Nutrition during growth in puppies

Managing growth

The growth and development of the skeletal system and bone mineralisation is an important physiological process that is regulated by several hormonal factors, which are influenced by the nutrients in the diet. Moreover, diet is a major source of macronutrients that enable growth and development.

During periods of rapid growth, puppies should be fed a limited amount of energy, using a meal restricted feeding regime, based on the growth phase and energy requirements. A gradual increase in body weight is the goal during growth until tissue development is complete. It is important to note that dogs of large and giant breeds reach adult mass much later than small breeds. Therefore, appropriate follow- up of weight based on growth curve is recommended.

Excess weight and rapid growth can lead to pathologies of the skeletal system such as elbow and hip dysplasia, or abnormalities in their position. So the goal is to achieve moderate growth to avoid undesirable consequences.

Healthy bone development

Minerals and vitamins in the diet play an important role in bone growth and development. The inorganic composition of bones, which is primarily formed from calcium and phosphate salts (hydroxyapatite), gives bones resistance to tension, compression, and bending. An imbalance in the dietary supply of calcium and phosphorus can jeopardise the mineralisation process and bone growth in puppies, and consequently lead to the development of orthopaedic diseases.

One of the most important elements that affect the physiological process of bone growth and mineralisation is calcium. Metabolism of calcium is regulated by calcitropic hormones: PTH, vitamin D, and calcitonin, whose function is crucial in the process of bone growth and remodelling. If there is a deficiency or excess of calcium in the diet, it could lead to poor growth, changes in bone mineralisation, increased bone resorption, hyperparathyroidism, panosteitis, radius curvus syndrome, or elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. Due to sensitive mineral and vitamin balance and a small margin for error, supplements in puppies are not recommended and are in fact contraindicated, if the complete and balanced diet is fed.

Vitamin D

The endocrine function of vitamin D also plays an important role in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis influencing the absorption of these minerals in the gut. As the production of vitamin D in the skin is negligible, diet is considered the only source of vitamin D for dogs. Therefore, adequate intake of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D through food, significantly contributes to proper bone mineralisation and healthy bone development of growing dogs.

One of the key points in feeding dogs during growth and development is to ensure an adequate supply of all essential nutrients, according to the needs of the individual dog, in order to ensure the prevention of bone mineralisation disorders due to rapid growth and excessive fat accumulation.