Olde English mastiff puppy 8 weeks

[Cash's Mama]

After doing some research, I am indeed going to swith Cash's food. The best one available for me (and that's even being shipped) is Eagle Pack. So we're gonna start transitioning over to it as soon as it gets here. I don't have many options as far as raw food goes, as there is no local butcher here either. And as someone said earlier the grocery stores won't sell their scraps. But I do give Cash raw fruits and veggies. HE LOVES APPLES!! I was worried about the cost as first, but even with the Eagle Pack being shipped it's only a couple of extra dollars than what I pay locally for the Science Diet. I am wondering which one I should order him though...puppy? adult? I have read varying opinions on different sites. And as I said earlier my vet recommended keeping him on puppy formula til 12 or 14 months.

 

[Smart_Family]

After doing some research, I am indeed going to swith Cash's food. The best one available for me (and that's even being shipped) is Eagle Pack. So we're gonna start transitioning over to it as soon as it gets here. I don't have many options as far as raw food goes, as there is no local butcher here either. And as someone said earlier the grocery stores won't sell their scraps. But I do give Cash raw fruits and veggies. HE LOVES APPLES!! I was worried about the cost as first, but even with the Eagle Pack being shipped it's only a couple of extra dollars than what I pay locally for the Science Diet. I am wondering which one I should order him though...puppy? adult? I have read varying opinions on different sites. And as I said earlier my vet recommended keeping him on puppy formula til 12 or 14 months.

The Eagle Pack Large/Giant breed? The adult formula is closer to the ideal protein, calcium/phosphorus levels without the risk of Cash getting too much of these things. The puppy formula is a little high in those things and if you were to feed over what is recommended on the bag you put Cash at risk of growing too fast. If you were to feed exactly what's on the bag you should be okay but at least with the adult there's a little leeway there. I use the bag as a general guideline and if a puppy is looking a little thin they get a little more or if they are looking a little chubby a little less. I also adjust based on activity. We walk every day but some days we walk, hardcore play in the field and go on a hike so on those days they get a little more food.

 

[Cash's Mama]

Yea I'm gonna go with the large/giant breed. I think I will go with the puppy a little longer and see how it goes. With the Science Diet I have been giving him just a little bit over the bag suggestion cause he still acted hungry sometimes. So maybe with a better food, going exactly by the bag he will be okay. Thanks for your help Smart Family!!

 

[Smart_Family]

No problem. I hope it works out well for you and Cash!

 

[PuppyPaws]

Allsierra,
If you are asking about giving your dog "treats" of raw from your kills, then yes. In order to feed raw as a diet, it takes quite a bit of research to become familiar with keeping things balanced (i.e. protien, bone, and offal (organ meat).

 

[Siddalee]

My vet told me many times with giant breeds people don't take into account growth patterns. We were told to switch off puppy formula absolutely no later than 4 months (this by breeders and vet- they do not know each other). They both said that feeding puppy formula beyond that point can allow an EM to grow to fast. Growing to fast is disasterous from a health stand point.

 

[Smart_Family]

My vet told me many times with giant breeds people don't take into account growth patterns. We were told to switch off puppy formula absolutely no later than 4 months (this by breeders and vet- they do not know each other). They both said that feeding puppy formula beyond that point can allow an EM to grow to fast. Growing to fast is disasterous from a health stand point.

You are correct as to the reasonings to switch to adult food Siddalee but the food she has chosen is within the correct amounts to allow for steady, slow growth if she follows the bag exactly. I personally use the bag as a guideline so I prefer an all life stages food but the choice Cash's mom has made is her own and I'm sure she will follow the bag and keep us posted on her gorgeous boy!

 

[angelbears]

Yes, both of my Fila's are raw fed, so is our little ACD. I don't hunt but I know many others that feed scraps from there hunts. If you use lead bullets you may want to research it a little. There was a discussion on lead and the dangers it could pose for dogs. Since I don't hunt I didn't follow it. Also, no weight baring bones. Oh and I think with wild boar you have to freeze it for a while before you can feed it.

