A Dogue De Bordeaux, otherwise known as a French Mastiff, is a large breed most well known for stealing the show in Turner And Hooch. This breed is loyal and territorial, and they’re older than their country of origin, France.
They’re a powerful large breed, reaching weights of up to 110 pounds and because of their massive size aren’t usually the type of dog suitable for the first time dog owner.
Those willing to work with their stubborn streak are rewarded with a fiercely loyal and affectionate companion. They’ll need special attention to diet as a large breed, so let’s find out just how to build a comprehensive diet for maximum health.
Your large breed dog has specific needs related to weight and musculoskeletal structure. A densely nutritious food has no empty calories, none of the most common food allergens, and plenty of complete proteins sourced from whole ingredients.
It may be more expensive upfront than that bag of Ol Roy, but trust us, you’ll probably save money with vet visits and health issues in the long run. Let’s look at our top picks.
Healthy food that tastes great! Ollie only incorporates real, organic ingredients into their recipes minus all the artificial flavors, making your pets thrive well.
Ollie gives pet owners the chance to feed their pets restaurant quality food without switching to a messy raw food diet.
This is a high-quality, all-natural option that is perfect for pets with allergies or sensitivities to other types of meat. It is made from fresh, farm-raised turkey that is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for maintaining your pet's overall health and well-being.
One of the main benefits of feeding this food to your pet is that it is protein-dense. Protein is essential for building strong muscles, maintaining a healthy immune system, and supporting overall growth and development. It is also important for maintaining a healthy coat and skin.
First Five Ingredients (Turkey Dish):
Turkey
Kale
Lentils
Carrots
Turkey Liver
About The Company – Ollie is a pet food company that was founded in 2016 by Gabby Slome, Alex Douzet, and Randy Jimenez. This New York-based pet food company set out to turn the pet food industry on its head by offering fresh, custom meals for dogs similar to meal-prep services like Maple and Sprig for humans.
There are several pet food manufacturers out there who offer fresh and frozen raw dog food formulas, but Ollie takes things to the next level by customizing their meals using specific information about your dog such as breed, activity level, and age.
Fully cooked meals using fresh ingredients in a limited ingredient formula. It’s simple, arrives fully ready to serve, and keeps your Dogue de Bordeaux happy and healthy.
Budget friendly doesn't necessarily equate to poor quality, this is what American Journey proved. This kibble is made from real, deboned beef plus fruits, vegetables and amino acids making it a wonderful choice.
American Journey has produced dog food that goes to show that cheap does not have to mean poor quality. Using beef as its main source of animal protein, this formula contains 32% protein and 14% fat.
This is amazing for a budget dog food and will be more than enough to ensure your dog maintains a healthy immune system, bones, and muscles. However, some of this protein is from the vegetable source pea protein. This is harder for dogs to digest than animal protein, but shouldn't be too much of an issue for a healthy dog.
The dog food does also use chicken and turkey meal to bolster its protein content, which could be of some concern to dogs with allergies. In those cases, you would be better off going with American Journey's limited ingredient range. Still, this formula is grain-free,
This formula does include “dried plain beet pulp” as a source of fiber. This is fine but the saponinins in it has been found to cause irritation in a minor amount of dogs' gastrointestinal tract.
First Five Ingredients:
Deboned Beef
Chicken Meal
Turkey Meal
Peas
Chickpeas
About The Company – American Journey is the house brand of known online pet products and food retailer, Chewy.com. Manufactured in the United States, American Journey products offer nutritious recipe choices ranging from grain-free to rice-mixed. All formulations are made without soy, wheat, poultry meal by-products, or any filler for a truly healthy feast.
Most Popular – Taste of the Wild has produced a brilliant dog food formula a that we are not sure can be beaten at this price point. Using bison and venison as its two animal protein sources, this dog food takes its inspiration from the ancestral diet of prehistoric canines.
It contains 32% protein and 18% fat. These numbers are brilliant and far above average. A high amount of protein and fat will do wonders for supporting the growth and maintenance of your dog's muscles and bones. High-fat content is also necessary for your dog to maintain a healthy immune system.
It is worth pointing out, however, that some of the protein in this formula is vegetable-based, with pea protein and potato protein featuring on the ingredients list. Vegetable proteins are harder for your dog's stomach to break down, but it shouldn't be too much of a concern if your dog does not have any digestive problems.
First Five Ingredients:
Buffalo
Lamb meal
Chicken Meal
Sweet Potatoes
Peas
About The Company – A family-owned brand, Taste of the Wild is dedicated to bringing pets the complete nutrition that nature intended for them. Based on a dog’s natural diet and their DNA, the company’s pet food products lets your pet savor the same flavors their ancestors once did — that of protein-rich prey. All ingredients are natural, raised humanely, and sourced sustainably.
