Re: [PyrNet-L] about puppy stories

["Janice Swenson" <janices@jump.net>]

Well, research does show that whether a puppy does or does not 
get hip dysplasia or other orthopedic disorders is a mixed bag of 
genetics and environmental factors.  The thing is it's still mostly 
genetics.  It is known that a genetic pre-disposition has to be there 
for there to be environmental causes.  So, watch where you put the 
blame here.  If you have a genetic pre-disposition dogs that are 
overfed during the growth period or are growing too fast for what 
their joints can handle often have a problem.  Slowing up the 
growth is an attempt to make things normal or lessen severity 
when the genetic pre-disposition is there.  

There are certain nutrients in puppy food that a puppy needs.  So, 
if you switch to adult food you should be switching to an adult food 
that states that it provides complete and balanced nutrition for all 
life stages and is not just for adults only.  I will admit I keep mine 
on puppy food up until 1 yr and do what some other research out 
there says feed smaller quantities of a complete and balanced 
puppy food.  It reduces the number of calories but still ensures 
complete nutrition.  I think this is why a lot of the large breed puppy 
foods popped up cause of this research.  

Janice, janices@jump.net
Admiral & Linsey (newfs), Bianca & Sonny (pyrs)  
http://www.jump.net/~janices/
Leander, TX
Visit Old West Newfoundland Club's website at  
http://www.jump.net/~janices/ownc/