- Nutrition - Nutrition
Puppy Considerations |
Basic Nutrition |
How Much to Feed? |
When Do You Feed? |
Supplements? |
Feeding Instructions |
The following is ©1995 - David J. Sheckler. All Rights are Reserved.
Basic Considerations for Puppy Nutrition
If any puppy's rapid development is retarded from an insufficient diet, those losses may never be fully recovered. The amount of food consumed, as well as the quality of food consumed, MUST contain adequate caloric energy as well as the proper mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals. Balance of these components (caloric vs. nutrative), and the quality of the sources of each, determines the overall "excellence" of any one food.
On the other hand, overnutrition (predominantly calories, protein, and calcium) will create a series of potential health problems which can easily be avoided. Puppies gaining too much weight are susceptable to increased incidences of joint problems and dysplasia. Excess supplementation or oversupply of calcium has be inplicated in growth diseases of the bone and connective tissues. Excessive protein levels can adversely increase blood urea nitrogen (BUN), with added stress on the kidneys and the potential for uric acid problems or kidney failure.
Simply put, you must pay keen attention to a puppy's diet, balancing the quality of food with its availability, and keeping the quantity of food proportionate to the puppy's weight and activity levels. You should maintain your puppy neither too heavy or too thin, but we recommend that you try to keep it on the lighter side rather than the heavier side. It appears that excess weight has a significant adverse impact on the puppy's joints as it grows up. We strongly recommend that you do not allow free feeding by the puppy, rather we recommend that you dispense a set amount of food at planned intervals over the day.
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The basic component of any feeding plan is dry kibble. It is economical to produce and purchase, and it is a reasonable way to provide good nutrition with a complete balanced diet. When looking at any food as a potential food source, pay particular attention at the sources of each nutrative component. Protein sources are generally meat meal (chicken, lamb or beef), sometimes wheat, rice bran, or barley proteins, while fat sources commonly are rendered animal fats or some specific types of plant oils. Foods that commonly use corn, beets, soy, or animal by-products (which allow joint and connective tissue as well as some meal), as their primary source of protein are generally lower grade foods and should be avoided.
Meat meal, as apposed to meat byproducts, is the preferred source of protein, as it generally has the best balance of essential amino acids (the basic "building block" molecules of proteins). Some lower grade foods will substitute cereal/grain or high levels of animal byproducts, resulting ower biological value to the the available proteins unless very carefully formulated. You need to have high quality proteins for proper growth in muscle/connective tissue and nerve tissue, especially in young growing dogs and lactating bitches. Generally, kibble either too high in protein (>27%) or too low in protein (<17%) will not present a balanced diet either in growth or maintenance diets. You also must pay attention to the relative ratio of the protein percentage to the fat percentages in the feed, with our experience indicating that, for Bouviers, a ratio of 3 parts protein to 2 parts fat to give the best results. Lower ratios of fat (commonly found foods may have as low as a 2:1 protein-fat ratio) can give lower success with feeding programs.The type of animal being used for the source of protein "meal" is less important than its wholesomeness (cleanliness of processing and quality of the meat). High quality feeds do not use meats which have any of the 3-D's (dead, diseased, or decayed), and they often use meat of quality for human consumption. Meat sources from chicken, lamb, or beef are common, with specialized diets of venison or fish being recently formulated. Egg is often used as a high quality protein source in feeds. Whether you feed chicken, lamb, or beef really depends on your Bouvier, and whether it thrives better on one or the other. Certain of the protein sources (wheat, soy, specific animal meats) can be implicated in allergies which manifest themselves in skin or systemic problems. In those cases, you will need to work with your vet in identifying the causes and moving to another feed.
Canines being carnivorous, animal fats are the preferrable source of essential fatty acids, but they are sometimes difficult to handle during the production process (if not properly preserved) to avoid rancidity problems with the food. Vegitable fats are acceptable as a fat source provided it is high quality fat (safflower oil, sunflower oil). Fat content of any feed is extremely important in a dog's continuing health. Essential fatty acids (unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic) are required for normal cell membranes. Any deficiency will impair wound healing, cause a dry and lusterless coat, and present skin problems. The fat content of the feed also provides for the adsorption of required fat soluable vitamins (A, D, and E). Unfortunately, unsaturated fatty acids contain chemical bonds which are susceptable to oxidation if not properly preserved with anti-oxidents. Both higher temperature and higher humidity, along with exposure to air, hasten the oxidation of the fats contained in the feed, and causes it to become rancid. Pay attention to the preservatives used in the feed, the stated shelf time of the food (the coded production date against the current date), and its storage conditions, for they all play into a rancidity potential. Rancidity in fats WILL cause health problems with the dog's liver and pancreas, and kibble should be checked as you get new bags to assure that they have not "gone bad".
