Last Updated on December 15, 2025 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM
Feeding Your Maremma Sheepdog Puppy the Right Way
Quality nutrition during the first year sets the foundation for your dog's lifetime health and working ability
Your Maremma puppy’s diet during the critical first 12-18 months impacts everything from bone development to immune function to eventual working capability. We’ll tell you exactly what we feed, why it matters, and how to transition to your preferred food if you choose something different – plus what’s normal (and what’s not) during that transition period.
What We Feed Our Maremma Puppies
Our Current Food: Diamond Naturals All Life Stages
We’ve carefully selected this food because it meets all the requirements for large breed puppy development:
✓ AAFCO approved for all dogs, including large breed puppies
✓ Appropriate calcium/phosphorus ratio for healthy bone development
✓ Quality protein sources for muscle development
✓ Controlled caloric density to prevent too-rapid growth
✓ Proven track record with our program over multiple litters
Why This Formula Matters:
Maremmas are a large breed dog (typically 70-145 lbs as adults) with a long growth period. Large breed puppies have specific nutritional requirements that differ from small or medium breeds:
- Controlled growth rate: Too-fast growth can lead to developmental orthopedic problems
- Balanced calcium: Too much or too little affects bone development
- Appropriate fat levels: Supports healthy development without excessive weight gain
All our puppies are raised on this food from weaning through adulthood. Their digestive systems are accustomed to it, and they’re thriving on it.
AAFCO-approved food for puppies (including large breed) and adults, including large breed. This is a 5-star food on Dog Food Advisor. All of our Maremmas 12 months and up eat this food.
You’re Free to Choose
While we feed and recommend Diamond Naturals All Life Stages, you’re welcome to feed whatever brand you prefer for your Maremma. Many excellent large-breed puppy foods are available that will support your puppy’s healthy development.
Non-Negotiable Quality Guidelines:
Whatever food you choose, it MUST meet these requirements:
1. AAFCO Approved for Large Breed Puppies
- Look for the AAFCO statement on the bag
- Must specifically say “for large breed puppies” or “for growth of large breed dogs.”
- NOT just “for all life stages” or “for puppies” without the large breed specification
2. Appropriate Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio
- Calcium: approximately 1.0-1.5% (dry matter basis)
- Phosphorus: approximately 0.8-1.2% (dry matter basis)
- Ratio between 1:1 and 2:1
3. Quality Protein Sources
- Named meat sources (chicken, lamb, beef, etc.) in the first few ingredients
- Avoid foods where grain or grain by-products are the primary ingredients
4. Manufactured by a Reputable Company
- Established company with quality control standards
- Feeding trials conducted (not just formulated to meet AAFCO standards)
- Good track record and reputation
What to Avoid:
- Grain-free diets (linked to heart disease in some large breeds)
- “Puppy” food without large breed specification
- Boutique brands without feeding trial history
- Excessive protein levels (more isn’t always better for large breed growth)
Clip-On Fence Feeder | Mountable Feed Bucket | 4.5 Quarts | Black. We use these to feed our Maremmas by clipping them onto the fences.
Holds 8 Cups (64 fl oz), Heavy Duty Metal Food and Water Bowl for Feeding Dogs and Cats, Dishwasher Safe, Rust Resistant Stainless Steel, BPA Free Rubber Base, Red
Our Strong Recommendation: Start With What We Feed
Even if you plan to use a different food long-term, we strongly recommend you:
- Purchase at least one bag of the food we use
- Keep your puppy on it for the first 2-3 weeks after pickup
- Then transition gradually to your preferred food if you choose to switch
Why This Matters:
Your puppy is experiencing massive changes when they leave our farm:
- New environment and sounds
- Separation from littermates
- Different water source
- New daily routine
- Travel stress
Adding an immediate food change on top of all these stressors significantly increases the risk of digestive upset. Keeping one thing constant – their diet – helps their transition go more smoothly.
The Gradual Transition Process
If you decide to switch foods after your puppy has settled in, follow this timeline:
Days 1-3: 75% current food + 25% new food Days 4-6: 50% current food + 50% new food Days 7-9: 25% current food + 75% new food Day 10+: 100% new food
Go even slower if: Your puppy shows any digestive upset during the transition. It’s fine to take 3-4 weeks if needed.
See results within 24 hours with just 1 syringe of DiaGel for Dogs 3 mL (31-60 lbs).
Common uses include but are not limited to garbage gut, changes in diet and/or water, stress, and environment changes like boarding, breeding, traveling, and showing. DiaGel is palatable, easy to give, and approved by the NASC. (National Animal Supplement Council).
Understanding Transition Digestive Issues
Let’s be completely honest: Many puppies experience some digestive changes during their transition to a new home, even with the best preparation.
Normal and Expected:
- Slightly softer stools for 3-5 days after coming home
- Reduced appetite for the first 24-48 hours
- Minor gas or gurgling tummy sounds
- Temporary pickiness about food
These changes can happen even if you keep the puppy on the exact same food we use. The stress of transition affects digestion.
Manageable But Concerning:
- Loose stools lasting more than 5 days
- Watery diarrhea (even if the puppy seems otherwise fine)
- Decreased appetite lasting more than 48 hours
- Significant gas or obvious discomfort
Contact your vet or us if these occur. They often resolve with simple interventions like a temporary bland diet or probiotics.
Urgent – Contact Vet Immediately:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting combined with diarrhea
- Lethargy or depression
- Refusal to eat for more than 48 hours
- Signs of dehydration (tacky gums, skin tenting)
Why Food Changes Cause Digestive Upset
Even switching between two high-quality foods changes the bacterial population in your puppy’s gut. This is why:
- Gradual transitions matter
- Starting with familiar food helps
- Some temporary upset may still occur despite doing everything right
This doesn’t mean the food is “bad” or that your puppy is “sensitive.” It’s a normal biological process that resolves as your puppy’s digestive system adapts.
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How Much to Feed Your Maremma
Follow the feeding guidelines on your chosen food’s packaging, adjusted for your puppy’s:
- Current weight
- Body condition (you should be able to feel but not see ribs)
- Activity level
- Individual metabolism
Feeding Schedule:
12 weeks to 4 months: 3 meals per day
4 months to 6 months: 2 meals per day
6 months+: 1 meal per day
Growth Expectations:
Maremma puppies grow rapidly, but shouldn’t be fat. A healthy Maremma puppy:
- Has a visible waist when viewed from above
- Has ribs that can be easily felt but not seen
- Maintains steady energy levels
- Has good muscle development
Don’t Overfeed! Excess weight during growth increases the risk of developmental orthopedic problems. Keep your puppy lean during the growth period.
We use a horse feed scoop to measure our dog food. Generally, one scoop per adult pr adolescent dog, more or less, according to the size and age of the dog.
Our Experience:
We’ve raised hundreds of Maremma puppies over 10 years, refining our nutritional approach based on real-world results. Every puppy that leaves our farm has received optimal nutrition during their critical early weeks, supporting healthy bones, strong immune systems, and proper development.
Our Commitment:
We remain available throughout your puppy’s life to discuss feeding concerns, answer questions about diet transitions, and help troubleshoot any digestive issues. Your puppy’s long-term health matters to us – that’s why we provide this detailed guidance up front.
The Big Picture:
Quality nutrition is just one piece of raising a healthy Maremma. Combined with our comprehensive health testing, early socialization, parasite prevention, and vaccination protocols, you’re getting a puppy with the best possible foundation for a long, healthy working life.
Have Feeding Questions?
We’re here to help you make the best decision for your situation.
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