Top 5 Superfoods For Your Large Breed Dog
Livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) are some of the sweetest and most devoted large breed dog companions you can have. They’re loyal, protective, gentle giants who take their jobs seriously—guarding flocks and herds with unwavering commitment. But, like any hardworking pup, their large size and tireless nature can take a toll on their bodies, especially on their big bones and joints. These 5 natural superfoods for large breed dogs will make all the difference.
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Whole food supplements are a fantastic, affordable, and natural way to support your large breed dog’s health. These supplements provide essential nutrients in their whole form that promote joint health, mental clarity, and overall wellness.
In my experience, the top five whole food supplements that have made a noticeable difference for our dogs are eggs, beef liver, soup bones, whey, and fish oil. Let’s dive into why these superfoods should be on your large breed dog’s menu.
What is a Large Breed Dog?
A large breed dog is a dog that is larger in size and requires more space, exercise, nutrition, and care compared to smaller breeds.
Some breeds include:
Labrador Retriever – Known for their friendly temperament, intelligence, and versatility.
Golden Retriever – Popular for being family-friendly, gentle, and easy to train.
German Shepherd – Highly intelligent, loyal, and often used in police and military roles.
Rottweiler – Strong, protective, and confident, often used as a guard dog.
Great Pyrenees – A calm, loyal, and protective breed often used as a livestock guardian dog.
Maremma Sheepdog – A gentle and intelligent breed, commonly used to protect livestock.
Šarplaninac – A sweet and independent breed, often used for guarding livestock.
Kangal – A Turkish breed known for its protective nature and used for guarding livestock in harsh conditions.
Tibetan Mastiff – A large, strong breed originally used to guard livestock in the Himalayas.
Meet Beren and Luthien
Beren (white) and Luthien (black/white) are our not-so-little cuties. They are loyal, protective, playful, cuddly, calm, sensitive, loving, strong, intimidating, gentle giants.
Beren is a Great Pyrenees x Maremma, while Lou is a Great Pyrenees x Šarplaninac. Both are large breed LGDs, and each brings a unique energy to our home. They are not only our protectors but also our source of endless love and companionship.
Beren is almost 4 years old. He is a gentle giant that is very loyal, protective, loves butt rubs, and would have the voice of Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh if he could talk.
Lou is almost 1 year old. She is sweet, playful, psychotic, an expert play fighter, loves cuddles, and plays with literally anything that’s around. She would have the voice of Tigger from Winnie the Pooh if she could talk.
Top 5 Whole Food Supplements for Large Breed Dogs
In my experience, and supported by historical and ancestral evidence, I believe these are the top 5 whole food supplements for large breed dogs that are not only natural and affordable but also deeply nourishing:
- Eggs
- Beef liver
- Soup bones
- Whey
- Fish oils
These nutrient-dense foods offer essential support for your dog’s overall health, joints, and mood. Each of these whole food supplements brings unique benefits, helping to keep your large breed dog strong, healthy, and happy, whether they’re guarding the flock or simply relaxing at home.
Eggs
Eggs are a superfood for humans and dogs alike. They’re rich in protein, nourishing fats, and vitamins and minerals. They can be given raw and whole, shell and all. Dogs can digest raw egg easier than cooked egg and can provide more nutrients. Source the best quality egg you can find.
Omega-3’s: Egg yolks are rich is omega-3’s which help support the dog’s coat, skin, and joint health. These fats also contribute to overall energy levels and promote a shiny, healthy coat for LGDs that spend a lot of time outdoors.
Vitamins and Minerals: Eggs are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, B vitamins (including B12), and folate. These are important for immune function, bone and joint health, and energy metabolism, which are crucial for LGDs’ long-term health and stamina.
Eggshell Powder
Saving egg shells to make egg shell powder has become one of my favourite ways to reduce waste and support the health of our doggos.
Eggshell powder is a natural, cost-effective, nutrient-rich supplement for dogs, providing benefits like supporting bone and joint health, improving dental strength, and enhancing skin and coat condition.
It is rich in calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that promote strong bones, prevent joint issues, and help with inflammation. It can also improve digestive health and nerve function.
You can buy eggshell membrane powder here or make your own whole eggshell powder!
How to Make Homemade Eggshell Powder for Dogs
- Save Your Eggshells: Collect eggshells after using the eggs. It’s best to save a few at a time until you have a decent amount.
- Dry the Eggshells: Allow the eggshells to dry out on the counter for a day or two. This ensures they’re free of moisture and easier to grind.
- Grind Coarsely: Use a food processor or blender to break down the dried eggshells into coarse pieces.
- Heat to Remove Moisture: Place the coarsely ground eggshells on a baking tray and bake them at 200°F (93°C) for 10 minutes. This step helps to remove any remaining moisture and eliminates harmful pathogens, making the powder safe for your dog.
- Finely Grind the Eggshells: After baking and cooling, grind the eggshells further into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or high-powered blender.
- Store in an Airtight Container: Transfer the finely ground eggshell powder into an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
Dosage for Dogs: A general guideline is to use about 1/4 to 1/2 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight, a couple of times a week. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, start with a smaller amount and gradually increase.
Important Notes:
Consult Your Veterinarian: It’s always a good idea to consult with your vet before adding any new supplement to your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has existing health issues.
Moderation is Key: Too much calcium can lead to digestive issues, kidney problems, or calcium buildup. Using a low dose consistently over time offers the most benefit without causing harm.
Beef Liver
Beef liver is a nutrient-dense powerhouse for dogs and humans alike, again. Beef liver is nature’s multi-vitamin and is extremely bioavailable.
