Health, Care and Maintenance

FEED

This is the most important factor in owning a healthy and low maintenance Neapolitan Mastiff.

Our experience with our own and on viewing many other Neapolitan Mastiff puppies and adults in Australia and consulting with experts has resulted in the following recommendations.

Puppies up to 12-18months. Two meals per day.

Royal Canin or Eukanuba Giant Breed Puppy to compromise 75-80% of meal plus Pal puppy food (tinned). Under no circumstances should additives such as Calcium be given. Royal Canin or Eukanuba has the correct mix of all the necessary things for large breeds of dog.

Initially half of the biscuits to be soaked in hot water the other half dry then Pal puppy food mixed in. Yoghurt can also be added once or twice a week and the Pal puppy food substituted with raw meat. Please avoid too much chicken unless you can get free range. Chicken from large commercial producers is often full of antibiotics which can cause problems.

Lamb is very good and lamb flaps, shanks etc., will provide good chewing which will maintain healthy teeth and gums. Beef meat may be given, however beef bones should be avoided as they are very hard and can cause tooth damage.

As the dog gets a little older it will start rejecting the soaked biscuits. That is normal. Dogs should never be feed immediately after strenuous activity, this can lead to bloat. However, after a long day or after exercise when the dogs are really hungry, and time wise you must feed them, still soak half the biscuits. We believe this may reduce the incidence of bloat.

Raised feeding bowls are also a great help. The dogs seem to eat and digest better when the bowls are elevated.

Large quantities of fresh clean water are a must. Water containers must be frequently cleaned as the dogs dribble as they drink and a large amount of drool accumulates in the bottom.

As the dog gets older but certainly not before 12 months Royal Canin or Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy can be changed gradually to Royal Canin or Eukanuba Premium. We recommend twice daily feeding for the lifetime of the Neapolitan with dry biscuits available in between.

Milk products are not necessary at any age, however a little yoghurt occasionally is good for digestion. An egg flip once a month is also good for the coat.

Quantities need to be increased as the dog grows. At all times the Neapolitan should be kept to a reasonable weight. That is when you rub your hand over their side you should be able to feel the ribs. They should not be covered in fat. Likewise the ribs should not be apparent when the dog is walking or standing.

That completes the information. We have endeavoured to give basic details of care and maintenance of your new family member but are always pleased to discuss with you any worries or queries that occur and offer assistance or advice as required.

Should you have any problems or concerns please don't hesitate to contact us at any time.