Large and giant breed dogs are cherished for their big hearts and gentle natures. However, ensuring the long-term health and well-being of these puppies requires understanding the importance of controlled growth rather than maximum growth. Put simply, you do not want your puppy to grow too big, too quickly. Rapid growth can pose serious health risks, impacting their bones, joints, tendons, muscles, and nerves. To support optimal growth without excessive size gain, it is crucial to provide a portion-controlled, balanced diet that meets the needs of all life stages, just like Wolfworthy complete dry food.
At Wolfworthy, we understand the significance of prioritising controlled growth and appropriate nutrition. Our all-life-stage food complete dry food, is meticulously crafted with a high percentage of fresh meat and fish, including glucosamine and chondroitin, essential for promoting joint health. We also incorporate oily fish like Salmon and Trout, which further contribute to the overall well-being of your puppy.
One key aspect to bear in mind is the importance of feeding the right amount of food based on your puppy's expected adult weight, along with their current weight and activity levels.It's essential to be realistic about your dog's expected adult weight. While a breed may have a potential size range, individual dogs vary significantly. Gathering information from the breeder about the parent dogs' weight can provide valuable insights. If possible, observing the parents through photos or in person can help you gauge their healthy weight and estimate where your puppy may end up.
By understanding and implementing controlled growth strategies and providing the appropriate nutrition, we can help large and giant breed dogs live longer and healthier lives. With Wolfworthy complete dry food, you can nourish your puppy with confidence, knowing that you are supporting their growth and well-being in the best way possible!
Here are some do's and don'ts to help you with your giant breed puppy.
Do!
- Feed your puppy a healthy diet and be realistic about their expected adult weight. This will help to prevent them from growing too quickly, which can put stress on their bones and joints. Don’t worry, your puppy will let you know if they need more. If you are unsure, check here to find if your dog is a healthy weight: https://wolfworthy.co.uk/blogs/word-of-the-wolf/heres-a-quick-way-to-ensure-your-dog-is-a-healthy-weight
- Avoid free-feeding. This can lead to overeating, which can contribute to rapid growth. Instead, feed your puppy at regular intervals and measure out the correct amount of food.
- Don't over exercise your puppy. Too much exercise can put stress on their developing bones and joints. It's important to find a balance between providing your puppy with enough exercise to stay healthy and not overexercising them. Short, gentle walks and playtime are a good way to start. The Kennel Club recommend 5 minutes of formal exercise per month of age (up to twice per day)
- Monitor your puppy's weight. Keeping your puppy at a healthy weight is one of the best ways to help them grow slowly and safely. Weigh your puppy regularly and adjust their food intake accordingly.
- Take your puppy to the vet for regular checkups. This is especially important for giant breed dogs, as they are more prone to certain health conditions. Your vet can check your puppy's growth and development and make sure they are healthy.
Don't!
- Don't give your puppy table scraps or treats. These can be high in calories and fat, which can contribute to overfeeding.
- Don't let your puppy jump or climb on furniture. This can put stress on their joints and spine. If they do jump or climb, make sure they land softly.
- Don't exercise your puppy too strenuously. This can put stress on their developing bones and joints. Instead, focus on short, gentle walks and playtime.
Giant breed dogs reach their full adult size between 18 and 24 months old. At this point, they will be at their adult height, but they will continue to mature and fill out. It can be tricky to know when to switch from a puppy feeding guide to an adult feeding guide, but there are a few signs to look for:
- Weight gain. If your puppy starts to gain too much weight, it's time to reduce their food intake.
- Leaving food. If your puppy starts to leave food in their bowl, they are telling you that they are now having too much and no longer need the amount they did when they were growing.
- Soft stools. This can be a sign that your dog is now having too much food.
If your dog is displaying any of these signs, you can start to reduce their food intake gradually over a few weeks. The goal is to reduce their daily allowance to the recommended amount for their adult weight. It is important to monitor your dog's weight during this transition. To read more about when to move over to the adult feeding guide, please have a read of the following blog: https://wolfworthy.co.uk/blogs/word-of-the-wolf/how-big-will-my-puppy-grow
In order to find out the feeding amount for your dog, please click on on the link below which will take you to our giant breed feeding guide:
Most owners find their dog is happiest here whereas working dogs or dogs doing a very high amount of exercise may need a bit more. The recommended feeding amount is based on the idea that your dog is at a healthy weight and is only eating Wolfworthy. If your dog needs to lose/gain weight, then please use their ideal weight. If you use any other food e.g. chews, training treats, human food or dental sticks the amount of Wolfworthy may need to be reduced to compensate for the extra calories being eaten.
Please remember, this is just a guide and every dog is different so don't be afraid to increase or decrease the amount necessary for your dog. Monitor their stools and body condition and adjust the amount accordingly. We are always here to help, so if you have any questions about this, please let send us an email to support@wolfworthy.co.uk
