Large Breed Dog Nutritional Needs
If you’re the proud owner of a large breed dog (dogs weighing more than 56 pounds at maturity) or a giant breed dog (75 pounds at maturity), you’re probably already aware that they have different needs than smaller dogs. This is especially true when it comes to their nutritional needs because it’s not simply a case of giving them bigger portions; it’s about giving them the nutrition they need to thrive.
Dog Joint Health Nutrition
While joint health is essential for any breed of dog, larger dogs with bigger frames tend to have increased wear and tear on their joints compared to, say, a chihuahua. Further, larger dogs have a shorter lifespan and, in some cases, are considered seniors by the time they’re as young as six. Look for dog foods that include the following joint health nutrition for dogs:
Glucosamine: This building block of cartilage is often found in meat and poultry sources. Glucosamine helps protect your dog’s bones and joints from wear and tear, which makes it an excellent dog food ingredient for large or giant breeds. Whether you have a growing puppy or a senior dog, feeding a large breed dog food formulated with natural glucosamine can help support your dog’s joints and mobility.
Eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): The most common fatty acids added to pet food are DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid). These Omega-3 fatty acids help manage inflammation, especially in the skin and joints.
Dog Muscle and Bone Health Nutrition
No matter the life stage, large and giant breed dogs need nutrients to bolster healthy muscles and bones. Two must-have healthy muscle and bone nutrition for dogs include:
- Calcium: An essential mineral, calcium can be found in foods like yogurt, milk and many more food items. While you probably don’t want to start feeding your dog milk or yogurt, dog foods that contain calcium are vital for large and giant breeds. That’s because this mineral plays an essential role in strengthening teeth and bones.
- Vitamin D: This fat-soluble vitamin works in conjunction with calcium by allowing it to be absorbed into the body to boost bone tissue growth and teeth, bone and joint health.
- Phosphorus: Phosphorus is a mineral essential for bone, joint and dental health. Working in concert with calcium, it helps bones and teeth maintain their shape and rigidity.
Looking for all these ingredients in a diet can certainly be daunting. The good news is that the dog food that is appropriate for the growth of large breed dogs will have a nutritional adequacy statement stating so.
Getting the right amount of nutrients for your large or giant breed dog may sound complicated but whether they’re puppies, adult dogs or senior dogs, it all begins with the right diet. With Just Right, you can personalize a blend for their exact needs. You’ll also get a personalized feeding plan so you can be sure they’re getting all the nutrition they need.
Sources:
- https://www.purina.com/articles/senior-dog/health/is-your-dog-senior
- https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/feeding/large-breed-dog-food
- https://www.purina.com/articles/dogs/health/joint-health-for-dogs
- https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/nutrition/omega-3-fatty-acids-for-dogs
- https://www.purina.com/ingredients
- https://veterinary-practice.com/article/the-roles-of-calcium-and-phosphorus