[PyrNet-L] Re: Puppy Stories

["Nicola" <roustabout@bluebon.net>]

I just wanted to add to the puppy feeding discussion, that according to some
experts...pups that weigh over 20 pounds at 60 days have an increased risk
of hip dysplasia...of course that is one of many opinions on the subject.
The theory also indicates that, the  risk is increased by over
supplementation of the bitch during pregnancy and lactation...and that pups
should be fed good quality food, but not overfed or free choice and not
supplemented to increase growth rate.  This theory is based partly on the
fact that in wolves (a large canine) hip dysplasia is almost completely
unheard of, and that wolves eat only enough to survive...often adults go
several days without a full meal, so less strain on growing bones, muscles,
etc...the mother's milk is therefore adequate for maintenance and growth,
but not power-milk like some domesticated pups receive due to over
supplementation of the pregnant lactating bitch.

I have a 16 month old male Great Pyrenees that I purchased when he was 6
months old, and at 7 months old he weighed 75 pounds...he probably weighs
about 110 pounds now.  I fed him Gereen for the first 3-4 months that I had
him, but he is currently on the Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Formula, because
I was not impressed with Gereen for him (although I have used it with my
Australian Shepherds for over 5 years and am very impressed).  However, I do
not like all the extra's in the Eukanuba...so I am planning to change him to
a new food next month...Canidae.

I just found this food at one of the last shows I attended it has a lot of
the skin conditioners that Eukanuba has, but it is all natural with human
grade, Grade A lamb and poultry meal.  No wheat, soy, or corn...just brown
and white rice.  The protein level is 24% which is a good level for a large
breed puppy (without looking I think the Gereen and Eukanuba are both 26%),
not too much, so growth is gradual.   Their web address is :
www.canidae.com if any one is interested in checking it out.  By the way it
costs a whole lot less than most designer dog foods...about half the price
for a 40# bag, especially if you can more than one at a time.

Well, IMO, I think that if you feed a good quality feed with a slightly
lower protein level, that there is no need for all the supplementation.  In
fact, if your feed is really as good as you think...why do you have to
supplement...maybe you need to re-evaluate your feed?  And of course, not
every feed is going to work for every dog...so if you've got several dogs,
you may have to feed a few different products to allow each dog to reach its
full potential.

Just my opinion,
Nicola
roustabout@bluebon.net
Prairie Lea, Texas