The 13 Best Dog Foods for English Mastiffs in 2023

This updated guide lists all of the best dog foods for english mastiffs this year.

Some people like small dogs, while others can’t get enough of the giant breeds.

When it comes to large breed dogs, the English Mastiff is a perennial favorite. Known simply as the Mastiff, it is the epitome of a gentle giant.

Perhaps this is the reason why Mastiffs are such great companions for children and the elderly alike. They have the patience of a saint and hold their humans in high regard.

If you have been thinking of getting an English Mastiff or already have one and wonder about the best diet for them, this post is just the place to find out. The Mastiff is a very large dog, which is why you need food tailored for their specific needs. From my experience, I believe that commercially produced food works best because it fulfills all the essential needs of the giant dog in one neat package.

I have come up with a list of 8 best dog foods for the English Mastiff.

Try and see which one your pooch loves best.

The 7 Best Dog Foods for English Mastiffs

1. Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Ratings:

Top Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Whole Grain Brown Rice, 4. Whole Grain Sorghum, 5. Whole Grain Barley

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Large, Giant Breed
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,566 kcal
• Form: Dry

Nutro Ultra Large Breed Dog Food offers complete nutritional support for giant dogs like English Mastiff through a range of premium ingredients. Also known as a superfood blend, the recipe contains ingredients like farm-raised chicken, pasture-fed lamb, whole brown rice, and a bunch of fruits and vegetables that offer multiple nutrients to support muscle growth, immunity, energy levels, and organ functioning.

Apart from that, the dog food also delivers plenty of micronutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin, both of which support joint health. This micronutrient list also includes antioxidants, linoleic acid, taurine, and lots of vitamins and minerals. Lastly, the dog food offers superior digestibility because of its natural ingredients and exclusion of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. 

Analysis: Protein (min.) 22% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%

2. Eagle Pack Large & Giant Breed Puppy Dog Food

Ratings:

Top Ingredients: 1. Lamb Meal, 2. Oatmeal, 3. Ground Brown Rice, 4. Dehulled Barley, 5. Rice

• Life Stage: Puppy
• Suitable for: Large, Giant Breed
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,549 kcal
• Form: Dry

With the perfect balance of fats, proteins, and fiber, Eagle Pack dog food ensures that your Mastiff pup is healthy without having excessive weight on their little tummies. Of course, even when little, these giants in training need a good amount of nutrients, which is what makes Eagle pack perfect as the first food. The amazing taste of the food ensures that your puppy has no difficulty in adapting to the new food routine. If you are a new dog owner, you will not have to worry about the dietary needs of your Mastiff with this formula.

The presence of Glucosamine hydrochloride is good for joint health, and calcium and phosphorus aid in support of strong bones. Your Mastiff puppy will be happy, active, and well provided for in terms of nutrients.

Analysis: Protein (min.) 23% | Fat (min.) 12% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%

3. Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food

Ratings:

Top Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Whole Grain Brown Rice, 4. Brewers Rice, 5. Split Peas

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Large, Giant Breed
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,457 kcal
• Form: Dry

Formulated to improve the deteriorating health of older dogs, Nutro Large Breed Senior formula is undoubtedly one of the best dog foods for senior English Mastiffs. It’s made from chicken meat and brown rice, with plenty of protein to keep your dog muscular and enough carbs to fuel their entire day.  

Large breeds also become prone to joint problems with age, which is why Nutro added glucosamine and chondroitin to repair cartilage and prevent arthritis. The recipe also contains antioxidants to detoxify your dog’s body and strengthen their immune system, as well as fiber to promote digestive health. And since the food contains no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives, it’s also fit for mastiffs with sensitivities or allergies.

Analysis: Protein (min.) 22% | Fat (min.) 10% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%

4. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Large Breed Chicken Canned Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Broth, 3. Carrots, 4. Brown Rice, 5. Peas

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Large, Giant breeds
• Caloric content (per can): 493 kcal
• Form: Wet Food

Few brands formulate their dog food specifically for large breeds. Fortunately, Blue Buffalo is one of them. Their delicious homestyle recipe is a two-in-one package with tons of flavor and nourishment for the giant English Mastiff. It features a select few ingredients like real chicken meat, easily-digestible grains, and various fruits and veggies. 

