Feeding and Care
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Puppies of giant breeds experience rapid growth and reach half their adult weight by 5 months, gaining 2cm every fortnight until 8 months. It is crucial to wean them properly for healthy growth. Nutrition is important to prevent rapid growth and obesity, with a diet containing moderate fat and energy levels. Nutrients for bones, joints, and immune defenses are essential. Growth continues until 18-24 months, with 90% of their adult size reached by 18 months. Monitoring their diet and growth is crucial for their healthy development. Observing wolves has shown that hip dysplasia is not present in their population due to various factors such as limited exercise space and controlled food availability. Encouraging natural movement and allowing dogs to regulate their own pace can improve their health and well-being. Nutritional anemias are common in dogs, with iron deficiency being a major cause. Proper nutrition, including biologically correct diets, is essential to prevent and treat canine anemias caused by nutrient deficiencies like iron, folates, and vitamins. Iron, found in meats like horse meat, is crucial for red blood cell production in dogs. Monitoring nutrient levels and providing proper nutrition is key to preventing anemia in dogs.
Nutritional anemias in dogs have often been overlooked by owners, leading to underdiagnosis of iron deficiency. Symptoms may be subtle, but it can lead to decreased learning ability and behavior abnormalities in dogs. Iron from animal sources, like horse meat, is better absorbed than from plant sources. Dogs store iron mainly in hemoglobin and ferritin, needing adequate protein, minerals, and vitamins for red blood cell production. Vitamin A supplementation during pregnancy can improve hemoglobin levels. Pregnant, lactating females, and growing puppies have higher iron needs. Commercial dog foods often contain poorly absorbed non-heme iron from cheaper ingredients, leading to imbalanced diets. Phytates and phosphates in these foods inhibit iron absorption. Including vitamin C-rich foods can enhance iron absorption. Iron stores in puppies are depleted within the first months of life, making them more susceptible to anemia if the mother is iron-deficient.
Pet owners should be cautious of potential deficiencies in commercial pet foods and consider supplementing with natural iron sources for a truly balanced diet for their dogs.
Vitamin D is essential for dogs to regulate calcium and phosphorus levels, but excessive intake can be harmful, as the excess is stored in fat tissue and can lead to kidney failure and death.
Dogs can consume too much vitamin D from pet food, supplements, or rodenticides containing cholecalciferol, leading to symptoms like vomiting, increased thirst, and weight loss. Prompt veterinary care is necessary to diagnose and treat vitamin D toxicity, which may involve changing the diet, medication, or monitoring calcium and phosphorus levels. Dog owners should watch for symptoms and contact a veterinarian immediately if toxicity is suspected, providing a diet history and photos of the pet food label. Suspected cases can be reported to the FDA, and veterinarians should be vigilant for symptoms and report confirmed cases. In recent years, various dog food brands have been recalled due to vitamin D toxicity cases, leading to FDA warning letters to manufacturers. Proper reporting and intervention can help prevent further harm to pets and wildlife from excessive vitamin D intake.
To improve your dog's diet and increase protein intake, consider adding eggs, fish, meat, and cheese to their meals. Eggs are a great source of complete protein with essential amino acids that support energy and strength. Fish, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, promotes skin and coat health. Meat, such as beef, chicken, turkey, duck, or lamb, is preferred by dogs as carnivores and offers various health benefits. Cheese can provide fat but should be given in moderation for lactose intolerant dogs. It's important to maintain a balanced diet for dogs, including ingredients like potatoes, rice, sunflower oil, oatmeal, yogurt, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Creating recipes with these ingredients can ensure proper nutrition for muscle growth, but regular exercise is also necessary for overall well-being. Dogs can benefit from the protein-rich foods of eggs, fish, meat, and cheese, each offering unique health benefits for your pet's diet and vitality.