Abstract
The correct assumption of metabolisable energy (ME) requirement is essential for the nutrition consultation and diet formulation. In young dogs, too high energy supply can accelerate growth and thus lead to developmental orthopaedic diseases. The aim of the present study was to collect the data on ME intake and body weight (BW) development in privately owned growing dogs in order to compare these data with the current recommendations. Our hypothesis was that the actual ME intake of healthy young dogs would be lower than the actual recommendation. The data of 493 privately owned puppies (median age at first consultation 21weeks, the median expected mature BW 30kg) on ME intake, actual and expected mature BW were collected and compared with recommendations of the Society of Nutrition Physiology (GfE, Meyer and Zentek and NRC). In 243 dogs, there was a follow-up. The actual BW did not deviate systematically from the calculated expected BW (R2 =.929). The ME intake significantly decreased with age (p<.05) and significantly increased with expected mature BW (p<.05). There was no significant interaction between these two parameters (p>.05). Sex had no effect on the ME intake (p>.05). The ME intake of young dogs with a history of skeletal problems or of food allergy did not differ systematically from healthy dogs of similar age and expected mature BW. The ME intake was considerably below NRC recommendations, especially in younger puppies (>8-17weeks: 78%, >17-26weeks: 83% of NRC recommendation). A predictive linear equation for ME intake was developed: ME intake (MJ)=(1.063-0.565×[actual BW/expected mature BW])×actual BW0.75 .
Highlights
Data on metabolisable energy (ME) requirements of pet dogs are a highly important pre‐condition for a veterinary nutrition consultation
ME requirements have been assessed by the National Research Council (NRC) (2006) with regard to actual body weight (BW) and expected mature BW
A puppy growing according to the growth curves and consuming 80% of the recommended ME intake according to the NRC (2006) would get a recommen‐ dation of the same ME intake, whereas a puppy growing slower or faster, or being fed less or more would get a recommendation of approximately 5%–10% more or less ME than before respectively
Summary
Data on metabolisable energy (ME) requirements of pet dogs are a highly important pre‐condition for a veterinary nutrition consultation. We collected data on the ME intake, actual BW in relation to the expected mature BW and growth of privately owned growing dogs in order to compare these data with established recommendations. Owners contacted our nutrition consultation service by phone, fax or e‐mail, and filled out a standardised questionnaire as de‐ scribed previously (Thes et al, 2016). General information data, such as breed, age, actual BW, expected mature BW and case history, if appropriate were collected for each case. Sheepdogs and Cattle dogs Pinscher and Schnauzer Molosser and Mastiffs Swiss Mountain dogs Terriers Spitz and primitive types Scent hounds and related breeds Pointing dogs Retrievers‐Flushing dogs‐Water dogs Companion and Toy dogs Sighthounds Mongrels Other breeds
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