Large breed dogs are predisposed to orthopaedic problems,
including hip dysplasia and osteochondrosis. While we can’t alter a puppy’s
genetics that make it more prone to orthopaedic conditions, we can provide
appropriate nutrition to reduce their severity.
Containing Calories:
Puppies fed excess calories will convert calories into
faster growth before fat. This rapid-growth can be unsafe for puppies. Research
shows that restricting calories in puppies is very important to reduce the risk
of hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. If the diet is nutritionally balanced, the
puppy’s adult size will not be affected.
Keep in mind that recommended feeding instructions on pet
food labels are guidelines only – your puppy needs to be fed just enough to
keep him or her at an ideal puppy body condition. Puppies also go through
growth spurts, so the amount your feed your puppy needs to be constantly
adjusted to account for these. It is recommended that puppies be fed 2-3 times
per day, and the amount of food should be measured at each meal. Treats should
make up less than 10% of a puppy’s total caloric intake.
Containing Calcium:
While calcium is important for proper bone development,
excessive calcium can also lead to abnormal bone and joint growth. Puppies
cannot regulate their calcium absorption, so whatever is in the food is readily
absorbed by the puppy’s gastrointestinal system. Good-quality diets need to be
regulated in their calcium levels – to prevent both deficiency and excessive
values.
Balancing the Diets:
Some diets are formulated for intermittent or supplemental
feeding only – they do not contain balanced nutritional levels or have not been
subjected to growth trials to determine if they are appropriate for growing
puppies. Unfortunately home-cooked and raw-food diets also fall into this
category. Unless formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist or PhD
animal nutritionist, nearly all home-cooked diets are deficient in essential
nutrients (especially ones for growth). Even supplementing these diets with
balancers or supplements are often not enough as these supplements are based on
adult dog needs, and are not specific for growing puppies. Pet owners should
wait until their puppy has reached at least a year of age (small to large breed
dogs) to 18 months (giant breeds) before considering an alternative diet.
Even if your puppy is not a large breed, it is still
important to keep your puppy lean to avoid future health concerns. Once your
puppy has reached skeletal maturity (12-18 months of age, depending on breed),
continue to monitor weight closely. Keeping your dog slim has proven health
benefits, including increased longevity, reduced pain from arthritis and
reduced risk for serious health problems.
Vanessa Tonn, DVM
Bowmanville Veterinary Clinic
Vanessa Tonn, DVM
Bowmanville Veterinary Clinic
