[Scott M]

I have two 6 month old mastiff brothers. They have been on Authority Large Breed Puppy, which I have always considered a pretty good mid grade dog food. We recently decided to switch foods for our dogs, which was actually sparked by my interest in getting signed up with Chewy for home delivery since I am at Petsmart just about every other day buying food.

I have done a lot of reading on here, including researching the lady’s list that had ratings and calcium content of grain free dog foods. After researching, I found that ALL of the foods on that list cost 2-3 times as much as the mid grade food we currently use.

Our breeder suggested feeding a mixture of Authority and Purina Pro Plan as that is what she feeds her dogs. She is a respected breeder, but after all I have been reading, I’m not sure that is the best.

Here’s what I’d like to find out. I’d like to bump of their food to a much better dog food, but I don’t want to pay $2 per pound (we currently pay 78 cents). We are capable of paying whatever is necessary, but just don’t want to go too high end on the food unless it really, truly is necessary.

Is there a budget friendly great dog food (we feed kibble now) that would be a great match for our mastiffs?

[Pitlove]

Hi Scott-

Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy would be a good choice, but if you do not want to use that food and will be shopping on chewy.com here are some foods that meet your needs that are within your budget of less than 2$/lb.

http://www.chewy.com/dog/dr-tims-kinesis-all-life-stages/dp/52925

http://www.chewy.com/dog/fromm-gold-holistic-large-breed/dp/32616

http://www.chewy.com/dog/nutrisource-large-breed-puppy/dp/38141

http://www.chewy.com/dog/taste-wild-high-prairie-puppy/dp/34836

http://www.chewy.com/dog/taste-wild-pacific-stream-puppy/dp/34840

Just want to note though that these are not grain free (except for the last 2). Grain free is not so much the issue unless a grain allergy is already known. The bigger concern is the calcium/phosphorus and the calcium/calorie and these foods meet those requirements.

[C4D]

Just anothere one to throw into the mix might be Propac Ultimates. They have a large breed puppy formula and are very reasonably priced.

[Scott M]

Thanks so much for your responses. That is really helpful. Here’s my next question: a lot of what I have read has suggested that I shouldn’t be using puppy food for mastiff puppies at this point (6 mo old) due to the protein content I think.

I have seen some things that said lower the protein for mastiff puppies and other things that have said that protein is not a problem at all and it should be a high protein food.

Thanks for your responses again.

[Pitlove]

About 20 years ago, many clinical studies proved protein to be a non factor in large and giant breed puppy growth. So I would not worry about that. As for feeding an adult maintenance food, that is an old old tired theory that many breeders, dog clubs and vets still maintain, however it is absolutely incorrect. Also you have to understand that the dog food industry has vastly improved their LBP formulas. Most are now in compliance for the recommended amount of calcium and are much more safe to use than an adult maintenance formula which will have calcium levels that exceed those needed for a growing LBP.

The other huge thing with these giant breeds is keeping them at a Body Condition Score of 4/9 throughout growth (and really their whole life). Do not over feed, do not free feed. You should be fine.

[Rahat H]

You can try this “All Life Stage Dog Food Grain Free” .Grain-free food is formulated for all life stages. Packed with nourishing, high-quality ingredients, this delicious food is perfectly balanced with all of the proteins, omega-3s, vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients pet kids need to thrive … without the grains.

[Author]

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