Page 52 - K9 News - Issue 14 - December 2020

to latest published FEDIAF guidelines. Diets mealtimes more interesting and last longer!
too high in energy accelerate growth, (and
conversely, if too little energy was provided, It goes without saying that fresh water
growth rates would be retarded) but there is no should be freely available during all life
benefit to speeding up the growing process. In stages.
the case of large and giant breed dogs, this may
be detrimental, or even catastrophic, to their FOOD GUARDING
health (Grellet et al, 1974), causing overgrowth
The key findings of a study of rescue dogs with
of bones and bowing of legs and a condition
food-guarding behavioural issues was that food
called Carpal Hyperextension which causes
guarding, in most cases, ceased to be a problem
deformed forelimbs. Another study established
once the dogs are in their new home. (Mohan-
that ad libetum feeding of Great Danes under six
Gibbons et al, 2012). Possibly this was because
months of age caused bone abnormalities (Meyer
the perceived competition for food at the rescue
& Zentek). Poor or unbalanced nutrition during
centre no longer existed. Therefore, advice for
growth – incorrect Ca:P ratio or levels, too many
breeders is to ensure adequate numbers of bowls
calories or high levels of protein – have also been
during weaning to reduce the development of
linked to several orthopaedic conditions which,
this common behavioural problem. Giant breeds
if left untreated can lead to Hip Dysplasia in
are known to be gentle giants overall, but food
later life. A painful condition called Hypertrophic
guarding can lead to unwanted aggression at
Osteodystrophy, which only afflicts large and giant
mealtimes and the size of these dogs increases
breeds and causes them to be extremely unwell
the potential to cause harm, albeit without
and can leave them permanently deformed has
malicious intent.
also been linked to feeding an unbalanced diet
(Nap et al, 1991). It is for these reasons that it is
strongly recommended that whichever brand or GIANT DOG HEALTH SENSITIVITIES
type of food is chosen, a diet should have been Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart
devised by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist condition which causes the heart to enlarge and
and be complete and balanced specifically for a weaken and which sadly often ends in sudden,
giant breed puppy. premature death. In the last few years, the
condition has been in the news as bereaved
Scientists at Royal Canin have also noted that owners in the USA try to establish a link between
Great Danes have up to 50% higher energy needs grain-free feeding and DCM. At time of writing,
than other dogs of the same height to weight ratio, the link remains unproven and investigations
so it’s a good idea to bear this in mind if you have are ongoing. However, it has long been known
a giant breed which is specifically catered for as that certain giant breeds can be predisposed to
part of a breed range. DCM. One study of Newfoundlands linked diets
containing lamb as the main protein source
Ideally, puppies should have their daily ration split with the condition (Backus, 2003), but found
over three to four meals until the age of around that supplementing taurine and carnitine in their
six months and then reduce to feeding twice a diets improved the condition and the prognosis.
day. Over recent years there has been a sharp Prescribing a supplement of taurine and of
increase in pet obesity, unfortunately mirroring carnitine is commonplace to support dogs following
the human population. To maintain a healthy a diagnosis of DCM and countless studies have
body weight and condition, it is a good idea to shown the dramatic improvements in patients
weigh out each meal on digital scales, limit treats receiving these supplements (Sanderson, 2006).
– particularly human foods – and to use feeding Therefore, in terms of puppy nutrition, choosing a
techniques such as activity feeders and scatter diet which incorporates elevated levels of taurine
feeding to encourage movement. This also makes and carnitine may be beneficial to support heart

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K9 NEWS DIGITAL / DECEMBER 2020