Posted on 10th Feb 2011 @ 3:28 PM

By Kari Liu, MS, Core Brands Managing Nutritionist

There are over a hundred different breeds of dogs and although it may be easy to see the size differences between a Chihuahua and a Great Dane, it can be much more difficult to understand the subtle differences in optimal nutrition and feeding strategies for different breeds. Factors such as the dog’s mature body size, its growth rate, the energy density of the diet, and whether to supplement with chondroprotectives are all important variables that help determine the best approach.

Any dog that has the potential to be greater than 25 kg (approximately 55-60 lbs) at its mature body size is considered a large breed dog.1 It can be difficult trying to predict how large your puppy might become, but some examples of large breed dogs include the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Rottweiler, and German Shepherd. Due to breeding and the inherent nature of their large size, large breed dogs have a genetic predisposition to grow more rapidly and in comparison, must be monitored much more closely than the small and medium sized breeds. With this in mind, there are many different pet foods on the market that are focused on the specific nutritional needs of this special group of dogs.

When we think about the “growth” of a dog, we are commonly speaking in terms of body weight. Most of the research that has been done in large breed dogs focuses on the growing large or giant breed puppy. Typically the growth phase is studied because this is when dogs develop their bones and the skeletal frame that will support their adult mass and body size. The growth phase is a dynamic time for any animal, but during the first few months of life the growth rate is exponentially higher for dogs of larger breeds (see 0-12 months on growth rate chart). To ensure proper bone development, it is important to carefully consider the total calcium content in the diet, as well as the calcium to phosphorus ratio. It is generally recommended that for dry diets, calcium values should be in the range of 0.8 to 1.35% as fed (2-3 g Ca/Mcal)2 and the calcium to phosphorus ratio should be 1.1:1 to 2:1, ideally with values near the lower end of the ranges.1 Additional vitamin and mineral supplements are not necessary and should be avoided if the dog is consuming a complete and balanced commercial diet designed for growth.

In addition to the mineral balance of the food, the energy density of the food is also an important consideration. Feeding a food that is less calorically dense will help prevent too rapid of a growth rate, allowing for an appropriate amount of time for the dog to attain its adult stature. This allows the bones to form properly before the dog starts adding its adult body mass.3 Less energy dense foods are appropriate beyond the growth phase as well because large breeds have lower energy requirements per unit of body weight than small and medium sized breeds. Since fat provides more calories per gram than protein or carbohydrate, large breed foods typically are lower in fat than other types of dog foods. In addition, higher amounts of protein have not been shown to negatively affect the health or the skeletal development of large breed dogs.

Chondroprotectives such as glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate are also commonly seen in large breed dog foods. Current pet food regulation does not allow the supplementation of chondroprotectives in puppy food. But, supplementation with chondroprotectives to mature, adult dogs is common due to the high occurrence of degenerative joint disease in large breeds. 

As with any pet, it is important to continually reassess and adjust the amount one feeds based on body condition. If you have any questions about feeding your large breed dog, please speak with your veterinarian or your local independent retailer.

References:

1. Richardson, DC, et. al. Developmental orthopedic disease of dogs. Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 2010; 5th Ed, Hand ed.

2. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Research Council, 2006; pg. 149. National Academies Press, Washington, DC.

3. Dammrich, K. Relationship between nutrition and bone growth in large and giant dogs. J Nutr 1991; 121(11): S114.

4. Case, LP, et. al. Growth. Canine and Feline Nutrition, 2000; 2nd Ed, Mosby, Missouri.