Large breeds and skeletal health
	Nutrition plays a crucial role

 Larger and larger

Most skeletal diseases in large breeds are hereditary by nature but the risk of developing them can be influenced by nutrition. Historically, the large breeds have been bred to grow larger and larger through generations, so that they now exceed their ancestral size. But large breed puppies who grow too rapidly, or disproportionately, face the possibility of developing skeletal problems during growth, resulting in joint problems as adults. This creates the challenge of formulating special nutrition for large breeds during growth and adulthood. Large breed puppies need to be fed a nutrition that promotes the correct and proportional development of the bones and cartilage during growth. When they become an adult dog they require nutrition that supports skeletal and joint health. The Iams Company has invested into researching the science behind large breed nutrition and has developed two products which are specifically formulated for large breed dogs.

 Nutritional needs of large breed puppies

In 1996 specialist teams at The Paul F. Iams Research Center in Dayton (USA) developed Eukanuba Puppy & Junior Large Breed. This nutrition meets the needs of rapidly growing large breeds and takes into account the latest research that identifies high calcium and energy intake as the major risk factors in developing skeletal problems. While a high calcium and high energy nutrition may speed growth, it can result in poor conformation, early lameness and other developmental bone diseases. Eukanuba Puppy & Junior Large Breed has reduced energy levels and specially adapted levels of vitamins and minerals to control growth and allow appropriate bone and muscle development. Proper nutrition during growth ensures the long-term health of large breeds.

 The importance of healthy joint cartilage

Healthy joint cartilage is important for all dogs, because the proper functioning of skeletal joints directly affects a dog’s condition and overall wellbeing. Like a "cushion", cartilage covers and protects the ends of bones that form a joint. It acts as a shock absorber and helps the movement of the joint to be smooth with little friction. Large breed dogs suffer more frequently from degenerative joint disease (Osteoarthritis), causing progressive destruction of cartilage and inflammation of joints. This is a painful condition for the dog and his activity level and mobility will deteriorate.

 The problems large breeds face

For many large adult dogs, painful and stiff joints are a by-product of either joint diseases developed during growth (Hip Dysplasia or Osteochondrosis) or of Osteoarthritis acquired during the normal ageing process. The most critical joints in a large breed dog with regard to joint problems are:

• shoulder, knee joint, hock joint (Osteochondrosis)
• hip joint (Hip Dysplasia)

 Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are naturally occurring compounds in the body which are essential for the nourishment of joint cartilage and joint lubrication. Glucosamine is made by the body from a combination of sugar (glucose) and nitrogen (amine). It plays an important role in the health and resilience of the cartilage and helps the cartilage to renew.

Chondroitin sulphate is also produced by the body from two sugar-like molecules that attach to each other. Long chains of chondroitin sulphates form part of the basis of cartilage tissue and help to make cartilage resilient to the pressures from bearing weight for shock absorption. Chondroitin sulphate also stimulates the production of other cartilage components and inhibits cartilage breakdown. By providing, for example, elevated levels of glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate in nutrition, cartilage repair might be augmented. Studies in humans and animals have shown that there is evidence that the administration of "chondroprotective" agents such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate have some effect. A diet which contains these substances will supply the body with all the necessary building blocks for sound cartilage, and thus support joint health.

 Nutritional needs of large dogs

Recently The Iams Company developed Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Maintenance with JMS™ Joint Management System for large breed dogs (> 25 kg). It is a complete dog food with special components, such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate*, providing the nutrients needed to support the body’s natural ability to repair and maintain healthy cartilage. A reduced energy level helps maintain correct weight. Optimal levels of vitamins and minerals support healthy cartilage production, and the right balance of fatty acids encourages the natural healing process. With this innovative nutrition The Iams Company offers a supportive, proactive nutrition for large breed adult dogs, who are more vulnerable to skeletal and joint problems.

* Both sourced from animal digest.