These ingredients offer protein to support muscle growth, fiber and carbs, and crucial vitamins and minerals for general wellness. Knowing that large dogs often face mobility issues, the food is enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin for optimal joint health. All of this is combined with lip-smacking chicken broth, making the food difficult to resist for the most finicky mastiffs.

Analysis: Protein min. 10% | Fat min. 1.5%, | Fiber max. 7.5% | Moisture max. 78%

5. Nom Nom Turkey Fare

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Ground turkey, 2. brown rice, 3. eggs, 4. carrots, 5. spinach, 

• Life Stage: All
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 1,479 kcal
• Form: Frozen

Experience the best nutrition for your English Mastiff with fresh food meals from Nom Nom Now. The recipe we’ve chosen for this breed is Turkey Fare, which is made from the finest-quality foods like ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, and carrots. It also contains the highest quantity of protein and calories, which is perfect for the bulky bodies of English Mastiffs.

One of the best things about Nom Nom is that they create a unique diet plan for each dog based on their age, breed, weight, and activity levels. All of them are formulated with the help of board-certified nutritionists, and will account for any allergies or special dietary needs. You will get pre-cooked meals delivered directly to your doorstep, oozing with flavor and richness that dogs love. If the slightly premium price is not an issue for you, Nom Nom is definitely the best diet you can select for your English Mastiff. 

Analysis: Protein (min.) 10%, Fat (min.) 5%, Fiber (max.)  1%, Moisture (max.) 72%

6. Now-Fresh Grain Free Large Breed Adult Recipe Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. De-Boned Turkey, 2. Whole Dried Egg, 3. Potatoes, 4. Peas, 5. Tapioca

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Large, giant breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,573 kcal
• Form: Dry

The great thing about Now products is that they are made with fresh, organic ingredients. This grain-free recipe is full of the protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals necessary for a strong and active Mastiff. Within no time, you will see improved alertness, energy, and overall fitness.

Now is 100% gluten-free and also contains omega acids to help nourish the coat and skin of your beloved furry pal. Pre and probiotics encourage the growth of good bacteria in the gut, leading to better digestion and metabolism.

Analysis: Protein min. 27% | Fat min. 13%, | Fiber max. 4% | Moisture max. 10%

7. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Lamb, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Sweet Potatoes, 4. Egg Product, 5. Lentils

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,611 kcal
• Form: Dry

If you’re looking for a nutritionally balanced food, then Taste of the Wild is what you should try. The novel proteins taken from lamb and vegetables provide energy, and the addition of antioxidants help prevent the damage that can be done by free radicals. Also present is the goodness of vitamins and minerals to ensure that your pup stays healthy all year round.

This dog food has no artificial additives, nor does it contain any allergen. The nutrient-rich diet is perfect for pups with sensitive stomachs. It promotes gut health, a soft, rich coat, and healthy teeth and bones.

Analysis: Protein min. 25%, | Fat min. 15%, | Fiber max. 5%, | Moisture max. 10%

8. Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey + Duck Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients:  1. Chicken Meal, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Salmon Meal, 4. De-Boned Chicken, 5. De-Boned Turkey

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,951 kcal
• Form: Dry

English Mastiffs are tall and bulky dogs with unique dietary needs when it comes to weight gain. That’s why we recommend Go! Solutions Grain-Free Dog Food. This high-protein formula features 34% crude protein made from chicken, turkey, and duck meat, which is perfect for building muscle blocks and gaining lean mass. 

It’s packed with good calories from potatoes, tapioca, chickpeas, and other non-grain carbs that are enough to power the largest dogs. Special nutrients such as probiotics and enzymes are also added to enhance digestive health and efficiency. Go! has also added a bunch of fruits and veggies to the recipe for antioxidant support and taste. Even with all of these benefits, the dog food is available at an excellent price compared to premium options.

