As humans, we often believe that providing extra nutrition during childhood is best, which is why we frequently hear adults telling children to "eat more and grow faster." However, recent veterinary studies have shown that overfeeding may increase the risk of bone diseases in dogs.
What Causes Abnormal Bone Development in Puppies?
During rapid growth periods, excessive food intake can promote rapid growth in puppies, shortening the time it takes for them to reach adult size. However, this accelerated growth rate can lead to abnormalities in normal bone and cartilage development, especially in large and giant breeds.
What is the Rapid Growth Period?
Puppies between 3-6 months of age often experience the fastest development of body tissues and organs (usually 1 month longer for large breeds and 2 months longer for giant breeds), with their nutritional and energy requirements exceeding any other stage except for the nursing period.
Experimental Evidence
In a controlled feeding study on Great Dane puppies, the first group was allowed to free-feed, while the second group was restricted to 70-80% of the first group's food intake.
By the time the puppies reached 5 months of age, the free-fed group had a higher weight gain compared to the restricted group.
After examining the bone conditions, it was found that the free-fed group had larger bone volume and relatively lower bone density after experiencing nutritional excess. However, their bones were not strong enough to support increased muscle mass and body weight.
The end result was abnormal bone growth, damaged cartilage and growth plates, and premature growth plate closure, often manifested as cartilage diseases, osteoarthritis, and hip dysplasia.
Veterinary Recommendations
- Choose a high-quality, balanced diet for puppies with a focus on meat protein and a fat content of 14-16%.
- Feed 3-4 times a day before 6 months of age, and 2 times or more after 6 months.
- Provide enough food to keep puppies lean and maintain the average growth rate for their breed (refer to the appendix image for body size).
- Control the diet by carefully measuring daily feeding amounts.
- Monitor and measure the puppy's size and weight every two weeks.
- Engage in 20-40 minutes of light to moderate play daily to help puppies maintain muscle mass.
- Avoid adding nutritional pastes, calcium tablets, mineral supplements, and vitamin supplements to dog food.
Early signs of bone abnormalities in puppies are difficult to detect with the naked eye, so it's crucial to be vigilant between 3-6 months of age.
