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| LARGE BREED NUTRITION & HEALTH |
KNOW ABOUT BLOAT
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (Bloat/GDV) is the second leading cause of death in large breeds, next to cancer.
Great Danes, Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, Weimaraners, German Shepherds, and Dobermans are some of
those most highly at risk. Bloat is an accumulation of food, air, fluid, and gas in the stomach; which can cause the
stomach to twist, and blood flow to stop; leading to shock and damage to vital organs, resulting in rapid death.
This condition can kill your dog in less than a few hours, so it is crucial that every dog owner know the symptoms
and preventions. A swollen belly, whining, pacing, salivating, and dry heaves are the most common symptoms.
Once again, this condition is more common in the male gender.
Remember that many of the dogs that are medically treated will still die, so prevention is your best hope. THIS IS
VERY SCARY, so don’t panic, because every second will count. Keep some type of liquid Simethicone (Gas X, etc.)
on hand to buy your pet a few minutes to get to a vet, but this is absolutely NOT a cure. You are probably looking
at an emergency surgery, and do not accept a misdiagnosis of a “tummy ache” and go home like so many
mistakenly do. EATING AND EXERCISE HABITS ARE USUALLY TO BLAME. Get into the DAILY routine of feeding
in measured SMALL amounts several times a day, then a calm, quiet time for the pet for at least 2 hrs.
DO NOT EVER ALLOW YOUR PET TO EAT/DRINK VERY RAPIDLY!
DO NOT EVER EXERCISE DOGS BEFORE OR AFTER THEY HAVE EATEN OR DRANK!
DO NOT ALLOW DOG TO DRINK WHILE EATING, OR EVER SOAK ITS KIBBLE IN WATER!
Google “bloat in dogs” and familiarize yourself with this potential lethal danger.
THE IMPORTANCE OF LOWER PROTEIN
Protein is another essential part of any larger breed diet—BUT IN LOWER AMOUNTS. Large breed puppy food has
an average of 10% lower proteins than regular or small breed puppy food, to deliberately slow the larger pup’s
growth down. Slower growth enables the skeletal frame, knees, and especially the more delicate joints to better
handle the body mass and extra weight of larger animals. This is also the same concept used in young horses.
Simply put, the joints are tiny and delicate, and can’t handle the quicker weight gain; therefore they collapse or
shift under the weight, causing permanent joint/knee damage. The right amount of food and protein for a large
breed is crucial to promote correct joint health and avoid painful joint disorders. Large pups need to grow VERY
SLOWLY FOR A MINIMUM OF 2 YEARS, and need to stay on quality large breed puppy food for that entire duration
with no exceptions. Feedings need measured to ensure slower, controlled growth over the 2 year time span.
HEMATOMAS OR HEMORRHAGES
Larger breeds are EXTREMELY clumsy for the first 2 years of life or so. They are prone to injuries done to
themselves, by themselves. Do not be afraid to get help if you feel your dog has injured itself. Many vets are
aware of the larger breeds being prone to self-inflicted injury, and we ourselves have personally experienced this
kind of emergency situation. Do not allow young pups to jump off the couch or bed until they are much older, and
supervise their play with other large pups and dogs.
A HEMATOMA is a localized blood clot caused by a break in the wall of the blood vessel. This break may be caused
by trauma, or a spontaneous aneurysm. The most common type of Hematoma in dogs is in the ears, however,
large breed puppies are clumsy and play very rough. They are known to hit their heads a lot through play or
falling. These Hematoma clots need to be drained or removed by a licensed veterinarian right away, who will be
better prepared for emergency care in case they are actually a hemorrhage, which is far more serious.
