DOG FOOD And NUTRITION

Myths Persist When It Comes to Feeding Large-Breed Pups A myth still perpetuated in some circles says that large dogs need more calcium than other dogs when they are very young, not less. The thinking is that if more calcium is good for humans, it must be good for canines. You can even find calcium supplements marketed for dogs that are pushed by supposedly knowledgeable people.

Some websites have offered food recipes for dogs of different breeds, based on where the breed originated. For instance, since Yorkshire terriers started out in England, you might have found a breed-specific recipe for Yorkies that includes the beets and potatoes grown in northern climes. The thinking is that as the breed developed, it would have been fed the staple foods of the region in which it evolved and that those foods are now good for the dogs systems.

For the most part, theres no scientific proof that breed-specific diets are better for the health of a particular breed of dog than a food marketed for dogs in general. Granted, not all of these diets are just marketing, says Tufts veterinary nutritionist Cailin Heinze, VMD. There is some science behind some of the formulations. The companies just dont have the proof that those formulations actually translate to a dogs better health.

Emma the beagle exhibited the classic signs of separation anxiety. She would start howling as soon as her owner headed off down the front walk and destroy things or have accidents in the house when alone. Animal behaviorist Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, treated the condition with a training program that fostered independence; with environmental enrichment that would give the dog things to do when her owner wasnt home; and with a low dose of an anti-depressant to help stabilize her mood. Often, that combination works wonders.

There are some situations that Ive personally encountered where standard weight loss - diet and exercise - just isnt possible, says Deborah Linder, DVM, DACVM, who heads the Tufts Obesity Clinic for Animals. One example was a household that had a family member with Alzheimers disease. That person could never remember if she fed the dog and kept giving him meals, so in that case we considered medication.

Q Ive heard many times that grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs, but how?

Q I read with interest your article in the April issue about bully sticks and the inadvisability of feeding raw food. You do not...

Q My dog, a cavalier King Charles spaniel, loves popcorn.

[From Tufts May 2011 Issue]

While dogs need dietary protein and essential amino acids, and meat has proven to be an excellent source of both, they can meet their requirements from other sources such as egg, dairy and vegetable proteins like soy. However, the best canine diets for completeness, palatability and digestibility include some meat, says nutritionist Sally C. Perea, DVM, MS.

[From Tufts October 2010 Issue]Ive been subscribing to your newsletter for many years now. Its always got great information, and I save old editions just in case I have a question later. Id like to have a definitive answer, if possible, on the safety of rawhide treats. My dogs (we have four right now, all 85 pounds or more) have always loved them, but I kept reading and hearing about dangers of them, so I switched to pork treats.

Are elk antlers okay for dogs to chew on? I stopped giving them to my German shepherd because I thought they were wearing down his teeth. Is that a legitimate concern?

Tommie Waters of Perryville, Arkansas, is confused. "Recently I received a catalogue selling dog-related products," she writes, "and I noted it had an item that sounded like marijuana. To quote the promotion: ‘Cannabidiol Wellness Dog Treats, infused with non-psychoactive cannabinoids and derived from organic hemp extract, are nutritious and delicious. Made with organic super food ingredients, the calming treats help ease a wide range of symptoms and issues such as appetite stimulation, anxiety, seizures, pain and joint muscle problems and can improve quality of life at the end of life. Handmade in the USA.'