Nutrition of the Tibetan Mastiff: what and how many times a day to feed your pet and how to choose the right diet for him

Rating of the 10 best dry food for the Tibetan Mastiff

Dry dog ​​food is a complete nutritious diet for a pet, developed taking into account the physiology and characteristics of the animal. It contains carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and amino acids in a balanced state. When choosing, pay attention to the composition. The product must contain fats of animal and plant origin and natural ingredients. This is what dogs should receive to be healthy and cheerful.

Introduction

To raise a real breeding representative of the Tibetan Mastiff breed, you need to adhere to some rules. For example, prepare in advance for the puppy’s arrival. That is, provide him with the necessary conditions of detention. From the first moment your pet appears, you should begin to establish communication with it: pay enough attention, feed it properly, and so on.

Remember, giant breed puppies grow very quickly. Before you can blink your eye, the baby will turn into a huge dog. So that you and your pet can live in harmony, you need to familiarize yourself with the following rules and try to follow them:

• keeping a dog;
• dog care;
• raising and training a dog.

Let's consider each point in detail.

Feeding

Diet composition

The average calorie content of 100 grams of pet food is 450-470 kcal, but the nutritional value of the product is also important.
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Mixtures are created from the following components:

• Proteins obtained by dehydration from meat - 25-32%;
• Cereals and legumes: wheat, rice, corn, barley - up to 21%;
• Fish (from 3 to 20-25%);
• Eggs - 3-5%;
• Plant components and extracts: vegetable fiber, fibers, extracts from pharmacopoeial plants;
• Animal fats - 8-10%;
• Minerals, vitamins and antioxidants;
• Preservatives - natural (class above Premium) or chemical.

Low-grade granules contain an extract from offal (up to 10-15%), and the concentration of meat or fish is not higher than 5%.

Choice

Mixed feeding is prohibited, so dry mixtures should serve as the main ingredient of the menu. As a result of the work of breeders, the mastiff has acquired a genetic predisposition to diseases of the cardiovascular system and digestive tract, and sick animals require a dietary diet.

A separate menu is selected for puppies, pregnant and lactating bitches, and aging individuals.

The granules should be dosed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Overfeeding is dangerous to health and can shorten life expectancy.

Belcando Junior Maxi for large and giant breed puppies from 3 to 18 months (15 kg)

Many experts recommend Belcando Junior, made in Germany, for large dogs. Its composition is rich in a high content of poultry meat, in addition to easily digestible rice, which helps good digestion and absorption of useful components. The recipe contains carob fruits, which contain tannins and substances important for life that have an effect on proper digestion. Belongs to the super premium class.

pros

• A complete, balanced complex of nutrients.
• Healthy pet.
• Convenient, economical packaging.
• A wide range of.
• Availability.
• German quality.

Minuses

• Causes an allergic reaction.
• Not all dogs like it.
• Not sold in all Russian cities.
• Composition with sodium chloride.
• Large granules of strange color.
• Poor combination with vitamins and other products.
• There is a minimum of meat, but a maximum of cereals.

Acana Puppy Large Breed, 11.4 kg

Acana Puppy appeals to every furry friend and turns into a favorite bowl. Transforms the animal's fur into smooth and silky, bones will be stronger, and more energy will appear. Thanks to these crackers, your beloved friend is provided with a balanced diet. Many breeders of our smaller four-legged brothers recommend them to everyone else. This is a holistic class.

pros

• Natural.
• Without smell.
• Large packaging.

Minuses

• High price.
• There is a fishy smell.

Royal Canin Maxi Adult dry for large breed dogs, 15 kg

The animal receives a complete diet thanks to Royal Canin. It is designed for individuals weighing from 26 to 44 kilograms, aged from 15 months to 5 years. Its dry granules contain a unique complex of nutrients that helps the digestive system function optimally. They contain a lot of protein, creating a balance with dietary fiber. Royal has natural taste properties with an aroma that evokes excellent appetite in our smaller four-legged brothers. Category: premium.

pros

• Balanced composition.
• High quality.
• Promotes good digestion.
• Maintaining optimal shape and weight.
• Healthy coat, skin, teeth.
• Convenient, practical packaging.
• The pet likes it.
• Gives activity.
• The crackers smell nice.