Minerals are involved with both anatomical structure and cellular metabolism of the animal. Almost all good feeds have reasonable levels of basic minerals, but some attention should be paid to "trace" minerals and whether they have been included. Some of the trace minerals (selenium, manganese, copper, and zinc) have been recently shown to be critical to proper cellular metabolism/stability. Most of these are involved with cellular enzyme function or cellular membrane transport, and consequently their lack will likely impact nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and cellular statis. If not present in your feed, they should be added either in a mutli-suplement or specific trace mineral suplement. However, this is NOT one of these "if a little is good, more is better"; too high a level of trace minerals can be toxic, and should be avoided.
Vitamins are primarily for the promotion and regulation of celllular metabolism and enzyme function. In that, they are not directly used as an energy source or for structural purposes, but their absence will severly impact a body's ability to produce energy or to build muscle, bone, nerves, or connective tissue. Vitamins are devided into two groups, not identified as to their intended use, but according to the particular vitamin's soluability. Their soluability relates to their absorption, storage, and excretion, and vitamin supplements should be carefully considered rather than routinely given. Supplements of aqueous soluble vitamins (B complexes, C, folic acid) can be routinely given, as the excesses are routinely passed from the kidneys with no toxic effects. However, supplements of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, and E) should be only considered where bodily deficiencies have been demonstrated, as any excesses are stored in the body and may present toxic effects to the liver and other organs.
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The basics are: the amount of food required depends on the dog's age, activity levels, condition, and bodily metabolic rates. Bouviers are generally not "big" eaters, with most adults getting by from 2 cups of high quality food for sedantary adults to up to more than 5 cups for active, working dogs (herding, high-level "show" conditioning, active protection training). The amount of food will also depend on the quality of the feed; higher quality, "premium" grade feeds will meet nutritional requirements with less quantity to be fed. We have generally found that the highest grade feeds are actually more economical because relataively lower quantities can be dispensed in a meal, while retaining the dog's optimal health and apitite.
How much should your puppy eat? Generally as much as he wants, up to the point he is getting overweight, or has loose-stool problems from poor-digestion. The growth phases in young puppies and adolescent dogs require up to two times the relative amount an adult would consume for a particular weight, peaking at 12-15 months. Even though particular brands of food are formulated to optimize certain stool consistencies, you can easily judge that the puppy is getting too much food if the stools become very loose or diahreaic. If loose stools are a problem, cut down the food amount by 50% for a short period (a day or so) and then resume with a lower overall level of feed; if the stools do not firm up after two days, you should visit your vet because you may have another intestinal problem.
Obesity and overweight conditions in a dog are a serious threat to its health. Early in life, this excess weight impacts the growth and anatomy of the joints. Middle in the life, obesity will impact its ability to sucessfully reproduce. Later in life, excess weight will severly effect the heart, lungs, kidneys, and joints of the dog. When a Bouvier is in proper weight trim, you should be able to just feel the backbone and ribs, with only a small fat layer evident. If you pinch the loin (on the sides between the ribs and hipbone), you should only have a small pinch layer of fat between your fingers. Any more than this is too much weight on your dog. If you are not sure, check with your breeder or Vet.
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Most important to when you feed the dogs is when it will be calm and relaxed. Other than that, and a couple of cautions, it is more a matter of lifestyle and common sense. Puppies require feeding more often in the day due to their high needs and relatively small digestive tracts. Adult dogs can be fed once a day, although many owners choose to feed morning and night to lessen the threat of bloat. Bloat/gastric torsion can be a very real problem with Bouviers, and it is vitally important that the dog avoid rigorous exercise or excitment before and after the meal (an hour before the meal, and at least two hours after the meal). Early morning is a common time for many to feed their dogs, but most people feed in the evenings (unless this causes a problem with having to go out for backyard trips in the middle of the night).
Puppies tend to deficate and urinate shortly after their meals. This is an easy tool to use to regulate your puppy, and your efforts in housebreaking the hairy beast. As the puppy grows, and the digestive tract can accomodate more bulk, the period between eating and "business" will grow longer. Whatever the case, we do not recommend feeding your puppy or young adolescent shortly before you retire (unless you WANT to wake up overnight).
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To Supplement or Not to Supplement . . . .
Many owners consider adding supplements to their dogs meals under the (mis)conception that "some is good, more is better". Most commercial feed is formulated to give basic, balanced nutrition, and probably needs little if no supplementation. It is often misguided pereptions that motivate an owner to supply the best (read: most) of everything in the drive to supplement a dog's diet.
Supplements have their use in any nutritional plan, but only as a planned effort to alleviate known deficiencies in a particular diet or health status of a specific animal. Most supplements are not wise; in fact, oversupplementation is a significant causitive or exacerbating factor in hip and elbow displasia and other bone growth problems. Only in specific cases where a deficiency is known or diagnosed should you attempt to supplement your dog's diet. You may be better off putting your money into as high a quality feed as you can. However, if you are inclined to supplement, check with your vet and your breeder to discuss the issues and directions. Whatever the case, resist the temptation that "more is better, just to be sure".