A HEMORRHAGE is a rapid and uncontrollable loss of blood or rapid outflow, and can occur in many parts of the
body. This condition is prevalent in a more serious injury or trauma, and will absolutely need immediate
professional care. Obviously a Cerebral Hemorrhage is extremely serious, and can result in a Hemorrhagic Stroke
or death. Many people and dogs, like some Dobermans, are candidates for Postpartum Hemorrhage, which makes
the birth process extremely dangerous to those particular people or pets. Von Willebrand’s, also common in some
Dobes, produces a Hemorrhage type effect even though it is not a Hemorrhage. For most pups, Hematomas and
Hemorrhages will never be an issue, but I wanted you keep it in mind, because you never know.
LARGER BREEDS ARE WONDERFUL, DEVOTED COMPANIONS. THE CARE OF THEM IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM TOY
BREEDS, BUT NO LESS IMPORTANT. NEW PET OWNERS MUST BE DEVOTED TO WHATEVER SIZE PET THEY
CHOOSE. IT IS A SAD MISINTERPRETATION THAT LARGE BREEDS NEED LITTLE TO NO CARE, AND CAN BE LEFT
PERPETUALLY OUTDOORS WITH JUST A BUCKET OF FOOD AND WATER. ALL PETS NEED OWNER PROVISIONS
AND PROTECTION. AS USUAL, IT IS MY DELIBERATE INTENT TO SAVE YOU THE HEARTACHE OF LOSING YOUR
BELOVED PET DUE TO A LACK OF KNOWLEDGE. “KNOWLEDGE IS POWER”
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (Bloat/GDV) is the second leading cause of death in large breeds, next to cancer.
Great Danes, Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, Weimaraners, German Shepherds, and Dobermans are some of
those most highly at risk. Bloat is an accumulation of food, air, fluid, and gas in the stomach; which can cause the
stomach to twist, and blood flow to stop; leading to shock and damage to vital organs, resulting in rapid death.
This condition can kill your dog in less than a few hours, so it is crucial that every dog owner know the symptoms
and preventions. A swollen belly, whining, pacing, salivating, and dry heaves are the most common symptoms.
Once again, this condition is more common in the male gender.
Remember that many of the dogs that are medically treated will still die, so prevention is your best hope. THIS IS
VERY SCARY, so don’t panic, because every second will count. Keep some type of liquid Simethicone (Gas X, etc.)
on hand to buy your pet a few minutes to get to a vet, but this is absolutely NOT a cure. You are probably looking
at an emergency surgery, and do not accept a misdiagnosis of a “tummy ache” and go home like so many
mistakenly do. EATING AND EXERCISE HABITS ARE USUALLY TO BLAME. Get into the DAILY routine of feeding
in measured SMALL amounts several times a day, then a calm, quiet time for the pet for at least 2 hrs.
DO NOT EVER ALLOW YOUR PET TO EAT/DRINK VERY RAPIDLY!
DO NOT EVER EXERCISE DOGS BEFORE OR AFTER THEY HAVE EATEN OR DRANK!
DO NOT ALLOW DOG TO DRINK WHILE EATING, OR EVER SOAK ITS KIBBLE IN WATER!
Google “bloat in dogs” and familiarize yourself with this potential lethal danger.
THE IMPORTANCE OF LOWER PROTEIN
Protein is another essential part of any larger breed diet—BUT IN LOWER AMOUNTS. Large breed puppy food has
an average of 10% lower proteins than regular or small breed puppy food, to deliberately slow the larger pup’s
growth down. Slower growth enables the skeletal frame, knees, and especially the more delicate joints to better
handle the body mass and extra weight of larger animals. This is also the same concept used in young horses.
Simply put, the joints are tiny and delicate, and can’t handle the quicker weight gain; therefore they collapse or
shift under the weight, causing permanent joint/knee damage. The right amount of food and protein for a large
breed is crucial to promote correct joint health and avoid painful joint disorders. Large pups need to grow VERY
SLOWLY FOR A MINIMUM OF 2 YEARS, and need to stay on quality large breed puppy food for that entire duration
with no exceptions. Feedings need measured to ensure slower, controlled growth over the 2 year time span.
