DOG Training TOYS

The adage ‘You are what you eat’ applies to dogs as well as people - however more is not necessarily better. Puppies and young dogs suffer from a variety of bone and joint disorders. Especially important are those diseases caused by the incorrect feeding of puppies and young dogs, since these can be avoided. Over-feeding and over-supplementation with unnecessary nutrients and minerals can have serious consequences. If you are getting your first puppy make sure you ask your vet for advice on feeding them.

Do puppies need special diets?

A correct diet is vital for puppies and young growing dogs. These animals have requirements which are different from adult dogs, and most reputable manufacturers now make ‘growth’ or ‘junior’ foods which supply the young dog with all the essential nutrients required for normal growth and bone development. In general, it is safer to stick to reputable brands (ask for advice at your veterinary hospital), as these are manufactured to strict quality control guidelines. Prepared mixed feeds available through other outlets, such as agricultural feed merchants, may not have the same quality control procedures applied. These may be cheaper than other commercial brands of dog food but they can have disadvantages. Some of these feeds have been shown to lack some essential diet components and may deteriorate if stored.

Do growing dogs need special foods?

Different breeds mature at different rates. In general, the larger the breed, the longer it takes for their bones to develop fully (skeletal maturity). Some big breeds may not be skeletally mature until 18 months of age; whereas a small breed may have stopped growing at around 6-8 months of age. It is very dangerous to over-feed growing dogs. Severe and permanent damage can result to bone and joints. Steady, controlled growth should always be the aim. An over-fed young…