Analysis: Protein min. 32% | Fat min. 16%, | Fiber max. 3% | Moisture max. 10%

9. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Healthy Weight Large Breed Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Pea Protein, 4. Peas, 5. Tapioca Starch

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Large, Giant breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,251 kcal
• Form: Dry

Obesity can be detrimental to an English Mastiffs’ and must be controlled urgently. Luckily, dog foods like Blue Buffalo Wilderness Healthy Weight make this process a breeze. The recipe has a low-calorie, high-protein macro balance which allows excess fat to be burned off while maintaining energy levels.

Instead, your dog will actually gain muscle mass from the chicken meat and loads of amino acids in the food. Apart from that, the recipe also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to prevent joint deterioration, and EPA and Taurine to promote heart health, both highly important for the English Mastiff breed. With all of this, the food remains completely free from grains, corn, soy, wheat, and any fillers that might irritate the stomach of your dog.

Analysis: Protein (min.) 28%, Fat (min.) 9%, Fiber (max.) 12%, Moisture (max.) 10%

10. Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Pearled Barley, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Oatmeal, 5. Dried Plain Beet Pulp

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,323 kcal
• Form: Dry

When you’re confused between picking the right dog food for your English Mastiff, Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Dog Food is the easy choice to make. The dog food designed to provide complete holistic nutrition to dogs of all sizes through a selection of premium and natural ingredients. The recipe contains farm-raised chicken and brown rice, both of which provide a mix of proteins and carbs to support your dog’s basic nutritional needs.

Moreover, the recipe also delivers a range of micronutrients necessary for numerous body functions. Most of these micronutrients are derived from 8 wholesome fruits and vegetables. The dog food also offers digestive support through prebiotics and probiotics, ensuring that all of the nutrients in the dog food are fully absorbed by your mastiff.

Analysis: Protein (min.) 22%, Fat (min.) 9%, Fiber (max.) 4%, Moisture (max.) 10%

11. Zignature Turkey LID Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: 1. Turkey, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Chickpeas, 4. Peas, 5. Sunflower Oil

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large Breed
• Caloric content (per cup): 394 kcal
• Form: Dry

If you’re looking for a diet that can keep allergies at bay while meeting the dietary demands of an English Mastiff, Zignature LID Turkey Formula is the option to choose. The food is free from most ingredients that are known to trigger allergies in canines, including grains, red meat, potatoes, dairy, and more. Instead, it uses turkey meat, chickpeas, and sunflower oil to keep your dog muscular and thriving with energy.

Every carbohydrate in the food is low-glycemic and full of fiber, so your dog maintains appropriate sugar levels and optimal digestion. It is also loaded with antioxidants and omega-fatty acids that support immune health and keep your dog’s coat shiny and soft. Safe to say, your English Mastiff will become rash-free and healthy soon after switching to Zignature LID. 

Analysis: Protein (min.) 32% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%

12. Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Corn, 3. Chicken By-Product Meal, 4. Wheat, 5. Ground Grain Sorghum

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Large, Giant Breed
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,680 kcal
• Form: Dry

If you’re looking for food rich in chicken, grains, and vegetables, then Eukanuba is the perfect one for your dog’s needs. Since Mastiffs are a large breed, this one is perfect for them as the formula is designed for dogs with weight over 55 pounds. This formula is for adult dogs; the nutrients may not be suitable for younger puppies.

Analysis: Protein (min.) 23% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 3.9% | Moisture (max.) 10%

13. Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Large Breed Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Oatmeal, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Dried Beet Pulp, 5. Chicken Fat 

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Large, giant breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 4,213 kcal
• Form: Dry

Fine-tuned to support the athletic endeavors of giant dogs, Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Dog Food is our top recommendation for highly active English Mastiffs. The food contains a staggering 4,213 calories per kg, with one-fourth being pure protein, allowing your dog to become more muscular and active with each meal. Most of its calories come from fiber-rich oatmeal, brown rice, and chicken fat, all of which are easy on the stomach and improve stool quality.

