Nourishing Champions The Importance of Eukanuba s Large Breed Puppy Nutrition in Supporting Growth

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Giant Expectations: Nutrition for the Large-Breed Puppy

Portrayed by cheerful characters such as Marmaduke, the lovably loyal Great Dane in the comic strip by Brad Anderson, large- and giant-breed dogs are popular companions. Great Danes, along with dogs of similar stature such as mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Akitas, and Great Pyrenees, are commonly seen in todays veterinary hospitals. The veterinary team plays an essential role in educating owners of large-breed puppies about the unique needs of these dogs.

Dogs that reach an adult weight of >50 lb (23 kg) are considered large breed. While there is no set standard to describe giant breed, the term is generally applied to breeds expected to weigh 100 lb (45 kg) or more as adults. This is not limited to purebred dogs, as many mixes can exceed 100 lb at adult weight.

The average growth period for this subset of patients is 12 to 18 months, and they reach maturity between 18 to 24 months, much later than smaller-breed dogs. The period of most rapid growth occurs between 3 and 6 months of age.

Bone Growth, Development, and Function

Cells that control bone growth, known as chondrocytes, first form a cartilage matrix called hyaline cartilage. During birth and growth, this matrix is replaced at the epiphyses and metaphyses of long bones in a process called endochondral ossification. During this time, the skeletal system is highly susceptible to physical, metabolic, and nutritional insults. Until closure of the growth plates, which occurs between 11 and 12 months of age, the veterinary team should recommend avoidance of strenuous physical exercise.

FIGURE 1. Lateral forelimb radiograph of a patient with advanced hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) with periosteal bone formation defined by a bony cuff surrounding the metaphysis.

In addition to providing a structural frame to which muscles, ligaments, and tendons attach, the skeleton helps protect visceral organs and stores vital minerals that are used in numerous functions throughout the body. Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium contained in bone are used in coagulation, nerve conduction, and acidbase regulation. Red marrow in the long bones is the pool from which hematopoietic stem cells originate. These cells mature to red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Reducing Nutrition-Associated Growth Complications

Nutrient imbalances and excesses during growth may lead to developmental orthopedic diseases and subsequent development of osteoarthritis in large- and giant-breed dogs (FIGURE 1). Such diseases include hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondrosis and osteochondritis dissecans, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, and panosteitis (BOX 1). While the etiologies of these diseases are multifactorial, proper nutrition is paramount to reducing their risk.

Diet Selection

The terms large- or giant-breed puppy are not regulated terms per the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and as such may be misleading to consumers. When recommending a diet for a large-breed puppy, it is important to choose one that has undergone feeding trials as established by the AAFCO and is made by a manufacturer that understands the unique nutritional concerns when feeding large-breed puppies. The veterinary team must also understand the nutrients supplied by the diet. The amounts of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and DHA, as well the caloric density, are key nutritional factors to be considered for this subset of patients.

Calcium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin D

The recommended range for dietary calcium in large-breed puppies is 0.8% to 1.2% on a dry matter basis.⁵ Until 6 months of age, the small intestinal tract passively absorbs 70% of total dietary calcium. Additional supplementation of calcium to a balanced diet (eg, dairy, bone meal, over-the-counter supplements) is therefore contraindicated for puppies during this period, as excess calcium will be absorbed. Excess calcium adversely affects growth and skeletal formation and is associated with developmental orthopedic diseases that include osteochondrosis, pansteatitis, wobbler syndrome (cervical spondylomyelopathy), and radius curvus syndrome.

Conversely, feeding unsupplemented home-cooked diets, meat-only diets, or poor-quality diets high in plant-based phytates that bind calcium may result in calcium deficiency, which can lead to nutritional hyperparathyroidism, osteomalacia, and associated pathologic fractures.

Dietary calcium and phosphorus are considered together and must be provided in a ratio of 1.1:1 to 2:1 to maintain an appropriate hormonal balance. Relative deficiency in phosphorus, although rare, may occur when excess calcium is supplemented, resulting in widening of growth plates and hypophosphatemic rickets.

Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, plays a vital role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Dogs obtain their vitamin D through diet. After ingestion, vitamin D is transported to the liver, where most of it is stored and converted to 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Later, in response to parathyroid hormone release initiated by low serum calcium or phosphorus concentration, vitamin D is transported to the kidneys to be converted to its active form, calcitriol. Calcitriol increases gastrointestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus, increases renal tubular reabsorption of calcium, and helps maintain calcium and phosphorus homeostasis.

Adequate vitamin D intake helps dogs maintain healthy bone formation during growth and prevents osteomalacia (softening of the bone) during development and on into adulthood. However, when fed in excess, vitamin D may result in radius curvus syndrome. The exact inciting cause for this is unknown.

DHA

DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) is an essential long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid crucial to retinal, neural, and auditory development. DHA also improves trainability and learning in puppies.¹ Diets should provide DHA 0.02% on a dry matter basis. While DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid, not all sources of omega-3 fatty acids contain DHA in acceptable levels. Marine fish supplements are considered ideal sources of DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Caloric Density

FIGURE 2. The above image is of a male, castrated, 14-month-old Great Dane with an ideal Body Condition Score (BCS) 4/9.

Obesity is an ever-present risk for large-breed dogs, adversely affecting skeletal growth and mobility. Recommended diets should have a caloric density of 3,200 to 4,100 kcal/kg, and puppies should maintain a healthy body condition score (BCS) of 4/9 throughout growth (FIGURE 2). Calorically dense, high-fat diets should be avoided. BCS should be frequently assessedideally every 2 to 3 weeksas an important measure of daily intake to maintain ideal growth rates. Adjustments should be made as needed to sustain the desired body condition throughout the growth period.

