Nutrition plays a major role in the proper development of the bullmastiff. A bigger dog is not a better dog. If a Bullmastiff puppy grows too fast, there can be major structural damage when the dog reaches maturity.

It is recommended that a Bullmastiff puppy be kept on a low protein and low fat diet. Protein levels should be no higher than 26% and fat content should be no higher than 15%. This ratio will ensure a slower growing puppy, who will be healthier than an overweight puppy on a puppy food diet that is higher in protein and fat levels.

Most Bullmastiffs do well on Lamb and Rice diets that contain no corn, soy, or wheat. No canned dog food is recommended. Canned food may give the puppy digestion problems and may damage the teeth.

We feed our dogs two brands of food.  The first food is Canidae Dry Dog Food....This food has no corn, soy or wheat! This is a food for all age groups of dogs (pups from weaning to geriatric).  The protein level is 24% and the fat level is 14.5%. We can't say enough good things about this food!  It is not available everywhere yet, but if you are interested, you can call the company directly at 1-800-398-1600, to find your local distributor, or go to their web site at http://www.canidae.com. 

**5/02 - Canidae Platinum Diet released!!! This is for Senior dogs and/or overweight dogs.   It is only 18% protein and 8.5%fat.  I keep Bridget, Sunny and Leila on this food.

The second brand of dog food I would recommend is Pro Plan's Sensitive Skin and Stomach diet which is salmon and rice based.  It is higher in fat and protein, being 26% protein and 16% fat.  Boomer, Gunner and Phioenix are on this food.  Their metabolism is much faster and they can handle the extra protein and fat levels.  They are very high activity dogs, and the Canidae just did not put the weight/muscle on.  I would NOT put a puppy on this food as it is too high in the protein and fat levels.  They're all doing great on this food!

The following is a feeding guideline. Each puppy should be monitored and food levels adjusted to suit each individual puppy's needs, from 6 weeks - 3 months: 4 feedings per day 1/2 - 1 cup per feeding, 3 months - 6 months: 3 feedings per day 1 - 2 cups per feeding, 6 months & after: 2 feedings per day 2-3 cups per feeding.   Remember, KEEP YOUR PUPPY LEAN!

Some adult dogs require more food per feeding. This depends upon their activity level. Also, some adult dogs require less food and lower protein and fat levels.

There are many supplements on the market which can do damage to a growing puppy. Never give Calcium to a growing bullmastiff, since it will increase the growth rate. It is advisable to check with the your veterinarian and the breeder you are buying your puppy from regarding the supplements preferred.

Ester-C is one of the supplements we use. This supplement can be found in any health food store.  It is believed that this vitamin helps build the immune system and helps with "growing pains".  We start the pups on this at 6 weeks of age with 125mg. in am and pm, at 3 months with 250mg in am and pm, at 6 months, 500mg in am & pm, then at 1 year, 1,000mg in am and pm. Then the dog stays on this amount for his entire life.

Another supplement we use is Fresh Factors is from Springtime, Inc.1-800-521-3212.  This is a chondroitin sulfate based supplement that I feel is necessary for a growing pup.  This is given by weight of the pup.   During the large growth cycle we triple the amount given. It is also great for older dogs.

I have Richie(over 10 years old) on Cetylpure, by Natrol, which is a wonderful supplement for older dogs.   You can purchase it online or in health food stores.  They have no stiffness yet, but I am hoping that by using this it will prevent any geriatric problems.

Remember, bigger is NOT better.  A lean dog will live a much longer, healthier life than a fat one!!!