What are the common signs of HOD in puppies? Based on the provided sources, there is limited detailed information on the clinical signs of Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) in everyday practice. However, the sources do note the following specific signs and characteristics: • Bone Deformities (Bony Cuffs): In advanced cases of HOD, a radiographic (X-ray) sign […]
Exercise Guidelines for Giant Breed Puppies
How much exercise should a growing giant breed puppy get? Until a giant breed puppy’s growth plates fully close—which typically occurs between 11 and 12 months of age—you should avoid strenuous physical exercise. During this rapid growth phase, their immature skeletal system is highly susceptible to physical damage and orthopedic diseases. Instead of forced or […]
The Truth About Puppy Food Micro-Minerals
What micro-minerals are missing from commercial puppy food diets? Based on the sources, there are two conflicting viewpoints regarding whether micro-minerals are missing from commercial puppy foods: The Supplement Program Viewpoint. According to the creator of the Blackwatch feeding program, all commercial diets on the market are missing critical micro-minerals (also known as trace minerals). […]
Ideal DHA Levels for Large Breed Puppies
What is the recommended DHA level for large breed puppies? For large-breed puppies, diets should provide DHA at 0.02% or greater on a dry-matter basis. Why DHA is Important DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) is an essential long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid that is crucial for a puppy’s retinal, neural, and auditory development. Furthermore, ensuring a puppy […]
Best Body Condition Score for Giant Puppies: A Quick Guide
What is the best body condition score for giant puppies? The ideal body condition score (BCS) for giant breed puppies depends on the specific scale being used, but the overarching goal is to keep them exceptionally lean. • On a 9-point scale: You should aim to maintain a score of 4 out of 9 (or […]
Understanding Feed Additives for Healthier Dogs
Latest Lessons in Animal Nutrition In my animal nutrition class, I just wrapped up learning about the importance of feed additives like probiotics and prebiotics. It is fascinating to see the science behind how these live microorganisms and non-digestible ingredients stabilize the gut microbiome. One of the biggest takeaways for me was that without probiotics, […]
Calculate Your Puppy’s Daily Energy Requirement Easily
How do I calculate a puppy’s Daily Energy Requirement? Calculating a puppy’s Daily Energy Requirement (DER) is a two-step process. First, you calculate their Resting Energy Requirement (RER), then multiply it by a specific factor based on their current stage of development. Step 1: Calculate Resting Energy Requirement (RER). To find your puppy’s RER, you […]