It’s no surprise that any dog extraordinary in size and stature has unique dietary needs. But those precise needs might look different than you’d imagine.

In order to ensure your dog can perform at its peak, it’s important to choose a recipe that matches their breed size.

Large breeds, classified as dogs who weigh between 51 and 90 pounds as full-grown adults, include German Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Great Danes, among many others. Dogs that weigh over 90 pounds at maturity are often considered giant breeds. Included in this designation are the St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and the Giant Mastiff.

Throughout all life stages, large and giant breed dogs have different nutritional requirements compared to small and medium breeds.

As puppies, bigger breeds grow quicker and over a longer period of time. As such, large breed puppy diets should contain lower levels of energy and protein. With the wrong type of food, large and giant breeds will grow faster than their bones can support them, causing orthopedic issues. Furthermore, bones that grow too fast are less dense and can lead to long-term issues.

For example, if large and giant breed puppies have a diet with a protein/fat ratio of 30/20, they could have excess levels of calcium and phosphorous. They are essential in certain quantities, but too much of these will negatively affect bone and joint development. This could potentially lead to bone disease and other orthopedic problems later on in life.

Instead, choose a recipe like Nutrena’s Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe. It has a protein/fat ratio of 26/14 and optimal levels of calcium and phosphorous to support a slower growth rate so that their skeleton has time to develop enough strength to support their greater weight. Our Puppy Large Breed Recipe also contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate which support healthy joints.

While some small breed puppies are fully grown at nine months, it can take up to 18 to 24 months for large and giant breeds to mature. You’ll need to keep your larger breed dogs on puppy food longer than your small and medium breeds.

Weight management, joint health help large breed adults achieve longevity.

As dogs mature, nutritional concerns shift to weight management and joint health. As the dietary differences remain between small and large breeds into adulthood, the path to get there is also different.

Compared to smaller breeds, large breeds require fewer calories per pound, so they need a less nutrient and energy dense diet. Thus, these larger breeds need recipes with lower amounts of energy.

It’s especially important for joint health and longevity that they consume a recipe that meets their needs. The wrong balance can create weight management issues which could affect your dog’s health and longevity. Overweight adult dogs can develop a number of health issues including joint problems, osteoarthritis, diabetes, among many others. In addition, look for a recipe that has L-carnitine to help burn fat and support a healthy weight, and includes Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate which helps support joint health.

Whether your large breed is young or old, protecting livestock, herding, or doing a little bit of everything, they need a diet that helps them perform at their best.

This post was originally published at nutrinaworld.com.

When you bring a puppy or even an adult dog home for the first time, the idea of training probably means potty training. But after they chew up that pair of shoes and run-away off leash for the first time, you realize there is a bit more training you need to do. Here are a few things to consider when training your puppy or adult dog:

1. Establish house rules for the dog.  Just like your children have house rules so should your dog. Will you allow your dog on the couch when you are binging Netflix? Will they be allowed to sleep with you on the bed or in the crate in another room? It’s important to establish rules for the puppy or adult dog before they arrive so that everyone and your furry friend know what to expect.
2. Find a Training Class.  Most dog owners find puppy training classes a good idea. Depending on where you live, classes are typically held at a local dog training facility or pet supply store. There is a fee associated with these class so make sure to research the trainer before you register to ensure they have experience and excellent references. In the class, your puppy will typically learn basic commands such as sit, lie down, come, and stay and how to walk on leash.
3. Start socializing early.  When you bring home your puppy or adopted dog, getting them use to their surroundings and interacting with people is an important part of the training process. In some areas, you can even sign up for a puppy socialization class to help your puppy learn how to interact with other dogs and people. It’s important to do this as soon as possible to avoid any set-in fears and anxieties. If you have an adopted dog, you can socialize with frequent walks around the neighborhood, having people over, and taking them to a dog park.
4. Reward good behavior. When your puppy or adult dog does the right thing, treats and praise help reinforce the behavior you expect. Dogs are people pleasers and want to please their owners. Positive praise helps build trust between you and your furry friend and ensures they develop into a confident, well-adjusted dog.
5. Be patient. It can take three to four weeks of consistent training before it becomes a habit. With puppies, you need to exercise patience during the training process by implementing short training sessions every day. If you are bringing home an adult dog, they can be easier to train than young puppies as they can focus for a longer period to time.
6. Give daily exercise. A bored dog tends to get itself into trouble. Daily exercise not only keeps your furry friend healthy but also helps provide needed mental stimulation while reducing common behavioral problems such as chewing, digging, and barking.  

This article originally appeared on nutrinaworld.com.