Minuses

• The packaging is made of paper and does not close after opening.
• Unattractive looking bag of granules.
• Possible only from 15 months to 5 years.

Basic moments

• This breed is not recommended for novice dog breeders: it requires competent socialization and incredible patience.
• The impressive size of the Tibetan is not always compatible with the usual apartments, so it is best to keep the dog in a private house.
• The peak activity of mastiffs occurs in the evening or even at night: this is when it is best to walk your pet outside.
• Tibetan Mastiffs cannot be kept on a chain because they are very sociable and want to spend time with their owner.
• These dogs are incredibly smart and independent, and in some cases you will have to show strength of character.
• All Tibetans have loud barks, so make sure your dog doesn't make noise for no reason.
• Mastiffs need constant physical activity, otherwise they can get bored and literally turn your house into ruins.
• They do not like noisy companies because they see them as a potential threat.
• They get along well with children and, under certain circumstances, animals.

The Tibetan Mastiff is rightfully considered the property of a mysterious corner of the globe - the “roof of the world” called Tibet. Representatives of this breed are known as reliable and fearless protectors who do not lack self-esteem and an independent character. Looking at the dog’s menacing appearance, it’s hard to imagine that this breed is one of the friendliest and most loyal. The centuries-old duet of man and mastiff taught the latter to show remarkable patience and understanding.

Almo Nature Holistic beef 12 kg (for large breeds)

Italian crackers of excellent quality with meat additives do not violate European standards. They have the aroma of real meat, causing an excellent appetite in your beloved pet. They contain protein, but in minimal quantities. The animal receives adequate nutrition by consuming it regularly. Almo Nature belongs to the super premium category.

pros

• Dogs love its taste.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Wide range of tastes.
• Fresh natural ingredients.
• There are no artificial additives, dyes, preservatives, or flavors.

Minuses

• Sometimes causes hair loss.
• The pet may refuse to eat it.

Purina Pro Plan Optiderma for Healthy Skin and Coat, Salmon with Rice, 14 kg (Large Breeds)

A healthy body and the well-being of an animal are the result of its optimal nutrition. Purina Pro Plan was developed by Russian veterinarians and nutritionists. The composition includes specially selected nutritional components for four-legged pets of different sizes, weights and ages. It suits even special preferences and keeps the animal in excellent condition. Belongs to the premium class.

pros

• Decent composition.
• Wide range for any age, size.
• Nutritious with all the vitamin complex.

Minuses

• Flavoring additive.
• Doesn't cause much appetite.
• Not available everywhere.
• Creates increased gas formation.

Brit Care lamb with rice 12 kg (for large breeds)

The food is produced in the Czech Republic. It is rich in protein due to the significant amount of natural meat and fish in the recipe. Rice is used, enriching the body with carbohydrates, including fish and chicken oil, which produce fatty acids. Brit Care is most useful for large breeds, because its components prevent joint diseases - a problem for many large four-legged pets. Premium and super - premium class.

pros

• Vitamins and minerals in balance.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Nice smell.
• Causes a huge appetite.
• Optimal size granules.
• High quality.
• For a healthy pet's body.

Minuses

• It smells strong.
• Unpleasant color.
• Too dry.
• Not suitable for all breeds.
• Insufficient bag volume - up to 12 kilograms.

We teach correctly

The Tibetan Mastiff is an independent and stubborn dog. Therefore, care alone will not be enough for her. From the first days a puppy appears in your home, you need to start raising and training it. Communication with your pet should be friendly, strict, without unnecessary emotions or aggression on your part.

Dogs of this breed are not particularly energetic and tend to make their own decisions. You will have to make every effort to make your pet respect and obey you. Therefore, training a Tibetan mastiff should begin with a general obedience course so that the animal can immediately adapt to new conditions.

