suffer from genetic, mental and physical health problems that are not always immediately apparent to the consumer. Thousands of “breeder” dogs live a miserable existence in horrific conditions without hope of ever being part of a family.Most pet stores are adamant that they do not support puppy mills and that the dogs they sell are strictly from “reputable breeders.” However, many people who purchase their puppy from a pet store can end up with a sick or dying animal. With some research, they will learn their puppy was indeed from a puppy mill. For those who were lucky enough to purchase a healthy dog, it is important to keep in mind that purchasing that dog makes room for more puppy mill dogs raised in horrendous conditions. Every puppy mill dog purchased ensures that the industry continues to thrive.
So this puts pet stores below the bottom of our list. In other words, we would never purchase a puppy from a pet store. In addition to the puppy mill issue, pet stores are businesses looking to make a profit, and as such, may sell puppies to people who are unable to care for them properly or unaware of the responsibilities of puppy ownership. These puppies may end up in shelters, contributing to the animal overpopulation crisis.
How to Avoid Making a Puppy Purchasing Mistake
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the cuteness and end up going home with the first puppy you see. Here are a couple of pointers that may help during your puppy search:
- Don’t be fooled by terms like “home raised,” “champion lines,” or “rare.” Good salesmanship does not equal quality breeding.
- Do your research. Ask for a 24 hour hold so you can check references, look up kennel names, verify AKC registration numbers, check the CHIC website for health test results, and sleep on it. A reputable breeder will not only be willing to hold a puppy for a day (they may ask for a small deposit), but will appreciate your diligence.
- Go to a dog show. Dog shows are one of the best places to find reputable breeders, and it also provides an opportunity to learn about the breed and see several adults in person. Visit the AKC website for upcoming shows and events in your area.
- Trust your instincts. If you are unsure about a breeder or don’t trust them, don’t buy a puppy.
- Be realistic about whether or not a puppy fits into your schedule and lifestyle. Puppies are a lot of work, and it takes a considerable amount of time and money to raise a healthy, well adjusted, obedient dog. Puppies are not for everyone, so you may want to consider adopting an adult dog from a shelter.
More Information
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How Long will it Take to House Train my Mastiff Puppy?
by admin ~ October 8th, 2008Q: I have a 10 week old great dane-mastiff mix puppy. How long should I realistically expect it to take to house train my puppy?
A: Housebreaking a new dog or puppy depends largely on how diligent you are about watching your puppy and working with him or her. I housetrained my last mastiff puppy in just a few weeks, but I basically take vacation time when we bring home a new dog so I can put in the time it takes to get them house trained right off the bat.
The key is to watch your great dane-mastiff puppy constantly and take them out to potty every 20-30 minutes, offering treats for going in the right spot. Puppies will also have to go outside right after waking up from a nap and 10-20 minutes after eating. Be proactive and take your puppy outside before he or she goes in the house, then give praise for going in the right spot.
Never hit a dog or a puppy, and don’t rub their nose in accidents as this does nothing but confuse and scare puppies. When you catch your puppy in the act of pottying inside, say “no” then take him or her immediately outside. Give a command, like “do your business,” then praise your puppy for going in the right spot by giving a treat immediately. Your puppy will soon associate pottying outside with getting treats and will want to do it more often. If you’re careful about watching your puppy at all times, you shouldn’t have a problem housebreaking in just a few weeks. If you let your puppy roam around the house unsupervised while you watch TV, you’re probably going to find it takes much longer to house train.
If you are able to install a doggie door, it may reduce the time it takes to house train your mastiff puppy. If your puppy is left alone while you’re at work, you can bump a crate up to the doggie door so your puppy can come in to sleep but must go out to potty. If you can’t install a doggie door or don’t have a fenced yard, you can train your dog to ring a bell that hangs from the door whenever he or she has to go out. Ask your obedience instructor for tips on training your puppy to do this.
This puppy care sheet also has some great tips on potty training that work for any breed: great dane puppy care sheet
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Introducing a New Puppy to Your Older Dog
by admin ~ September 23rd, 2008Bringing home a new puppy will change the atmosphere in your home. Here are a few steps you can take when introducing a new puppy to your older dog to make the transition a little smoother for everyone:
- Introduce your dog to the new puppy in a neutral place, like a friend or family member’s house. This will give your dog a chance to get to know the puppy without feeling like his territory has been invaded.
- Take a short walk with your dog and the new puppy each day, even if it’s around your front porch or backyard. Walking together reinforces the pack bond, and can help your dog to understand that the puppy is now a member of the family.
- Set boundaries. Don’t allow the puppy to chew on your dog’s ears or tail, and don’t allow your dog to growl at the puppy or play too roughly. By reinforcing your role as the “alpha dog” or “pack leader,” you will be letting them know that you set the rules and they must get along and follow your direction.
