The top 9 dog breeds known for their big appetites

Some dog breeds have particularly high food requirements. This is often due to their size, energy consumption and metabolism. Large dogs need more energy to maintain their bodily functions, while active breeds have an increased calorie requirement due to their urge to move. In addition, genetic factors and breed-specific characteristics can influence appetite and the amount of food.

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Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is an impressive dog with an imposing stature and gentle nature. Due to its size, it requires a considerable amount of food. An adult Newfoundland can weigh between 50 and 70 kilograms. The recommended daily amount of food is about 2 to 3 percent of the body weight, i.e. a dog of this size needs between 1 and 2 kilograms of food per day.

Make sure you feed a balanced diet that meets energy requirements without promoting obesity. Some experts recommend dividing the daily feed ration into several smaller meals to relieve the digestive system and minimize the risk of gastric torsion.

Feeding a Newfoundland can be costly as high quality feed is required in large quantities. It should also be borne in mind that this breed is prone to certain health problems that can be aggravated by an incorrect diet. It is therefore advisable to seek advice from a vet or a nutritional expert to ensure that the dog receives all the necessary nutrients.

In addition to the quantity, the quality of the food also plays a decisive role. A high meat content and the absence of unnecessary fillers are good for promoting the health and well-being of your Newfoundland.

Saint Bernard

The St. Bernard is one of the largest and heaviest dog breeds in the world, known for its impressive stature and gentle nature. With a shoulder height of up to 90 cm and a weight of 60 to 90 kilograms, it is one of the most imposing dogs. Its dense coat varies in the colors white with red-brown or red-brown with white, often complemented by white markings on the chest, paws and nose.

Originally bred in Switzerland, the St. Bernard gained fame as an avalanche dog in the Great St. Bernard Hospice. Today, it is valued above all as a family and companion dog. Its character is characterized by friendliness, patience and balance, with a strong protective instinct.

Due to its size, the St. Bernard requires sufficient space and is not suitable for keeping in small apartments. Regular exercise and consistent training are essential in order to do justice to its sometimes headstrong temperament. In addition, its thick coat requires regular grooming and potential owners should be prepared for increased hair growth and salivation.

Mastiff

The Mastiff is an impressive dog with a majestic appearance. Its imposing size and massive build immediately catch the eye. Behind this façade, however, lies a gentle and loyal companion. He is known for his calm and composed nature, which makes him a pleasant family dog. However, due to its size and weight, it requires consistent training and sufficient space.

An important aspect of keeping a Mastiff is its enormous food requirement. Depending on age, weight and activity, an adult Mastiff can require several kilograms of food per day. This can result in considerable costs and requires careful planning. In addition, Mastiffs tend to be overweight, which puts strain on their joints and can affect their health. It is therefore important to adjust the amount of food precisely and to ensure a balanced diet.

Regular exercise is important to control their weight and strengthen their muscles. Interested parties should be aware of the responsibility that comes with keeping such a large dog.

German shepherd dog

The German Shepherd is a versatile and active dog breed that has special nutritional requirements. A balanced diet is crucial for the health, performance and quality of life of these dogs.

Due to their size and activity, German Shepherds need a protein-rich diet to help build and maintain muscle. High-quality protein from meat sources is particularly important. It should also contain healthy fats, which serve as a source of energy and promote healthy fur and skin. Vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, are essential for bone health. A balanced proportion of carbohydrates provides the necessary energy for their activities.

The optimum amount of food depends on the dog's age, weight, activity level and state of health. An average German Shepherd weighing around 32 to 38 kilograms needs between 1,500 and 2,100 kilocalories a day. Due to their growth, puppies and young dogs have a higher energy requirement per kilogram of body weight than adult dogs. It is recommended that the daily amount of food is divided into two meals to minimize the risk of gastric torsion.
The food should also be easily digestible to prevent digestive problems.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an athletic dog of impressive size and energy. An adult male dog typically weighs between 36 and 41 kilograms, while females weigh between 32 and 36 kilograms. Due to its activity and muscle mass, the Rhodesian Ridgeback requires a balanced diet that meets its energy needs without promoting obesity.

The daily amount of food should be around 2 to 3 percent of the body weight. For a dog weighing 40 kilograms, this corresponds to around 800 to 1,200 grams of food per day. It is advisable to spread this amount over two meals in order to relieve the digestive tract and minimize the risk of gastric torsion.