Teaching a dog good behavior and manners includes teaching it a name, a toilet, a place, a feeding and walking schedule, and grooming procedures. Raising a pet must be combined with the basics of training, reinforcing each skill with the appropriate commands: “Come”, “Toilet”, “Place”, “Eat”, “Stand”, “Sit”, “Walk”.

Be sure to teach your puppy no commands. Use the "Fu" order if you want to stop the dog's action at the moment. The “No” order should stop any actions of your pet that are objectionable to you once and for all.

Remember, the Tibetan Mastiff, due to its stubborn nature, may not immediately begin to carry out your instructions. But if you can get him to learn a certain skill, then he will stay with the dog for a long time. However, do not forget to repeat the material covered from time to time, otherwise your pet may decide that the previous lessons no longer need to be completed.

Additionally, the dog will need to take a UGS (controlled city dog) course. Also, it would not be amiss for the Tibetan Mastiff to additionally take a course in training in the skills of protective guard service.

Tell us, how do you keep, feed, raise and train your dog?

OUR DIET WITH BEEF, 15 kg

OUR DIET, produced in Russia, provides the body of four-legged pets with the entire complex of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are so necessary for health. The composition contains natural ingredients, probiotics that support the immune system. The dog is healthy and active all day long thanks to fatty acids, chicken and salmon fat. The listed components are present in the specified diet. Considered economy class.

pros

• Qualitative.
• The dog eats with pleasure.
• Gives activity to the animal.
• The fur shines and shines.
• Well absorbed.
• Choice of flavors.

Minuses

• Large granules.
• Cats eat.
• Only for large representatives of the breed.

Pros and cons of natural food

Pros:

• Independent selection of products and their quality
• No preservatives, emulsifiers or other additives in food
• If you have an allergy, it’s easier to figure out the ingredient and replace it
• The presence of natural minerals in the diet - protein, fiber, carbohydrates and fats
• happy and contented animal

Minuses:

• it is necessary to maintain a strictly balanced diet so that all the necessary minerals are present
• need to add vitamin supplements
• takes a long time to prepare
• With natural feeding, it is difficult to travel with a dog, as it requires a place to prepare food

Pedigree for healthy skin and coat, beef, 13 kg (for large breeds)

PEDIGREE helps reduce the risk of tartar and plaque formation on your pet’s teeth. Provides him with normal digestion. It is preferable to feed your pet dry food in a container separate from wet food, and ensure the availability of fresh drinking water. This is quite healthy, tasty dog ​​food. It is produced taking into account the physiological needs of a large four-legged pet. The food is produced by a Russian company and is designed for the economy category.

pros

• Convenient packaging.
• Pleasant aromatic and taste properties.
• The pet eats with pleasure.
• No artificial flavors.
• High quality crackers.
• Comfortable in using.
• Lots of vitamins.
• The coat takes on a healthy, beautiful appearance.

Minuses

• Negative reputation.
• Missing useful components.
• Worse than normal nutrition.
• Doesn't do any good.
• Harmful to the health of the animal.
• The pet quickly gets used to this food and does not eat anything else.
• Increases salivation.

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Breeding

You can easily find breeders offering puppies online. It is recommended to purchase them only from trusted people. Specialized nurseries breed puppies. There are not so many of them:

• Moscow;
• St. Petersburg;
• Kiev

Kennels also provide the most reliable information about the puppy’s pedigree and health status. Throughout the entire period of the baby’s stay in the nursery, he is monitored by veterinarians. Therefore, it is recommended to take animals there. Before taking the puppy home, conduct an inspection and check the documentation.

A representative of the breed may be affected by a terrible eye disease - glaucoma.

CHAPPI MEAT ABUNDANCE WITH VEGETABLES AND HERBS, adults

CHAPPI is produced in Russia for economy class. It contains cereals, which are considered the best sources of carbohydrates. Proteins are present in the form of meat and offal. Use vegetables, for example, carrots, vegetable oils. CHAPPI is convenient because there is no need to add vitamins to it; they are already contained in sufficient quantities.

pros

• Wide availability.
• Nutritious food.
• Does not cause constipation in the animal.
• Decent quality.
• Promotes healthy appearance of coat and teeth.
• Doggies like it.
• There are no artificial flavors or flavor enhancers.