Additionally, the formula is enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your dog’s skin and make their coat healthier. Glucosamine and chondroitin are present to repair cartilage and maintain the flexibility of their joints, while prebiotics are added to promote gut bacteria. Lastly, the recipe is kept free from corn, wheat, soy, and any food that carries a risk of triggering allergies or diarrhea.

Analysis: Protein (min.) 26%, Fat (min.) 15%, Fiber (max.) 4%, Moisture(max.) 10%

Related:

• The best dry dog foods, reviews & guide
• Guide + Reviews to the best large breed dog foods
• The ultimate dog food guides 

The Buyer’s Guide

When buying food for your Mastiff, you need to be mindful of what the recipe contains.  You can easily read this on the labels. Since English mastiffs are huge, they need a good amount of proteins, mixed with fiber, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Things to Look Out for

Listed below are the nutritional requirements of a Mastiff’s diet. So be sure to pick out a formula the meets the standard.

Proteins

Read the label and check what the first five ingredients are. 2-3 of them should be protein sources like lean meats fish, chicken, turkey, lamb or beef. Plant proteins will also do like the ones found in vegetables and fruits but animal proteins are better digested. Meat meals are also an acceptable source of protein nutrition.

Fats

When it comes to fat, you need to be careful. Fat sources like chicken fat, fish oil, and coconut oil are perfect. Not only do they provide the required fat content for health, but they also aid in the lush quality of coat and skin of your pups. Just ensure that there is nothing too heavy in the diet as that can cause upset to your dog’s digestive system.

Food Irritants

Food irritants are another thing you need to be very careful of, but it is something that varies from one dog to another. Some dogs don’t take well to chicken, while others thrive on it. Some common allergen includes soy, wheat, corn, chicken and other dairy products. So be very careful what you give your Mastiff and check to see whether or not your selected food product suits them. Once you have isolated what causes the allergic reaction, ensure that their food never contains that item.

Also, avoid all kinds of artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or sweeteners, as these too can cause allergies.

Mastiffs and Diseases

As a giant breed, Mastiffs are more prone to some diseases than medium-sized or smaller dogs. Some of these more common conditions include heart disease, cancer, and bloat.

Opt for foods that contain L-carnitine and taurine. These items help support the proper functioning of the heart and thus reduce the chances of heart issues.

FAQs

If you still have questions, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with these FAQs. Read on to see if I’ve answered yours.

How much should I feed my Mastiff?

A typical mastiff consumes about 10-11 cups of food each day, that means about 2 pounds of food every single day. Just be careful of overfeeding or underfeeding your pup.

What is the best food for English Mastiffs?

A diet rich in protein, fiber, and a small amount of fat is perfect for an English Mastiff. Any of the top eight foods I have listed here can be a perfect fit for your Mastiff.

How much should I feed my English Mastiff puppy?

It depends on the weight and age of your puppy. A new puppy should be fed 3-4 times a day, about 3/4 to 1 cup each time. Ensure that the diet has all the right amounts of proteins, fiber, and fats.

Is grain-free dog food better for my Mastiff?

A grain-free diet is a good option for those Mastiffs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. It’s an easily digestible option, but keep in mind though that all dogs are individuals and need a diet catered to their individual needs.

What foods can cause heart problems?

Most larger breeds of dogs are susceptible to heart diseases, which means that your Mastiff is at risk too. Avoid fatty foods to make sure they remain safe and healthy.

Is potato in dog food hazardous?

Baked and cooked potatoes are fine. It is the raw potato or potato plants that your dog needs to avoid to stay healthy and free from allergens.

How many times a day should I feed my Mastiff?

Two evenly spaced meals per day are preferred and help to establish a routine for your Mastiff. Dogs love routine.

Is wet food better or dry food?

Providing that they meet the nutritional needs of your Mastiff,  both wet and dry foods are good for your giant friend. The only difference is that of moisture.

References:

• Wikipedia English Mastiff
• Akc.org Mastiff
• Purina.com.au English Mastiff