Pros
Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids
This is an excellent option for pet owners who want to provide their furry friends with a diverse and nutritious diet. This box contains six different recipes, each made with whole food ingredients that are gently cooked to retain their nutrients and flavor.
The recipes in the box include Beef & Russet Potato, Chicken & White Rice, Lamb & Brown Rice, Venison and Squash, Fish and Sweet Potato and Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni. All of these recipes are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, making them a healthier choice for dogs.
The Sampler Variety Box is also convenient for pet owners who want to introduce their dogs to different recipes without committing to a large quantity. It's a great way to see which flavors your dog likes best and to provide them with a balanced diet.
First Five Ingredients: depends on the recipe you choose
About The Company – This is a company that specializes in making fresh and healthy food for dogs using whole food ingredients. They have a team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists who formulate their recipes to meet the nutritional needs of dogs at different life stages.
Pros
Yields smaller stools
Provides a diverse and nutritious diet
Recipes are made with whole food ingredients
Help improve their overall health and wellbeing
All recipes are crafted by Vet Nutritionists
Proven to be more digestible and tummy friendly
All ingredients used are 100% human grade
Cons
Price a bit expensive
Fresh pet food has a shorter shelf life compared to kibbles and canned goods
A high-quality dog food made with real meat and enriched with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support the health and wellbeing of large breed dogs.
This is a premium dog food that is specifically formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of large breed dogs. Made with real meat as the first ingredient, this high-quality dog food provides essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's overall health and wellbeing.
It contains glucosamine, which helps support healthy joints and cartilage, promoting optimal mobility in large breed dogs. The formula is also enriched with antioxidants and vitamins E and A to support a healthy immune system.
It is made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, making it a natural choice for your furry friend. With its delicious taste and wholesome ingredients, this kibble is a nutritionally balanced and delicious option for large breed dogs to thrive on.
First Five Ingredients:
Chicken
Rice Flour
Chicken By-product Meal
Corn Gluten Meal
Whole Grain Wheat
About The Company – Purina is a trusted and reputable pet food company with a long history of providing high-quality nutrition for pets. They are committed to using wholesome ingredients, conducting rigorous quality control measures, and continuously investing in research and development to create innovative pet food formulas that meet the unique needs of pets.
Pros
Real meat as the first ingredient
Recipe is nutrient-laden
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Dual texture (crunchy and meaty) which dogs love
Cons
Not suitable for dogs with specific dietary restrictions
Merrick has a unique pet food formulation that incorporates bits of freeze-dried raw meat to encourage dogs to eat and give texture and taste interest. That extra boost of protein is just what every dog needs.
Merrick’s unique formula uses bits of freeze-dried raw meat to encourage dogs to eat and give texture and taste interest. That extra burst of protein is excellent for a muscular, large breed dog. Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health while essential fatty acids help keep skin healthy.
First Five Ingredients:
Deboned Beef
Lamb Meal
Salmon Meal
Sweet Potatoes
Potatoes
About The Company – Merrick’s dedication to providing the closest thing to an ancestral diet is admirable. The company tests all recipes in its own test kitchens to produce high-quality kibbles and formulas for a wide range of life stages.
Pros
Raw bits add interest
Protein sources are excellent
Joint support
Cons
The raw bits settle during storage
Some dogs may pick around the kibble just to get the raw bits
Best Dogue De Bordeaux Puppy Food
Large breed puppies need to have growth carefully controlled to avoid causing huge issues with joints and the skeleton. Foods should be explicitly formulated for large breeds so that you know you’re giving your Dogue de Bordeaux the best nutritional start.
7. Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy Recipe
Specially formulated to cater the needs of a growing large breed pup, it contains real chicken and salmon as protein sources plus it is teeming with DHA which is essential for a growing dog. It even contains an extract to help reduce odor in your puppy’s stool, a common complain amongst pet owners.
Wellness uses complete proteins with balanced carbohydrates to keep up with all that puppy energy. DHA helps keep brain development on track and calcium supports growing bones. It even contains an extract to help reduce odor in your puppy’s stool, a common complaint among puppy owners.
First Five Ingredients:
Deboned Chicken
Chicken Meal
Peas
Ground Brown Rice
Salmon Meal
About The Company – Wellness is a pioneer in pet holistic nutrition, evidenced by their wide range of recipes designed to provide optimum nutrition. Extra little supplements help increase your puppy’s standard of living while still providing the core of healthy ingredients and nutrition requirements.
