Feeding your Dogo Argentino the right amount is key to their health and longevity. Known for their muscular build and high energy levels, Dogo Argentinos require a well-balanced diet tailored to their specific needs.
In this feeding guide, you’ll find information about how much food your Dogo Argentino should eat, factoring in their age, size, and activity level.
You’ll find expert guidance on portion sizes and nutritional requirements, ensuring your Dogo Argentino thrives at every stage of its life.
What Factors Impact How Much to Feed a Dogo Argentino
Feeding a Dogo Argentino involves more than just filling their bowl; it requires understanding the various factors that influence their dietary needs.
Let’s dive into what affects how much you should feed your Dogo Argentino:
- Age: Puppies need smaller, more frequent meals rich in nutrients to support their rapid growth and development. As they mature into adults, their meal frequency can decrease, but the portion sizes should be adjusted to sustain their high energy levels. Finally, senior Dogos often require less food due to a slower metabolism.
- Weight: A Dogo Argentino’s weight plays a pivotal role in determining its food intake. If they are underweight, increasing their calorie intake might be necessary. Conversely, an overweight Dogo may benefit from a calorie-controlled diet to achieve a healthy weight.
- Activity Level: Dogo Argentinos are naturally active. Dogs with a high level of physical activity will require more calories to maintain their energy. On the other hand, less active dogs might need reduced food portions to avoid weight gain.
- Health Status: Just like any other breed, Dogo Argentinos can have specific health concerns. Conditions like allergies, digestive issues, or joint problems might necessitate special diets.
While dog food packaging can offer general feeding guidelines, they may not perfectly align with the unique needs of a Dogo Argentino.
Collaborating with your vet or a pet nutrition expert is the best way to determine the precise amount and type of food suited for your dog’s specific requirements.
How Much to Feed Your Dogo Argentino
Setting up an appropriate meal plan for your furry friend is necessary if you want it to remain healthy throughout its lifetime.
To help you get started, this section will provide you with some general guidelines for feeding your Dogo Argentino.
However, keep in mind that these numbers are not set in stone — they’re merely a starting point from which you can adjust to meet the feeding requirements of your pet.
Dogo Argentino Puppy Feeding Chart (1 to 12 months)
For the first three weeks, responsible breeders allow Dogo Argentino puppies to rely solely on their mother’s milk or a suitable substitute. This is crucial for their early development, as they are not yet ready to digest solid food.
Around three weeks old, you can start introducing solid puppy food into their diet. Gradually mix it in small quantities with milk replacer to ease the transition. This approach helps prevent digestive problems and ensures a smooth adjustment to solid food.
You can either go for dry or canned food; however, opt for high-quality puppy food that is rich in protein and fat, as these nutrients are vital for your puppy’s growth and development.
To guide you on how much to feed a Dogo Argentino, here’s a detailed feeding chart:
| Age | Daily Feeding Amount (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 2 – 3 months | 3 ½ – 3 ¾ | 1,545 – 1,656 |
| 4 – 5 months | 2 ¾ – 3 ½ | 1,264 – 1,566 |
| 6 – 7 months | 3 ¾ – 4 ¼ | 1,644 – 1,902 |
| 8 – 12 months | 4 ¼ – 5 ¼ | 1,888 – 2,310 |
Based on the table above, Dogo Argentino puppies require about four to six cups of food per day during their first year. The number of calories they need to consume increases as they get older.
Remember, these guidelines are a starting point. It’s important to observe your puppy’s health, energy levels, and growth and adjust their food intake accordingly.
Regular check-ins with your vet are recommended to ensure your Dogo Argentino puppy is on track with their dietary needs.
Adult Dogo Argentino Feeding Chart (1 to 6 years)
As Dogo Argentinos typically reach their full size around 15 to 24 months, this is when you should transition them from puppy food to adult dog food.
However, the exact amount of food depends on their lifestyle and activity level. Active Dogos may need more food, while spayed or neutered ones, often less active post-surgery, might require fewer calories.
Here’s a basic feeding chart for adult Dogo Argentinos:
| Age | Daily Feeding Amount (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 1 – 6 years | 4 ¼ – 4 ½ | 1,707 – 1,848 |
Note that adults generally need fewer calories than puppies due to a slower metabolism. Monitoring their food intake is crucial to prevent obesity and related health issues.
Including supplements like antioxidants, glucosamine, and omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial, but always consult a vet first.
With the large size of Dogo Argentinos, I always make sure that I stick to the feeding guide indicated above in terms of the amount of dog food I give them.
However, for those Dogos I need to feed that function as working or hunting dogs, like my uncle’s Geo, I usually add another cup daily. This is enough to cover the energy needed for his additional physical activity without slowing his movement.
Senior Dogo Argentino Feeding Chart (7 years and above)
As your Dogo Argentino enters their senior years, switching to senior-specific dog food is recommended.
This type of food typically contains fewer calories and fats but more fiber and calcium, suitable for less active, aging dogs.
Here’s the feeding guideline for senior Dogo Argentinos:
| Age | Daily Feeding Amount (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 7 years and above | 3 ½ – 3 ¾ | 1,366 – 1,478 |
For senior Dogo Argentinos, reducing treats and snacks is important to prevent weight gain. Additionally, if you notice changes in their coat, such as dullness or dryness, incorporating fish oil into their diet may help.