Rich in Nutrients: Beef liver is packed with essential nutrients like Vitamin A, B vitamins (especially B12), iron, copper, and zinc. These nutrients play a crucial role in maintaining your dog’s overall health, energy, supporting the immune system, and promoting healthy skin and coat.
Supports Liver Function: Feeding your dog liver can actually support their own liver function. The liver is rich in nutrients that help detoxify the body, which can be particularly helpful for dogs with liver issues (under the guidance of a vet).
Promotes Healthy Vision: The high levels of Vitamin A in beef liver contribute to maintaining healthy vision and eye health in dogs. It can help prevent conditions like night blindness and cataracts.
Improves Coat Health: The essential fatty acids and zinc in liver can contribute to a shinier, healthier coat, and help with skin conditions like dry skin or allergies.
Protein-Rich: Beef liver is an excellent source of protein, which is important for muscle maintenance, growth, and repair.
Improves Digestion: The amino acids and enzymes found in beef liver can help promote better digestion and gut health in dogs.
How to Serve Beef Liver to Your Dog:
- High-quality beef liver can be served raw, cooked or dehydrated (preferably without added seasonings like salt, garlic, or onion).
- It’s best to feed it in moderation, imagine how much a dog would be able to source liver in the wild.
- Liver can be cut into small, bite-sized pieces and served as a treat or mixed with your dog’s regular food.
Note: Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods or supplements to your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has pre-existing health conditions.
I like to give our pups frozen liver cubes as a treat once in awhile, they demolish them!
Soup Bones
Raw soup bones are a great treat for your LGD. They keep them busy and are rich in bone and joint supporting vitamins and minerals.
Joint Health: Soup bones, particularly those with marrow, are rich in collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, all of which promote joint health, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. This can be especially beneficial for aging dogs.
Dental Health: Chewing on soup bones helps to naturally clean your dog’s teeth, promoting better dental hygiene and reducing plaque buildup. The mechanical action of gnawing also strengthens their jaw muscles.
Nutrient-Rich Broth: When boiled down to make bone broth, soup bones release valuable nutrients, including minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are important for strong bones and overall health. You can use this broth as a supplement in your dog’s meals to enhance hydration and add essential nutrients.
Mental Stimulation: Giving your dog a soup bone to chew on provides a satisfying, natural activity that can keep them mentally engaged and reduce boredom.
Healthy Coat: The collagen and fatty acids found in marrow help to promote a shiny, healthy coat for your dog, as well as support skin health.
Always supervise your dog while they chew on bones, and ensure the bones are large enough to prevent choking or breaking.
Whey
This whole food supplement is particularly effective if you make your own cheese. If you do, you’re likely to have leftover whey, which is packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.
Protein Source: Whey is rich in high-quality proteins, including essential amino acids that are important for muscle development, repair, and overall health. These proteins can complement your dog’s diet, especially for working or active dogs.
Gut Health: Whey contains lactose and probiotics, which can aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut flora, supporting your dog’s digestive system. It’s beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those prone to digestive issues.
Hydration: Whey is naturally hydrating, as it contains a good amount of water. When added to your dog’s meals or served as a treat, it can help keep your dog hydrated, especially in hot weather or after exercise.
Rich in Minerals: Whey is also a good source of important minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which support bone health, muscle function, and electrolyte balance.
Natural Flavour: Dogs often enjoy the taste of whey, making it an excellent way to entice picky eaters or encourage hydration and nutrition through a flavourful addition to their regular food.
Simply save the whey in a jar and store in your fridge. Add about a cup to your pups food for an extra protein and nutrient punch.
Our boy likes whey and lard crackling cereal which consists of leftover whey from cheesemaking and the crispy bits that are the by-product of rendering lard, a nutrient dense treat.
As with any food, it’s important to introduce whey gradually into your dog’s diet to avoid digestive upset, especially if your dog has lactose intolerance. Always check with your veterinarian before adding new supplements or ingredients to your dog’s diet.
Fish Oil/Omega-3s
Fish oil is a fancier but still accessible and affordable whole food supplement. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are important for an abundance of bodily functions for humans and dogs.
Supports Healthy Skin and Coat: Omega-3s help improve skin hydration and promote a shiny, healthy coat. They can also help reduce itching, dryness, and flakiness caused by allergies or skin conditions like dermatitis.
Reduces Inflammation: Fish oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help manage conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other inflammatory disorders in dogs. It can alleviate pain and discomfort, especially in older dogs or those with joint issues.
Boosts Immune System: Omega-3 fatty acids help strengthen the immune system, making it easier for dogs to fight off infections and diseases.
Improves Heart Health: Fish oil supports cardiovascular health by helping to lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Supports Cognitive Function: DHA, a key omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, is essential for brain health and cognitive function, making it beneficial for senior dogs or those with cognitive decline.
Promotes Joint Health: The anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil can support joint mobility and function, helping dogs with arthritis or general wear and tear.
Improves Digestion: Fish oil can help improve the overall digestive process by reducing inflammation in the gut, promoting a healthy digestive tract, and alleviating issues like constipation or bloating.
Where do I find affordable omega-3s?
I honestly don’t buy fish oil but I do buy cans of fish and vacuum sealed fish and save the oil to add to the pups food. It’s not much but it’s better than nothing, reduces waste, and is the most affordable form of omega-3s.
The next most affordable way to incorporate omega-3s into your dogs diet is through flax seed oil. It has nearly the same benefits as fish oil. You can buy a bottle to try out here.
Conclusion
Large breed dogs (especially livestock guardian dogs, in my biased opinion) are some of the sweetest, protective, and cuddly companions around. They deserve all the love and extra nourishment you can give and these top 5 superfoods for large breed dogs are a great and affordable way to support your sweet doggo.
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