The Cost of Feeding A Mastiff

Here's What You Can Expect...

by Ken Alden


When it comes to the cost of feeding a Mastiff you should keep in mind that the Mastiff puppy you've been dreaming of bringing home won't stay small for long...nor will it's food bill!

What Is The Cost Of Feeding A Mastiff?

A Mastiff’s nutritional needs change according to age. However, you should be ready to spend between $1,200 - $1,600 on food per year. This estimation can vary along with the quality of dog food you're buying. Also, the cost can be much higher if your Mastiff has specific dietary needs. 
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While this can seem quite an investment, a well-balanced diet is essential for your Mastiff to grow strong and healthy. Have you made your calculations and decided that the price is worth the company of a Mastiff? Let’s have a look at the details. Read on to find out how much food you need for your puppy or adult Mastiff and its related cost!...

Pro-tip: Ever try lifting a Mastiff? Their weight can hurt not only your back but their joints when they hop down from cars, sofas or even your bed. To protect your back and theirs check out the best Mastiff ramps on Amazon.com now.

mastiff food, what is the cost of feeding a mastiff

How much should I feed my Mastiff?

As A Puppy...

Mastiff puppies are incredible creatures that won’t be the same size for two days in a row. Mastiffs will reach their full-size within the first 12 to 24 months of their life. A short time if you think that they will grow to weigh around 80kgs!

During this phase, it is essential to devise a precise and well-balanced eating plan to supply them with all the nutrients they need to grow strong. The main thing you should be aware of while thinking about what to feed your Mastiff is that large breed puppies have the fastest growth rate of all dogs. 

For your dog to grow healthy and avoid bones’ problems, its muscles and bones should grow at the same time. If your puppy grows too fast, there is a risk of developing issues such as developmental orthopedic disease (DOD) and hip dysplasia. 

To avoid this, a Mastiff puppy’s dietary requirements are:

  • High energy foods can help them replenish the calories burned during activity and play. However, it is crucial to control calorie intake. A diet that is too caloric will make your Mastiff grow faster than its bones can and even lead to obesity.
  • Mastiff puppies need more proteins than adults, approximately 21% to 23%, as proteins assist in the growth of bones. Yet, too much protein can lead to the too rapid development of bones and joints, resulting in a weaker skeleton.
  • The calcium content should not exceed 3 grams for every 1,000 kcal (1.5%).
  • Your Mastiff pup will also need Vitamins D and A as well as minerals such as copper, manganese, and zinc. 

Visit this page on our site to learn more about Mastiff Puppy Feeding

In terms of quantities, the amount and rationing of food should develop along with the age of the puppy. Here is a chart that you can use as an indication


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Here’s a great course that addresses these issues along with many other dog training basics: Check it out now!

AGE

4 to 8 weeks

8 to 12 weeks

12 to 16 weeks

4 to 6 months

6 to 18 months

QUANTITY Per Day

350 grams (12oz.)

450 grams (16oz.)

640 grams (23oz.)

900 grams (32oz.)

1kg - 1.2kg (35-42oz.)

# OF MEALS PER DAY

3 to 4 meals

3 to 4 meals

3 to 4 meals

2 to 3 meals

2 meals

Quantities can change depending on the dog food brand you have picked. Also, when feeding your puppy, remember that the amount of food should reflect the size, gender, energy level, metabolism, taste, and nature of each dog.

As An Adult...

Once your pup has reached adulthood, around 20 months of age, his diet will become much more stable. At this stage, you should feed your Mastiff at least twice a day to avoid any stomach or digestion problems such as Bloat.

During each meal, you should feed your adult Mastiff around 500 to 600 grams (17-21oz.) of dog food. Independently of the food brand, you have picked, the diet of your Mastiff should provide:

  • 21-25 % protein 
  • Around 10 % fat
  • 3500 calories for a male Mastiff per day and 2800 for a female.

Alongside these factors, when buying dog food for your adult Mastiff, it should:

  • Include three animal proteins at the top of the list of ingredients.
  • Have proteins deriving from healthy sources such as chicken, lamb, beef, or fish.
  • Ideally include Omega-3 sources such as fatty oils, to keep the coat and skin of your Mastiff healthy.
  • Avoid all artificial coloring, preservatives, or sweeteners.
  • Be grain-free to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Visit this page on our site to learn more about Mastiff Feeding Guidelines

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Final Cost Of Feeding A Mastiff Per Year

Now you know that you Mastiff will be eating a lot during his lifetime! But how much is this in terms of costs? The estimation of the price of food and treats can vary depending on several factors such as:

  • How active and energetic your dog is
  • The size and gender of your Mastiff
  • The quality of the food you are buying
  • The metabolism of your Mastiff
  • If you need to buy food for specific dietary requirements of your dog (allergies, intolerances, etc.) breed.

So as we have seen, the price of feeding a Mastiff can fluctuate. However, don’t doubt that food will represent one of the most substantial expenses during the life of your dog!

For a Mastiff puppy

The monthly cost of feeding a Mastiff puppy is closely related to its age and size. While you are trying to recover from the initial cost of adopting your Mastiff, your little puppy has already doubled in size! 

A study reports that, during the first year of the life of your puppy, you will be spending over $1100 in food. This cost does not include treats and bowls, which can add up to $160.

For a Mastiff adult

Once your little Mastiff has turned into a drooling giant, you can count on more stable budgeting. Roughly, the cost of feeding him will be around $100 a week. Yet, it can depend on the eating habits of your dog and the quality of the food.

To avoid all meat or poultry by-products, corn, wheat, soy or artificial ingredients and preservatives which can be detrimental for your dog’s health, the minimum cost you will be facing is around $70 for a 10kg bag of dog kibbles

However, more specialized products that avoid allergens and can help with weight management can be twice as expensive.

How Can I Lower This Cost?

When facing such an expense, it is easy to fall into the trap of buying cheaper dog food. Undoubtedly, this can help you save a few dollars on the spot, but it can be hazardous for the health of your puppy later on. 

If, as a consequence of a poor diet, you Mastiff begins to suffer from bone conditions such as hip dysplasia, or is intolerant to a specific ingredient, the cost of caring for him or her will be much higher. Veterinarian fees are today estimated to be the second-largest cost that any dog owner will face and can set you back up to $3000 during the life of your dog.

boerboel mastiff vector image


Ever hear about raw food diets for Mastiffs? Yes, it's more expensive than store bought foods, but it's also much healthier.
Learn all about raw food diets for Mastiffs in this article of ours.

The Cost Of Feeding A Mastiff...Final Thoughts

With so much to hug, Mastiffs are some of the most desired pets by soon-to-be owners. Yet, an adult Mastiff can consume up to 1.2kg of food per day, which can represent a considerable cost that you will need to calculate before adopting your puppy.

Owners have reported spending over $1,300 on dog food per year for their Mastiffs, a cost that can be even higher if you factor in the price of treats and bowls. Yet, once you have made your peace with it, you will see how incredibly worth it is to have Mastiff as a best friend!

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About Author


About the Author...

Ken Alden, a dedicated Mastiff owner for over eight years, is acclaimed for his expertise in care, grooming, and training. Read more About Me and my dog Shadow.

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