Overall, Dogo Argentinos tend to live anywhere between 9 and 14 years. That said, if you want your four-legged friend to stick around for a long time, be sure to provide them with meals that are suitable for their age.
How Often Should You Feed Your Dogo Argentino?
The ideal feeding schedule for Dogo Argentinos varies with their age and developmental stages.
Here’s a simple guideline on how often to feed your Dogo Argentino:
| Age | Feeding Frequency |
| 0 – 12 weeks | Three to four times a day or free feeding |
| 3 – 12 months | Three times a day |
| 1 – 6 years | Two to three times a day |
| 7 years and above | Once or twice a day |
Remember, these guidelines are flexible. Adjust the frequency based on your Dogo Argentino’s health, weight, and activity level.
That said, to make sure that your canine is getting the proper quantity of calories and nutrition, establishing a feeding routine should be your top priority.
How to Transition Your Dogo Argentino to a New Food
Transitioning your Dogo Argentino to a new food can be a stressful process for both of you; thus, it’s important that you do it gradually. This way, you can minimize the chances of your pup experiencing digestive issues.
Start by mixing 75% of your Dogo Argentino’s current dog food with 25% of the new food for two days. If you’re worried about stomach upset, adding a bit of pumpkin or water can help ease the transition.
Here’s a summary of the AKC’s suggested food transition schedule, which you may use for your Dogo Argentino:
| Day | Old Food | New Food |
| 1 – 2 | 75% | 25% |
| 3 – 4 | 50% | 50% |
| 5 – 6 | 25% | 75% |
| 7 | 0% | 100% |
On average, it takes roughly seven days before your Dogo Argentino can fully adjust to its new food. Hence, being patient and consistent will ensure that this transition goes smoothly without any problems.
If you notice any signs of stomach upset, bloat, or unusual changes in their poop, it’s best to pause the transition and consult your vet.
Being patient and observant during this period is crucial to ensure a smooth and safe dietary change for your Dogo Argentino.
Tips on Feeding an Overweight Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentinos are pricey dogs known for their muscular build and strong physique. Unfortunately, this dog may also be prone to gaining excess weight, which can lead to various health issues.
If you notice that your Dogo Argentino is gaining unnecessary weight, here are some steps you can take to help trim its weight down:
- Monitor caloric intake: Begin by assessing the amount of food your Dogo Argentino consumes daily. Overfeeding is a common cause of weight gain. Consider reducing their daily caloric intake, ensuring they still receive the essential nutrients they need.
- Opt for high-quality dog food: Not all dog foods are created equal. Opt for high-quality dog food formulated for weight management. These foods are often lower in fat but still provide the necessary protein and nutrients for your Dogo Argentino.
- Limit treats: While it’s tempting to spoil your Dogo Argentino with treats, it’s essential to be mindful of the quantity and quality. Opt for healthier treat alternatives, such as carrots or lean meats, and reserve treats for training sessions or special occasions only.
- Avoid free-feeding: Leaving food out for your Dogo Argentino to eat whenever they please can lead to overeating. Instead, establish a feeding schedule with set meal times and portions.
If your dog is overweight, you may also consider making changes to their physical activity. This may include bringing your dogs on longer walks, having longer play sessions, or even engaging your Dogo in agility training.
Remember, every Dogo Argentino is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. It’s essential to be patient and consistent in your efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If I’m Feeding My Dogo Argentino Enough?
To determine if you’re feeding your Dogo Argentino adequately, regularly monitor their weight and overall health. A Dogo Argentino that is well-fed will have a healthy weight, vibrant energy, and a shiny coat.
It also helps to assess your Dogo Argentino’s body condition score (BCS). A score of 5 indicates a balanced weight, where you can palpate the ribs, spine, and hip bones with a slight fat layer covering them.
Why Is My Dogo Argentino Not Eating?
There are a number of reasons why your Dogo Argentino might not be eating. Sometimes, it may be nothing to worry about at all. Other times, however, it can be an indication of something more serious.
For instance, food transition can cause a pup to stop eating. Likewise, Injuries and ulcers around the mouth of a Dogo Argentino can cause it to exhibit this behavior as well.
Whenever this happens, it is recommended to observe your dog and take it to the vet after a full day or two of not eating.
Can I Feed My Dogo Argentino With Human Food?
While some human foods might be safe in moderation, many can be harmful to Dogo Argentinos. Ingredients commonly found in our meals might upset their digestive system or even be toxic.
To keep your Dogo Argentino’s health in check, it’s recommended that you stick to providing it with high-quality dog food that meets its nutritional needs.
If you’re considering adding human food to their diet, always consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist first.
Do Dogo Argentinos Eat a Lot?
Dogo Argentinos are expected to eat a lot of food because of their size. But the truth is that they only need about five cups of food daily. In fact, this is much less than other large dogs that can eat up to ten servings a day.
Can Dogo Argentinos Eat Bones?
Dogo Argentinos can eat bones but not cooked ones, as they’re likely to splinter and cause problems to your furry companion’s stomach.
So even though Dogo Argentinos possess powerful jaws, investing in raw meat, edible, and recreational bones is a better option for them.
Just ensure you supervise your Dogo Argentino when they’re chewing on their bone treats. You don’t want them choking on any pieces or swallowing large chunks whole.
We hope this article on feeding your Dogo Argentino has been both helpful and informative. If you have any questions or need further guidance, please feel free to leave a comment below.