- It’s tempting to give the new puppy all of the attention, and often older dogs can be left out. Make sure you divide your time equally, giving your dog the tummy rubs and playtime he’s accustom to.
- Your puppy may try to keep up with your dog while playing, so make sure you set limits and don’t let him over-do it. Don’t let your giant breed puppy play on slippery surfaces or run on hard or slippery surfaces.
- Until you’re sure your dog gets along well with the new puppy, don’t leave them alone together.
- Get the puppy his own bed and food bowl so your dog doesn’t feel like all his “stuff” is being taken over.
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Blueberry Pecan Oatmeal
by admin ~ July 26th, 2008Our Share a Meal with Your Dog series is for all those sad puppy eyes out there, wishing they could have some of whatever it is you’re cooking that smells so good. These recipes are just as tasty for humans as they are for the dogs and are quick and easy to prepare.
Blueberry Pecan Oatmeal is one of my weekday favorites for a quick and healthy hot breakfast, and the dogs love it, too.
Prep Time: Approx. 10 minutes
3 Cups Oats
5 3/4 Cups Water
1/4 tsp Salt
2 tbsp. Flaxseeds
Fresh Blueberries
Pecans
Brown Sugar
Low-Fat Yogurt
Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add salt, oats and flaxseeds and reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Cover and remove from heat. Allow oatmeal to sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir and scoop into bowls. (Makes 6 servings.)
For You:
For Each Serving: Sprinkle 1 tsp. brown sugar over oatmeal. Mix in 1/4 cup fresh blueberries and a handful of chopped pecans. Serve with low-fat yogurt and a glass of juice.
For Your Giant Breed Dog:
For Each Serving: Mix in 1/4 cup fresh blueberries and 1/4 cup low-fat yogurt. Serve with some of your dog’s normal food.
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Q: Do Mastiffs / Great Danes Drool?
by admin ~ July 14th, 2008A: Yes, all dogs drool. The amount of drool certainly varies by size, breed, and specific characteristics of the individual dog. Dogs produce saliva when they are tempted with food or any appealing scent, or when they are panting or excited. Giant breeds will typically produce more drool than small breeds since their mouths are larger.
The size of a dog’s dewlap, the lower lip near the back of the mouth, can also be a factor in determining how drool-prone a particular dog can be. Dogs with larger dewlaps tend to be wetter-mouthed than dogs with a tighter lip. In Example A below, the dog has a larger dewlap. The dog in Example B has a smaller dewlap. Most mastiff-type breeds tend to have a larger dewlap.
Example A
Example B
A dog’s drinking habits can also contribute to a wetter mouth. Some great danes and mastiffs like to stick their entire face in the water bowl when they drink, and they walk away soaking wet, leaving a trail of water on the floor as they go. Other dogs are more delicate about drinking and don’t create as big of a mess. I’ve experienced both habbits with both great danes and mastiffs, and the level of drinking-related drool just seems to be up to the personality of your dog, whatever breed he or she may be.
So, can you live with it? Before you decide to adopt a giant breed, make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. There is a stain on my kitchen ceiling 10′ in the air from a great dane shaking his head and flinging drool all the way up there. I usually hand out “drool rags” to guests, and sometimes get a funny look until one of the dogs uses their sleeve as a napkin and they find themselves covered in slime from wrist to elbow. Our friends and family, mostly poodle and cat people, still come over to our house though, and eventually most have come to love our giant breeds for the huge, lovable, drool-factories they are.
As a serious germaphobe, my friends are perplexed by my ability to deal with these slimy strings of slobber on a daily basis. For me, the rewards of giant breed ownership make dealing with the drool worthwhile. Plus, not all of my giant breed dogs are extreme droolers. In fact, my great dane has a dryer mouth than many of my friends’ labs and golden retrievers. From time to time, I do find myself unknowingly walking down the street with a glob of white goo stuck to my clothes. Rest assured, it’s only dog drool. Over the years, I’ve gotten used to having drooling dogs in the house and have made some simple changes to accomodate, like converting to stain-resistant furniture and washable paint. In the end, it really is only dog drool. Once you get used to living with it, you barely notice it’s there.
If you’re unsure whether or not a giant breed dog is the right choice for you, please spend some time with one. Mastiffs and Great Danes are not for everyone. Dog shows are a great place to experience giant breeds in person. You can find a listing of upcoming shows and events on the AKC website.
