Feeding a Dogue de Bordeaux: Growth and Mastiff Needs
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a mastiff of 45 to 55 kg with slow growth and a deep chest. Two priorities dominate its feeding: framing the puppy's growth to protect the joints, and limiting the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) in the adult. Studies of bloat identify several management factors, including splitting meals. Our basics are in the dog food section.
Contents · 4 sections
Slow, controlled growth
A large-breed puppy must not grow too fast: a large-breed food with controlled energy, calcium and phosphorus limits bone and joint problems. Never supplement calcium in a puppy already fed a complete food. An adult easily eats 500 to 700 g of kibble a day, adjusted to body condition.
Preventing bloat
That deep chest exposes the dog to stomach torsion, a life-threatening emergency. Split into two or three meals a day, avoid free access to water right after eating and above all intense exercise within the following hour. The same precautions apply to other giants, a logic close to our benchmarks on large-breed dog food.
Joints and a healthy weight
Every extra kilo weighs on joints already stressed by the sheer size. A healthy weight, and possibly joint-support supplements on veterinary advice, protect hips and elbows over the long term.
Frequently asked questions
How many meals a day?
Two to three daily meals, never a single large one, to reduce the risk of bloat.
Does the puppy need a large-breed food?
Yes: it frames growth and the calcium/phosphorus balance, essential in a future mastiff.
Is a raised bowl recommended?
Its value is still debated; the key is to split meals and avoid post-meal exercise. See the Dogue de Bordeaux profile and the dog hub.
An accessory from our shop for this use: Spiral slow-feeder dog bowl, 23 cm (€22.90) · the whole shop
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Dogs universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.