Use the Feeding Schedule Planner
Building the Right Feeding Schedule for Your English Mastiff
Enter your English Mastiff's weight and age above to get a personalized feeding schedule with portion sizes and meal timing. Consistency in feeding time and quantity is one of the most important things you can do for your dog's digestive health and behaviour.
The English Mastiff is one of the heaviest dog breeds in the world, with some males exceeding 200 pounds. Despite their massive size, Mastiffs are calm, gentle, and deeply affectionate with their families. They have ancient origins and were used by Roman emperors in gladiatorial battles. Today's Mastiff is a devoted family companion who forms deep bonds but doesn't require excessive exercise. Their giant size means food costs are significant, and precise calorie management is essential to prevent the joint stress that comes with even modest excess weight.
Recommended Feeding Frequency by Age
2–3 months: 4 meals per day
3–6 months: 3 meals per day
6–12 months: 2–3 meals per day
Adult English Mastiff (1–7 years): 2 meals per day (morning and evening)
Senior English Mastiff (7+ years): 2 smaller meals per day
A typical adult English Mastiff weighing 195 lbs needs approximately 2827 calories daily, which works out to roughly 6.6 cups of standard kibble split across two meals — about 3.3 cups per meal.
Feeding Schedule Tips for English Mastiffs
Feed at consistent times each day — ideally morning and evening, 8–12 hours apart. Consistent timing regulates digestion, reduces begging behaviour, and makes house training significantly easier. Avoid exercising your English Mastiff immediately after eating, especially if they are a larger breed, to reduce the risk of bloat (GDV).
Measure portions precisely using a kitchen scale or dedicated measuring cup — "eyeballing" portions is one of the most common causes of obesity in dogs. Account for all treats, chews, and toppers in the daily calorie count.
Choosing the Right Food for Your English Mastiff
Look for dog food where the first ingredient is a named protein (chicken, beef, salmon — not "meat meal"). English Mastiffs benefit from food with at least 25% protein content and moderate fat levels. Avoid fillers like corn syrup, artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT), and vague ingredient labels like "animal by-products."
Breed-specific formulas exist for many of these characteristics and can be a good starting point, but they are not mandatory — a high-quality standard adult formula works just as well for most English Mastiffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I feed my English Mastiff once or twice a day?
A: Twice daily is recommended for most English Mastiffs. Splitting daily calories into two meals reduces hunger, improves digestion, and is associated with lower bloat risk in larger breeds.
Q: Can I leave food out all day for my English Mastiff?
A: Free-feeding is not recommended for English Mastiffs, as it makes calorie control impossible and is a major contributor to obesity. Scheduled mealtimes also strengthen your role as a provider, which supports training.
Disclaimer: These are general guidelines. Your veterinarian can give breed- and dog-specific recommendations based on a physical examination.