Page 75 - K9 News Digital - Issue 11 May2020

receive very few antibodies - only
around 10-20% - via the placenta
(Case et al, 2011). Therefore,
puppies rely on the high quality,
and an adequate quantity of,
colostrum (first milk) to support
healthy development and - more
importantly - to provide passive
immunity against some infectious
diseases during the first four
months of life (Case et al 2011).
Table showing comparison of milk from cows, goat’s and bitches (adapted from
Colostrum is also important for
Practical Guide to Dog Breeding (2003))
the provision of other bioactive
factors, (Chastant‐Maillard et al 2016) such as boost the immune response of puppies to vaccination
lysozyme which prevents the growth of certain types (Kim et al, 2000, Koelsch & Smith, 2001, Khoo et al,
of bacteria and bile salt-activated lipase, which aids 2005).
digestion of fat. Toulouse Vet School found that Two other important nutrients for consideration
low birth weight dramatically increased the risk of during growth are calcium and phosphorus, which
death in the first two days of life and in total, almost should be present in optimal levels, remain in a ratio
50% of neonatal deaths occurring in the first week of approximately 1:1 and not over-supplemented
of life. One study (Mila et al, 2014) found that (FEDIAF, 2012) (see figure 6). Recommended
neonatal mortality is directly correlated to the quality amounts, according to FEDIAF are shown in figure
of passive immune transfer, meaning that the health 6 and dietary calcium and phosphorus supplements
of the dam’s immune system is key to providing high should never be added to a complete balanced diet
quality colostrum. The same study also found that for dogs (Case et al, 2011). Due to the immaturity
oral supplementation with hyper-immunised canine of the intestinal wall in young animals, calcium
plasma had no impact on decreasing mortality rates. absorption is passive during this phase and therefore
However, a more recent study (Mila et al, 2017) showed unregulated (Case et al, 2011). The consequences
that puppies supplemented with hyperimmune egg of this will be analysed in more detail later.
powder showed increased growth and a lower risk of WEANING
canine parvovirus infection
At weaning, around 3-4 weeks of age, puppies will
The gold standard, however, remains natural canine
maternal colostrum and milk ingestion as the best still be growing rapidly and will need an energy
source of immunity, energy and growth factors and dense moist diet, as the teeth are still erupting. This
should be highly digestible to avoid digestive upsets
for guaranteeing the highest chance of survival.
(Debraekeleer et al, 2010) as diarrhoea is a common
Puppies are born with a low percentage of body fat
problem in weaning puppies (Grellet et al, 2014). As
(Kienzle et al 1998) and therefore require a high fat the immune system is still developing at this stage, the
diet to increase body fat to around 22% by adulthood. addition of antioxidants is sensible and was shown by
Also vital during growth is the Omega 3 essential fatty Khoo et al (2005) that added at high levels, puppies’
acid Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), which is vital for
response to vaccination was improved, giving them
brain and eye function (Case et al, 2011). Indeed,
higher titres following standard vaccination protocols.
a study of 48 dogs by Zicker et al (2012) showed
According to many behaviourists including Dr Stanley
improvements in cognitive, memory, psychomotor,
immunologic, and retinal functions in growing dogs Coren of Psychology Today, in order to reduce the
supplemented with DHA from fish oil; basically, those risk of food guarding, the food should ideally be
offered in enough bowls so that no puppy needs
puppies were smarter, healthier and easier to train!
to fight for their food – with more bowls available
During the first few weeks, puppies need a very high
than there are puppies being the rule of thumb. In
fat, high protein milk. The table shows the differences addition, practically, it is ideal to feed a weaning diet
in milk composition between species and illustrates that is also suitable for the dam to eat, as puppies
why it is inappropriate to feed cow’s milk if hand- learn from their mother.
rearing a puppy, as the levels of all nutrients in cows
Normally, weaning should be complete by about six
and goat’s milk are insufficient to fulfil the needs of
weeks of age.
puppies. While the immune system is still developing,
a diet boosted with antioxidants, specifically with
lutein, vitamin A and E and beta-carotene, may help

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