Over the last year I have read on this board and else where that the SV is claiming that genetics play only 25% to 30% in hip problems. The dogs living conditions and diet are bigger factors in this issue. I feed raw, so am not wanting to debate that it is better, but what do they suggest for a diet for a growing pup. While I have read that they say not to run a pup, or let it get fat etc. are there any suggestions that they give?

 Quote:

Originally posted by Michael Talyor Rivers:
While I have read that they say not to run a pup, or let it get fat etc. are there any suggestions that they give?

I'm not aware of any formal studies of the effects of different foods on the development of hip dysplasia.

There was a very good long term study done on the effects of overfeeding. To cancel out the effects of genetics and focus just on food intake, they randomly divided Lab pups from several litters into two groups. One group (the ad libitum-fed control group) was allowed to eat as much as they wanted, while the other group (the limit-fed group) was fed 25% less than the first group. They were all fed the same thing (I think kibble). The dogs were followed from 8 weeks of age until they died. Here's some excerpts from the 4 reports that were published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association:

"Using the OFA method, 7 of the 24 limit-fed dogs and 16 of the 24 ad libitum-fed dogs were diagnosed as having hip dysplasia. Similarly, using the Swedish method, 5 of the 24 limit-fed dogs and 18 of the 24 ad libitum-fed dogs were diagnosed as having hip dysplasia. "

"Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis that affected multiple joints was significantly more common in the control-fed group than in the limit-fed group. Prevalence of lesions in the hip joint was 15/22 in the control-fed group and 3/21 in the limit-fed group. Prevalence of lesions in the shoulder joint was 19/22 in the control-fed group and 12/21 in the limit-fed group; lesions in this joint were generally mild. Severity, but not prevalence, of osteoarthritis in the elbow joint was greater in the control-fed group than in the limit-fed group"

"food-restricted dogs weighed less and had lower body fat content and lower serum triglycerides, triiodothyronine, insulin, and glucose concentrations. Median life span was significantly longer for dogs in which food was restricted. The onset of clinical signs of chronic disease generally was delayed for food-restricted dogs."

The issue number, article authors and title would be very useful as well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Dei.

There is NO QUESTION that over feeding is a major factor in HD - Laura's post addresses this - what it does not address is how a quality all-natural diet in limit-fed dogs improves orthopedics’ AND how over exercise at a young age increases HD.

For years people wrongly laid the blame of HD on genetics and breeders. As this information comes out it will improve our dogs because people will step to the line and raise their pups in a healthier manner.

laura, i had no idea that food played even a remote part in hd. are you and ed saying that a pup should always be left a little hungry? i.e. a pot bellied pup is not going to grow into a healthy adult? just very curious. john.

John, less is more when it comes to dogs. If your dog is really pot-bellied looking I would take in a stool sample as well to your vet. The pup is probably due to be wormed again. Being overweight is not good for joints on a dog at any age, expecially when they are growing.

pups should be kept very lean... not boney lean.. but you should be able to just run your hands over your pups and be able to count thier ribs..easily. Pot bellied usually is a sign of round worms..