Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Premium Option: Blue Buffalo Large Breed Dry Dog Food
“If your pooch loves to play and run about all day long, the Blue Buffalo Large Breed Dry Dog Food should give them all the energy they need – not to mention all the nutrients they need for growth and development.”
Best Value for the Money: Diamond Naturals Premium Dry Dog Food
“Conscious about your beloved Mastiff’s health as well as your budget? You can give them proper nutrition plus added supplements with the Diamond Naturals Premium Dry Dog Food. Premium quality ingredients for the most affordable price!”
Best for Heart Health: Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food
“Keep your Mastiff’s heart strong and healthy with the Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food. It’s specifically formulated for senior dogs and is designed to keep your little one free from any heart issues.”
Choosing the best dog food for English Mastiff dogs may seem like quite a task. If you’re a parent to one, you know these fellows can eat! Giant breeds need nutrient-dense food and, more importantly, they need a specific blend of nutrients and special additions to their diet.
We’ve reviewed 11 high-quality dog foods that are formulated to keep your English Mastiff healthy. Check them out and choose the best one for your big dog!
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Best Dog Food for English Mastiffs
- 1. Blue Buffalo Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- 2. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
- 3. Wellness Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- 4. American Journey Puppy Dry Dog Food
- 5. Blue Buffalo Senior Dry Dog Food
- 6. Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- 7. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- 8. Holistic Select Dry Dog Food
- 9. Merrick Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- 10. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- 11. Blue Buffalo Large Breed Dog Food
- 1. Blue Buffalo Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- What to Look For When Buying the Best Dog Food for Mastiffs
- Questions & Answers
- What are the nutritional needs of Mastiffs?
- What ingredients should I avoid when feeding my Mastiff?
- What are the potential health problems for Mastiffs?
- How should I feed my Mastiff puppy?
- How much should I feed my Mastiff puppy?
- Are grain-free dog foods better for my Mastiff?
- Are potatoes hazardous when in dog foods?
- Between wet food and dry dog food, which is better?
- What foods can cause heart problems in my Mastiff?
- What are the nutritional needs of Mastiffs?
- Wrapping Up
Best Dog Food for English Mastiffs
Here’s a list of our top picks for the best dog food for English Mastiffs:
- Premium Option: Blue Buffalo Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- Best Value for the Money: Diamond Naturals Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- Best for Heart Health: Wellness Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- Best for English Mastiff Puppies: American Journey Puppy Dry Dog Food
- Best for English Mastiff Seniors: Blue Buffalo Senior Dry Dog Food
- Best Limited Ingredient: Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Best for Weight Management: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Best with Grains: Holistic Select Dry Dog Food
- Best for Active Mastiffs: Merrick Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- Best Kibble Size: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Best for Urinary Health: Blue Buffalo Large Breed Dog Food
1. Blue Buffalo Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Premium Option: Great for Mastiffs who get plenty of exercise
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Key Features
- Good protein and fat levels for active Mastiffs
- LifeSource Bits improve immune system function
- Contains joint supplements
- L-carnitine for improved metabolism
Blue Buffalo Wilderness recipes are quite suitable for active English Mastiffs. If your Mastiff is moderately active, choosing one of these grain-free recipes should provide all the nutrients he needs, and then some!
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All A Large Dog Needs
Although this is a large breed formula, it’s quite suitable for these giant breeds, provided they get enough exercise to put that protein to good use.
Mastiffs can suffer from sensitive stomachs, and one of the things we love about Blue Buffalo Wilderness is that they offer a few different recipes. Their large breed range offers chicken, beef, and salmon flavors, although it’s important to note that the salmon also contains chicken meal.
Each flavor has 32% protein, which will help maintain those big muscles. 13% or 14% fat is a good number for a Mastiff, who isn’t typically a high-energy dog.
Joint supplements, Omega fatty acids, L-carnitine, and Blue Vuffalo’s LifeSource Bits help to improve immune system function and give your big pup as healthy a life as possible.
2. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Best Value for Money: Packed with healthy ingredients for a very generous price
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Key Features
- Very affordable yet top quality food
- Antioxidant-rich superfood ingredient list
- Two flavors available with single protein sources
- Good protein and fat levels for Mastiffs
If you’re conscious about your budget as well as your Mastiff’s diet, Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food lets you spend less than a dollar per pound for a nutrient-packed dog food.