Minuses

• Treatment of the animal after eating these dry granules.
• Bad composition.
• Allergic reactions.
• Hair falls out.
• Bloating.
• Not suitable for all individuals.
• Unattractive packaging.

ALL DOGS (13 kg) Dry complete

ALL DOGS, according to many dog ​​breeders, is considered a complete diet for our smaller four-legged brothers of any breed, size, age and activity level. Each owner adjusts its portions according to the needs of their pet. Together with it, the pet receives a complex of essential nutrients for life. The food is produced in Denmark, based on the latest research on pet nutrition and international standards, which indicate recommended levels of nutritional content. It belongs to the economy class.

pros

• Suitable for almost all breeds.
• Quite popular due to its excellent composition.
• Induces pleasure while eating.
• Excellent oral hygiene and plaque removal.
• Does not contain GMOs, excess or artificial additives.

Minuses

• Not suitable for everyone.
• Insufficient amount of protein.
• You need to add vitamins and natural meat.
• Poor assortment from the manufacturer.

Most of the listed types of dry food, we recommend paying attention to Belcando Junior Maxi and Royal Canin Maxi Adult in the ranking of the best.

This food is based on natural ingredients. Proper nutrition is the key to a healthy body and excellent physical condition of any animal.

The price of these feeds is high, but it is worth it. Moreover, they contain all the useful components, including vitamins, and your beloved pet receives adequate nutrition.

Content correctly

Keeping a Tibetan mastiff in apartment conditions is not the best option for such an animal. Even as a puppy, a mastiff will be able to knock over and break a lot of things. What can we say about an impressive adult dog? Therefore, it is best to arrange for a dog of this breed to live in a private house, where there is enough space to protect and fresh air.

The Tibetan Mastiff has a very dense coat that can withstand the characteristics of any natural conditions, be it cold or heat. Therefore, he can live outside all year round, even without a booth. Of course, there is no need to restrict the pet’s movements and its communication with the owner with an enclosure or fence. But organizing a canopy is a necessity that will save the dog from rain or snow.

You also need to install a high fence in advance, concrete its base. This is necessary so that the growing puppy, having a desire to get acquainted with the outside world, cannot crawl under the fence on his own. And an adult Tibetan Mastiff can jump over a low fence if it believes that its protective instinct may be useful on the other side.

Feeding recommendations for large breed dogs

Large dogs have no less appetite. Individuals with large dimensions have a slower metabolism, they need fewer calories and fat, and they require a higher protein content to maintain shape.

Dry food for large pets varies in granule sizes. For large animals, they are produced about one and a half centimeters in diameter. A smaller granule size will not provide the jaws with full function, which is important for the dog’s health.

Adult pets are fed twice a day, after morning and evening walks. Breakfast and dinner take no more than a quarter of an hour. The bowl is removed even if the food is not eaten. The animal should always have access to clean, fresh water.

The daily amount of food for animals is not the same for equal sizes. It depends on the load experienced by the pet since the last meal. If your pet actively trains or spends a lot of time walking outside, the serving size is increased by a third. If the load is reduced, the pet does not walk much, rests or sleeps more time, the portion is reduced by about 15 percent.

The main indicator of a proper diet is a healthy, well-fed, strong dog whose weight is within the normal range for its age.

Large active animals, service animals, workers, need high-quality nutrition. Suitable feeds marked “energy” or “active”, varieties of “super-premium” or “premium” classes. They contain enough calories, are nutritious, and help improve the digestive system. This diet includes vitamins, dietary supplements, proteins, and amino acids.

It is impossible to give the animal food before training, an active walk or immediately after. Large dogs are at much higher risk of developing volvulus or intestinal blockage than their smaller dogs. These situations are dangerous and require urgent veterinary intervention. After a significant load, you can give the animal to eat after about one hour.

