How do I calculate RER to determine proper feeding amounts? To determine proper feeding amounts, you must first calculate your dog’s Resting Energy Requirement (RER) to establish a baseline of the calories they need at rest, and then calculate their Daily Energy Requirement (DER) to account for their specific growth stage and activity level. Step […]
Understanding Overnutrition Risks in Large-Breed Puppies
What are the risks of overnutrition in large-breed puppies? Based on the provided sources, the risks of overnutrition in large- and giant-breed puppies are significant and primarily involve Developmental Orthopedic Disease (DOD). While owners often worry about malnutrition, veterinary experts state that dietary deficiencies are of “minimal concern” in modern commercial diets; rather, the potential […]
Understanding Nutritional Needs of Large Breed Puppies
Why do some breeders recommend adult food for large puppies? Some breeders recommend feeding large- and giant-breed puppies adult dog food because they believe puppy food will cause the dogs to grow too quickly and their joints to suffer. They suggest using adult food to safely manage the puppy’s rapid growth and prevent developmental orthopedic […]
Safe Puppy Food Transition: A Step-by-Step Guide
How do I safely transition my puppy to a new food? To safely transition your puppy to a new food, you generally want to follow a gradual process to prevent gastrointestinal upset. However, the method may differ slightly depending on whether you are doing a routine switch or correcting a developmental orthopedic issue. The Standard […]
Guidelines for Joint Supplements in Puppies
When is the right time to start joint supplements? Based on the provided sources, the recommended timing for starting joint supplements varies depending on whether the goal is prevention in a healthy dog or treatment for a specific developmental issue. For Healthy Puppies: Wait Until Adulthood Veterinary nutritionists and experts generally advise against giving joint […]
Daily Caloric Needs for Large Breed Puppies
How many calories does a large breed puppy need daily? To determine exactly how many calories a large breed puppy needs daily, you cannot rely on a single fixed number. Instead, you must calculate their Daily Energy Requirement (DER) based on their current weight and growth stage. The process involves two steps: first, determining their […]