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Tibetan Mastiffs aren’t just powerful — they’re profoundly complex. Originally bred to guard livestock in the unforgiving Himalayas, their imposing presence masks a surprisingly sensitive constitution. With a need for slow and steady growth and a predisposition to joint issues, these giants need more than just calories — they need thoughtful, tailored nutrition.
We break down exactly what Tibetan Mastiffs need in their bowls — from optimal protein sources to real food ingredients that help protect joints and fuel steady development at every life stage. Whether you're raising a curious pup or supporting a seasoned guardian, this is about feeding your dog with confidence and care.
Read more: Tibetan Mastiff breed insights: care, personality & expert tips
How nutrition can help common Tibetan Mastiff health concerns
Joint issues
Due to their massive size, Tibetan Mastiffs can be prone to joint issues like elbow and hip dysplasia. As they age, these conditions can lead to arthritis, making mobility and comfort key concerns.
Try this:
Anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and omega-3 from fish oil can support joint health. Real food diets that include high-quality proteins and anti-inflammatory superfoods help reduce inflammation and support joint integrity, particularly during growth phases or when your pup reaches their senior years.
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog’s diet help?
Overweight or obesity
Tibetan Mastiffs can be prone to weight gain, usually a result of overeating or not enough exercise. Being overweight can put strain on their joints and impact their overall wellbeing.
Try this:
Choose custom-portioned meals with the appropriate calorie content for their daily needs, like Lyka. Skip the high-fat or high-GI carbohydrate treats and instead opt for low-fat, single-protein snacks like Lyka’s Chicky Chews.
Read more: Lyka’s vet guide to healthy dog weight (with charts and videos)
Slow growth for large breeds
Tibetan Mastiffs are a giant breed and should grow slowly, reaching full maturity around 3–4 years old. Feeding them too much or with imbalanced nutrients during this phase can lead to orthopedic issues.
Try this:
Ensure balanced calcium to phosphorus ratios and avoid overfeeding protein and calories during puppyhood. Lyka’s meals are custom portioned and formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to suit large-breed puppies and support their steady, healthy development.
Read more: Large breed puppy feeding: why slow and steady wins the race
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How to choose the best food for your Tibetan Mastiff
Fresh food, raw, wet or dry? Supermarket, pet shop, or delivered to your door? There are so many dog food options on the market — where do you begin?
1. Complete and balanced
Tibetan Mastiffs, like all pups, need a complete and balanced diet containing the right nutrients in the right proportions.
Australia has pet food standards, but they’re largely unregulated. Many brands follow AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) or FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) guidelines.
Meeting AAFCO and FEDIAF standards is just the start. Lyka meals are formulated by a team of Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to ensure they’re complete and balanced for all life stages.
Read more: Dog food ingredients: a glossary of common and confusing terms
2. Optimal nutrition for your Tibetan Mastiff
Not all dog food is created equally. Variety and quality of ingredients and cooking methods can all impact the nutrient availability of your dog’s food.
Many raw dog food options present a good balance of high-quality protein, fresh produce, and superfoods. But not all dogs can easily digest raw food, especially pups with a weakened immune system or digestive issues.
Dry food (kibble) often contains high amounts of carbohydrates and synthetic vitamins and minerals. The animal protein used in kibble is often pet-grade, like meat meal or meat by-products, that vary in quality and are not subject to the same checks as human-grade meat. Kibble is usually cooked at high temperatures, which can reduce digestibility and can lead to the potential formation of harmful compounds, like acrylamides.
Home cooking can be a great option for your dog, but making sure each mouthful is complete and balanced is not easy to do without expert guidance.
Lyka meals are made using human-grade ingredients and are gently cooked, then snap-frozen to retain their nutritional value and digestibility. Each meal is high in protein and custom-portioned to meet your dog’s daily needs.
Want to dig deeper into which type of food is best for your Tibetan Mastiff? We’ve created a series of guides to help you make an informed choice.
Read more: Freshly cooked vs kibble for dogs: which is better?
Read more: Freshly cooked vs raw meat for dogs: which is better?
Read more: Fresh vs home cooking for your dog: which is better?
Read more: Freshly cooked vs wet food for dogs: which is better?
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How much food does a Tibetan Mastiff need?
Serving size recommendations based solely on weight don’t tell the full story. Your dog’s energy level, lifestyle and body condition score are all part of the picture.
That’s why Lyka calculates your Tibetan Mastiff’s portion sizes based on their personal profile, not just on their weight.
Establish a consistent feeding routine with your Tibetan Mastiff to support their digestion, especially if they have a sensitive stomach.
Do Tibetan Mastiff puppies and senior dogs need special food?
Not necessarily. Nutrient-dense, real food meals formulated for all life stages — like Lyka — cover the daily requirements of both growing pups and dogs in their golden years.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development
Read more: Why real food is the healthiest choice for senior dogs
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New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting a Tibetan Mastiff comes with plenty of decisions. Choosing what’s in their bowl is one of the most important.
Designed by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and made with real, human-grade ingredients, Lyka meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Tibetan Mastiffs across Australia are already thriving on Lyka — yours could be next.
Join our pack of proud Tibetan Mastiff parents today.
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