Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay, so the debate goes on about whether we should feed puppies puppy food or start them off with adult food. There are arguments both ways, but basically, we don't want our large breed dogs to grow so fast that their bones won't hold up. So, if one decides to feed his puppy adult food, how much? Do we go by the guidelines on the bag (which is intended for adult dogs)? Or do we go by the guidelines on the puppy bag, but use the adult food? Or somewhere in between? Btw, the dog is a Cane Corso.

Hi Mongrel, welcome to the Mastiff boards!

If feeding a diet of kibble, Nutro Large Breed Puppy food is what I used with my Rottie. Well actually I have used Nutro foods for years with 100% satisfaction. I would also suggest that you follow the recommendations from the manufacturer. I do not advise feeding a puppy adult food. It doesn't have the nutritional values necessary for your puppy to develope the strong bones and muscles he/she will need to help insure structural health later down the road.

There are many great foods on the market now and many are designed to help with the developement of large breed dogs. Most are specially formulated to give the nutrition necessary and hopefully without causing gaining too much weight or growing too fast for the bone developement.

So that all being said, good luck with your puppy, send us pictures and keep us informed.

I would like to recommend that you start obedience training immedately!! Right a way. This is an extremely strong dog and you need to know how to communicate with him and to keep behavior problems in check at all times!! Cane Corso is a very powerful animal.
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PHRottn
HRottn@PetHobbyist.com" target="_blank">My Email

Rott-N-Dogues make excellent best friends!

Good luck with your new puppy. Corsies are nice dogs but can be very strong willed so as PHRottn suggested early obedience training and lots of socialization is a must.

As for feeding, I go just the opposite of PHRottn <g> I never allow puppy formulas as they generally are to high in calories and promote fast growth. You will not stunt their final size by having them grow slowly. A good quality adult dog food such as Canidea, Flint River, Diamond etc is the key. I am going to include a link on ingredients on dog foods for you to look at.
As for the amount, first off the breeder your pup came from will know how much to start the puppy on at this age. Increase the amount of food every couple weeks by about 1/3 to 1/2 cup a day while watching that the pup stays lean and does not look to pudgy. You can then adjust the food amount if pup needs it. I use Canidea and have an 11 mth old mastiff that weighs 120 lbs and is lean and well muscled. He is getting 7 cups of food split into 2 feedings daily at this time. Also using a low bulk high quality food allows you to feed smaller portions which helps in avoiding bloat. One way to ckeck if the food has to many fillers and can swell in the dogs stomach and cause bloat is to take 1 piece and put it into hot water for an hour - see how much it swells - that is what it will do inside the dog.

Keep us posted on how your pup is doing.
Link

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Val.
proudly owned by
Majic the Rotten
Purl - the Nottweiler (Dogue de Bordeaux)
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Please do not feed ANY puppy food other than Eagle Giant Breed Puppy. Try to stick around 21-23% protein with a GOOD adult kibble - Natural Balance, Innova, CA Naturals, Wysong, Diamond, Wellness, etc.

The pain and potentially crippling, even fatal (many are PTS for pain) effects of overfeeding a pup can happen so fast and be such a heartbreaking experience for all involved and can hurt your puppy permanently.

Just follow the guidelines on the bag, feeding 3 times a day until he is a bit older, with a raised feeder. Keep him nice and lean, it is better for his bones and heart. If he finishes each meal and still seems hungry, add a little more at the next meal, so long as he isn't getting too big. If he doesn't finish at a meal, then decrease the next meal.

And please do not free feed! It's important to know how much they are eating, as well as watch for signs of bloat. It is also helpful if you ever need to limit their food.

Congrats on your new baby! How old is he? Name? I'd love to see pics!
Ali