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12 wk english mastiff pup won't eat

B

BorisTheMastiff

Member
Hi, this is my first english mastiff. I got him from a breeder at 8 weeks and since then he hasn't eaten the amount the breeder recommends.

The breeder says that he should be eating 7-9 cups a day
And currently he will barely get down 4-5. His litter mates
Are all eating 7-9 currently.

Also, the breeder insists on Precise Holistic giant puppy
Food until 6 mo - 1 yr.

I have tried adding tripe and pumpkin to his food and
Mixed it really well, but he still isn't getting down his food
All the way, but when my pugs finish their wellness core
Kibble he licks the bowl like he's starving.

My question is, should I be worried? Are there some
Equivalent giant breed puppy foods I could switch to that
May taste better but maintain the calc/phos / protein levels? He currently weighs 40ish lbs.

And also what is everyone's thoughts on dehydrated diet
And puppies?
 
cinnamon roll

cinnamon roll

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
Welcome first and foremost. Would love to see pics. :)

7-9 cups for a 12 wk old is unheard of. My 11 mo EM eats 6-8 cups a day! 4-5 cups is MORE than enough for a pup that age.

Second ....giant breeds do not need to be on a puppy formula.
 
B

BorisTheMastiff

Member
cinnamon roll said:
Welcome first and foremost. Would love to see pics. :)

7-9 cups for a 12 wk old is unheard of. My 11 mo EM eats 6-8 cups a day! 4-5 cups is MORE than enough for a pup that age.

Second ....giant breeds do not need to be on a puppy formula.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Yes this feed fits the mastiff macronutrients of 1.3% calc to .95% phos. While maintaining 23% protein and has no fillers. This food is much leaner and designed for the slow growth to
Accomodate the giant breeds (what my breeder says and
What I have researched). What food have you been using?

I will post some pictures :) his grandpa and father are both over 250 lbs I am excited to say the least. He is a brindle
Boy.

View attachment 34573
image.jpg
 
Last edited:
Sadies Mom

Sadies Mom

Well-Known Member
That is ALOT of food. According to the feeding suggestion, you are trying to feed the amount of a 100 lb dog. If he looks good on eating 4-5 cups per day, just keep him on that.
 
Last edited:
J

Jackie

Member
At 12 weeks my girl was still only eating around 3-4 cups per day. I think it's great that your baby stops eating when he's full. It really helps you realize when he's going thru a growth spurt because then he will eat his normal amount and then let you know he's still hungry and you can up it 1/4 to 1/2 cup at each feeding. Some will eat until they burst and that's much more difficult for you to guage how much they really need.
 
Jadotha

Jadotha

Well-Known Member
I agree with all the previous statements. Our EM Boris (lol) only ate around 4 cups a day at 12 weeks, although, as Jackie commented, they will go through periodic growth spurts during which they will want to eat more. At the moment, if your Boris's energy levels are good and he doesn't look thin, I would trust him to eat what he needs.
 
DennasMom

DennasMom

Well-Known Member
Ditto.

The precise food looks good. If he's doing well, and stools are firm, I'd keep him on it.
There are other foods out there, but it seems like he's eating enough to me, too.

You want to keep him lean as he grows. He'll get to that 250lbs soon enough! :)
 
Smokeycat

Smokeycat

Well-Known Member
Wow. That's a lot of food. The most my EM has ever ate was 8c a day and that was only on one type of food. He is 21 months, 170 lbs and eating the recommended amount for a 10-12 month old puppy his size.
Not all dogs require the same amount of food/body weight. Maybe his litter mates need that amount, although IMO it sounds more like a recipe for accelerated growth and overweight puppies than healthy ones, and yours doesn't and he knows it. My EM has always needed significantly more than what the bag says despite being mostly sedentary and it is hard to put weight on him. He actually lost weight while being fed more following major surgery and on restricted activity. Most dogs gain weight on reduced portions. My other dog I call the Energizer Bunny on speed, he just keeps going full tilt. He eats at the low end for a sedentary dog and I have to watch that he doesn't gain.
The best thing to do is to watch his body condition. On a brindle it's easier to do by touch than sight. You should be able to feel his ribs but not go in between them. If he's healthy at smaller portions, rejoice. These guys are expensive enough that any little bit you can save is great.
 
B

BorisTheMastiff

Member
Thank you all, I mix about a dollop of wet in with his food and he cleans it all up. He's at 54 lbs at 13 weeks now. He's averaging around 5-6 cups but i think he's been having a growth spurt. He's starting to slow down. Only thing I'm worried about now is his stools got soft again. Ill be bringing in a stool sample for the vet to check for any worms. Also he's really itchy. Hopefully the food is agreeing with
Him although I feel it's not...

But really, thank you all. image.jpg
 
B

BorisTheMastiff

Member
cinnamon roll said:
Wow 54 lbs at 13 weeks!! That is huge. :) What are you feeding him?
Click to expand...

Just this Precise Holistic Giant breed puppy feed, with a spoon full of either Tripett, or Wellness grain free adult wet. Just a little spoonful for some better taste. And a spoon of pumpkin if he's got a little soft poop.

I also think the slow hikes through the woods and snow are helping with his muscle development. Steepish incline but not to hard on hips!!
 
B

BorisTheMastiff

Member
cinnamon roll said:
That food has chicken in it. A lot of mastiffs are allergic to chicken and grains.
Click to expand...

Interesting! That could be it! Just wondering, what did you feel when you had a pup. I'm looking for grainfree alternatives. I have found this NOW food. Made it USA and seems like it might be worth a shot. But I have heard negatives about Eaglepak and Fromm. I'm just trying to ensure the healthiest pup.
 
Smokeycat

Smokeycat

Well-Known Member
If I remember correctly none of the NOW foods are appropriate in terms of calcium/phosphorus. But Go! is from the same company and their shine and sensitivity formulas are. I fed Kryten the salmon formula for most of his first year.
 
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