HEMATOMAS OR HEMORRHAGES
Larger breeds are EXTREMELY clumsy for the first 2 years of life or so. They are prone to injuries done to
themselves, by themselves. Do not be afraid to get help if you feel your dog has injured itself. Many vets are
aware of the larger breeds being prone to self-inflicted injury, and we ourselves have personally experienced this
kind of emergency situation. Do not allow young pups to jump off the couch or bed until they are much older, and
supervise their play with other large pups and dogs.
A HEMATOMA is a localized blood clot caused by a break in the wall of the blood vessel. This break may be caused
by trauma, or a spontaneous aneurysm. The most common type of Hematoma in dogs is in the ears, however,
large breed puppies are clumsy and play very rough. They are known to hit their heads a lot through play or
falling. These Hematoma clots need to be drained or removed by a licensed veterinarian right away, who will be
better prepared for emergency care in case they are actually a hemorrhage, which is far more serious.
A HEMORRHAGE is a rapid and uncontrollable loss of blood or rapid outflow, and can occur in many parts of the
body. This condition is prevalent in a more serious injury or trauma, and will absolutely need immediate
professional care. Obviously a Cerebral Hemorrhage is extremely serious, and can result in a Hemorrhagic Stroke
or death. Many people and dogs, like some Dobermans, are candidates for Postpartum Hemorrhage, which makes
the birth process extremely dangerous to those particular people or pets. Von Willebrand’s, also common in some
Dobes, produces a Hemorrhage type effect even though it is not a Hemorrhage. For most pups, Hematomas and
Hemorrhages will never be an issue, but I wanted you keep it in mind, because you never know.
LARGER BREEDS ARE WONDERFUL, DEVOTED COMPANIONS. THE CARE OF THEM IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM TOY
BREEDS, BUT NO LESS IMPORTANT. NEW PET OWNERS MUST BE DEVOTED TO WHATEVER SIZE PET THEY
CHOOSE. IT IS A SAD MISINTERPRETATION THAT LARGE BREEDS NEED LITTLE TO NO CARE, AND CAN BE LEFT
PERPETUALLY OUTDOORS WITH JUST A BUCKET OF FOOD AND WATER. ALL PETS NEED OWNER PROVISIONS
AND PROTECTION. AS USUAL, IT IS MY DELIBERATE INTENT TO SAVE YOU THE HEARTACHE OF LOSING YOUR
BELOVED PET DUE TO A LACK OF KNOWLEDGE. “KNOWLEDGE IS POWER”
We all know that times are tough. Prices have skyrocketed on gas and groceries, but you must remember that you still
need to give your pet(s) quality food and vet care. The outrageous cost of veterinary care is precisely the reason many
refuse it and the current doubled dog food prices will shock buyers. However, the lack of either could seriously impair the
health of your new pup. In any large breed there are extra nutritional requirements to keep your pup from serious and
sometimes fatal conditions that will considerably lessen their quality of life. Be prepared--knowledge is power.
QUALITY FOOD WITH A MODERATE DAILY SUPPLEMENT
GOOD FOOD IS NOT ENOUGH FOR GROWING LARGER BREED PUPS. You should give a vitamin w/calcium
supplement. Science Diet for large breed puppies is the food most vets recommend. If you do not use sufficient
nutritional supplements, you could permanently harm your puppy’s knees and joints. Low protein, Vitamins D,
C, and E are essential as well as Calcium to help medium to large breed dogs grow SLOWLY, STEADILY and
CORRECTLY. It is imperative that you do not overfeed, over exercise, or overdo supplements. Male pups are
particularly at risk of joint damage because their bones are twice as dense and grow twice as fast. Male puppy
growth must be closely regulated.
