Giant Breed Dog
Health and Nutritional Links
Nation's Leading Expert in Great Dane &
Giant Breed Nutrition
Linda Arndt ~ Canine Nutritional Consultant
Bloat (a nutritional factor)
By Linda Arndt
Is Nutrition A Factor?
I would like to take a look at the potential role diets can play in these diseases. I refer to these as two separate diseases because we can have bloat without torsion, as well as spleen torsion without any bloating or stomach torsion.
Of all my articles, this one is probably the most difficult to write because of the painful subject matter. The topic of bloat and/or torsion conjures up a multitude of feelings for any individual who has had first hand experience with these terrifying diseases. The feelings of frustration and helplessness are only compounded by the fact that there has been no new valid research information (Purdue Bloat Study),on the cause or prevention of these diseases.
(For full article, click on link below)
A Guide to Understanding Bone Disease
By Linda Arndt
For Your Veterinarian
Understanding the problems and needs of the large/giant breeds can be difficult, and understandably so, if you have not had the experience of dealing with many in your practice. Great Danes in particular are a fragile breed and particularly prone to orthopedic and immune problems, which are often difficult to diagnose, based on a number of confusing issues and peculiarities of the breed.
It is in this light, that I offer you this article to assist you in working with the large/giant breeds. First, I understand as a lay person you are hesitant to put much stock in an article brought to you by your client. On the other hand, let me give you some background to assure you my experience is worth considering.
(For full article, click on link below)
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD)
By Linda Arndt
Let’s Talk About HOD
(reprint from 1993 article "Vegetable Soup")
By Linda Arndt
Much of the information in this article was the foundation for my presentation at the Great Dane National in October 1993, but first I need to clear up a reoccurring question regarding H.O.D. as previously discussed in my "Bone Survey Update". The bone survey involves over 5200 cases of veterinarian diagnosed bone diseases in which people had responded to my survey. However, the whole issue of HOD, Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy seems to be most confusing, so at the risk of being redundant, I have decided to represent this discussion in a different manner.
I get phone calls/emails daily from dog owners asking me what my opinion is regarding the cause of HOD (Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy). This is a very confusing disease because there are other problems that mimic the same symptoms as HOD.
(For full article, click on link below)
Giant Breed Nutritional Information
By Linda Arndt
Albert S. Townshend DVM
Staff Veterinarian, Eagle Pet Products, Inc.
In considering a pet food to recommend or use one must consider many factors including those discussed in the Iams seminar.
* Good genetics is essential to the success of any breeding program.
* Sufficient exercise to encourage proper development.
* Adequate protein levels, keeping in mind that traditionally as the protein level increases so does the energy level (fat) in the diet. (Eagle Natural Pack = 23% protein and 12% fat, Eukanuba Large and Giant Breed Puppy = 26% protein and 14% fat)
* Sufficient energy levels so as to encourage maximum growth potential without increasing the incidence of developmental bone problems. (Eagle Natural = 330 kcals. per cup, Eukanuba Large and Giant Breed Puppy = 362 kcals. per cup)
* Calcium levels that don't sacrifice growth potential yet inhibit developmental problems. (Eagle Natural Pack = 1.5% Eukanuba Large and Giant Breed Puppy = 0.8%)
(For full article, click on link below)
Choosing the right food for your Giant Breed dog
By Linda Arndt
Is My Brand Of Food Suitable For A Large or Giant Breed Puppy?
To minimize the chances of puppies coming down with one of the Developmental Orthopedic Diseases (HOD, OCD, Pano), we must be careful about the brand of commercial foods we use, as well as the protein, fat and calories per cup. I have a list of better foods in my feed program listed at this website. If you do not see the food you are using listed on this list of Better Foods, there is a good reason based on my criteria and the list below. In short, you need to use a brand of food that has the following characteristic.
(For full article, click on link below)
The Blackwatch Adult Feeding Program
By Linda Arndt
This feed program has developed over the past 20 years and used by my kennel and other top breeders with tremendous success. This is a comprehensive, common sense based , balanced program and each component plays an important roll in helping your pet to achieve wellness. It program is not to be used in lieu of veterinarian care.
This feed program is comprehensive and consists of 5 major components.
Detailed info to follow below.
1. Natural/Holistic Super Premium dog foods - kibble & canned
2. Dietary enzymes - which are missing in all kibbles
3. Probiotics/Digestive Enzymes/Vit C - a combination product
4. Joint Support Supplements
5. Fruits/vegetables/meat options
(For full article, click on link below)
Water: The Relationship to Food and Exercise
By Linda Arndt
Q: Do I need to add water to my dogs food?
Yes, you need to add some water to your dog’s kibble, preferably with a little canned dog meat for a gravy.
Q: Do I need to soak my dog’s food in warm water first, so they won’t bloat?"
Soaking your dogs food is a myth an "ole wives tale" left over from the 1960’s -70’s and often perpetuated by some of the ole timers who have not kept up with current information. Soaking kibble before serving has nothing to do with preventing bloat
(For full article, click on link below)
The Beet Pulp Myth
By Linda Arndt
- Statement: Beet Pulp clogs the villae in the intestine.
False ~ Beet pulp does not clog the villae in the intestine. There are no scientific studies which support this theory and there are several studies which show how beet pulp is beneficial in promoting a healthy digestive system.
- Statement: Beet pulp is an indigestible fiber.
True, but… While this statement is true, the beet pulp is not in the food for nutritive value to the dog. It is not supposed to be digested by the dog.
- Statement: Saponins in the beet pulp might be responsible for bloat.
False ~ This could not be further from the truth.
(For full article, click on link below)
Why Supermarket Foods are NOT a Bargain
by Lyn Richards
Many large and giant breeds are identified with specific limb and joint conditions. Giant and Large breed dogs are particularly susceptible to some of these conditions. Bone disease is often the result of factors other than genetic or inherited in these large and giant breed dogs.
Assuming that you have purchased your dog from an ethical breeder who has taken advantage of testing and genetic registries (OFA, PenHip, CERF-for example), not a pet store, puppy mill or a rescue where we are unable to determine genetic predsiposition, we can rule out poor conformation and genes.
(For full article, click on link below)
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