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Diets for Large Puppies
Just like babies, puppies have unique nutritional needs that cater to their speedy growth and development. Not only that, but different sized breeds also need specific nutrients to support their optimal development. While smaller to medium-sized dog breeds typically stop growing within 12 - 15 months, larger breeds might take between 18 to 24 months to reach their adult size.
What Size of Dog Is Considered a Large Breed?
Ever wondered what size classifies as a large breed? Let's break it down:
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- Small adult dogs: Up to 10kg
- Medium adult dogs: 11kgs to 24kgs
- Large adult dogs: 25kg to 44kgs
- Giant adult dogs: Above 45kg
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How Important Is It to Feed Large Breed-Specific Dog Foods?
While chubby puppies do look adorable, all dogs, especially large and giant breeds are prone to orthopaedic issues. Carrying extra weight or growing too fast can lead to skeletal and joint problems. Ouch!
Here are some additional things to consider:
Calorie Content
Food formulated for large and giant breeds are less calorie-dense, supporting controlled growth without putting too much strain on those precious bones and muscles. Giant breeds might even need a special diet with lower protein. Their growth rate is rapid, but their metabolism? Not so much.
Mineral Content
Mineral levels are also important – diets specifically designed for large breed puppies will have carefully balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bone development without overburdening their skeletal system. Too much or too little of these minerals can cause health problems.
While calcium is crucial for bone development, an excess of it can lead to skeletal problems and issues with bone formation in fast-growing large breed puppies.
Large breed specific food will ensure the correct ratio of calcium to phosphorus. Generally, a ratio of 1:1 to 1.8:1 of calcium to phosphorus is recommended for large breed puppies.
Kibble Size
Size does matter! For large and giant breeds, kibble sizes are usually bigger. They encourage slower eating, reducing the risk of stomach issues like bloat, which larger breeds can be prone to.
What About Treats for Large Breed Pups?
While It’s not strictly necessary to get specific treats for large breed puppies, they can benefit from treats specifically tailored to their size and growth needs. Here’s what you might want to consider:
Size
Choose treats that are larger in size or specifically designed for larger breeds to prevent choking.
Calories
Choose treats that are low in calories to avoid overfeeding, especially considering their larger size and potential weight management concerns.
Ingredients
Look for treats that offer additional nutritional value, such as those containing glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. Treats made from natural ingredients without artificial additives or preservatives are often better for sensitive digestive systems.
Thinking about a raw food diet? Do your research to ensure it meets their specific needs.
Are you still unsure about best food for your large breed pup? Come into store and chat with one of our experienced team members. They'll consider your furry friend's age, activity level, and overall health to guide you in the right direction.
