All American Cane Corso owners can agree, that our dog’s health is a top priority. Like humans, a large contributor of their health is the food they eat.
Your dog’s good nutrition is important to keep them healthy and happy. Also like humans, it is not a one-size-fits all. A diet for one person might be healthy, but—for another, it just isn’t the right fit. Every dog owner must take into account the activity, breed, size, age, and current health of your pup to properly figure out the nutritional requirements.
Of course, a good plan of action is to always consult with your vet to recommend the best food for your dog at various points in their life. However, to help you start navigating the hot topic of dog food, we have compiled a list of the basics for your Cane Corso.
- 1. It’s what’s on the inside that counts. It is very important to read the label to see if the brand has the meat, grains, vegetables, fruit, and vitamins that your healthy dog will need. The ingredient list on dog food goes in order of weight. For the best quality dog food, the first ingredient should be meat. This should be a specific name of a meat or specific meat meal such as: lamb, chicken, beef, salmon OR chicken meal, venison meal, etc. It should NOT say byproduct. It should also not be a generic name. Avoid food that lists something like “animal” meal or “meat” meal. Generic phrases and byproduct-anything are the tell tale sign of unhealthy, cheap food.
2. Know the difference. Meat is just like it sounds. It is chicken, beef, or whatever other animal meat that is put in the food. However, in dog food, it is also mostly water and will contribute to the weight. In other words, watered down meat will be heavier and make it to the top of the ingredient list. Meal on the other hand, is when the meat goes through rendering and removes some of the water. This makes the weight mostly protein instead of water. Both have their pros and cons, but it’s good to keep the difference in mind when checking the ingredient list. It’s also good to know that some meal must be avoided as it contains byproducts.
3. Hear it from an expert. On reputable brands, you should be able to find a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This is a stamp of approval that says the food has the nutrients your dog needs and in the correct ratio.
4. When enough is enough. It’s important to keep proper portion sizes in mind when feeding your dog. Over or under feeding your pup could result in health complications. Consulting your veterinarian is a good course of action for a growing pup. However for quick tips, follow the age feeding chart on your chosen dog food bag. It will have tips on how much to feed your dog based on its age.
5. Know your dog’s health. The status of your dog’s health should also be taken into account. Some older dogs need can food as it is easier on their teeth. Dogs with stomach problems should be given food without corn, as it is hard to digest. For dry skin remedies, look for salmon food. The coordination between food choices and health is endless!
Choosing the right food is imperative for taking care of your Cane Corso. We hope that these tips helped, and as always feel free to reach out to your favorite, expert Cane Corso breeder for more tips!