Energy Requirements for Growth in the Norfolk Terrier

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Obesity and related diseases are common problems for dogs and inappropriate feeding during development is a contributor to life-long weight issues. Judging the right amount of food to give a growing puppy is challenging and providing a simple recommendation to owners is essential. However, differences in dog size, activity, and many other factors such as neutering can all have a role in impacting the actual energy requirements for growth. Yet, the current feeding guideline for growth (NRC 2006) does not accommodate these factors. Therefore, this study investigated how much a small breed (Norfolk Terrier puppies) requires to maintain growth and a healthy body condition score (BCS) through their first year of life. We found that they required significantly less than suggested by the NRC. Changes in the assessment of appropriate feeding during development are required and this study supports the need to revise the NRC (2006) equation for small breed dogs. ABSTRACT: An appropriate energy intake for healthy growth can reduce the risk of obesity and co-morbidities, such as orthopaedic diseases. The 2006 National Research Council (NRC) universal equation calculates the energy requirement of growing dogs based on predicted adult body weight, but evidence suggests a revision may be required. This study investigates the energy requirements of seventeen Norfolk terrier puppies over their first year (10 to 52 weeks). Puppies were individually fed complete and balanced diets in amounts to maintain an optimal body condition score (BCS), recording intake daily and body weight and BCS weekly. To monitor health a veterinary examination, haematology and plasma biochemistry and serum measures of bone turnover were undertaken every 12 weeks. Skeletal development was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (26 and 52 weeks). Puppies were clinically healthy with normal skeletal development and healthy growth throughout. The energy intake to achieve this was significantly lower than that predicted by the NRC (2006) equation at all time points, with largest mean difference of 285 kJ/kg(0.75) per day at 10 weeks. If fed according to the NRC 2006 equation, dogs would have been in positive energy balance, possibly leading to obesity. These data support a revision to the NRC (2006) equation.