° ° ° MAXI GIANT SIZE NUTRITION ° ° °

Giant breed dogs are renowned for their impressive size. They can reach 80 centimetres in height and weigh up to 100 kg. Highly popular today, they represent almost 7% of births in Europe according to the pedigree registers.

These exceptional dogs are also known for their courage and obedience. They are often peaceful, affectionate and always show devotion to their owners. The exploits of Newfoundlands and Saint Bernards are legendary and command the admiration of all. They are faithful companions and provide excellent support as working dogs.

PUPPY

from 2 to 8 months

After weaning, the period between 2 and 8 months is that of extraordinarily intense growth during which the puppy's skeleton reaches 90% of its actual size.

In this same period, its birth weight increases 70 times. It is fundamental to control the growth rate of a giant puppy in order to promote a balance between weight gain and the ossification of the skeleton.

Premature weight gain could lead to excess stress on the dog's joints which are not yet fully solidified. As they have a reduced digestive capacity, giant puppies have greater digestive sensitivity, particularly in the weeks following weaning.

JUNIOR

from 8 to 24 months

After 8 months, the growth rate slows down. The formation of joints and bones is almost complete and the puppy has reached 90% of its adult size. However, its growth is far from over. A giant dog does not reach adult-hood until between 18 and 24 months, depending on its breed.

During this second stage, it will begin to fill out and gain muscle mass. Its weight will increase by one and a half times. The giant puppy also acquires its adult teeth after the age of 8 months.

ADULT

from 24 months

Adult giant dogs can weigh up to 100kg. Daily, their metabolism requires a very large amount of food with a high energy level. For example, a Great Dane needs up to 1kg of dry food per day.

Their jaw size and temperament naturally predispose them to bolting their rations greedily and simultaneously swallowing large quantities of air. They sometimes suffer from aerophagia or, in extreme cases, stomach bloat. Their large muscle mass places considerable pressure on their joints, tendons and bones. Giant dogs also demonstrate greater joint sensitivity.

GIANT BREEDS

MASTIFF-TYPE DOGS

Bullmastiff
Great Dane
Dogue de Bordeaux
Tibetan Mastiff
Mastiff
Neopolitan Mastiff
Rottweiler

MOUNTAIN-TYPE DOGS

Bernese Mountain Dog
Leonberg
Spanish Mastin
Pyrenean Shepherd Dog
Portuguese Sheepdog
Saint Bernard
Newfoundland

OTHER TYPES

Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Irish Wolfhound
Komondor
Kuvasz
Bloodhound

GIANT BREED INFORMATION

Controlling your puppys weight gain
One of the ways to control your puppy's growth is to check its body condition regularly. When you run your hands along its sides, you should feel its ribs, and its skin rolling beneath your fingers. The same applies when you touch the hip region. Some people like chubby puppies but remember that excess weight can have negative effects on its growth. Your breeder or vet can easily show you how to carry out this check-up.
Facilitating Digestion
Divide meals
It is better to feed twice daily until the end of growth and even afterwards, if possible. This reduces the risk of digestive overload, which is particularly common in giant dogs due to their reduced digestive capacity.
Control ingestion rate
Slow down ingestion rate and reduce activity around meal times. Place food rations on a raised level rather than on the ground. Add a few objects (ball) in the bowl to slow down food intake. Avoid feeding before the dog goes to sleep and limit exercise before and after meals.
Living happily with your dog
Dogs are naturally pack animals and in the pack, feeding is a way of asserting dominance. The leader of the pack always eats first, chooses the best morsels and takes its time. Your family is your dogs pack and you must prevent it from thinking it is dominant. To do so, you must respect the feeding ritual with great regularity, remove the bowl after the meal and, above all, ensure the dog eats after you.