What's the best calcium to phosphorus ratio for my large breed dog?

Question

What is the proper calcium to phosphorous ratio when feeding a large breed puppy or dog? Ive read that it should be 1:1, Ive read it should be 1.2:1, and Ive read it should be between 1:1 and 2:1. This is very confusing. I have an 11 month old German Shepherd girl and Ive been feeding puppy food thats 1.4:1 which I think is ok. I am now thinking of changing her to an adult food (single protein as she is very itchy), but some of the protein:calcium ratios are way off?!!? Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 10 months and 23 days old | 58.5 lbs

Stacey Anstaett, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thanks for asking PetCoach!! Confusing is putting it mildly when trying to sort through good, scientific based information regarding nutrition for our pets. First of all, for large breed dogs, keep them on a good large breed puppy food until AT LEAST 12 months of age. For a German Shepherd, sometime between 12-15 months would be a good time to transition. (larger breeds do more growing for a longer period of time than small breeds, so need puppy food longer, which in a way seems counter-intuitive as they "age" faster than smaller breeds!) http://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/04/when-your-baby-isnt-such-a-baby-anymore-when-to-switch-to-adult-foods/ As far as he Ca:P ratio, while still important, my recommendation would be to stick with something around 1.2:1. For large breed adult foods vs regular adult foods, the difference tends to be more geared towards long term skeletal and joint health; meaning in large breed adult foods you're more likely to find glucosamine/chondroitin supplementation built in, extra fatty Omegas, etc. I hope that answers your question. Thanks for asking PetCoach! https://www.petcoach.co/article/calcium-phosphorous-requirements-for-dogs/

What's the best calcium to phosphorus ratio for my large breed dog?

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