There is great controversy on whether or not to give supplements to large breeds. Even with my own vets, this
subject is extremely controversial. This entire matter can be very confusing to a new pet owner. Science Diet
Large Breed Puppy with a MODEST daily supplement will be required of our pups for the first 2 yrs. Divided Pet
Tabs or even Walmart generic prenatal vitamins will do as a daily supplement for those on a very tight budget.
There are many outstanding sites on large breed diets and nutritional supplements to avoid knee and joint
disorders. Google “large breed nutrition” and familiarize yourself with the proper diet and feeding habits for
larger dogs.
need to give your pet(s) quality food and vet care. The outrageous cost of veterinary care is precisely the reason many
refuse it and the current doubled dog food prices will shock buyers. However, the lack of either could seriously impair the
health of your new pup. In any large breed there are extra nutritional requirements to keep your pup from serious and
sometimes fatal conditions that will considerably lessen their quality of life. Be prepared--knowledge is power.
QUALITY FOOD WITH A MODERATE DAILY SUPPLEMENT
GOOD FOOD IS NOT ENOUGH FOR GROWING LARGER BREED PUPS. You should give a vitamin w/calcium
supplement. Science Diet for large breed puppies is the food most vets recommend. If you do not use sufficient
nutritional supplements, you could permanently harm your puppy’s knees and joints. Low protein, Vitamins D,
C, and E are essential as well as Calcium to help medium to large breed dogs grow SLOWLY, STEADILY and
CORRECTLY. It is imperative that you do not overfeed, over exercise, or overdo supplements. Male pups are
particularly at risk of joint damage because their bones are twice as dense and grow twice as fast. Male puppy
growth must be closely regulated.
There is great controversy on whether or not to give supplements to large breeds. Even with my own vets, this
subject is extremely controversial. This entire matter can be very confusing to a new pet owner. Science Diet
Large Breed Puppy with a MODEST daily supplement will be required of our pups for the first 2 yrs. Divided Pet
Tabs or even Walmart generic prenatal vitamins will do as a daily supplement for those on a very tight budget.
There are many outstanding sites on large breed diets and nutritional supplements to avoid knee and joint
disorders. Google “large breed nutrition” and familiarize yourself with the proper diet and feeding habits for
larger dogs.
JOINT AND KNEE DAMAGE
Many joint conditions may arise from improper nutrition causing many pets severe pain and suffering; most of
which are not curable. Take your new puppy’s diet very seriously. A simple growth spurt without the proper
nutrients can permanently damage the joints in a few days time. OVER EXERCISE/PLAY OF YOUNGER PUPS
CAN ALSO CAUSE PERMANENT JOINT DAMAGE. Many of these joint conditions are not hereditary, and several
have absolutely no known origin. A few of these conditions are: Rickets(vit. D deficiency), Scurvy(vit. C
deficiency), Arthritis(joint pain), Epiphicitis, Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD), Hip Dysplasia, Barlow’s
Disease, Carpel Flexural Deformity, Metaphyseal Osteopathy, Osteochondritis, Wobbler’s, Degenerative Joint
Disease. Google “large breed joint disorders” and familiarize yourself with this potential crippling danger.
Many joint conditions may arise from improper nutrition causing many pets severe pain and suffering; most of
which are not curable. Take your new puppy’s diet very seriously. A simple growth spurt without the proper
nutrients can permanently damage the joints in a few days time. OVER EXERCISE/PLAY OF YOUNGER PUPS
CAN ALSO CAUSE PERMANENT JOINT DAMAGE. Many of these joint conditions are not hereditary, and several
have absolutely no known origin. A few of these conditions are: Rickets(vit. D deficiency), Scurvy(vit. C
deficiency), Arthritis(joint pain), Epiphicitis, Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD), Hip Dysplasia, Barlow’s
Disease, Carpel Flexural Deformity, Metaphyseal Osteopathy, Osteochondritis, Wobbler’s, Degenerative Joint
Disease. Google “large breed joint disorders” and familiarize yourself with this potential crippling danger.
