How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Tibetan Mastiffs
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large breed dog renowned for its immense heart. A dog whose original purpose was to serve as guardian of its family, the Tibetan Mastiff is very loyal and protective of those it loves most. An affectionate and devoted family companion, the Tibetan Mastiff is known to be gentle with children and reserves a special fondness for them.
Tibetan Mastiffs have few health problems but can be predisposed to developing hip dysplasia. The breed is also known to be prone to bloat. Though it is not known precisely what causes bloat, experts agree that eating too much or too quickly can be contributing factors.
With this in mind, feeding a diet designed for large breed dogs with bigger pieces of kibble can be beneficial. It is also recommended that the best dog food for Tibetan Mastiffs be measured and monitored to prevent eating too rapidly.
Obesity can be a problem in this breed. For this reason, free-feeding is strongly discouraged.
As with all large breeds, joint support is an important factor to consider when selecting a food for the Tibetan Mastiff. Priority should be given to diets containing glucosamine and chondroitin, two supplements proven to assist with joint health.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Tibetan Mastiffs
All Tibetan Mastiffs require a high-quality diet that is properly balanced to meet the nutritional needs of the breed. As a general rule, a food that contains a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat is ideal.
How much food to feed a Tibetan Mastiff is largely dependent on the dog’s age and activity level. Less active dogs require less fuel than those that engage in vigorous activity every day. The best course of action to determine how much to feed this breed is to follow the suggested serving sizes provided on the bag of food. This recommendation can then be adjusted according to the dog’s weight, activity level, and appetite.
On average, a mature Tibetan Mastiff will eat between four to six cups a day of an excellent quality food or 1,700-2,300 calories. The calorie count will also vary depending on individual factors such as whether the dog is spayed or neutered. The Pet Nutrition Alliance calorie calculator is an excellent guide but remember to consult your veterinarian for more detailed nutritional information.
The best dog foods for Tibetan Mastiffs are well-balanced and optimized with the correct blend of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to support optimal health.
Dietary Requirements for Tibetan Mastiff Dog Foods
Any food suited to the needs of the Tibetan Mastiff should find its basis in an animal protein. Whole meats are the best choice, but meat meals are also of sufficient quality.
Tibetan Mastiffs are not a breed that is known to succumb to problems with allergies. As such, a grain-free diet is considered to be unnecessary for most dogs. Carbohydrates that are included in any food for the Tibetan Mastiff should be antioxidant and fiber-rich as well as easy to digest. These can be sourced from fruits, vegetables, or whole grains.
All diets require the addition of healthy fats to provide dogs with the energy they need to thrive. In addition to this, healthy fats also encourage proper skin and coat health. They are best derived from animal sources such as chicken fat or oily fish such as mackerel, herring, salmon, or sardines.
The best Tibetan Mastiff dog foods place a high emphasis on ingredients that are easy to digest.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Tibetan Mastiffs
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Tibetan Mastiff:
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Whole proteins heading up the ingredients list
Any food of sufficient quality for the Tibetan Mastiff should list meat as one of its primary ingredients. Whole proteins are best, but meat meals are also a nutritionally sound choice.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
All foods can benefit from the addition of probiotics and other helpful supplements. The main ingredients to look for in a food for the Tibetan Mastiff are prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All foods appropriate for the Tibetan Mastiff should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.