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Healthy Treats for Great Danes and Mastiffs
by admin ~ June 10th, 2008We often get e-mails from great dane and mastiff owners wondering what types of treats we give our giant breed dogs. With smaller breeds, purchasing organic or all-natural designer treats is an affordable option for many people, but finding healthy treats for giant breeds in a large size can be a challenge. Fresh fruits and veggies along with homemade biscuits are a great alternative. Here are some of our dogs’ favorites:
- Apple Slices
- Peach or Nectarine Slices
- Carrots
- Red Bell Pepper Slices (seeds removed)
- Green Beans
- Brocoli
- Green Peas
- Strawberries
- Pineapple
- Blueberries
- Plain Unsweetened Yogurt
- Organic Peanuts
- Cherries (pits removed)
Since we’ve started making homemade treats for our dogs, they’re sure anything that goes in the oven is going to be theirs, but they love these homemade biscuits, recipe below. They’re easy to make and freeze well, and the dogs even like to eat them right out of the freezer.
Apple Oatmeal Treats
1 1/4 Cups Oat Flour
3/4 - 1 Cup Old Fashioned Oats
2 Eggs
1 Small Apple or 1/2 Large Apple, Grated
1/4 Cup Grated Carrots
1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tbsp. Olive Oil
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Combine eggs, oil, apples, and carrots in a large bowl. Mix in the oat flour and baking soda. Mix in 3/4 cup oats, adding more if the batter looks thin (it should stick together in a ball shape when you drop it onto a cookie sheet). Drop teaspoon-sized balls onto a cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until they start to turn golden brown. Cool on a rack, then store in the refrigerator or freezer.
Remember not to over-do it with new foods, especially if your dog is only used to eating dog food.
More information on Great Dane & Mastiff Nutrition >
Does your spoiled pup have a favorite recipe? Share it with us! You can send it via e-mail and watch for it in future posts along with a link to your dog’s webpage.
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Breeder vs. Owner - Who Knows Best?
by admin ~ June 5th, 2008Q: Our breeder is concerned because we are not feeding our great dane puppy the food she recommended. What do you think?
A: Typically, when a breeder has strong opinions about nutrition or growth, it’s because they’ve been breeding for years and have worked out the kinks to establish what works best for their bloodlines. My recommendation would be to take all the advice you can get from your breeder as it sounds like she only wants to help you raise a happy, healthy puppy.
Sometimes pet food labels can be deceiving, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Every brand wants to market their food as the best, so rather than assuming a food is OK because the front of the bag says it has vegetables in it, check out the back of the bag to see what you’re really getting. Avoid foods with by-products, sugar, preservatives, artificial colors, chemicals, and high levels of salt. Other considerations should include the type and amount of grain, whether the meats are measured before or after dehydration (ie: “chicken” vs. “chicken meal”) and what grade of ingredients are used.
Feeding giant breeds, like great danes, is tricky since their rapid growth can be dramatically effected by the wrong mix of ingredients, potentially causing several nutrition-related diseases. Breeders that strive to improve their breed will usually be well informed on nutrition and how to avoid growth problems, and have probably spent some time researching foods to find a brand that includes some of the “extras” that many brands don’t.
There are exceptions to the rule, so if you have a reason to believe the food your breeder is suggesting is not a good quality food, check it out for yourself. Most companies have a guaranteed analysis and ingredient list available online. Look for Omega3 and Omega6 fatty acids, DHA for brain development, glucosamine/condroitin for joint health, pre-biotics & pro-biotics for digestive health, and human-grade or high-quality meats. Check the percentages of protein, fat, calcuim and phosphorus and compare with the levels giant breed nutrition experts recommend. Even a small change of one or two percent can have an effect on your puppy’s growth.
More Great Dane & Mastiff Nutrition Information>
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What is the Difference Between a Great Dane and a Mastiff?
by admin ~ June 4th, 2008
Great Danes and Mastiffs are very similar in many ways, and quite different in others. Both of these giant breeds make great companions but do require a huge committment of time, energy, love and money.
The Similarities Between Great Danes and Mastiffs
The Great Dane was created hundreds of years ago by crossing English Mastiffs with Greyhounds. As a result, great danes and mastiffs share many characteristics. Both breeds are usually outgoing and friendly, yet make great watchdogs. Great danes and mastiffs are typically good with children and are excellent indoor pets as they tend to be calm, relaxed breeds; not hyperactive. They share similar health issues including a high risk of bloat, and nutrition is especially important with both breeds.
Both great danes and mastiffs are in the working class category of dogs. It’s important to keep their minds engaged and take them on daily walks. They do like having jobs, even if the job is to learn tricks like putting away their toys. Great Danes and Mastiffs are intelligent and very easy to train. They should learn a few basic obedience commands and house training in a few weeks with consistent training.
