Title: Why We Don't Feed Puppy Food to Great Dane Puppies | |
greatdanefun > Library > Feeding Your Dane | Go to subcategory: |
Author | Content |
gdfadmin | |
Date Posted:01/26/2009 10:15 PMCopy HTML WHY WE DON’T FEED PUPPY FOOD TO
GREAT DANE PUPPIES
By
V. Louise Feddema Many large and giant breeds are identified
with specific limb and joint conditions. Great Danes are susceptible to some of
these conditions. Bone disease is often the result of factors other than genetic
in these large and giant breed dogs. Great Danes are sometimes subject to
lameness during their heavy growth period from between four to eighteen months
of age. Assuming the reader has done his or her
homework and gotten his or her dog from an ethical breeder who has taken
advantage of testing and genetic registries (OFA, PenHip, CERF-for example)-I will go on to other reasons for
orthopedic problems. Dietary
Considerations
High intake of calcium is associated with
various bone diseases in Great Danes. Some dogs are at risk for osteochodrosis (OCD). Diets high in protein also increase
the growth lameness tendencies for large dogs. Most breeders also recommend that
no vitamin or mineral supplement (other than Vitamin C) be given Great Danes.
OCD (Osteochondrosis Dissecans)
This disease often causes temporary or
permanent lameness in dogs. This happens when the normal process of bone growth
results in cartilage that is replaced by bone, and growth regions are overgrown.
This can effect; shoulder, elbow, hock and even the stifle. Protein intake
should be less than 25% to help prevent this condition-slower growth may help
prevent OCD. Give NO calcium supplementation, feed NO
puppy foods, as they usually have higher calcium/mineral content.
"Pano" or "Longbone" (Panosteitis)
If you have to have a bone disease, this is
the one you want. It will go away. It is a self-limiting disease that could be
called "doggy growing pains". It should not, however, be ignored. This condition
effects the long bones of fast growing young dogs.
Lameness is acute and painful, but is not related in injury. Lameness goes from
one leg to another, and may go away without treatment. Limit activity, treat
pain (usually with analgesics), lower protein to less than 20% for a few months
to slow down growth. Talk to your vet about MSM as a means to aid
rehabilitation. Stronger pain medication is available, but should be used with
caution and only under veterinary supervision. HOD (Hypertrophied Osteodsytrophy)
This disease may be caused by excessive
caloric intake in relation to energy expended. More in, than out! This usually
affects Great Danes between the ages of 12 weeks and 7 months of age. First
signs are a swelling in the front wrist area—this area is usually hot and tender
to the touch. (Progresses to faulty rear movement—because of
pain in the lower back legs). Then, there is a dropping of the front
wrist (pastern), splayed feet (toes are spread out or flat), the topline (the top of the back) gets curvy (like a Greyhound),
and the back legs are tucked under the body (like a Deerhound) making the dog
appear deformed. Sometimes the rear legs look "cow hocked" (feet face outward
and hocks face towards each other) and the front legs may toe inward. In some
cases the dog will toe out; when viewing the puppy from straight above the
shoulders down to the front feet the legs will have a knock-kneed appearance. In
extreme cases there are very high fevers, refusal to eat, and constantly aching
joints. This is caused by high protein foods consumed in larger amounts than is
actually needed by puppies. Puppies do better on a high quality, lower protein
food ranging around 20% to 25%. What The Owner Can Do To Help Assure Proper
Growth
Adding "people food" can raise the protein
levels or imbalance the calcium/mineral ratio. Keep your puppy well-fleshed, but not fat
is better. Remember, slow steady growth will do more for your puppy than rapid
growth that can happen with puppy foods. The puppy will eventually reach its
genetic potential, but without the additional risk to bone that comes from high
proteins and supplementation (calcium/minerals) or puppy foods.
It is obvious that nutrition is a big part
in bone disease in Great Danes...it is really over-nutrition that is the BIG
PROBLEM; too much protein, too much calcium/minerals, too much food. Don’t be so
nice to your dog you cripple it or kill it. To
review:
(c) V. Louise Feddema This article may be reprinted in this form
without additional permission by any individual or non-profit organization
Brochure format by Distribution of this pamphlet is free and
part of a joint educational effort. If you found this information helpful,
please make a small donation to your local Dane rescue group.
|