Today's Breeder - Issue 107 - 19

LARGE- & GIANT-BREED PUPPY NUTRITION WATCHOUTS
Although large- and giant-breed puppies have a higher growth rate
than small and medium breeds, they should not be fed an excessive
amount of calories to maximize this growth. Dr. Naik advises feeding
these breeds to ideal body condition throughout puppyhood and
adulthood. " If large- and giant-breed puppies grow too quickly, it
could lead to skeletal health concerns and growth and developmental
problems, " he says. " It is particularly important to avoid feeding excess
calcium in these breeds, as it can do more harm than good by unbalancing
the diet, increasing the dietary concentration of calcium, and
decreasing the absorption of phosphorus. " Dr. Naik advises feeding these
puppies a diet such as one of the Purina Pro Plan Large Breed puppy
foods that has targeted levels of calories and fat to support a moderate growth rate throughout growth and development.
is vital to feed enough food to prevent weight loss and to
keep the milk production up during lactation, " says Dr. Naik.
" Consider feeding several small meals throughout the
day. This also helps during pregnancy when the growing
fetuses reduce abdominal space for a large meal. "
The dam's milk produced during the first 72 hours after
whelping is nutritionally critical for puppies. Colostrum
contains antibodies that provide passive immunity, highly
concentrated energy nutrients and growth factors. Puppies
have a small window to benefit from the passive immunity
in colostrum, yet it is so important.
Until puppies are 3 to 4 weeks of age, they rely entirely
on mother's milk to survive. " Puppies grow at a high rate
and need about 25 calories per 100 grams of body weight, "
Dr. Naik says. " In the first 10 days, their birth weight
typically doubles. They spend most of the time sleeping
and eating. "
Developmentally, puppies go from needing their dam
to stimulate them to urinate and defecate in the first
two weeks to doing so independently in weeks two to
four. They go from having no sight or hearing in weeks
one and two to having functioning hearing and vision
in weeks two to four. Baby teeth start appearing, and
puppies begin exploring their environment and reacting
to littermates and the dam. Puppy barks, wagging tails
and unsteady walking signal their awareness and social
beginnings. Between weeks four to seven, puppies can
fully regulate their own temperature.
" In weeks three to four, breeders should start introducing
a semi-soft gruel mixture that is one part kibble soaked in
two parts warm water, " says Dr. Naik. " This begins their
gradual change to eating on their own, as after four weeks,
the mother's milk alone does not provide enough nutrients
for puppies and she begins to lose interest in nursing. Nutritional
weaning should be completed around 6 weeks of age.
In contrast, behavioral weaning in which puppies are separated
from the dam and littermates should not happen until
they are 8 weeks of age to ensure optimal social behavior. "
Dr. Naik advises feeding pregnant bitches and puppies
a complete and balanced all-life stages or puppy food, such
as one of the Purina Pro Plan SPORT Performance or Active
Formulas or Purina Pro Plan Puppy foods, that has:
* High-quality protein of which 25 percent is metabolizable
energy to help build new tissue and support
muscle, skin and coat, and organ development
* Calcium to phosphorus ratio that is 1:1 to 1.6-1.8 for
proper bone growth
* Essential fatty acids from omega-3 fish oil with DHA
for optimal brain-retinal development
* Antioxidants to support a developing immune system
Importantly, Dr. Naik says, when feeding a complete and
balanced food, there is no need to supplement with vitamins
and minerals. " Balanced diets provide the appropriate levels of
nutrients that are critical to get puppies off to a good start
in life. Optimal nutrition should be the goal throughout pregnancy
and lactation and when feeding developing puppies. " n
Ideal reproduction and pediatric nutrition is provided in a complete and balanced all-life stages or puppy food, such as one of these Purina
Pro Plan SPORT Performance or Active Formulas or Purina Pro Plan Puppy foods.
PURINAPROCLUB.COM | 19

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Today's Breeder - Issue 107

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