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Vetality explains: Why is appropriate puppy nutrition so important for large breed puppies?

Written by Mara |

Raising a puppy is an exciting and challenging time. Especially if you have a large breed puppy, their growth and development require extra attention. These puppies grow rapidly and can eventually reach an adult weight of up to 50 kg or more. That’s why it’s essential to feed your puppy the right food, specifically developed to meet the needs of large breeds. But why is this nutrition so important?

golden retriever puppy in the grass

The unique growth pattern of large breeds

Puppies of large breeds experience rapid growth during their first year of life. It’s important that this growth is well controlled, as growing too fast can cause problems with bones, joints, and muscles. Large breed dogs are already more prone to conditions like hip dysplasia and other joint issues. A large breed puppy food with the right balance of proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins supports gradual, healthy growth and helps prevent strain on the body.

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The right balance of calcium and phosphorus in puppy food

A proper amount of calcium and phosphorus is crucial for healthy bone development. Too much of these minerals can cause skeletal abnormalities, while a deficiency may result in weak bones. Perhaps even more important than the individual amounts is the ratio between these two minerals. For large breed puppies, this should be as close to 1:1 as possible. The phosphorus content should never exceed the calcium content in the food.

Vitamin D is also essential, as it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus. Puppy food for large breeds, such as Vetality Puppy Maxi, contains an optimal balance tailored specifically to the needs of larger puppies.

Supporting your puppy’s joints

Large breed dogs carry a lot of weight on their joints, even during the puppy phase. Appropriate food often contains added ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin to support the development and protection of cartilage and joints. This helps your puppy grow up healthy and may prevent joint issues later in life.

Tailored energy levels for your puppy

Large breed puppies need plenty of energy to grow, but too many calories can lead to excess weight and growth issues. Specially formulated food provides just the right amount of energy to help your puppy stay strong and healthy without gaining too much weight too quickly. This supports controlled growth.

How can you monitor your puppy’s growth?

It’s important to monitor your puppy’s development closely, as every dog is different.

The correct feeding amount depends on your puppy’s weight, age, and expected adult weight. During the first six months, check every 2–3 weeks to ensure their growth is on track. A growth chart is a great tool for this.

Is your puppy growing too fast? Reduce the food by 10%. Too slowly? Increase by about 5–10%. After 2–3 weeks, check again to see if the adjustment was effective.

After six months of age, weighing once a month is usually sufficient.

Why is tracking a growth curve so important?

Research shows that excessive food intake and rapid growth in young puppies are directly linked to obesity and osteoarthritis later in life.

The veterinary team at Vetsend can help you track your puppy’s growth. Contact us via email [email protected].

Why choose Vetality Puppy Maxi?

Vetality Puppy Maxi has been developed with all these needs in mind. This premium food offers:

  • A balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for strong bone development
  • High-quality proteins for muscle growth
  • Joint support through added glucosamine and chondroitin
  • Essential vitamins and minerals to strengthen the immune system
  • Adjusted energy levels for healthy growth

Give your puppy the best start in life

The first few months are critical to your puppy’s long-term health. Choosing appropriate puppy food, such as Vetality Puppy Maxi, supports healthy development and lays the foundation for a long and happy life. Always tailor your dog’s diet to their specific needs and consult your vet regularly for advice.

With the right nutrition, your large breed puppy gets the best possible start!

Still have questions about food for your large breed puppy? Contact us at [email protected].