 

[Mr. D]

Hi, Well we have an English mastiff also have had him since 8weeks, Our breeder started him on Life Abundance so that's what he has been on and is now a little over 7 months and gorgeous! She also gave us some other little tips or feeding (fresh fruits and veggies) some natural things to mix in food to help skin and coat... I was not to sure about this dog food for 1 you have to order and is a little pricey but only the best for him (like our kid). I have had other dogs in the past and fed them pet store foods and never thrived like he is...... Good luck

 

[Smart_Family]

Hi, Well we have an English mastiff also have had him since 8weeks, Our breeder started him on Life Abundance so that's what he has been on and is now a little over 7 months and gorgeous! She also gave us some other little tips or feeding (fresh fruits and veggies) some natural things to mix in food to help skin and coat... I was not to sure about this dog food for 1 you have to order and is a little pricey but only the best for him (like our kid). I have had other dogs in the past and fed them pet store foods and never thrived like he is...... Good luckView attachment 3306

Hmm I had never heard of this food before so I googled it and the only thing that bothers me really is that I can't seem to find the nutritional break downs of everything (protein, calcium, phosphorus, etc). It's awesome that you found a food that works for your dog though!!!!

---------- Post added at 11:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:59 AM ----------

Oh I found it now. Can you tell I just woke up? Haha.

 

[Smart_Family]

Oh I found it now. Can you tell I just woke up? Haha.

 

[pommie dave]

hi all, my 2 bobs worth, i feed my EM "Nutro" it is fully organic with no by products in, vet has ok'd it, for what that is worth, although i have been going to the same vet for nearly 30 years, also supplement Nutro with raw chicken, raw "barf" dog mince, shredded vegies, carrott, sweet potatoe, etc, tinned fish, salmon, sardines, shredded apple, have had no dramas with any of my dogs on this diet so far, hope this helps & Nutro is available in your areas

 

[fightnpuma]

So I have a question, If I were to start switching my pup over to another food... looking at either Blue Buffalo, Eagle Pack, or TOTW which ones of those are good? It seems like each brand has so many different variations it's almost impossible to keep up with them all. Should I stay away from chicken? I know grains are not good as well? I can get Blue Buffalo and Eagle Pack fairly close to my house but the Eagle Pack is about another 15-20 minute drive.

 

[Burnaby BC]

Taste of the wild siera mix for my Benny. He's doing great on it.

 

[fightnpuma]

perfect, thank you. I found TOTW near my house too, they sell it at Tractor Supply. I'll look for Sierra Mountain, what are my odds that Tractor Supply carries that formula? I guess we'll see.

I have a Petsmart and Tractor Supply near my house, looks like I'm either getting Blue Buffalo or TOTW (sierra).

Are there any major differences between Blue Buffalo (Wilderness) and Blue Buffalo (Freedom)?

 

[voidecho]

HE LOVES APPLES!!

Apple seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which can result in cyanide poisoning, so I wouldn't feed whole apples. Apple slices should be fine.

Hmm I had never heard of this food before so I googled it and the only thing that bothers me really is that I can't seem to find the nutritional break downs of everything (protein, calcium, phosphorus, etc). It's awesome that you found a food that works for your dog though!!!!

Pretty sure Life's Abundance is the food that Beowolf Mastiffs "require" their puppy owners to use. It's a four star food, so it's definitely not bad by any means, but I'm guessing it's more expensive than some higher rated foods.

 

[dogman#1]

another "dont mean to thread hijack" here... what exactly is the difference between an Olde English mastiff and a regular EM today?

 

[Smart_Family]

There is none. They used to call them Old English Mastiffs now its just English Mastiff or Mastiff.

 

[Rugers-Kris]

I have fed Ruger Blue Wilderness adult Duck formula since he was 9 weeks old and he has done wonderfully on it.

 

[fightnpuma]

Thanks Rugers-Kris, I appreciate the feedback. I'll take look at it when I head to Petsmart this week, gotta stock up on treats, pig ears and food.