Grooming

The beautiful and thick coat of the Tibetan Mastiff requires careful daily care. From puppyhood, the pet is taught to comb with special brushes. The fur between the toes must be cut short to prevent dirt from accumulating on it and snow not sticking to it. If the dog does not participate in exhibitions, it is acceptable to trim the pants or remove the hair under the tail.

After bathing, special attention must be paid to completely drying the mastiff's thick undercoat. This is especially true if the dog lives on the street. By remaining wet for a long time, the animal runs the risk of catching a cold.

During the shedding period, which occurs once a year in the Tibetan Mastiff, the pet needs to be combed several times a day. Many owners of this breed collect their pets' fur to make warm clothes.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a beautiful and intelligent dog that can become an excellent companion and faithful guardian. Good health and unpretentiousness make the dog suitable for keeping at home.

What vitamins are needed when feeding large breed dogs?

Vitamin complexes are an essential element of the diet of dogs fed boiled meat, offal and vegetables. But when feeding dry food, you may need to take additional vitamins. So that the supplement contains:

• Vitamin C is needed for the functioning of the immune system and ensures the full development of the muscular system, bones, joints, and teeth.
• Vitamin D - used for the formation of the skeleton, especially needed by puppies during the first year of their life.
• Calcium is absorbed along with vitamin D, used to form teeth, skeletal bones, and makes the coat beautiful and shiny.

For large dogs, vitamin complexes are suitable - Beaphar Top 10 Chondro Treat, Unitabs Immuno Complex and others.

List of permitted and prohibited products

The following products are allowed for natural nutrition:

• lean meat (veal, beef, lamb)
• poultry (chicken, turkey, quail)
• ocean and sea fish (tilapia, tuna, pollock, white fish)
• milk products (low-fat yoghurts without additives, kefir, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese)
• cereals (rice, buckwheat). You can cook it in water, meat and fish broths. You can make porridge from several grains at once.
• offal (liver, lung, tongue, tripe, chicken offal). The portion is increased by one and a half to two times, since they have a lower energy value than meat.
• eggs. Chicken or quail. Give 1-2 times a week, raw or boiled.
• vegetables, fruits and herbs. It is a must to add to your dog's diet. Fresh, boiled or stewed, grated or pureed. But do not give too sweet and juicy fruits.
• bones. Only strong, non-tubular bones should be allowed to be chewed by the dog. They help remove plaque from teeth.

Prohibited products:

• boiled, tubular and fish bones
• fatty meat (pork, lamb)
• sweets and pasta
• sweets and confectionery
• smoked meats and sausages
• milk
• fresh, frozen meat
• by-products without heat treatment
• raw fish
• potatoes and tomatoes
• spicy and salty foods, marinades
• spoiled and sour products
• sweet and juicy fruits, citrus fruits
• cabbage, spinach, legumes - vegetables that cause fermentation in the intestines and flatulence

CAREFULLY!

Never feed your mastiff food from the master's table! This is not suitable food for your pet and will develop the bad habit of begging in your dog.

How to Feed a Large Breed Dog Puppy as opposed to an Adult Dog

A young animal cannot be fed in the same way as an adult pet. If the size of the puppy exceeds the height of a medium-sized dog, its bones, teeth, and gastrointestinal tract are in the development stage.

This imposes restrictions on the diet:

• Overfeeding and underfeeding a puppy will be equally harmful. But feeds usually contain tables that can be used to calculate the required volume of feed depending on the weight and age of the pet.
• The number of feedings depends on age. At 2 months, puppies are fed up to seven times a day, distributing food evenly throughout the day. By the age of one year, the number of feedings is gradually reduced, bringing it to 2 or 3 times a day. Sudden changes in the amount of food should not be allowed.
• Regardless of whether the pet eats dry food or natural products, it must have access to clean water or milk around the clock. This is especially important for puppies; when eating dry food, there is a high risk of dehydration.

When purchasing a puppy, it is important to discuss with the breeder what the animal ate before the move. It is impossible to abruptly change the diet from natural food to dry food or vice versa. This leads to problems with the stomach, which is sensitive in the young individual.

