Diana Myers
The diet of the young dog largely determines whether it will grow into a healthy or a sickly animal.
The right ratio for every breed
Which food and how much of it a young dog gets has a significant influence on its growth. The dosage of feed is a delicate matter, especially for large breeds: a deficiency, but also an overdose of nutrients can lead to damage to the health of the animal. The optimal supply of protein, vitamins, trace elements, and other nutrients must be supplied in appropriate rations.
Beware of “overfeeding”
The main growth phase takes place in the first six months of life, a particularly sensitive time when it comes to feeding. If the dog gets too much and/or too high-energy food, it grows too fast and its comparatively soft skeleton is overburdened by the weight of the muscles. This increases the risk of illness. It has been proven, among other things, that this “overfeeding” worsens HD in dogs that are predisposed accordingly. An excess of phosphorus can lead to demineralization and thus “rubber bones”.
You should pay attention to this
So you can do a lot wrong as an owner. But how do you do it right? Experts give the following tips:
Check the feed supply, especially for large dogs. Of course, the four-legged friend should not go hungry. Give him what he needs, but not everything he desperately wants.
Cook it yourself or ready-made feed mixes?
If you want to put together your dog’s food yourself, ask your vet or university institutes for advice. There you can tell them exactly what your dog needs. You can also get support from experienced breeders. The safest method, however, is to use the commercial feed mixtures and to stick to the feed amounts specified there. Do not hesitate to seek advice from these feed manufacturers as well. Most have valuable tips for dog lovers.