By Brent Mayabb, DVM
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Much of the early history of Royal Canin is related to the German shepherd. It is for this exceptional breed that Dr. Jean Cathary initially developed a dry diet to treat eczema. The shepherd is also the breed used in the development of the first large-breed puppy formula in 1980. German shepherds are used around the world by the police and military, as herding dogs, as service dogs, and for many other purposes. There are few breeds that have the versatility of the GSD. With these special abilities, come special nutritional needs. Royal Canin German Shepherd 24 provides for these needs.
Large breed dogs have a decreased digestive ability, and the German shepherd also has lower fecal scores as compared to the other dogs of similar size. This means that stool is less formed in this breed than in other similar size breeds. We have a number of nutritional solutions for these digestive sensibilities. We incorporate highly digestible ingredients. German Shepherd 24 utilizes proteins that are >95% digestible. The proteins utilized are chicken and soy protein isolate. The protein level is 24% which means less is available for fermentation in the large intestine. Additionally, beet pulp, which provides a combination of soluble and insoluble fibers, helps limit fermentative ability. The soluble fiber also serves to nourish the enterocytes and acts as a substrate for production of short-chain fatty acids by intestinal flora. These fatty acids help limit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. MOS is also added to prevent bacteria from adhering to the intestinal wall.
The German shepherd is a breed that is commonly used as a working dog. However, work can tax their immune systems and cause stress and oxidative damage to various body systems. German shepherds also have decreased concentrations of immunoglobulin A, which are antibodies that protect the skin and mucous membranes (the skin is the single largest barrier to infection in the body).
German Shepherd 24 incorporates many unique features to address these issues. It contains our antioxidant complex in its highest levels. This synergistic cocktail contains vitamin E, vitamin C, taurine, and lutein. MOS also acts to stimulate local immunity in the intestinal tract. The skin's barrier function is enhanced by our PINCH cocktail. These benefits in total reduce oxidative damage, enhance immunity, and protect the body from bacterial invasion.
As with the other systems, the joints of the German shepherd are frequently under great stress. The breed commonly develops orthopedic diseases such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteochondrosis. Osteoarthritis can occur secondarily to these abnormalities. While some of this is genetic, our nutritional solution is to protect the joints and reduce inflammation. Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride are supplemented at our highest levels (1000mg/kg combined). The omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are also supplemented to help reduce inflammation in the joints.
The German shepherd is a breed that has played key roles throughout the history of Royal Canin. The highly specific nutrition of German Shepherd 24 is designed to provide the best diet possible for health and longevity. With Royal Canin being so closely linked with this breed, it is no surprise that we have developed a breed-specific formula called German Shepherd 24. With this diet, we hope to continue our long-standing relationship with this wonderful breed.