In case of food intolerance, puppies experience diarrhea or constipation, and allergic reactions are possible. Small dogs are prone to them; large breed puppies do not yet have strong enough immunity. The transition from one type of food to another or changing the brand of food is carried out smoothly and accurately.

Conditions of detention

Despite the high cost of mastiff puppies, starting from 50,000 rubles, the popularity of this breed is very high. The advantages of dogs include:

• impressive appearance, luxurious long hair visually increases the already small size of the dog, and the thick lion's mane is a distinctive feature of the breed;
• unpretentiousness and disease resistance;
• calm character and strong psyche;
• good security qualities;
• Despite its size, an adult mastiff eats little; 400-600 g of food per day is enough for him.

The difficulties of the breed include:

• loud, booming bark that can disturb others;
• thick coat that needs to be carefully groomed;
• you need a lot of space for walking.

Due to the large size of the dog (males reach a height of 70 cm at the withers, weight over 80 kg), keeping a pet in an apartment can cause some difficulties. Mastiffs are used to living freely and moving a lot, so they can be kept outside. In an apartment, you will have to take a lot of active walks with your pet, at least three times a day. The mastiff should have enough room in the room to comfortably stretch out while sleeping.

Keeping a mastiff outside is not difficult. He doesn’t even need a kennel - the luxurious wool perfectly protects the dog from the cold. But a good sun canopy in the enclosure is necessary. In hot weather, the mastiff needs to be in the shade so as not to overheat.

DIY enclosure for a mastiff

An enclosure for such a large and powerful dog must be reliable and strong. The fence consists of metal pipes dug into the ground and a strong mesh attached to them. The height of the fence should be at least 2 m. Despite its apparent slowness, the Tibetan mastiff is a very active animal, capable of easily jumping over a one and a half meter fence. For reliability, support pillars are dug to a depth of 40-60 cm and concreted. It is not practical to leave bare soil in the enclosure. When it rains and snow melts, the paddock will be dirty. The surface of the earth should be covered with coarse sand, a layer of at least 30 cm. It can be covered with boards. A more expensive but convenient option is special rubberized mats.

There is no need to build a booth for the Tibetan mastiff. A raised wooden deck measuring at least 3 m by 3 m, protected from the wind on three sides by plank walls, is sufficient. A roof over part of the enclosure is a must.

No matter how large and comfortable the enclosure is, the dog should not be in it all the time! Close contact with humans is very important for the mastiff. A dog locked alone will suffer.

How to feed pregnant large breed dogs

A lack of nutrients in a pregnant bitch's diet will harm her and her puppies, as will an excess of them. Before mating, the dog is given high-quality dry food for adult animals. Once pregnancy is established, there is no sudden change in diet. Portions remain the same while the dog is in the early stages of pregnancy. Excessive nutrition at this stage leads to obesity, which increases the risk of complications during childbirth and endangers the lives of the dog and puppies.

In the third week, the animal may refuse food for up to a week. Active development of the offspring begins in the fifth or sixth week, at which time the daily portion is increased. The serving size is increased by about one third.

As for the brand and class of food, there are groups of food for lactating and pregnant females. Some breeders replace them with puppy food. They contain many useful substances that the expectant mother needs: calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A, E, C and D. It is acceptable to use food of the “holistic” and “super-premium” classes.

Supplements for pregnant bitches improve the well-being of the female and ensure the health of the offspring. Products such as “Quantum ICD Dog-Mama” relieve toxicosis, “Farmina Vit-Active for pregnant and lactating dogs” compensates for the lack of vitamins and minerals, “Unitabs MamaCare” is easily absorbed by animals thanks to its natural flavoring.

Upbringing

Representatives of this breed are independent and quite stubborn. Raising a puppy should be done from an early age. The main thing is persistence and patience. A willful animal may not immediately obey and begin to follow commands. You cannot give in to a dog; a disobedient adult animal can harm the owner and others.

In addition to stubbornness, the mastiff is characterized by boundless love and devotion to the owner and members of his family. Close communication with a loved one is important for a dog. This is a very sensitive animal, deeply experiencing rude and unfair treatment towards itself.