The Landseer is a gentle giant with a big heart and even more power in its paws. Anyone living with a Landseer knows the calm nature just as well as the powerful build, which places particular demands on diet. In this guide, you will find out what really matters for Landseer nutrition: from the right protein source and joint health to robust chews that can stand up to this breed's strong bite.
Breed profile: The Landseer, the water giant with its own character
At first glance, the Landseer is often mistaken for the Newfoundland, since both share a black-and-white coat and a love of water. In fact, the Landseer is a distinct breed and built noticeably taller on the leg than its relative. This build makes it an enduring swimmer, whose dense, water-repellent coat protects it even in cold water.
Landseers are known for their calm, friendly nature. They go through life in a relaxed way, but as a giant breed they rely on a diet that fits precisely with their build and activity level. Anyone who knows the particular traits of this breed can do a great deal for a long, healthy dog's life with the right food.
The right food for the Landseer
When choosing food for the Landseer, quality counts for more than quantity. As a giant breed, your dog needs high-quality, easily digestible protein that supports the muscles without placing unnecessary strain on the body. Grain-free food suits many Landseers particularly well, as it is gentle on digestion and lowers the risk of intolerances.
Another important point is controlled energy intake. Landseers are fairly calm characters and tend to put on weight faster than more active breeds if fed food that is too energy-dense. A single-protein food helps you keep a close eye on the composition and tailor feeding to your individual dog. In our dry food range and our wet food range, you will find single-protein recipes without unnecessary additives that meet exactly these requirements.
If you are unsure which protein source suits your Landseer best, or you suspect an intolerance, a structured elimination diet will help you narrow down possible triggers step by step. Our food finder also helps you find the right food for your dog's individual needs from our range.
Weight and joints: What to look out for with the Landseer
As a giant breed, the Landseer carries a great deal of weight on its joints, particularly the hips and elbows. These joints are especially vulnerable in large breeds, which is why it is important to keep body weight consistently within a healthy range. Every extra kilogram means additional strain on the hips and elbows and can contribute to problems in the long run.
Since Landseers are naturally rather laid-back, it is worth being deliberate about the amount of food, basing it on age, weight and actual exercise rather than breed size alone. A balanced, single-protein diet with high-quality protein also supports the maintenance of muscle mass, which in turn stabilises and relieves the joints.
Coat and omega-3: care for the water dog
The Landseer's dense, water-repellent coat is one of its most striking features and makes it an enthusiastic swimmer. For this coat to keep its protective properties, stay glossy and remain supple, nutrition plays an important role. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered a valuable building block for healthy skin and a strong coat.
Fish is a natural source of these important fatty acids and is therefore well suited to sensibly rounding out a Landseer's diet. Our fish chews contain exactly this natural omega source, combined with the single-protein, grain-free approach that sensitive dogs tolerate well.
Robust chews for a powerful bite
Landseers come with a powerful bite and enjoy chewing for a long time. For this natural urge to chew to be satisfied in a way that suits the breed, chews should be robust enough to withstand that force. Beef Achilles tendon is a natural, single-protein chew that keeps a dog occupied for a long time while remaining easy to digest.
Buffalo trachea and buffalo skin, whether as a mega plait or in natural form, are also particularly well suited to powerful chewers like the Landseer. These chews are air-dried and come without additives, so they fit perfectly into a grain-free, single-protein diet. Our complete range of natural chews shows you the full variety of suitable chews. If you are unsure which chew is best suited to your Landseer, our chew finder will help you choose.
The Landseer puppy: Slow growth needs patience
As with all giant breeds, slow, controlled growth is crucial for the healthy development of a Landseer puppy's skeleton and joints. Growing too fast due to excessive energy or nutrient intake can increase the strain on bones and joints that are not yet mature.
When feeding a puppy, therefore, aim for a needs-based, high-quality protein supply without an excessive energy surplus. Single-protein, grain-free food supports even development while also being gentle on a potentially sensitive digestive tract. Especially during this important growth phase, it is worth regularly reviewing the diet and adjusting it as needed.
Frequently asked questions about Landseer nutrition
How much should a Landseer eat per day?
This depends heavily on your dog's age, weight, activity level and individual metabolism. Since Landseers tend to be rather calm, it is worth basing the amount of food not solely on breed size, but on actual requirements, and checking weight regularly.
Is grain-free food really worthwhile for the Landseer?
Many Landseers do well on grain-free, single-protein food, as it is gentle on digestion and reduces potential intolerances. For existing issues, a structured elimination diet can help find the right feeding plan.
Which chews are best suited to a powerful chewer?
Robust, air-dried chews such as beef Achilles tendon or buffalo trachea are well suited, as they can withstand the Landseer's strong urge to chew while remaining single-protein and free from additives.
What should I pay particular attention to with a Landseer puppy?
Slow, controlled growth through a needs-based diet without an energy surplus is important. This way, the still-immature joints and bones are not placed under additional strain during the growth phase.
Character & who the Landseer suits
In short, the Landseer suits best: families with space, water lovers, gentle giants.
- Size: very large (giant)
- Energy level: calm
- With children: very fond of children
- Flat living: rather unsuited to flats
- For beginners: with a little experience
- Coat care: demanding coat care
- Trainability: eager to learn
- Alertness: not a pronounced watchdog
Not sure whether this breed suits your life? Find out with our breed finder "Which dog breed suits me?".
A good match: Natural treats for dogs
