Re: older dogs
  By: Richard Webb to thinktank on Fri Apr 23 2010 01:31 pm

 > Otoh we started schotze our current ROtt puppy chow for the

 > first six months of her life, in the understanding that at

 > least for the first year we should.  The vet told us to take her off the

 > puppy chow and put her on adult dog food because she was
"growing too fast"

 > according to the vet.



Hi Richard... Years ago I would have scoffed at that. But I believe it must be

true for the most part. I had a newf Puppy. Was told I should feed him Iams

Giant Breed puppy food. I did, this pup grew like a monster. Granted a lot is

genetics, but this dog, when full grown was 185 pounds and as the vet would say

when he shook his head in amazement, He is not fat! However this growth was to

such an extent and so fast. Vader had hip problems early on. At that time it

was the thing to do, to feed him that food with all that protein. I dunno, He

just was so big and I tend to think if I had done as You said, and fed him

normal food, maybe the growth would not be so extensive and so quick. When we

finally had to put him down, he was 9 years old and could not move well. 9

years is pretty good for a newf, Moreso then, as Life expectency was about 5-6

years in the 80's for newfs. My last newf I did not feed the giant breed food

at all. He was a bit small weighed in at about 115-120. Never had the growth or

the problems vader had. We had him 12 years. Was it the food? I dunno, but I

have my suspicions. The body could not cope with that quick and huge amount of

growth.





Have a Good One!

Mike

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