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Optimal Nutrition For Large And Giant Breed Puppies

Large and giant breed puppies, like all puppies, need the best possible nutrition to ensure proper growth and development. However, research has shown that large and giant breed puppies benefit most from a growth diet and feeding regimen that differs from that of smaller breeds.

A higher protein, lower fat formulation is recommended based on research of large and giant breed puppies' growth patterns and the fact that optimal intake of protein is higher for growth than for maintenance. In addition, no conclusive evidence demonstrates that protein intake actually contributes to the development of kidney dysfunction in healthy animals. Evidence does show, however, that diets high in protein are beneficial since the additional protein can be used by the body to withstand stress and fight disease.

The lower fat content plays a key role in the growing process. In any diet, fat is one of the many energy sources. Yet fat provides nearly 2 1/4 times more calories than equal amounts of proteins or carbohydrates. With ordinary puppy food, large and giant breed puppies can receive too much energy from fat. In some cases, the puppies' immature skeletons can't keep up with their bodies' accelerated growth rate. This can cause heavy body weight and the deformation of bones and joints. For this reason, ad libitum feeding of puppies should also be avoided, to prevent excessive energy intake.

Large and giant breed puppies grow very quickly, and over a longer period of time than smaller breeds. This creates a longer stressful period with higher demands for extensive and rapid growth and development. A diet higher in protein and lower in fat promotes an optimal rate of growth versus a maximal rate. This is important since a scientific link has been found between rapid growth, obesity and skeletal abnormalities. The basic growth gauge is that dogs of large and giant breeds should not reach 50% of their adult body weight before four to five and five to six months of age, respectively.

by Gail Kuhlman, Ph.D., P.A.S.
Diplomate, American College of Animal Nutrition