Using Calcium Powder?

[Guest Tess32]

You don't have to feed the BARF diet to feed raw food properly Dogs naturally eat raw meat, bones and offal - they don't need 5,000 supplements.

[rajacadoo]

Hi diesel dog,

Just want to share my story with you re: calcium. I used to breed Australian Cattle Dogs, and during my education in this breed, (started with them in 1989), I was told that because of their high bone mass, they NEEDED to be supplemented with Calcium, 1 teaspoon twice a day, for the pups, then 1 teaspoon/day for the adults for life. I did this religiously with my first 2 dogs (from the same kennels), with no problems. I then went to another kennel to purchase a lovely bitch, who then developed OCD (Osteo Chondritis Dessicans), a crippling disease, in her stifle at 6 months. After doing more researched, both to learn about the disease, and to make an informed decision, as to what to do with her, I learnt that this disease can be genetic, OR, caused by an over supply of Calcium. She was operated on, then recovered enough to be shown successfully, to obtain her title.

To cut a really long story short, I informed the breeder, and although help was offered in the beginning, it slowly became obvious that our relationship was over. I never accused the breeder of anything, but they were adamant it was the Calcium/ environment that she was brought up in, but wasnt from her lines. The sire had produces many healthy, OCD free pups over a large stud career. Unfortunately the mother of our bitch, had not produced anything else. Our pup was from her first litter. I have no idea if she was ever used again, but after much hunting around, I dont think she was used again.

I have no idea if this was genetic or Calcium induced. She was titled and desexed, then rehomed, to become a truckies best mate, travelling the roads of Tassie, both day and night, and came home at night to be a much loved family member

Needless to say I have never touched the stuff again. I understand it has its place in the whelping barn, but, not used in this house.

[Mystiqview]

Do a google on OCD: While rooted in genetics (passed on by one or both parents) One of the contributing factors is related to diet: eg, high calorie, and over supplimentation.

The recommendation for those breeds prone to the disorder is to feed adult food or large breed food earlier on with lower protein levels.

[rajacadoo]

Mystiqview,

This occured in the early 90's, so my full recollection of the disease, and everything surrounding it, is probably a bit rusty :D

I didnt Google the disease before posting though.

My pups were always fed on quality puppy food, not high calorie food. I discussed the diet my dogs were on, (particularly this bitch, obviously), as well as the supplimentation, at length. As the Calcium was indicated as a very possible reason for the disease, this was immediately ceased, possibly the damage was already done though. It was recommended to me, by the visiting Vet, (Orthopaedic Specialist from Sydney), that Puppy food was appropriate to continue her on, just NOT the Calcium.

Perhaps more research now (in 2008), suggests for breeds susceptible, to only feed low protein Adult food. This was not recommended to me in 1991/2ish.

All pups bred by us till 2003, (our last litter), have been successfully reared, (to the best of our knowledge), OCD free. Our dogs here, have always remained on Puppy formula until somewhere between the ages of 10-18 months, depending on their maturity rate, with no problems.

Edited to add; Apologies to the OP for highjacking this thread, just wanted to further explain myself :D

Edited April 22, 2008 by rajacadoo

[Mystiqview]

Mystiqview,

This occured in the early 90's, so my full recollection of the disease, and everything surrounding it, is probably a bit rusty

I didnt Google the disease before posting though.

My pups were always fed on quality puppy food, not high calorie food. I discussed the diet my dogs were on, (particularly this bitch, obviously), as well as the supplimentation, at length. As the Calcium was indicated as a very possible reason for the disease, this was immediately ceased, possibly the damage was already done though. It was recommended to me, by the visiting Vet, (Orthopaedic Specialist from Sydney), that Puppy food was appropriate to continue her on, just NOT the Calcium.

Perhaps more research now (in 2008), suggests for breeds susceptible, to only feed low protein Adult food. This was not recommended to me in 1991/2ish.

All pups bred by us till 2003, (our last litter), have been successfully reared, (to the best of our knowledge), OCD free. Our dogs here, have always remained on Puppy formula until somewhere between the ages of 10-18 months, depending on their maturity rate, with no problems.

Edited to add; Apologies to the OP for highjacking this thread, just wanted to further explain myself

I was not meaning you to google it necessarily.. More anyone reading this thread out of matter of interest. However in saying that, while google is your friend, some pages found on the internet to me are not necessarily from reliable sources (scientific journals etc) if you know what I mean there.

Friend's dog injured themselves in the fence.. One vet said they have OCD, another specialist said No it wasn't.

When they first told me what the first vet said on the first diagnosis I did some research as it all sounded funny... Found some interesting reads.. Got them to see another specialist.

Mind you.. with one saying one thing and another saying something different.. both specialists... makes it more confusing. Needless to say.. the dog is still not limping from apparant OCD

[alanglen]

Have multiple lab's here and it sounds like you are feeding very nicely. My guys are on eukanbua or Hills (some dogs do better on different brands) but have never had a problem with euk or hills with labradors (and to be honest, never heard of a problem with euk and labrador's full stop!)

Have to say I would avoid advance personally, too smelly! the royal canin labrador is also well produced.

I also feed chicken carcasses to assist with teeth and cooked chicken or raw meats as training aids. It sounds like you are doing a god job! Now onto the training and socialising part!

[miamay]

I have 3 labs 2 under 12 mths and I feed them royal canon, fresh bones chicken necks & wings I am happy with it.