It has superfoods that give a great health boost. And it comes in two flavors so sensitive dogs can avoid problem proteins.
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High Quality, Low Price
Choose from two high-quality protein sources: chicken or lamb. Whichever your pup prefers, the recipe is packed with goodness.
Apart from a single source protein, the ingredient list contains top quality healthy grains, including brown rice, quinoa, barley, oatmeal, and sorghum.
Other ingredients that get a thumbs-up include pumpkin, which is a slow-burning carb that provides sustained energy; carrots, which contain beta carotene for improved eye health; blueberries, which are loaded with antioxidants; along with a variety of other fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are present to keep the bones and joints strong under that weight. L-carnitine is a useful substance that improves metabolism and eases digestion.
We love that Diamond’s K9 Strain probiotics are added to both recipes. These will help your giant breed digest their food easier and quicker, with less chance of digestive problems.
3. Wellness Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Best for Heart Health: Contains ingredients to boost the cardiovascular system, and no added sodium
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Key Features
- Low in sodium
- Contains everything a large breed dog needs
- Good protein and fat counts for an average Mastiff
- Decent calorie count
English Mastiffs are unfortunately prone to heart disease. While a dog food can’t be a cure, it can certainly help keep your dog’s body healthy and prevent the development of heart problems.
One of the biggest aggravators of heart disease is excessive sodium, which this recipe avoids, along with being full of healthy ingredients.
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Low-Sodium Heart-Friendly Dog Food
This recipe contains around 60mg of salt per 100 calories, which is a really good low sodium content. There are also no hidden salty ingredients, like MSG or nitrates, which is a great start for a heart health kibble!
With 26% protein and 12% fat, moderately active Mastiffs should be quite okay with this kibble. It also contains taurine, which is important as a taurine deficiency can actually cause a heart disease known as dilated cardiomyopathy.
The high-quality ingredient list also helps. Real meat, meat meal, healthy grains, and fruits and vegetables all make for an easy-to-digest meal that provides slow-release energy throughout the day.
It’s loaded with vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and probiotics to improve both the immune and digestive systems.
4. American Journey Puppy Dry Dog Food
Best for English Mastiff Puppies: Ideal nutrition for growing large and giant breed puppies
Key Features
- Specific to large breed puppies
- Grain-free or healthy grain recipes
- Joint supplements to strengthen joints from a young age
- Good calcium and phosphorus ratio
Although Mastiff puppies are giant breeds, they can make do with a large breed puppy food. The nutrients in puppy food are slightly different to large breed adult food, and they specifically cater to a growing pup who’s still developing.
These large breed puppy recipes from American Journey should give your growing Mastiff all the nutrients he needs.
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Giant & Large Breed Puppy Nutrition
There are 4 different recipes to choose from: grain-free chicken, chicken with grains, grain-free salmon, and salmon with grains.
The grains are the good kind, and consist of brown rice and oatmeal, both of which are great fiber. Just be aware that the grain-free salmon recipe contains chicken meal.
The grain-free dry dog food recipes are slightly higher in protein, at 30% and 32% (with 12% and 14% fat), while the recipes with grains contain 25% protein and 15% fat. Choose wisely based on your Mastiff’s energy levels and disposition!
Once you’ve chosen the recipe to best suit your Mastiff puppy, they’ll get a daily dose of DHA to help their brain and eyes develop, a perfect ratio of calcium and phosphorus to grow their bones at the right speed, glucosamine and chondroitin to strengthen their joints from the start, and high Omega 3 fatty acids and Omega 6 fatty acids to give them a sleek, shiny coat.
5. Blue Buffalo Senior Dry Dog Food
Best for English Mastiff Seniors: Caters to lower energy levels for aging large breeds
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Key Features
- LifeSource Bits keep the immune system strong
- Joint supplements for flexibility, mobility, and strength
- L-carnitine for a healthy metabolism
- Lower in protein and fat for less active dogs
As dogs age, they begin to get less active. Mastiffs aren’t the most energetic even as adults, so your senior Mastiff will need a dog food that caters to his or her lowered activity levels.
This Blue Buffalo dog food gives them healthy nutrients, an immune boost, and support for aging fussy tummies to digest.
