CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS-NUTRITION AND GROW TH OF THE PUPPY - WHAT PLACE IS THERE FOR A MINERAL SUPPLEMENT

The main aspects of calcium and phosphorous metabolism in the growing puppy are described. The authors go on to give a critical study of the present day Ca and P recommendations. New recommendations are propose d which take into account not only the physiological status of the ani mal (growth vs. maintenance), but also the format of the breed. For a feed containing 3.9 kcal/g, the following minimal Ca and P contents mu st be respected: for small and average sized breeds of dogs (adult wei ght < 25 kg) maintenance: Ca:0,8 %/MS (2 g/Mcal EM) P:0,7 %/MS (1,9 g/ Mcal EM) growth: Ca:0,9 %/MS (2,5 g/Mcal EM) P: 0,1 %/MS (1,9 g/Mcal E M) for large sized breeds of dogs (adult weight greater than or equal to 25 kg) maintenance: Ca : 1,1 %/MS (2,8 g/Mcal EM) P:0,9 %/MS (2,5 g /Mcal EM) growth: Ca: 1,2 %/MS (3 g/Mcal EM) P:0,9 %/MS (2,5 g/Mcal EM ) A method to correct the mineral supply of home-made type diets is pr esented. The risks linked to an oversupply of calcium are also discuss ed.