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Feeding Guidelines
Below are generic feeding guidelines.

Large-Giant Breeds growth rate is slower so they will need less protein, fat and calories in their dog food than Small-Medium Breeds .

It is best to speak with an experienced Breeder for further information.
  • It is very important to feed your dog at least twice a day.
  • Puppies should be feed smaller amounts, three times a day if possible up to 16 weeks of age. Especially Large-Giant Breeds.
  • If the dog is rather large, raise their food and water dish as they grow.
  • With Large-Giant Breeds, be sure that the dog has not exercised for at least 30 minutes before eating and do not exercise him for 1 - 2 hours after eating. This will make sure his stomach is settled during the critical time around his meal during which he is very susceptible to bloat.
  • Free feeding is an alternative to feeding schedules, but can result in problems. Some dogs will eat whatever you leave out or they may have house soiling problems.
When trying to decide which commercial dog food is appropriate for your dog, there are very specific things you should look for.
Dog eating out of a bowl
The 10 most essential items to look for when selecting a dog food for your puppy are as follows:
  1. First ingredients should be multiple Meats or Meat Meals. (Chicken, Turkey, Beef, Fish, etc.) NOT YELLOW CORN or WHEAT. If ground corn meal is further down the line on the ingredients list that is ok and regarding Wheat, dogs may be or become allergic to it. Both are normally used as fillers.
  2. Moderate calories range for your breed. The larger the dog the lower the count such as 320 - 365 kCals per cup.
  3. Protein range of 21% - 25%. (For older dogs it can be lower since they are less active)
  4. Fat range 12% - 15%. (For older dogs it can be lower since they are less active)
  5. Calcium - no more than 1.5%. (Especially for the Large - Giant Breeds)
  6. Ingredients should be listed as human grade, human edible or organic and naturally preserved.
  7. Chelated or sequestered minerals.
  8. Balanced Omega 6:3 fatty acids.
  9. Probiotics/Digestive enzymes.  (Can be supplemented with NZYMES if it's not in the food already)
  10. Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Especially for Large-Giant Breeds or those susceptible to joint problems. (Can be supplemented if not in the food already)
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Watch your puppy carefully when eating. If the pup is eating to fast try the following:
  • Pull him/her away from the food for a couple of minutes and then let the pup go back to eating.
  • Put a good sized rubber ball or another good sized toy that the puppy would have to work around so he will eat slower.
  • Give small amounts of food every couple of minutes until they eat all their food.
FYI: If the pup starts to eat to fast there is a fatal chance of the pup inhaling the food into their lungs. I say this from experience.
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Follow the feeding guidelines on the dog food bag except for Breeds over 100lbs.

Feeding guidelines for Breeds over 100lbs are as follows: (if your pup is still hungry or not eating all his food, adjust accordingly)
  • 2 months: 2-4 cups per day - (divided into 3 meals daily if possible)
  • 3 months: 3-5 cups per day - (divided into 2 meals daily)
  • 4 months: 4-6 cups per day - (divided into 2 meals daily)
  • 5 months: 5-7 cups per day - (divided into 2 meals daily)
  • 6 months: 6-8 cups per day - (divided into 2 meals daily)
  • 7 months: 6-9 cups per day - (divided into 2 meals daily)
  • 8 months: 6-9 cups per day - (divided into 2 meals daily)
  • 9 months: 7-10 cups per day- (divided into 2 meals daily)
  • 10 - 12 months: 7-10 cups per day - (divided into 2 meals daily)
  • 12 -18 months: 8-11 cups a day (divided into 2 meals daily)
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List of foods I have experience with and recommend (in alphabetical order).
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