By Brent Mayabb, DVM

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In 1980, Royal Canin introduced a new food called AGR (which was a French acronym for "food for large breeds"). This new food was based upon the principle that large breed puppies have different nutritional needs during growth than small and medium breed puppies. Research had shown that rapid weight gain in puppies from over-consumption of energy could result in orthopedic disease in adult large breed dogs. Royal Canin developed a formula specifically for large breed dogs with restricted energy. Seventeen years later (1997), our competitors finally introduced their own version. Different formulas for different size breeds are now commonplace among all pet manufacturers. In 2004, we want to introduce the next revolutionary concept in large breed puppy nutrition: a food specifically developed for the rapid growth period from weaning to five months of age. Royal Canin Maxi Babydog 30 is a new formula designed to address the nutritional needs of large breed puppies during their most critical time.

Different nutrition for different stages of growth.

During the first five months of age, large breed puppies are growing at an exponential rate. Energy demand and protein needs are great at this time, as it is the time of rapid skeletal growth. Large breed dogs reach 50% of their adult weight by 5 months of age. Maxi Babydog 30 provides 30% protein in an energy dense ration to avoid exceeding the puppy's digestive capability. After this first five months, the rate of growth slows, and the puppy should be fed Maxi Puppy 32 which is less dense in energy and is designed for this slower rate of growth.

Calcium is another important nutrient for the growing puppy. In the first 6 months of life, a puppy can not regulate the amount of calcium absorbed from the food. Excess calcium has also been cited in the development of skeletal disease. Large breed puppies do, however, require more calcium than small breed puppies. As a result, the nutritionists at Royal Canin have formulated the calcium level to be high enough for the growth needs, but not high enough to cause orthopedic problems. Again, after five months of age when the growth begins to slow, Puppy 32 has reduced calcium content.

Chondroitin and glucosamine have been used traditionally for the treatment of arthritis in older dogs. There have been studies that suggest these supplements may have a positive effect on the joints in puppies with hip dysplasia. In a separate study, Labrador puppies that were fed chondroitin had better hip radiographs than those without supplement.

Digestive sensitivity in the large breed.

Royal Canin has found through research that the digestive abilities of puppies are substantially less than that of adult dogs. Some of the enzymes for digestion of protein and starch are not present at weaning, and gradually increase over the maturation of the puppy. To this end, we have selected high quality proteins like chicken, corn gluten, and hydrolyzed soy protein. Starch is reduced and rice is utilized because of its ease of digestion.

Food remains in the colon longer in large breeds. That increase in time produces substances through fermentation that reduce water absorption by the body and thus produce a more watery stool. Fermentative activity is reduced by limiting the amount of fermentable fibers and increasing the amount of non-fermentable fibers. Mineral salts also help reduce excess water in the stool.

Special kibble.

The first deciduous (baby) teeth erupt at 3 weeks, and continue to come in until about 6 weeks (weaning). The adult teeth begin to come in between 12 and 16 weeks. For this time of dental development, we have designed a kibble that is easily rehydrated with water to aid with weaning. As the puppy's teeth continue to change, the kibble is the ideal firmness to promote adequate chewing.

Immunity support.

Puppies are born with very little natural immunity. In the first milk from the mother, some of her antibodies are transferred to protect the puppy from disease. As the maternal antibodies decrease over time, the puppy's own immune system begins to function. In the period between 4 and 12 weeks, the maternal antibody falls to a level that is not protective, but still high enough to prevent full immune response from the puppy. This is termed the immunity gap. Royal Canin has developed a "cocktail" of antioxidants to help stimulate immunity. It is a patent-pending blend made up of vitamins E and C, lutein, taurine, and mannan oligosaccharides (MOS). While each is a potent component, the combination, which is unique to our line, has a synergistic effect. We have found that puppies fed this complex of nutrients not only had better immune response to vaccination (measured by antibody production), but also produced this response more quickly.

Through leading-edge research over 20 years ago, Royal Canin found that large breed puppies have unique needs. That same commitment to innovation drove us to develop the next level of growth nutrition, treating the first, rapid phase of growth differently than the second, slower phase. Royal Canin Maxi Babydog 30 is the first food specifically for puppies under 5 months of age.