What Is the Reason for Feeding Large Breed Puppy Food?

Large breed puppies grow faster than smaller breeds. Although it is possible to feed them raw foods, adult food with protein supplements or regular puppy food, large breed puppy food is formulated to meet their needs.

  1. Problems

    • Improper feeding can cause your puppy to develop joint, bone and other orthopedic problems either from too much or too little nutrition elements such as protein and calcium.

    Protein

    • According to Vetinfo, large breed puppies require more protein and other nutrients to help with their rapid growth than small breed puppies.

    Calcium

    • Too much calcium can cause calcium retention and too little can cause poor growth or brittle bones according to Vetinfo. According to Albert S. Townshend, DVM, optimum calcium level for large breed puppies has not been established and needs more research. Large breed puppy foods have a lower percent than regular puppy food and supplementing is not recommended.

    Calories

    • Large breed puppy foods increase some nutrients without increasing calories. Being overweight puts a strain on the bones and is related to problems including canine hip dysplasia, wobbler syndrome, osteochondritis and other orthopedic disorders, according to Townshend. According to Dogfacts, small breeds need 40 calories per pound of body weight but large breeds need only 20 calories per pound.

    Tips

    • Weigh your puppy weekly and decrease food if he is gaining weight too fast. Switch to adult food at 6 to 7 months old.