Gun Dog Breeders: Diet Tips to Keep Dogo Argentinos in Shape for Hunting Season

The Dogo Argentino is one of the younger gun dog breeds. It was first bred in the 1920s in Argentina, according to PetWave, as hunters sought a dog that could track and capture large game animals like jaguars, wild boar, and puma while still being obedient and stable enough to serve as a reliable family pet.

Dogo Argentinos' large, muscular frames and the exhausting work they must do as hunting companions require a hardy diet to maintain their athletic ability and stamina. Here are three diet tips for keeping these Argentinian mastiffs in tip-top shape for hunting big and small game.

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1. Start With Breeders' Feeding Routine
After purchasing your puppy from the breeder, begin by continuing to feed your Dogo Argentino the same type of food and amount that the dog received from the breeder, according to the Legend Dogo Argentinos website. After one to two weeks, if you would like to change your pup's diet, make this change gradually. Mix in a little bit of the new kibble with the old food, slowly increasing the amount of new food in each feeding while decreasing the old kibble. This process will negate incidents of upset stomachs and diarrhea in your puppy.

2. Consider Fresh Food
The best nutrition plan for Argentine Dogos is to feed them fresh food, according to the Your Purebred Puppy website. Provide homemade meals balanced between chicken, fish, lamb, venison, bison, turkey and beef along with fresh fruits and vegetables and mixing in eggs and yogurt on occasion. Dr. Martin Goldstein, DVM said: "You can boost your pet's health profoundly by making one simple decision. All you have to do is change its diet from commercial-brand fare to real food. The fresh food you buy at the market for yourself is the food you should give your pet, too."

3. Use Dry or Canned Food
As large dogs, Dogos need to be fed two big, wholesome meals each day, according to Pet Guide. If you don't have the time or energy to make homemade meals for your Dogo, most dog food suppliers offer breed-specific dry food formulas for large breeds like Dogo Argentinos, according to the American Kennel Club. Another dietary option is canned food. Ask your dog's veterinarian or breeder for advice on food types, frequency of meals for pups and the optimal adult diet for when your Dogo grows up.

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