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Great for Mastiffs Who Are Slowing Down
A senior Mastiff will need less fat in his diet. Fat is what dogs draw on for energy, and if he isn’t working his way through the fat content, he’s going to become overweight.
This senior dog food contains 10% fat, which is great for more sedentary dogs. The protein comes in at 20%, which may not be enough to maintain muscle mass, but you can always add a high-protein treat or two during the day.
Some healthy grains are present in this kibble, including rice, barley, and oatmeal. These provide a good fiber level and will help to keep your older dog’s stools firm.
It also contains all the supplements an aging dog needs. L-carnitine helps with energy metabolism and promotes muscle maintenance. The all-important glucosamine and chondroitin keep aging hinges mobile and pain-free.
6. Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best Limited Ingredient: Ideal for Mastiffs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs
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Key Features
- Single source protein limited ingredient recipes
- Variety of flavors to avoid boredom
- Suitable for all life stages
- All recipes are grain-free
Both picky eaters and dogs with sensitive stomachs will appreciate this recipe range. With 5 unique recipes to choose from, your big guy or girl can avoid problem proteins without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Your dog doesn’t need to be prescribed a limited ingredient diet. If you want them to be healthier, it could be a good idea, especially for breeds with fussy tummies.
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For All Life Stages
Every recipe contains 31% protein and 17% fat. This could be slightly too much for less active dogs but if your Mastiff gets daily exercise, they could happily eat this kibble.
It’s also suitable for Mastiffs at any life stage! Whether you have a large breed adult, puppy, or senior, this food would fulfil their nutritional needs.
Puppies need DHA and EPA, which is found in their mother’s milk, and this recipe contains a decent amount of both.
Each formula also contains a good amount of glucosamine, for bone and joint protection. The Omega 3 fatty acids and Omega 6 fatty acids vary recipe by recipe, but are still in good amounts.
Your Mastiff will thrive off of the raw ingredients in this food. Muscle meat, organ meat, bone, and cartilage provide amino acids that you can’t get with just muscle meat alone.
7. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Best for Weight Management: Lowered fat count helps overweight dogs shed pounds
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Key Features
- Reduced fat but high protein
- Added joint supplements
- Taurine for heart health
- Fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals
Mastiffs can gain weight quite easily, which can have devastating effects on their joints and bones. We’ve chosen this as the best dog food for weight management because of its reduced fat content.
The low fat level in this dog food helps your dog to burn fat on his body instead of fat in his food. It’s crucial that regular exercise is part of his weight loss plan, though!
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Reduced Fat But High Protein
This kibble contains just 10 to 12% fat. That means your dog will need to use his own body fat to burn for energy, instead of the fat he’s getting in his food. It’s important that he gets at least a daily walk, though!
Despite the reduced fat count, the protein remains high, at 33%. This maintains lean muscle mass and helps keep your pup fuller for longer, so he’s not tempted to overeat. There’s also an elevated fiber count, which can help with digestion.
Highly digestible ingredients including turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, spinach, carrots, and broccoli make this kibble quite easy on the stomach.
In this case, the addition of glucosamine and chondroitin is even more important. If your Mastiff is overweight, his joints will be taking extra strain. Giving him some extra support will keep him tough and able to hold his body weight until he’s reached his goal weight.
8. Holistic Select Dry Dog Food
Best With Grains: Contains healthy fiber to stimulate the digestive system
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Key Features
- Specifically for large and giant breed dogs
- Healthy, easily digestible grains
- L-carnitine for a metabolic boost
- Antioxidant and probiotic-rich
Grains can be a fantastic source of fiber. If your dog needs a fiber boost, choosing the best dog food like Holistic Select Dry Dog Food with grains could help.
These grains are gluten-free, which is what makes all the difference. They’re healthy and packed with nutritional value, so your Mastiff’s stomach should deal with them quite okay.
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Large & Giant Breed Specific
This recipe is specific to large and giant breed dogs. It’s moderate in protein and fat, with 24% and 14% respectively. This is great for a Mastiff who has a mildly active day.
The grains present include rice and oatmeal. An array of fruits and vegetables follows, including antioxidant-rich blueberries and cranberries, slow energy-releasing pumpkin, and immune-boosting dried kelp and flaxseed.
