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We are often asked why we suggest puppy specific minces for the first year of a Dogs life, so here is our brief but detailed reasoning:
We suggest it because puppies require tighter control of ratios in their food that are directly linked to growth and development. Primarily Calcium and Phosphorus.
The NRC and Fediaf - those responsible for collating the reams of scientific papers to find out what’s required to stop our pets getting Ill and most importantly, minimum amounts of nutrients required to sustain life – state that a ratio of Cal:Phos within the following ranges are optimum for overall health:
1:1 – 2:1 is permitted in ‘Complete’ foods for Adults
1:1 – 1.6:1 for small or medium breed Puppies
1:1 – 1.4:1 for Large or Giant breed Puppies
This is due to elevated levels of Calcium in the Diet directly causing a decrease in phosphorus absorption. Phosphorus is vital to all metabolic processes and required for the creation of new cells, meaning that if Phosphorus absorption is impaired, then growth and development is stunted.
We’ve looked at the puppy minces available from all our suppliers and the ones we’ve found that sit within the 1.6:1 bracket, are:
Nutriment – Available in 1.4kg Chubbs or 500g Tubs - Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio: 1.5:1
Benyfit Natural – Available in 500g or 1kg Tubs - Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio: 1.5:1
Alaska:
Wild Complete – Available in 800g Chubbs - Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio: 1.4:1
Red Complete – Available in 800g Chubbs - Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio: 1.51:1
Lamb Balanced – Available in 800g Chubbs (400g available on request when ordered by the box) Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio: 1:1
If you have any concerns and would like a diet tailored specifically to your Puppy, get in touch with our on-site Nutritionist and he will be able to help in more detail.