Neither breed does well as an outdoor only dog. Great Danes and Mastiffs establish a strong bond with their family and need to be a “part of the pack”. Boredom and loneliness in any dog can lead to destructive behavior, but with giant breeds, destruction happens on a larger scale; like digging up an entire yard full of trees and plants in an afternoon.
Many people mistakenly assume these giant dogs are aggressive attack dogs, which is not the case. Though they may playfully tackle you, once pinned down you’ll probably find yourself covered in slobbery kisses.
The Differences Between Great Danes and Mastiffs
Great Danes tend to be lighter, faster and more agile than mastiffs, and many great dane owners successfully compete in agility. Mastiffs are the heaviest (largest) breed of dog, weighing up to 270lbs, but typically average around 200lbs. Mastiffs tend to be more muscular and powerful than great danes, but both breeds can easily overpower their owners on walks so obedience training is a must. In my experience, our great danes are a little more light-hearted, while our mastiff is a bit more intense.
Great Danes were originally bred for hunting, Mastiffs for guarding and accompanying men into battle. Today, both are usually bred to be loyal and loving companions. Some great danes have varying degrees of prey drive, and may chase smaller pets and animals, but this is not always the case as many great danes do well with smaller animals. Great Danes tend to be taller than Mastiffs, but Mastiffs can be twice as wide as a Great Dane and as a result will probably eat a few more cups of food each day.
Deciding Which Giant Breed is Right for You
If you’re considering a giant breed dog, start out by reading the AKC breed standards, which should help you narrow it down to two or three breeds. If you’re looking for a great dane or mastiff puppy, the best way to fully understand the differences between the breeds is to visit several breeders and spend some time with their dogs.
Breeding/bloodlines play a huge role in determining the temperament, personality, health and size of these giant breeds, so if you’re looking for a puppy, take your time interviewing breeders and meet several dogs before deciding which is right for you. Most breeders are happy to chat with you about the personalities of their dogs and are willing to help you in making the decision regarding which breed would suit your family best.
If you’re looking to adopt an adult dog, you can check with your local breed clubs for a referral to a local breed rescue. Breed specific rescue organizations should be well versed on their breed, and will want to place dogs in homes that are the best match. They should be able to provide you with information about the history of the dog, the dog’s personality and temperament, whether or not the dog is OK with kids or pets, and other details to aid in your decision making process.
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Q: How Much Should I be Feeding my 4 Month Old English Mastiff Puppy?
by admin ~ April 18th, 2008A: Great question. There are so many variables, it’s hard to give a definite answer, but hopefully I can give you enough information to help you figure this out.
The best way to determine how much your mastiff puppy should be eating would be to ask your veterinarian to calculate how many calories he should be receiving based on your puppy’s age and weight. Most dog foods label how many calories are in each cup of food, so you and your vet can then decide how many cups of food your puppy needs each day. With a giant breed, like a mastiff, you’ll need to be sure to recalculate the totals frequently to make sure you’re keeping up with his growth.
Each dog food brand and type varies in the amount of calories and levels of protein and fat, so depending on the food you’re feeding your mastiff, your puppy might require a cup or two more or less than he would if you were feeding a different brand. Most foods come with a recommended feeding chart on the bag. Giant breeds, like mastiffs or great danes, should never be fed a regular puppy food, so assuming you’re feeding a GIANT breed puppy food (we feed out puppies Eagle Pack Holistic Large & Giant Breed Puppy), check the bag to see the recommended feeding amount based on your puppy’s weight and age. If you want to start out in that range, watch your puppy for the following:
- Weight Condition. As a general rule, it’s better for giant breed puppies to be on the thin side rather than overweight. This can help prevent several serious bone diseases. You should be able to see the last two ribs, and feel the others easily under the skin. If you can see the entire rib cage, your puppy may need to be fed a little more. If you can’t see the last rib or two, cut back a bit.
- Structure. Overfeeding can cause several bone and joint issues. If you know what to watch for, it’s easy to see the signs and adjust your feeding regimen accordingly. Check for straight bone growth. If your puppy’s toes are starting to turn out, front legs are starting to turn out or look bowed, or the top of his back is drastically unlevel (roached top line), these could be signs of overfeeding or an overage of protein, fat or calcuim in your puppy’s diet. Overly knobby joints on the legs or joints that appear to be inflamed are other signs of irregular growth related to diet. If you suspect your puppy may have any of these problems, you should see your vet for a check up and diet recommendations. If caught early enough, some bone diseases can be repaired and deformed growth may be reversed.
- Other Considerations. If you’re using a large amount of treats to train your puppy, or if you supplement his diet with fresh or raw foods, you may need to adjust the amount of dog food you’re feeding to compensate for the extra calories. In addition,some puppies are more active than others, so a puppy that runs around all day will require more calories than a pup that is kenneled while you’re at work and sleeps more.
