“What should I feed my Anatolian?” This is probably one of the most common questions we receive as a breeder. In this article, we hope to bring insight to this question.
Types of food:
There are several different types of dog food on the market, making it overwhelming. Whether you choose dry kibble, wet kibble, or raw meat, please view the list below for some general guidelines when purchasing food.
Here are some things to check for when purchasing food for your Anatolian:
High quality and quantities of protein, such as lamb, beef, chicken, etc. as the number 1 ingredient in their food
Healthy fats and acids, such as lard, tallow, muscle meats, etc.
Natural vitamins and minerals, from bones etc.
Small amounts of carbohydrates from ingredients such as vegetables, berries, etc.
The food is formulated specifically for large/giant breeds of dogs
Other considerations when choosing food for your dog would be your dog’s:
Weight
Age
Condition (e.i. If you want them to lose, maintain, or gain weight)
Metabolism
Energy level
Habitat (e.i. If they live outside and whether it’s winter vs. summer etc.)
Whether dog is intact or spayed/neutered
Your vet’s recommendations
Dry Kibble:
A benefit to dry kibble is that it’s already formulated to contain everything your dog will need in their diet. In other words, you can’t leave anything out of your dog’s diet when feeding a quality kibble. Some people testify it lessens plaque levels, resulting in healthier teeth and gums. It also is easy to store and has a long shelf life. This opens up doors to purchasing kibble by the pallet, so you can have lots of dog food for months at a time. (If this option intrigues you, I would recommend looking into Akela’s Den Supreme or Inukshuk dog food). Since it is dry, it has a lesser risk of containing bacteria which can be harmful both to dogs and people.
A downside to dry kibble is many brands lack in quality. Low-quality kibble often will result in tons of health issues. Some kibbles are made with additional sugars or grains, which aren’t great for dogs. They are often high in carbohydrate levels, which aren’t healthy for dogs. Dry kibble is low in moisture and can sometimes lead to dehydration if dogs aren’t drinking enough water. In cheaper kibble brands, often meat is not a main ingredient. Although the cheaper kibble options may be tempting, they often result in more vet bills in the end. Keep in mind that the money you spend on high-quality kibble almost always is saved in vet bills later on.
Raw meat:
A pro to raw meat is it's often healthier than most kibbles. Usually, feeding your dog raw food boosts their energy level and performance. Raw meat almost always contains meat, organs, muscle, etc. as the number 1 ingredient, which is wonderful for your dog. Feeding your dog parts of your butchered livestock can offer peace of mind, knowing exactly what is their food. It’s high in moisture content lessening the risk for dehydration and is low in carbohydrates.
But raw meat has its cons too. For one, vets will often caution against it and it’s not always suitable for puppies. Unless purchased from a store, it will not have the nutrition label outlining calories, protein, fat, etc, and feeding guidelines. It is also a more expensive option, sometimes making it less feasible. It’s hard to store and doesn’t have a long lifespan. It can contain bacteria, which is harmful to people and dogs. Some owners will mix raw food with kibble to lessen the price. This also means you will have less to store, so it won’t be as overwhelming.
How Much to Feed:
Deciding how much food to feed your dog can be challenging. Generally speaking, we would recommend starting with the feeding guidelines on the food package. From here, we would take into consideration the factors below:
Weight
Age
Condition (e.i. If you want them to lose, maintain, or gain weight)
Metabolism
Energy level
Habitat (e.i. If they live outside and whether it’s winter vs. summer etc.)
Whether dog is intact or spayed/neutered
Your vet’s recommendations
For example, feeding more or higher fat food during periods when you want your dog to gain condition, during cold weather, etc. is a wise move.
Feeding systems:
There are primarily 2 different types of feeding systems: scheduled or free-choice feeding. Scheduled feedings are when you feed your dogs at a certain time each day and monitor them while they eat. Free choice is when your dog has unlimited access to food.
Scheduled feeding:
A plus to scheduled feedings is you have complete control over how much your dog is eating. This prevents over or under-eating. You can monitor if there's a sudden shift in their behaviour towards food, which could be a sign of a health problem. If you have multiple dogs, you can ensure each dog is being fed and no one is stealing or guarding food from the others. You also have more variety when it comes to food, as you don't have to worry as much about bacteria growing on food. It will also encourage your dogs to be more food-motivated, which can be helpful when it comes to training. In other words, your dog will see food as a reward causing them to be motivated by food.
A snag to scheduled feedings could be the inconvenience of having to feed your dogs a couple of times a day. You could also unintentionally over or underfeed your dog. Your dog might feel pressured to eat and eat too quickly or eat even when they aren’t hungry.
Free-Choice Feedings:
An advantage to free-choice feedings is the fact your dog can never miss a meal. They can feel satisfied after every time they eat. Your dog can choose how much they need for the day and you don’t have to adjust their food portions. It’s more convenient for owners too. Some people claim it lowers food aggression as the dog knows that the food is always there.
A disadvantage to free choice is your dog may overeat leading to obesity or health issues. This is especially common in puppies, as they often eat more than they need. Others might undereat because they're too timid, leading to starvation or behavioural issues. It will also lessen a dog's food motivation as they will probably view food as a right rather than a reward. It can be hard to store properly or keep away from livestock, birds, or wildlife. If the kibble gets wet, it could start growing bacteria. You are also more limited on which food to feed, as raw or wet food will grow bacteria when left out all the time.
We hope this article provides more insight into these common feeding topics. Knowing what, how, and when to feed your Anatolian is crucial for the well-being of your guardian.
Sources Cited:
‘Sarah Sypniewski, “The Great Feeding Debate: Free Verses Scheduled Feeding”, Ember Pet Insurance, June 21, 2017; https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/waterbowl/article/free-feeding-vs-scheduled-feeding’
‘Lauren Corona, “Pros and Cons: Meal Feeding Vs Free Feeding Dogs”, PetGuide, February 27, 2023, https://www.petguide.com/health/dog/pros-and-cons-meal-feeding-vs-free-feeding-dogs/’
‘Stephanie Garza, “The Truth About Raw Dog Food vs. Kibble”, Oma’s Pride, March 1, 2024, https://omaspride.com/blog/comparing-raw-food-vs-kibble-for-dogs?srsltid=AfmBOooPrU_S7h4Rqi831KEM8JfB2qC8zIr-Bhh_jzV0r3-hzhJFQIBU’
‘Ollie Pet Inc, “Benefits of Fresh Dog Food vs. Raw Food vs. Kibble For Your Dog”, American Kennel Club, February 1, 2024, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/fresh-raw-kibble-dog-food/’
‘“Anatolian Shepherd Feeding Guide”, ProDog Raw, https://www.prodograw.com/raw-feeding-guide/anatolian-shepherd-feeding-guide/#:~:text=What%20exactly%20should%20the%20diet,duck%2C%20eggs%2C%20and%20fish.’
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