Metabolisable energy intake and growth of privately owned growing dogs in comparison with official recommendations on the growth curve and energy supply

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 21 weeks, the median expected mature BW 30 kg) 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 (>8–17 weeks: 78%, >17–26 weeks: 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.

Energy Requirements for Growth in the Norfolk Terrier

“…Similarly, the average MER of pet dogs was demonstrated to be 519 ± 159 kJ/kg 0.75 per day [ 65 ]. Importantly, the data presented here are consistent with studies that demonstrate collectively that the NRC recommendation overestimates the amount of energy required for healthy growth across multiple breeds [ 27 , 39 , 40 , 66 , 67 ]. Indeed, breed specific differences in energy requirements, especially between different sized breeds, have been documented, with Alexander et al (2017) showing differences between the energy requirements of Yorkshire terriers, miniature schnauzers and Labrador retrievers.…”

“…Furthermore, Dobenecker et al (2013) showed a difference in energy requirements between foxhound-boxer-Ingelheim Labrador mixed breed puppies and beagle puppies up to 28 weeks of age. A large-scale study of client owned puppies reported that weaned puppies younger than 6 months had energy intakes that were approximately 80% of the NRC (2006) recommendation and in older puppies approximately 88% of this recommendation [ 39 ]. Collectively these studies suggest that breed differences in energy requirements should be considered when recommending feeding amounts during growth and the NRC (2006) universal equation is not suitable for this purpose.…”

“…However, this is a single universal equation that does not take breed, sex, temperament, coat quality or neuter status into account. Previous studies demonstrated that the NRC [ 36 ] equation can result in an overestimation of their energy requirements, especially in younger puppies across a range of breeds [ 27 , 39 , 40 ]. These studies highlighted clear breed specific differences in energy requirements and a need for breed-specific feeding guides.…”