Pros
DHA for brain development
Supplement to help with stool odor
Growth control, large breed specific formula
Cons
Picky puppies may not like the taste
May cause runny stools (introduce it slowly)
8. Nutro Puppy Tender Beef, Pea & Carrot Recipe Bites In Gravy
A premium wet food, Nutro is widely known for using Non-GMO ingredients, making their recipes clean. This is suitable as a meal on its own or as a topper to your puppy’s kibble.
Nutro’s wet food proves you don’t have to choose between a formula for large breed puppies and wet food. It uses whole lamb for good protein sources that can keep up with your puppy’s growth plus plenty of fiber and carbohydrates. It’s suitable as a meal on its own or as an additive to your puppy’s kibble.
First Five Ingredients:
Beef
Chicken Broth
Pork Broth
Peas
Chicken
About The Company – Nutro was originally only available in specialty stores, but the company has expanded to get premium nutrition in the hands of pet owners more easily. It has a wide range of high-quality foods and recipes that span your companion’s whole lifespan.
Pros
Pleases picky puppies
Plenty of protein
Real beef is the very first ingredient
Made with non-GMO ingredients
Cons
Messy
Hard to store enough servings
Best Senior Dog Food for Dogue De Bordeaux
Seniors need the same dense nutrition as their younger friends, but weight control should be top of the list for this giant breed. Making sure weight stays at optimum levels and providing joint support should help your Dogue de Bordeaux maintain an excellent quality of life well into the twilight.
9. Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Senior Weight Management Recipe
If you have a senior furry friend, then get him this. Made from fresh, high-quality ingredients which is minimally processed, your pet deserves to get all the love and care that goes into his food. This is also grain free and free of fillers to alleviate allergies.
Now Fresh’s recipe is formulated for large breed seniors that need some extra help keeping that creeping weight off. It uses premium proteins from quality sources such as deboned turkey plus glucosamine and chondroitin from New England green mussels. It’s grain free and free of fillers to alleviate allergies.
About The Company –Now Fresh may be a smaller company, but they offer pet owners a premium kibble that helps keep up with aging dog’s changing health and nutritional needs. It may be more of an investment, but it’ll pay off in the long run.
Pros
Natural glucosamine and chondroitin source
Whole, complete proteins
Weight control, large breed specific formula
Cons
The kibble size is large (a problem for seniors with dental issues)
Multiple protein sources may be difficult for ultrasensitive tummies
10. Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe with Red Meat Senior Formula
Blue Buffalo’s wilderness line has plenty of whole proteins and carbohydrates to help maintain your dog's energy levels without adding the extra weight. This also contains chondroitin and glucosamine to promote joint health.
Blue Buffalo’s wilderness line has plenty of whole proteins and carbohydrates to help maintain your Dogue de Bordeaux’s energy levels without adding extra weight. Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health, and essential fatty acids help reduce inflammation in the skin. It mimics your dog’s canine ancestral diet and may help keep cognitive function at its peak.
First Five Ingredients:
Deboned Beef
Chicken Meal
Peas
Tapioca Starch
Pea Starch
About The Company – Blue Buffalo was inspired by the search for the perfect diet for Blue, an Airedale Terrier. Blue Buffalo’s formulas are created to help your senior dog maintain a healthy lifestyle and a robust cognitive function.
Pros
Complete proteins
Ancestral inspired diet
Cognitive support
Cons
May cause gas
May have more “dust” (crushed kibble) than the average food bag
Why Quality Food Matters for Your Dogue de Bordeaux
Food should be nutrient dense to provide all the proper combinations of whole proteins with complex carbohydrates and other vitamins but without adding extra calories that can cause unnecessary weight gain.
Foods with premium kibble sources with top of the line ingredients will help keep your Dogue de Bordeaux in food health while possibly reducing the overall cost of vet visits down the road.
3 Common Dogue Health Issues Made Better with Good Food
A large breed dog has specific health concerns associated with the size, but there are a few things to consider specific to this breed. Let’s take a look at the top three things you need to watch out for and how food may help relieve those issues.
Bloat – Large, barrel-chested breeds are prone to a life-threatening condition called Bloat. The stomach suddenly distends and twists causing pain and eventual death if not treated immediately. Good quality foods may help to reduce the chances of bloat because you can feed your dog’s smaller meals without sacrificing overall nutritional requirements.
Hip Dysplasia – Although a genetic condition, the effects of hip dysplasia can be mediated by maintaining weight and using foods with joint support supplements. Chondroitin and glucosamine help preserve the integrity of the joint and replenish the cushioning. Also, foods with proper protein amounts can help keep muscles in good shape to better support the joints overall.
Ears And Skin – This breed is prone to ear infections and skin irritations, so reducing the number of food allergens could be critical to better digestion and staving off those inflammations. Common culprits are corn and soy products plus artificial flavors and colors. Foods with whole proteins and good sources of essential fatty acids should help the skin and ears stay clear.