Energy Requirements

Meal-restricted feeding has been shown to reduce the frequency of developmental orthopedic disease and early osteoarthritis in large- and giant-breed dogs compared to ad lib feeding² by preventing the maximal rate of growth and therefore reducing mechanical stress to developing joint cartilage.

Overfeeding of a balanced diet also increases the amount of minerals and vitamin D ingested, which may adversely affect skeletal growth. Therefore, it is recommended to calculate the patients daily energy requirement (DER) and provide it over 2 to 4 meals per day, with only a 10% allowance for treats.⁴

TABLE 1 outlines the energy needs for an average large- or giant-breed puppy. The resting energy requirement (RER) can be calculated using the following equation:

RER = 70 (body weight in kg ^0.75)

For puppies weighing 2 to 30 kg, the following equation may also be used:

RER = (30 body weight in kg) + 70

After spaying or neutering, the patients energy requirement will rapidly decline, and a reduction in DER by 10% or more is warranted. During this time, the patient should be monitored for excess weight gain and the family educated on the importance of maintaining a healthy body condition. On average, the DER for a neutered house pet is RER multiplied by 1.4 to 1.6.³

An exception to the DER for growth is the Great Dane, which has a 25% higher energy requirement in the first 2 months after weaning and may not grow properly if fed <2.5 times RER during that period.¹ Another consideration should be made for dogs with long hair, as this subset of patients generally has a lower energy requirement than dogs with shorter hair.³ It should be stressed that underfeeding is considerably safer in these patients than overfeeding.

Diet Transition

As with all puppies, weaning to a puppy food should begin at 6 to 7 weeks of age. Transition to a large-breed adult food is recommended at 11 to 12 months.

Conclusion

Diet selection and growth rate management are equally critical in preventing developmental orthopedic disease in growing large-breed dogs. It is important that the veterinary team educate the family and take an active role in ensuring the healthy growth of large- and giant-breed puppies to ensure a lasting quality of life for these patients.

Puppy Large Breed Fresh Chicken

When feeding for the first time, gradually introduce Eukanuba into your dogs diet over a period of 4 days. Your dog may eat more or less depending on age, temperament and activity level. Always have plenty of fresh water available for your dog to drink.

The following values are rough guidelines. Actual requirements may vary. Please adjust your dog's feeding amounts to maintain ideal body weight. Dog's weight & the daily amount in grams/day: 1-3 months: 2kg 145g, 4kg 230g, 6kg 305g, 8kg 370g, 10kg 430g, 15kg 565g, 20kg 680g, 3-4 months: 4kg 205g, 6kg 270g, 8kg 325g, 10kg 380g, 15kg 495g, 20kg 600g, 30kg 790g, 40kg 960g, 5-7 months: 8kg 215g, 10kg 250g, 15kg 300g, 20kg 400g, 30kg 525g, 40kg 640g, 50kg 740g, 60kg 840g, 8-12 months: 15kg 265g, 20kg 320g, 30kg 420g, 40kg 510g, 50kg 595g, 60kg 670g, 70kg 745g, 12-24 months: 20kg 290g, 30kg 380g, 40kg 465g, 50kg 540g, 60kg 605g, 70kg 675g

Grain Free* Puppy Large Breed Ocean Fish

When feeding for the first time, gradually introduce EUKANUBA into your dogs diet over a period of 4 days. Your dog may eat more or less depending on age, temperament and activity level. Always have plenty of fresh water available for your dog to drink.

The following values are rough guidelines. Actual requirements may vary. Please adjust your dog's feeding amounts to maintain ideal body weight. Dog's weight & the daily amount in grams/day: 1-3 months: 2kg 150g, 4kg 235g, 6kg 310g, 8kg 375g, 10kg 435g, 15kg 570g, 20kg 690g, 3-4 months: 4kg 210g, 6kg 270g, 8kg 330g, 10kg 385g, 15kg 505g, 20kg 610g, 30kg 800g, 40kg 970g, 5-7 months: 8kg 220g, 10kg 225g, 15kg 335g, 20kg 405g, 30kg 535g, 40kg 645g, 50kg 750g, 60kg 850g, 8-12 months: 15kg 270g, 20kg 325g, 30kg 425g, 40kg 520g, 50kg 620g, 60kg 680g, 70kg 755g, 12-14 months: 20kg 295g, 30kg 385g, 40kg 470g, 50kg 545g, 60kg 615g, 70kg 685g

Puppy Large Breed Lamb & Rice

The following values are rough guidelines. Actual requirements may vary. Please adjust your dog's feeding amounts to maintain ideal body weight. Dog's age and weight & the daily amount in grams/day: 1-3 months 2kg 145g, 4kg 235g, 6kg 305g, 8kg 370g, 10kg 430g, 15kg 565g, 20kg 685g, 3-4 months 4kg 205g, 6kg 270g, 8kg 330g, 10kg 380g, 15kg 500g, 20kg 605g, 30kg* 795g, 40kg 965g, 5-7 months 8kg 220g, 10kg 255g, 15kg 335g, 20kg 405g, 30kg* 530g, 40kg 640g, 50kg 745g, 60kg 845g, 8-12 months 15kg 265g, 20kg 325g, 30kg* 435g, 40kg 515g, 50kg 595g, 60kg 675g, 70kg 750g, 80kg 820g, 12-24 months 20kg 295g, 30kg*, 385g, 40kg 465g, 50kg 540g, 60kg 610g, 70kg 680g, 80kg 740g, 100kg 860g