Here are some thoughts on the most commonly used supplements:
Vitamin C: Vitamin C has been suggested for use with immune defficiencies and for alleviation of hip displasia tendencies. Although scientific evidence is limited and inconclusive, colloquial testimonials give the perception that it may be worthwhile. Regular ascorbic acid (Vit. C itself) or sodium ascorbate (simple salt of ascorbic acid) are not very well absorbed in the gut. Calcium ascorbate should not be considered (even though absorbed better) because of potential adverse effects of high calcium in the diet (see below). "Ester-C" is a patented, trademarked chemical derivative and has been shown to be much better absorbed and utilized by the body, and may be worth the extra cost relative to plain vitamin C. Excesses of this vitamin are excreted by the kidneys, so toxicity appears not to be an issue. Overuse of Vitamin C may cause gastric distress on the short term, with a high potential for diahrea.
EFA Liquids/Capsules: Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) supplements are probably the most commonly used supplement around. Where a diet is low in fat, EFA supplements can be used to bring the fat levels up to a more desirable level. Furthermore, dogs with skin problems (dermatitis, scaly patches, flea bite problems) gernerally benefit from EFA supplementation. Confer with your vet for his recommendations, but be careful of using any EFA product which has been derived from soybean sources, as soy has been implicated as a common agent in allergic disorders. Fish oil, Cod Liver Oil, and some plant "cold pressed" oils (safflower, sunflower, borage seed) are preferred as sources of EFA's.
Minerals: Minerals should only be supplemented where deficiencies are known or diagnosed. Excesses of several minerals are implicated with disease states. Most critical to pay close attention to is calcium uptake in your dog; excess calcium (either supplemented or from absorbtion from lower grade foods) has been shown to be a causitive agent in hip displasia, and other bone growth problems. Exess Iron has also been implicated in bone, kidney and blood disorders. On the other hand, many feeds have little or insufficient trace mineral content; in some cases, your dog may benefit from trace mineral supplements, but only in small amounts. Many of the trace minerals are extremely toxic if given in excess quantities, and should be used sparingly and carefully.
Kelp: All dogs need Iodine for proper thyroid function. Kelp is a natural product from the sea which is high in elemental iodine. This is one trace mineral which should never be left to chance.... Excess iodine is excreted by the kidneys, but low levels of iodine will impact thyroid function adversely. Low thyroid function, known as hypo-thyroidism has significant implications for basal metabolism, as well as has been thought to have an adverse impact on the body's immune function. This is one supplement which you should give serious consideration of adding to your dog's diet.
Herbs: There is a growing movement in wholistic or naturopathic medicine to the common use of herbs and/or herbal preparations. While we neither advocate or oppose the use of herbs, you must realize that many herbs may have just as strong a medicinal or metabolic effect as traditional "allopathic" medicines. If you intend to utillize herbal preparations, do not do so without sufficient knowledge and preparation to know what the intended effects are as well as the potential side effects. Also, do not use them without your vet being well informed, as there are potential adverse side effects of herbs interacting with traditionally prescribed medicines. This caveat is just as appropriate to a number of the herbal "performace" preparations. Some "performance" preparations contain herbs that have levels of "naturally occurring" active chemicals/drugs which are just as strong as giving a traditional veterinary prescription.
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RECOMMENDED FEEDING INSTRUCTIONS
· 8-10 weeks old - 4 times a day (soak food with a little water)
· 10-16 weeks old - 3 times a day (soak food with a little water)
· 16 weeks to 1 year old - 2 times a day
· 1 year and older - 2 or 1 times a day, at your option
We recommend that you give the puppy regular adult dog foods. Recent studies have indicated that puppy food may be creating "over-nutrition" problems in large breeds. We change our puppies over to adult food at about 3 to 4 months old.
We have had the best results with Sensible Choice and strongly recommend that food because of its quality and consistancy, but the other "super-premium" feeds are also of high quality.
- Sensible Choice Adult ("Chicken")
- Nutro's "Natural Choice" or "Natural Choice Plus"
- Nature's Recipe "Lamb and Rice" or Lamb, Rice and Barley"
- Natural Life "Lamb and Rice" or "Lamb, Rice, and Barley"
-- 1-2 tablespoons of Breeders Choice frozen "Puppy Pak" or Maintenance Pak"
or -- 1-2 tablespoons of a high-quality canned food (same brands as above)
or -- 1-2 tablespoons of cooked ground turkey
-- small amounts of fresh chopped vegatables
-- Safflower oil or Flax Seed Oil about 1 tablespoon per cup kibble
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