Probiotics have been added to assist with digestion. And the presence of taurine helps improve heart health. Glucosamine and chondroitin keep large and giant joints protected.
Another thing we love about this kibble is that it’s specifically designed with larger pieces, so that large and giant breeds can eat comfortably without worrying about the danger of bloat.
9. Merrick Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Best for Active Mastiffs: High nutrient count works well for dogs who can burn it off through exercise
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Key Features
- 15% fat and 30% protein, best for active Mastiffs
- Created for large breeds
- Sweet potatoes for slow-release energy
- High levels of glucosamine and chondroitin
We recommend this dog food for Mastiffs who get plenty of exercise. A daily walk is the absolute minimum!
Bouncy, energetic Mastiffs will do well with the protein and fat counts in this kibble, as well as the additional supplements. They need to be able to burn off the fat content, and the high protein count will keep those muscles tough.
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Well-Rounded Adult Dog Food
Although this is Merrick’s only large breed kibble, their other recipes are just as high-quality. If your dog can’t stomach the chicken flavor of this recipe, try one of the others. Just make sure it contains the necessary supplements.
This large-breed dog food offers 30% protein and 15% fat, perfect for moderately active Mastiffs. It meets your dog’s nutritional needs while providing vitamins and minerals to keep the immune functioning well.
High levels of Omegas and glucosamine and chondroitin round it off nicely, so your big dog will benefit from chewing on this grain-free dry dog food.
10. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Best Kibble Size: Excellent choice for dogs who eat too fast
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Key Features
- Larger kibble size for easy eating
- Made for large breeds
- High in protein, moderate in fat
- Contains all necessary supplements
Eating too fast is one of the biggest reasons dogs like Mastiffs are affected by bloat. The larger kibble size of this food means they’re forced to eat slower, reducing the risk of swallowing air and causing internal problems.
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Big Kibble and Healthy Nutrition
As well as their bigger kibble size, this recipe is packed with nutrition. 34% protein and 12% fat are good for Mastiffs who are moderately to fairly energetic.
The recipe is grain-free, and is aimed at large breeds specifically. Unfortunately, there are no other flavors in this particular formula, so if your pup struggles with chicken, this may not be the food for them.
Glucosamine and chondroitin show up in good amounts. High Omegas mean that your English Mastiff will have a healthy skin and coat. Beta carotene is a nice addition, which improves eyesight and strengthens the eyes.
11. Blue Buffalo Large Breed Dog Food
Best for Urinary Health: Boosts the kidneys and the immune system
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Key Features
- Three different recipes to choose from
- Lower in protein to take pressure off kidneys
- Contain L-carnitine and taurine
- LifeSource Bits improve the immune system
Mastiffs are prone to a condition called cystinuria, which causes kidney or bladder stones. If your big dog suffers from this condition, you may want to try feeding them something that improves urinary health.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is our pick for the best dog food to prevent urinary issues.
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Dry Dog Food for Immune and Urinary Health
Allergens can be easily avoided with three different recipes to choose from: chicken, fish, and lamb.
Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits are super for improving the immune system, which is imperative for good urinary health.
It’s also lower than average in protein, which may be problematic for some dogs, but will take a load off the kidneys, relieving them off pressure and reducing the chances of stones forming.
As well as these features, glucosamine and chondroitin promote joint health, taurine helps keep the heart healthy, and L-carnitine helps to regulate energy metabolism.
What to Look For When Buying the Best Dog Food for Mastiffs
Calories
These gentle giants need enough calories per pound to see him or her through their day without feeling weak or lethargic.
A large breed adult Mastiff needs around 20 calories per pound of body weight per day. Puppies need slightly more, around 22 calories per pound per day.
A higher-calorie dry dog food is a good idea. That way, you feed less but your dog stays fuller for longer.
Proteins
High-quality protein is a must. Animal protein is the best, as it contains amino acids that just aren’t found in plant proteins.
If you can, we recommend choosing a dog food for Mastiffs with a single source protein. If your dog’s stomach is hardy, they may be able to handle multiple proteins, but a single source will offer less potential for possible food allergies.
Fats
Fats are what your Mastiff uses as a quick and easy energy source. It’s essential that these come from a good quality source.
