Diana Myers
Large dogs not only need more, but also different food than their smaller counterparts. They also age much faster.
More food is not everything
Every dog needs food that is tailored to its body and needs. A large dog naturally needs more food than a small one. In addition, the musculoskeletal system is much more stressed by size and weight, so not only the amount of food but also the composition is completely different. In particular, nutrients that protect the joints must be sufficiently available. Proteins are also of particular importance for the stressed musculoskeletal system.
Not more, but the right nutrients
Unfortunately, the body size tempts many owners to simply give their pets more of any kind of food, which can lead to serious digestive problems in addition to obesity. Boys are particularly at risk: an excess of nutrients can accelerate muscle growth and damage the skeleton. To determine whether your four-legged friend has too much on the ribs, a look from above is enough: can you still see something like a waist? If not, he’s clearly getting too much food – or not enough exercise.
The giants grow old faster
Larger breeds are also much more prone to the infamous torsion of the stomach compared to their smaller counterparts. You should therefore make sure that the dog does not frolic or run after eating.
Another peculiarity is that large dogs age faster than small ones. While a small dog can still be in great shape at the age of 10, many a large one is already a real grandpa at this age. A dog that was prone to gaining fat when young can suddenly lose muscle mass and energy quickly on the same diet. Nutrition, therefore, depends not only on the size and temperament but also on the age of the animal. If you are unsure what your dog really needs, it is best to seek advice from your veterinarian.