WHAT'S THE BEST DOG FOOD FOR A CANE CORSO?

Cane Corso: Specific Dietary Needs

The Cane Corso is an Italian breed of mastiff that can weigh up to 50kg; it falls under the category of giant dog breeds. Like many large dog breeds, Cane Corsi are predisposed to certain diseases and, as such, their growth phase needs to be taken very seriously.

These are some of the specific characteristics that you should consider when choosing the right dog food for your Cane Corso:

• Due to their large build and dynamic nature, Cane Corsi need a significant amount of physical activity. They like to exercise a lot, which means that their required energy intake is much higher than other breeds.

• Like most large dogs, these dogs are prone to joint problems. Their body mass exerts a lot of pressure on their joints, which can lead to disorders such as hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondrosis, etc.

• The Cane Corso is prone to stomach twisting, like many mastiffs, due to excessive pressure in the stomach. This disorder is very common in dogs with large appetites.

• It's important to note that the Cane Corso experiences a very quick growth period. Puppies grow to 50 times the size of their birth weight, so their nutritional needs are very high.

In addition to these specific factors related to the breed, it's important to take into account other things, such as age, weight, physical activity, and any reported diseases, when choosing the ideal dog food to meet your Cane Corso's nutritional needs.

What type of food should I give my Cane Corso?

In addition to the basic dietary needs of all dogs, such as the nutrients and vitamins necessary for a healthy balance, Cane Corsi have specific needs related to their breed. When choosing their ideal dog food, we recommend:

• Food with a high fat content to give your pooch enough energy to support their level of physical exertion. Make sure to limit the amount of food you give your dog at once, to promote good digestion.

• Food that promotes healthy joints and cartilage: Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulphate are perfect for maintaining your Cane Corso's joints and cartilage. Vitamin C supports the production of collagen, which helps your dog to build healthy cartilage.

• Food that promotes proper development of your puppy during growth: Be aware that overfeeding can be harmful to your Cane Corso because it causes them to grow too quickly which can lead to bone deformities. Likewise, you should avoid supplementing your puppy's diet with sources of calcium or vitamin D. Opt for dry food that contains a good number of vitamins and trace elements during your puppy's growth period.

When and how should I feed my Cane Corso?

Once you’ve chosen the ideal food for your Cane Corso, you'll also need to learn when and how to feed them. This is not necessarily obvious, and there are some basic rules to respect. Unsuitable food intake can cause various digestive issues and feelings of discomfort.

Here are some recommendations for how best to feed your Cane Corso:

• We recommend that you split your dog's daily food ration into two or three small meals: The idea is to distribute their food throughout the day, so as not to overload their digestive capacity. It also stops them from feeling hungry too often.

• Give them their meals in a quiet place, away from possible sources of distraction: It's important to create a pleasant environment for mealtimes, as this facilitates digestion and promotes a balanced diet.

• Give them the correct amount of dog food: This will depend on different factors, such as your dog's age, weight, activity level (normal or sustained), and reported illnesses. Your vet or an animal nutritionist specialist can help you determine the appropriate amount of food for your dog.

• Treats: In addition to their regular food, you can certainly offer your furry friend a healthy treat from time to time. Little pieces of fruit or cooked vegetables are a great, natural option! However, be careful with this if your dog is overweight.

• Forbid certain foods: Of course, some foods are toxic to dogs and must be banned from your dog's diet. Sugar, cold meats, and chocolate are dangerous foods for dogs. Chicken and rabbit bones are also not recommended as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

• Finally, don't forget that hydration is key and that it's important to make sure your dog is drinking enough water, especially if they mainly eat dry food! Fill your dog's drinking bowl with fresh water every day. Your pooch should drink an average of 40 to 60ml of water per kg of body weight per day. If they're drinking more than 100ml per kg of body weight, consider taking your Cane Corso to see a vet, as this may be a sign of diabetes or kidney failure. A little trick: If you want to encourage your dog to drink more water, try placing ice cubes in their water bowl. They'll be attracted to the movement created by the ice cubes and be tempted to drink more.