Prevent clicks on page when mobile menu is being shown
Practice Scenario
Meet HERMAN
A 15-month-old, intact male Weimaraner
- Herman presents for hindlimb lameness. The owner reports the lameness typically occurs after long walks and games of fetch. Occasionally Herman will stop and refuse to walk or play any longer. He also seems stiff when rising from a down position and climbing in and out of the car.
- Herman eats a mixture of dry puppy and adult food topped with a few bites of raw steak. The owner is unsure of the brand but says that the puppy and dog food are not labeled for large-breed dogs. The owner also gives Herman a calcium supplement daily.
- Herman has a body condition score of 5-6/9, weighs 36 kg (79 pounds), and has normal muscle mass.
- On exam, he appears to resist hip extension on both sides. However, he is very excitable and thus his reactions are somewhat difficult to interpret. He appears otherwise healthy.
Puppy
Feeding Large and Giant Breed Puppies
Growing puppies have higher energy demands than adult dogs. Puppies up to 4 months of age require around twice the amount of energy per unit of body weight as an adult dog of the same breed. As puppies grow, their energy demands begin to decrease. With large and giant breeds (expected adult weight of >45 kg [100 lbs.] assuming the dog has an ideal body condition score) who achieve their adult weight much later (up to 24 months of age), the objective is to feed to ensure a relatively slow and steady rate of growth. Rapid growth rates can stress developing bones and joints resulting in skeletal malformations.
There is wide variation in caloric requirements among dogs. Pets should be fed as individuals to maintain normal growth and a lean, healthy body condition. Plump, heavy puppies are not healthy puppies. The puppy’s body condition (using the Purina Body Condition System) and weight should be continually monitored at home and at regular veterinary appointments.
Key Messages
"Large and giant breed puppies such as [dog's name] need a complete and balanced puppy food until they reach full skeletal maturity, which could take up to 24 months of age. Since puppies, like adult dogs, are individuals, it is important to monitor body condition and adjust the amount being fed accordingly. Feeding measured or weighed meals to your puppy, rather than free-choice feeding, is preferred for slow, healthy growth to reduce the risk of skeletal problems."
Related Tools and Content:
The Purina Body Condition System
The Purina Body Condition System is an easy and practical tool for assessing a pet's body composition.
View Brief
1 min to 5 min
How to Perform a Body Condition Assessment - Dog
Assess a dog's Body Condition Score in just 3 simple steps.
View Video
1 min to 5 min
Definitions of Key Terms Regarding Commercial Pet Foods
This glossary defines the key phrases used to describe commercial pet foods and explains the roles of two important associations.
Read Glossary Terms
1 min to 5 min
To Share With Pet Owner:
Evaluating Your Dog’s Body Condition
Assess your dog's Body Condition in just 3 simple steps.
View Video
1 min to 5 min
Additional Resources
Case, L. P., Daristotle, L., Hayek, M. G., & Raasch, M. F. (2011). Canine and feline nutrition (3rd ed.). Mosby. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-06619-8.10025-8
Linder, D. E. (2017). Diets for each life stage. Cliniciansbrief.com
Eisner, E. R. (2003, July 13). Professional and home dental care of the adult dog and cat. In Recent advances in dental health management [Symposium]. Proceedings of the 8th World Veterinary Dental Congress. Kyoto, Japan, 8–15.
Lawler, D. F. (2008). Neonatal and pediatric care of the puppy and kitten. Theriogenology, 70, 384–392.