Chicken or pork fat are common, as is salmon oil. Plant-based fats may be present on dog food labels, such as flaxseed oil, but animal fat is always the best way to go thanks to its nutrient profile.
Micronutrients
Vitamins and minerals are essential, as are antioxidants. These play a large role in keeping the immune strong.
You may find vitamins added to the kibble, but mostly they’ll be found in fruits and vegetables. We highly recommend choosing dog foods for Mastiffs that contain fruits and veggies, like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, blueberries, and apples.
Food Irritants
Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can cause chaos in your dog’s digestive system. Avoid synthetic ingredients as far as possible, and go for all-natural ones instead.
Other potential food irritants are by-products. These are the bits of meat that are left over once the good stuff has been taken, like beaks, feet, hooves, and the like. They’re not easily digested. Avoid a food containing by-products!
Questions & Answers
What are the nutritional needs of Mastiffs?
A Mastiff’s nutritional needs vary according to its life stage. An English Mastiff puppy will need about 22 calories per pound per day, while adult large breed dogs need about 20 calories per pound per day.
A large giant breed puppy can do with 25 to 27% protein. An adult giant or large breed dog can have 20% to 30% depending on their activity level, but around 25% is good.
12% to 15% fat is good for the average Mastiff. Other than that, English Mastiffs need joint supplements, good Omega fatty acids for skin and fur health, and high-quality ingredients.
What ingredients should I avoid when feeding my Mastiff?
A food for Mastiff dogs should not contain corn, wheat, or soy. These contain gluten, which is not easily digested, if at all.
Fruits, vegetables, or gluten-free grains should take the place of corn, wheat, or soy in a healthy food.
By-products should also be avoided completely.
What are the potential health problems for Mastiffs?
Mastiffs are prone to certain health conditions. Canine cancer is the most common cause of death in Mastiff dogs.
Heart disease is a serious problem in Mastiffs. Complete and balanced nutrition can help prevent heart disease from developing.
Other common health issues include gastric torsion (bloat), joint dysplasia, osteochondritis, and cystinuria.
How should I feed my Mastiff puppy?
Food for Mastiff puppies should be a large breed puppy formula.
From 8 weeks to 4 months, they should be eating 3 to 4 meals a day.
From 4 to 6 months, you can decrease it to 2 to 3 meals a day, depending on the day and your dog’s needs.
At 6 months, you should be feeding them 2 meals a day. From the age of a year, you can switch your puppy over to adult food.
How much should I feed my Mastiff puppy?
A Mastiff puppy needs around 22 calories per pound of bodyweight per day. Once you’ve worked that out, divide that number by the amount of meals you’re feeding your puppy to work out how many calories they need per meal.
For example, if they need 600 calories per meal, and their food contains 300 calories in a cup, you’d need to feed them 2 cups per meal.
You’ll need to recalculate this every week or so, as Mastiff pups grow quickly!
Are grain-free dog foods better for my Mastiff?
The answer to this really depends on your Mastiff. Grain-free foods have been known to cause taurine deficiencies, which can cause heart problems. But most contain extra taurine now, so it really depends on if your dog’s stomach can handle grains or not.
Are potatoes hazardous when in dog foods?
Potatoes are a common allergen. They’re not specifically dangerous, but many dogs’ tummies prefer sweet potatoes. Not only do sweet potatoes offer slightly more taste than white potatoes, but they’re less likely to be a problem ingredient. Raw potatoes, though, are hazardous!
Between wet food and dry dog food, which is better?
We always recommend dry food, for its superior protein content. Wet food is high in calories but has less than half the protein content a dry food does.
What foods can cause heart problems in my Mastiff?
Salt (sodium) is a culprit in heart disease. It’s found in low quality commercial kibble to add taste, and human food is also a big contributor! Avoid low quality kibbles and don’t feed your pup human food.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the best dog food for Mastiffs doesn’t have to be difficult! If you’ve been wondering what to feed your Mastiff, the dog foods we’ve reviewed here would all be great options.
If you aren’t completely satisfied with any of them, there are others out there that are just as high-quality! Do some of your own research – just make sure the food you choose contains all the nutrients and supplements an English Mastiff needs.
As long as his nutritional needs are met, his immune system is strengthened, his bones and joints are kept strong, and his skin and coat health is good, you know the dog food you’re using is a good choice!
