How Specialized Integrative Care Will Sustain the Unique Lifetime Needs of Large and Giant Breed Dogs

Do you have a beautiful gentle giant as a part of your family? We LOVE ❤️ them here at Arya Animal Acupuncture, and specialize in their wellness care. There are several facts that pet parents of large and giant breed dogs that pet parents need to be aware of to make sure that they are supported by the best preventative healthcare for a long and healthy life.

Large and giant dog breeds like Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Saint Bernards need specialized care to support their unique nutritional needs. As these gentle giants grow very quickly and reach weights over 100 pounds, providing the right diet is crucial to their long-term health. As an integrative veterinary doctor, I promote that prevention is better than cure. Let’s look at some integrative approaches to keeping them happy and healthy at every stage of their lives.

Unique Nutritional Needs of Large Breed Dogs

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), large and giant breed dogs are vulnerable to particular nutritional issues due to their substantial size and growth rate. When they are puppies, they can gain upwards of 2-3 pounds per week, putting a great deal of strain on their bones and joints. It is important to monitor their calorie intake and protein levels closely during this crucial developmental stage.

Once large breed dogs reach adulthood, they remain prone to orthopedic diseases like hip and elbow dysplasia. These conditions can be exacerbated by diets with excessive calories or improper calcium and phosphorus ratios. Integrative vets suggest that adult large dogs should be fed joint-supporting supplements with glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids. Their food should contain balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus in a ratio as close to 1:1 as possible

Dr. Bhatt, Integrative Vet in Glenview IL, uses integrative therapy to get this beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog to get up and walk. Keep in mind, this is in conjunction with medical and other alternative treatments such as acupuncture - the results are wonderful!

Obesity is another major concern for giant breeds, as excess weight puts more pressure on their already stressed joints. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 52% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. For larger dogs, just a few extra pounds can be dangerous. Integrative vets work to craft custom weight loss programs involving measured portions and regular exercise.

Giant breed dogs are also predisposed to a life-threatening condition called bloat. This occurs when the stomach twists on itself, trapping air, food, and water inside. It demands emergency medical treatment. To reduce bloat risk, integrative veterinarians suggest feeding large dogs small, frequent meals and avoiding exercise for at least an hour before and after eating.

Using The Correct Diet

When formulating diets for large breed dogs, we factor in the dog's breed, age, and health status. Feed them fresh, whole foods whenever possible, including:

Muscle meat: Provides protein and amino acids for strong muscles. Dark poultry meat is a tasty choice.
Organ meat: Supplies key vitamins and minerals like iron, CoQ10, and B vitamins. Liver and kidney are nutritious options.
Bone: Adds calcium, phosphorus, and collagen. Beef, turkey, or chicken bones can enhance the diet.
Fatty acids: Found in fish, egg yolks, and oils to nourish skin and coat. Salmon, sardines, and anchovies are smart picks.

Incorporate fresh vegetables and fruits like sweet potatoes, broccoli, apples, and blueberries. To determine appropriate amounts of carbohydrates, we will test your dog’s blood sugar and insulin levels.

No matter what ingredients are used, selecting high-quality, human grade options whenever possible is ideal. Avoid heavily processed kibble containing preservatives, additives, and mystery ingredients. I can recommend the best homemade diet for you dog that we can develop together in consultation.

Special Considerations for Large Breed Puppies

Raising large breed puppies comes with particular nutritional demands. According to the Large and Giant Breed Puppy Nutrition Guidelines from Tufts University, these fast-growing dogs need diets specially formulated to support healthy bone growth.

The Tufts guidelines state that large breed puppies require moderate protein around 25-30% of calories. Excessive protein can spur rapid growth, increasing orthopedic disease risk. High-protein diets designed for regular puppies can be dangerous for giants.

Phosphorus (do not take advice about this from anybody other than an integrative veterinarian) intake also needs close monitoring, as imbalanced calcium-phosphorus levels can impair bone mineralization. Integrative vets suggest low-phosphorus recipes using chicken, rice, and egg rather than red meat and bone meal.

Additionally, supplementing with glucosamine even before joints fully form, to strengthen cartilage might be recommended based on our consultation and check. Chondroitin and MSM are also sometimes suggested.

Regular body weight checks are imperative, as overweight puppies place more strain on developing joints. We will design a feeding plan to maintain lean body condition.

Nutrition Tips for Senior Large Breed Dogs

In their later years, joint problems often emerge in large dogs. Arthritis is very common, causing stiffness, difficulty moving, and pain in senior dogs. We treat arthritis with integrative modalities using acupuncture, laser therapy, medical massage, joint supplements, rest, exercise, and nutritional support. We will suggest an appropriate senior diets that might include:

Glucosamine and chondroitin: These compounds support cartilage and lubricate joints. Levels up to 2,000mg glucosamine and 1,600mg chondroitin may be helpful.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Powerful anti-inflammatories to ease joint pain and swelling. Fish, krill, algae or plant oils containing DHA and EPA are recommended.
Antioxidants: Nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene combat aging free radicals. Fruits, veggies, and supplements can provide antioxidants.
Lean protein: Maintains and repairs muscle mass as dogs become less active. Organic, free-range meats are easy to digest.
Digestive enzymes: Aid absorption of nutrients to compensate for decreased enzymatic activity.

We also suggest senior dogs eat multiple small meals and maintain a healthy weight. Excess pounds strain aging joints. Customized diets and possibly prescription food may help large senior dogs achieve calorie reduction. Regular body condition assessments ensure they stay lean and fit.

Lifelong Preventative Care Through Holistic Therapies

Rather than waiting until health issues emerge, integrative veterinarians emphasize preventative care through natural modalities to help large breed dogs avoid disease. Beginning these therapies earlier in life establishes lifelong wellness patterns.

Suggested options include:

Chinese Herbs: Herbal formulas tailored to the dog's constitution and age address minor imbalances before they become concerning. They also strengthen organ systems against future dysfunction. Astragalus, reishi mushrooms, and cordyceps provide immune support while milk thistle, dandelion, and turmeric aid the liver and kidneys.

Acupuncture: Applying tiny needles along acupressure points boosts circulation, relieves muscle tension, and activates the central nervous system. Monthly maintenance acupuncture sessions promote overall balance to prevent illness.

Laser Therapy: Exposing areas prone to orthopedic injury to gentle, soothing laser light stimulates circulation and cell repair to keep joints healthy. It also reduces pain and inflammation. Most integrative vets advise laser therapy starting around age 5.

Ozone Therapy: Administering medical grade ozone gas helps optimize oxygen delivery throughout the body. It also disinfects the bloodstream and stimulates the immune system. Periodic ozone therapy may help minimize cancers and chronic diseases.

Microbiome Support: Beneficial gut flora crowds out harmful pathogens, strengthens the GI lining, and reduces inflammation. Prebiotic and probiotic supplements added to food maintain optimal intestinal health. Fecal transplants restore balance when needed.

Preventative Care

Creating an optimal nutrition plan for large dogs is ideally supported by an integrative approach that factors in their growth rate, biology and individual health status. Large and giant breed dogs have specialized needs to support their bone, joint, and digestive health. Here at Arya Acupncture, we combine holistic modalities with conventional care to help our large companions lead their best lives. Using natural, healthy appropriate diets as preventive medicine is a wise choice for the ultimate longterm health of your dog.

Nutrition & Preventative Care for Large Breed Dogs