Library
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Corn and grain have been included in commercial pet foods for many years, but they have recently been portrayed as "fillers" with little nutritional value. Contrary to popular opinion, corn and grain provide a wide range of essential nutrients that support the health of dogs and cats.
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Despite requiring more energy daily than smaller dogs, large/giant breed dogs need fewer calories per unit of body weight (kcal/lb) per day. They also have a more sensitive gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Recommendations are included for selecting an appropriate diet and feeding management for a large or giant breed dog.
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Despite their size, toy/small dogs require more energy per unit of body weight (kcal/lb) per day and require nutrient-dense foods to consume adequate calories. This handout provides guidance on how to feed your toy/small dog to ensure optimal growth, health, and body condition.
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It is important to understand the unique nutritional needs of performance dogs. Their success depends upon a combination of genetics, training, and nutrition. It is important to match the nutrient profile to the individual dog and the activity. Your veterinarian can assist you in making optimal nutritional choices for your canine athlete.
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Bladder stones can be a significant problem for dogs. Bladder stones set the stage for chronic urinary tract infection, and some bladder stones (struvites) grow more quickly if the dog already has a urinary tract infection. Diet selection can play a role, and it is important to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations to prevent recurrence.
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In North America, obesity is the most common preventable disease in dogs. Almost 60% of domestic dogs are overweight. Scientific evidence now shows that fat tissue is not benign; it actively secretes inflammatory hormones and creates oxidative stress, both of which contribute to increased risks for several diseases, as well as a decreased quality of life. Treating obesity as a chronic, inflammatory condition means regular veterinary assessments and strict attention to portion control.
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Obesity is the most common problem in dogs in North America and leads to an increased risk of diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and several types of cancer. Extra body fat causes increased inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Reducing inflammation and pain can help an overweight dog to regain activity, which in turn can lead to more appropriate weight loss. Obesity can be prevented or reversed when dog owners are aware of calorie intake, body condition, and exercise.
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A pharyngostomy tube is a small rubber tube that enters the skin through a small incision in the side of the neck. The tube enters the esophagus (the muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach) through the pharynx (back of the throat), allowing food to bypass the mouth and be delivered to the stomach.
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The pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene, if mutated, can contribute to increased body fat and body weight and increased food motivation in affected dogs. At this time, this gene mutation has only been found in the Labrador Retriever and Flat-coated Retriever and affects the majority of those working as service dogs. This handout explains how the POMC gene mutation was discovered, how it impacts affected dogs, and how you can support your dog if affected.
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Though every puppy is an individual, large, and giant breed puppies in particular require an individualized approach to nutrition, since they have some different needs compared to small and medium breed dogs. When it comes to puppy food, one size does not necessarily fit all.