What to Look For in a Quality Dog Food for Dogue de Bordeaux
The primary ingredient for all dog foods should be a complete, quality protein from a whole source. Deboned chicken and turkey are lean examples while duck or beef offer fattier options for dogs with allergies. Combine those proteins with complex carbohydrates that don’t spike blood sugar, and you’ve got a food with all the proper nutritional building blocks.
Fruits and veggies offer vitamins and minerals plus antioxidants that support the immune system and help with digestion. Fiber content should be enough to promote healthy digestion and maintain proper weight.
For large breeds, sources of glucosamine and chondroitin will help support joints to keep them in optimal condition throughout life. Essential fatty acids are helpful for growth, support coat, and skin and keep brain development on track.
Ingredients to Avoid in Your Dogue de Bordeaux’s Dog Food
Using cheap fillers may bring down the overall cost of the food, but it wreaks havoc on your dog’s digestive system. Corn and soy are two common fillers responsible for allergic reactions, skin, and unnecessary weight gain. Another is poultry by-product meals, cheap sources of proteins. They shouldn’t appear on the ingredients list at all.
Artificial colors and flavors are another no-nos. They make the food look nice for you, but they can cause reactions and digestive issues as well. You should avoid foods that use any artificial flavors or colors in addition to fillers.
One issue we’re just finding out about is the relationship between diets high in potatoes, peas, and legumes and a condition of enlarged heart called Canine Dilated Myopathy. We aren’t sure of the exact link yet, but it’s best to discuss with your vet whether you should avoid foods with these ingredients outright. We recommend paying attention to foods that list any of those ingredients in the first three positions.
Brands To Avoid
We don’t like naming names, but some of these brands are frequent offenders with our ingredients to avoid list. They may look attractive from a budgeting standpoint, especially since you’re feeding a large breed dog, but don’t fall prey to their marketing tactics.
Purina Beneful: This food may have veggies and whole meats on the front of the bag, but many of their ingredients lists use corn or by-product meals as part of the ingredients.
Kibbles N Bits: You may think this is a heritage brand, but they have all the ingredients we’ve listed, corn, soy, by-product meals, artificial flavors, and artificial colors. Don’t do it.
Dogue de Bordeaux Feeding Chart
The Dogue de Bordeaux reaches an average of 110 pounds or more, and to maintain this weight will require more food than the average dog. You can expect a minimum of a 50-pound bag of dog food per month in your calculations.
Puppies: Puppies will change a lot during a period of rapid maturation (don't forget the teething stage), but the biggest thing to remember is that large breed puppies need controlled growth to avoid potential skeletal and joint issues down the road. Your vet is likely to change feeding recommendations several times until your puppy has matured.
Adults: Adults will likely have around four to five cups of food per day divided up over smaller meals. The largest adults (140 pounds or so) will need nearly 3000 calories per day.
Seniors: Older dogs receive a lot of the same nutrition they did when younger, but if your dog shows signs of inactivity and possible weight gain, your veterinarian may cut back food portions to account for the difference.
Final Thoughts
Your Dogue de Bordeaux needs good protein sources and joint support as a large breed dog. From the puppy years to the golden years, controlling weight gain and rapid growth will give your Dogue de Bordeaux the best chance at maintaining a healthy muscle mass and skeletal structure.
It’s important to talk to your vet to get specific recommendations for your individual dog, but you can be assured that investing in your dog’s nutrition now will likely save you a lot of money in the long run when it comes to overall health and vet visits. Keep your adorable giant happy and healthy for years to come.
Can Dogue de Bordeaux live outside?
Many people have traditionally left their Dogue De Bordeaux French Mastiffs outside during the day, and brought them in only at night. Their Dogue De Bordeaux French Mastiffs usually live short lives, usually 7 to 9 years.
How long should I walk my Dogue de Bordeaux?
We recommend giving your Dogue a minimum of an hour exercise every day. They enjoy being taken on several walks, but you'll also need to allow for playtime and training on top of this.
Do Dogue de Bordeaux sleep a lot?
Dogue de Bordeauxs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you. Dogue de Bordeauxs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed.
Does Dogue de Bordeaux have health problems?
Like any giant breed with a short muzzle, the Dogue de Bordeaux has health problems. The limited gene pool for the breed creates a dog susceptible to temperature extremes, heart diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy and aortic stenosis, and ectropion, a condition in which the eyelid everts outward.
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An individual with a profound affection for animals, who was brought up in an environment surrounded by dogs, cats, and chickens. A self-taught enthusiast in the realm of pet care. At present, the proud caretaker of two rescued felines and two lovely mixed-breed canines.
