I’m Harley….
I’m Harley – a 7yr old Rhodesian Ridgeback with a big heart, an even bigger appetite, and a family who love me enough to turn my health journey into something bigger..
Life wasn’t Always this easy…
Fast forward to today – my coat’s glossy, my energy’s back, and I’m living proof that good food and a bit of love can change everything.
That’s how Big Dog Besties was born – to share what we’ve learned about keeping big dogs healthy, happy, and thriving. Because every big dog deserves to feel this good, and every human deserves to feel confident caring for them. 🐾
I used to struggle with itchy rashes, seasonal allergies, and endless vet visits. My Mum hated seeing me uncomfortable – and she wasn’t keen on the idea of me living on medication forever.
So, she did what any determined dog mum would do: she studied canine nutrition, learned what really goes into food, and built a diet that worked from the inside out.
Caring for Large Dog Breeds Takes More Than Love – It Takes Understanding
Big dogs bring a special kind of joy – the head-on-your-lap cuddles, the unshakeable loyalty, and the way they fill a room just by existing. But they also come with their own challenges. Their diets need balance, their joints need protection, and their emotional needs are every bit as big as their paws.
That’s where Big Dog Besties comes in.
We know that life with a large breed isn’t quite like life with any other dog. It’s muddier walks, bulkier food bags, and a heart that bursts with pride every time someone says, ‘Wow, what a gorgeous dog!‘ But it’s also about keeping them strong, healthy, and happy – from puppyhood to their wise, older years.
So, we’ve built a space filled with real-world advice, trusted resources, and a community that truly gets it. Whether you’re looking for nutritional guidance, wellness tips, training insights, or just a place to connect with other big-dog Besties, you’ll find it here.
If you believe big dogs deserve the best (and you do too), welcome home.
You’ve just found your new favourite corner of the internet – where big hearts meet big paws.
We’re so happy you’re here
Big Dog Besties is a space for people who know life’s simply better with a big dog by their side.
We’re just getting started – but we’ve got big plans (naturally!). Over time, this will grow into a hub of practical guides, honest insights, and real-world advice to help you care for your large-breed best friend – from nutrition and training to health, wellness, and everyday life.
We’re building guidance, articles, and stories written with love, solid research, and more than a few muddy pawprints. We’re creating something special here, and we’d love for you to be part of it from the very beginning.
Start by exploring our articles for tips you can actually use – no jargon, no judgement, just what works.
You’ll also find the first addition to our e-book library: The Big Dog Bestie’s Guide to The Rhodesian Ridgeback. More breeds are coming soon, so if you’d like to see a beautiful guide about a breed you love, drop us a message!
And come back soon to get a copy of our free downloadable guide, ‘Strong & Steady: Nutrition Tips for Joint & Heart Health in Large Breeds’, packed with practical advice for keeping your big dog happy and healthy.
Finally, join our newsletter by hitting ‘Become a Bestie’ button – and come say hello in our Facebook Community, where Besties share their wins, woes, and wisdom (and the occasional unexpected zoomie)
However you spend your time here, make yourself at home.
You’re among fellow big dog Besties now – and we’re so glad you’ve found us. Here’s a little preview of what’s to come:
Training
Our Training section will soon be packed with easy-to-follow, practical guidance to help you train your big dog with confidence. Whether you’re starting with basic obedience or tackling trickier behaviour challenges, you’ll find expert tips, real-world advice, and positive methods that truly work for large breeds.
We’ll be sharing what’s worked for us – and what hasn’t – so you can build a strong, trusting bond with your big dog (without losing your sanity or your slippers).
Feeding & Nutrition
Feeding a big dog shouldn’t feel like a science experiment. Our Nutrition section will make it simple and stress-free, with expert-backed advice on ingredients, balanced meals, and smart nutrition tips that support long-term health, energy, and wellbeing.
We’ll help you cut through the confusion, understand what’s really in your dog’s food, and make confident choices that help your big dog thrive – inside and out.
Products
Our Products section will take the hassle out of finding gear that actually works for big dogs. No flimsy toys or beds that barely fit – just solid, well-tested favourites that stand up to heavy paws and high energy.
From mealtime must-haves to walk-time essentials, we’ll share the tried-and-true items that genuinely make life easier for you and more comfortable for your dog.
Care & Wellbeing
Our Care & Wellbeing section will be all about the little things that make a big difference in your dog’s daily life. From grooming that works on mountains of fur to soothing tips for anxious giants, we’ll offer easy, low-stress ways to keep your big dog clean, comfy, and content.
Because when your dog feels good, life’s better for everyone. 💛
BECOME A BIG DOG BESTIE
Becoming a Big Dog Bestie means joining a growing community of large-breed dog lovers who truly get it – the muddy walks, the sofa takeovers, the chaos, and the absolute joy that comes with sharing life with a big dog.
As a Bestie, you’ll get our monthly newsletter filled with honest insights, practical tips, and real-life stories that make big-dog ownership feel a little easier (and a lot more fun). You’ll also find a space to connect with other owners who’ve been there, cleaned that, and still wouldn’t trade their gentle giant for anything.
No fuss. No judgement. Just real people, real dogs, and the kind of support you can only find from those who understand the weight – literally – of big love.
1.5 Million
Approx number of large dogs in the UK
26
Large dog breeds officially recorded by the UK Kennel Club
87%
Dog owners who say their pets boost their mental well-being
Community
Connect with the your fellow community of large dog breed owners
Advice & Guidance
Get access to curated advice and guidance from respected and renowned sources of expertise
Products & Services
Hear about the latest products and services specifically for larger dog breeds