Don't hand over people food
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No matter how hefty the dog, people food is not nutritionally appropriate for your pet—and some of it can be downright dangerous. So while it may seem like no big deal to hand over a cheeseburger to an Irish Wolfhound who stands nearly shoulder to shoulder with you, don't. "Although sometimes sharing whatever you're eating with your dog is tempting, it isn't really in their best interests," says Dr. Barrack. "People food is often too rich and seasoned and can wreak havoc on canine digestive tracts. Unfamiliar foods can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even an inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening." Quality food for large breed dogs, on the other hand, will have the appropriate balance of nutrients to protect their bones, joints, and muscles, which these dogs tend to have more problems with than smaller canines, she adds.
The best food for a large breed puppy
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Large breed puppies have lots of growing to do, and that puts stress on bones, joints, and muscles. "When choosing a food for a large breed puppy, the goal is to provide all the nutrients needed to grow properly while controlling the rate of growth so as not to stress the skeleton," says Dr. Learn. Otherwise, hip or elbow dysplasia is possible. Here's more about the types of health problems common in different breeds of dogs.
Large breed puppy food should have low-fat levels, a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio between 1:1 and 1:3, and high-quality protein, notes Dr. Learn. Look for this statement on the package: "[Pet Food Name] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth/all life stages including growth of large-size dogs."
Steer clear of added calcium for puppies
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Large breed puppies may not be done growing for two years or even longer, and that makes them especially sensitive to levels of calcium. A quality puppy food designed for large breeds will account for that. While this may seem counterintuitive since calcium builds strong bones, "high levels of calcium and phosphorus have been shown to increase the likelihood of developmental orthopedic disease in giant breed dogs," explains Dr. Barrack. These are 10 of the most expensive health problems your pet can face.
The Very Best Large Breed Dog Food, Source:https://www.rd.com/advice/pets/best-large-breed-dog-food/
