It is common knowledge that it is best to provide nutritional supplements during the early years of life, so it is not uncommon to hear adults tell their children to "eat more and grow up faster".
However, recent veterinary studies have shown that over-nutrition may increase the risk of bone disease in dogs.
"🦴 What causes bone abnormalities in puppies?"
Excessive food energy intake during the rapid growth period promotes rapid growth in the puppy and shortens the time it takes to reach adult size, but the excessively rapid growth rate may lead to abnormalities in normal bone and cartilage (greater in large and giant dogs).
"What is the rapid growth period?
Puppies between 3-6 months of age tend to have the fastest rate of development of body tissues and organs (usually 1 month more in large dogs and 2 months more in giants), and their nutrient and energy requirements are greater than at any other stage except lactation.
"📝Experimental Arguments"
In a controlled feeding program for Great Danes, Group 1 puppies were allowed to eat ad libitum while Group 2 puppies were restricted to eat 70-80% of Group 1.
The study showed that by the time the puppies reached 5 months of age, the ad libitum group had gained more weight than the restricted group.
Examination of the skeletal condition revealed that the ad libitum group had experienced over-nutrition with increased bone size and relatively low bone density, but at this time the bones were not strong enough to handle the heavier muscle mass and body weight.
The end result is abnormal bone growth, damage to cartilage and growth plates, and premature closure of the growth plates. This usually manifests as chondromalacia, osteoarthritis, and hip dysplasia.
"Veterinary Advice"
-Pick a high quality protein, nutritionally balanced diet for your puppy. (Meat protein based with 14-16% fat).
-Feed 3-4 times a day before 6 months of age and 2 or more times a day after 6 months of age.
-Provide enough food to keep the puppy lean and the average growth rate for the breed. (Body types can be found in the appendix pictures)
-Control the diet by carefully weighing daily feedings.
-Observing and measuring the dog's body weight 1 time every half month.
-Light to moderate play for 20-40 minutes daily to help the dog maintain muscle.
-Do not add extra nutritional creams, calcium, mineral and vitamin supplements to your dog's food.
/One more word/
Early onset of skeletal anisotropy in puppies can be really hard to detect with the naked eye, and if the first signs are present at 3-6 months of age, such as inactivity, difficulty getting up from lying down, lameness, and "bunny hopping," it is recommended that more than one medical microscopic examination be done at the time of the physical exam.
Bone disease is often irreversible and can only worsen with age. Only when owners detect and care for it as early as possible, the dog's life can last longer 🐶❤️
