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Get your pet's plan
Get your pet's plan

Cane Corso feeding chart: portions by age and weight

Cane Corsos are large Italian working dogs: muscular, deep-chested, and protective. Feeding rules center on bloat prevention and slow puppy growth.

Daily portion guide (adult)

These are the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee’s calorie ranges for an average healthy adult dog in ideal body condition. They are starting points, not a prescription.

Weight Calories a day (WSAVA range)
88 lb (40 kg) 1340 to 1670 kcal
94.6 lb (43 kg) 1410 to 1763 kcal
101.2 lb (46 kg) 1480 to 1855 kcal
107.8 lb (49 kg) 1560 to 1945 kcal
Weight
88 lb (40 kg)
Calories a day (WSAVA range)
1340 to 1670 kcal
Weight
94.6 lb (43 kg)
Calories a day (WSAVA range)
1410 to 1763 kcal
Weight
101.2 lb (46 kg)
Calories a day (WSAVA range)
1480 to 1855 kcal
Weight
107.8 lb (49 kg)
Calories a day (WSAVA range)
1560 to 1945 kcal

WSAVA gives these ranges for guidance only: dogs are individuals, and some need more or fewer calories to stay at an ideal, trim body condition. To turn calories into cups or grams, use the calories per cup or per 100 g printed on your food’s label: daily calories divided by calories per cup gives cups a day. The feeding guide on that label and your vet set the real amount, and your vet adjusts it by body condition: the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines call for a feeding plan tailored to the individual dog. The WSAVA chart stops at 107.8 lb (49 kg). Larger dogs need an individual plan from the vet.

Split into 2 to 3 meals. Energy needs drop after spaying or neutering (AAHA nutrition guidelines), so ask your vet how much to cut back.

Puppy (8 weeks to 15 months)

Large-breed puppy formula. Slow, steady growth is the goal (VCA). Meals taper with age: 4 a day until 3 to 4 months old, 3 a day until 6 months, then 2 (Merck Veterinary Manual; Blue Cross). Switch to adult food at about 18 months, once your vet confirms growth is finished (AAHA’s 2021 nutrition guidelines: a growth diet until skeletal maturity, which for some large and giant breeds is closer to 15 to 16 months).

Senior (from about 6 years)

Senior age here is the last 25% of expected lifespan (AAHA 2019 Canine Life Stage Guidelines), counted from the breed’s median life expectancy in McMillan et al. 2024 (Scientific Reports). Older dogs do not automatically need less food or a senior formula: AAHA notes that energy needs may fall with age, but not consistently. Ask your vet to check weight, muscle and calories.

What makes feeding a Cane Corso different

Bloat protocol. Deep-chested. The Merck Veterinary Manual suggests several small meals instead of one large one, calm mealtimes and no raised bowls. Studies have not shown that limiting exercise around meals lowers the risk (Pipan et al. 2012, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association), so that step is not on this list. A slow-feeder helps with fast eating. Ask your vet about preventive gastropexy, which can be done at the time of spay or neuter.

Slow puppy growth. Cornell notes that overfeeding and rapid growth can worsen hip dysplasia in predisposed puppies. Large-breed puppy formula until the switch to adult food (at about 18 months).

Joint health = weight management. A healthy body weight is part of managing hip dysplasia (Cornell). Lean body condition lifelong.

Food choice. Pick a complete and balanced food. The WSAVA guide to selecting a pet food lists the questions to ask the maker.

Common breed concerns and feeding

  • Bloat / GDV: meal-splitting + slow-feeder + floor-level bowl + gastropexy discussion.
  • Hip dysplasia: lean weight + appropriate puppy formula.

Sample daily routine

Adult Corso, 100 lb (45 kg), moderate activity:

  • 7am: breakfast (slow feeder)
  • 7:30am: 30-min walk
  • 12pm: mid-day meal
  • 5pm: 30-min walk
  • 6pm: dinner

What to keep track of

  • Mealtimes and how fast your dog eats.
  • Weight monthly.
  • Joint stiffness.

FAQ

Should I get gastropexy for my Cane Corso?

Worth discussing with your vet. Merck notes that many veterinary surgeons recommend it for at-risk breeds and that it can be done at spay or neuter.

Is grain-free safe?

The FDA has looked into reports of DCM in dogs eating certain diets, many labeled grain-free, and has not established a cause. Talk to your vet before choosing one.

When do I switch from puppy to adult food?

At about 18 months, once your vet confirms growth is finished. AAHA notes that switching too early may short the nutrients a growing dog needs.

Sources