Finding the Right Food for Large Breed Puppies
Feeding Dogs for Proper Nutrition and Growth
Jul 26, 2009
Large breed dogs, partially because of their rapid growth patterns, often have orthopedic problems and other health issues which are not commonly experienced in smaller breed dogs. However, proper feeding practices and the right puppy food early in life can help deter some of those health problems.
The Best Puppy Food for a Large Breed Dog
Nutritional needs for puppies differ considerably from those needed by a more mature dog. A proper puppy food must take these differences into account.
Puppies need higher quantities of protein than adult dogs, so a good puppy food must contain an ample amount of protein and the source of the protein must be high-quality. This may be in the form of beef, poultry, fish, venison or another meat source, but a high-quality protein source should contain adequate amounts of L-carnitine, a protein which is noted for building lean muscles.
Fat levels in foods for large breed puppies are equally important. Controlling calories coming from the fat content of the food is important to reduce excessive growth early in life which may damage rapidly growing bones.
Calcium Levels in Large Breed Puppy Foods
Though adequate calcium levels are necessary to insure the normal growth of bones and joints, excessive calcium can actually hasten the onset and increase the severity of developmental orthopedic problems. This was confirmed in a study published by Dr. S. D. Lauten in Veterinary Clinic Small Animal Practice (Volume 36, 2006, p. 1345-1359). Dr. Lauten recommends that calcium levels in foods for large breed puppies should not exceed "1.2% calcium on a dry matter basis". Supplements and treats which are fed to the growing puppy should not increase calcium levels in the diet.
Other Nutrients Which Improve Health For Large Breed Puppies When Supplemented in Food
A good puppy food for large breed dogs will also have other nutrients supplemented in order to maximize growth and overall health. These nutrients include:
- DHA (dehydroascorbic acid), which is important for healthy development of the brain and eyes
- omega-3 fatty acids, which help promote healthy cartilage and joints
- vitamins C and E, which are antioxidants which increase immune function and foster healthy cognitive function
Feeding Large Breed Puppies for Average Growth and Weight Gain
Large breed puppies should not be fed quantities which encourage maximum growth rates for their breeds. Large breed dogs which are forced to grow too rapidly or gain weight too quickly are at higher risk of developing orthopedic diseases. Rather than encouraging maximum growth and weight gain, a less accelerated rate which is considered average for the breed should be encouraged.
Free choice feeding may not be the best option for feeding large breed puppies. Discreet meals fed several times daily in measured quantities may be preferable. Monitoring the puppy's body condition score will provide a good indicator of whether the puppy is growing at the desired rate and allow adjustment of the feeding protocol as necessary.
Large breed puppies usually have acquired about one half of their adult weight by the time they reach five months of age. With the rapidly accelerated growth rates these puppies experience, deficiencies or excesses of both nutrients and calories can become problematic. By carefully controlling the quality and quantity of the diet of these large breed puppies, long-term health benefits are realized and a healthier adult dog will be the eventual result.
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