A high meat content in the food is important to cover the Rhodesian Ridgeback's protein requirements. In addition, the food should contain essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Some experts recommend avoiding dry food, as this breed tends to drink little water, which can lead to digestive problems. Instead, wet food or a raw diet (BARF) with fresh ingredients such as raw meat, vegetables and fruit is recommended.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks can react sensitively to certain types of grain. It is therefore advisable to choose grain-free food to prevent allergies or intolerances. The food should also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which support the heart and circulation.

Doberman

The Dobermann is an elegant and athletic dog breed characterized by harmonious proportions and a powerful appearance.

The optimal amount of food for a Doberman depends on factors such as age, weight, activity level and individual metabolism. In general, it is recommended to give adult dogs about 2-3 % of their body weight in food per day. For growing puppies and young dogs, the amount can be higher, around 5-7% of body weight.

It is important to adjust the amount of food regularly and to monitor the dog's weight and physical condition to avoid over- or underweight. For example, an adult Doberman with normal activity needs about 900 grams of wet food per day, while a very active or growing dog may need up to 1800 grams of wet food per day.

Dobermans are not too fussy about their food - they should be fed both dry and wet food, but usually prefer a combination of both.

The Doberman is neither a scavenger nor an omnivore. Feeding food scraps is nutritionally questionable as it can lead to deficiency symptoms.

Siberian husky

The diet of the Siberian Husky plays a crucial role in its health and performance. As a breed that was originally bred for sled dog sport, the Husky has specific nutritional requirements that relate to both the type and quantity of food.

Huskies need a protein-rich diet to maintain their muscle mass and meet their energy requirements. High-quality animal protein from sources such as chicken, lamb, fish or beef is particularly suitable. It is important to ensure a high meat content in the food and to avoid products with too much grain, as these can be less nutritious.

In addition, essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, contribute to the health of the skin and coat. These can be ensured by choosing feed with the appropriate ingredients.

For adult huskies, the optimal amount of food depends on factors such as weight, activity level and metabolism. In general, a daily feed amount of 2-3% of body weight is recommended. For a 20-27 kilogram Husky, this can mean between 400 and 800 grams of food per day, depending on activity and individual needs.

Huskies are known for their efficient food conversion and often require less food than other breeds of comparable size. It is important to adjust the amount of food to the dog's actual activity and energy consumption to avoid overfeeding and associated health problems.

The energy requirements of pregnant or nursing bitches increase significantly. In these cases, the amount of food should be increased accordingly and attention should be paid to a particularly nutritious diet.

Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is a strong and active breed of dog that needs a balanced, high-quality diet to stay healthy and productive.
They need a diet rich in high-quality proteins, healthy fats, carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals. High quality animal protein sources such as fish, chicken, lamb and beef are ideal to help build and maintain muscle. Healthy fats provide the necessary energy for this active breed, while carbohydrates serve as an additional source of energy. It is important to look for food with natural ingredients and avoid artificial additives.

The optimum amount of food for an Alaskan Malamute depends on factors such as age, weight, activity level and metabolism. As a rule of thumb, an adult malamute weighing around 40 kilograms needs between 800 and 1200 grams of food per day. However, it is important to adjust the amount of food individually and to check the dog's weight and condition regularly.

Puppies and young dogs should be fed three to four times a day, while adult dogs can manage with two meals a day. This distribution helps to meet energy requirements evenly and prevent digestive problems.

Alaskan Malamutes can be prone to certain health problems such as hip dysplasia and skin diseases. A diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can support joint health and a healthy coat. Care should also be taken to ensure an adequate supply of zinc, as a deficiency can lead to skin problems.

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Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog breed with a strong build and a friendly, even-tempered nature. It is characterized by its dense, water-repellent coat in various shades of gold and cream. Its gentle temperament and high learning ability make it an ideal family dog and versatile companion.

The Golden Retriever's diet should be balanced and adapted to his age, weight and activity level. Puppies need a special puppy food with a balanced ratio of energy, minerals and vitamins to promote healthy growth. The amount of food depends on the puppy's current weight and the expected final weight.

Adult Golden Retrievers should be fed twice a day, with the exact amount of food depending on factors such as activity level and metabolism. On average, they need around 350 to 450 grams of dry food per day. It is important to check the amount of food regularly and adjust it accordingly to avoid obesity.

As Golden Retrievers can be prone to obesity, it is advisable to limit the number of treats and feed them regular meals with measured portions. A balanced mix of proteins, fats and carbohydrates promotes their health and vitality.

The top 9 dog breeds known for their big appetites | with pictures