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A higher intestinal permeability
(Hall and Batt, 1990; Weber and al, 2002), a weaker digestive
capacity (Zentek and Meyer, 1995) and a greater fermentative
activity among large dogs (Weber et al, 2003a and 2003b) are many
factors that may explain their weaker digestive
tolerance.
In addition to the undeniable “size”
effect, the results also appear to show a “breed” effect.
In comparison with other breeds of
similar size, the German Shepherd is among the breeds that display
more significant digestive sensitivity – wetter stools and weaker
fecal score.
So it would appear important to
ensure maximum digestive security among German Shepherds
through nutrition.
Promoting maximum digestive security
Digestion and absorption of
nutrients Fermentation of undigested remnants
Goals:
1 - Improving digestion and
intestinal absorption
2 - Protecting and nourishing the
intestinal and colic mucus
3 - Limiting fermentative
activity
4 - Improving the consistency of
stools PROMOTING MAXIMUM DIGESTIVE SECURITY
Objective
1: Improving digestion and absorption through hyper-digestible
ingredients
The German Shepherd’s digestive sensibility makes the
incorporation of hyper-digestible ingredients in the formulation of
the food absolutely vital to optimal digestion and
absorption.
Utilizing highly digestible proteins
German
Shepherd 24 contains very highly digestible proteins (>95%),
generating less metabolic waste, as almost all of the proteins are
digested. That means that the 24% hyper-digestible protein content
helps cover the German Shepherd’s nutritional needs
optimally.
Soy and poultry protein isolate hydrolysate
- very
high organic value
- very high digestibility (96%)
- limits
the flow of indigestible protein to the
colon, reducing
undesirable putrefaction and
helping to maintain flora
equilibrium
How to obtain protein
hydrolysates
Enzymatic
hydrolysis
Protein isolate
hydrolysates are achieved by enzymatic hydrolysis of the isolate.
This operation is aimed at reducing the size of proteins
(hydrolysates), thus improving their digestion. The digestibility of
soy and poultry isolate hydrolysates is over 96%. Protein
hydrolysates
Utilizing highly absorbable energy
The
high-energy concentration of German Shepherd 24 means servings can
be moderated, significantly reducing the load on stomach and
intestine.
Rice as a major source of starch
- highly
digestible starch
- improves the digestibility of proteins, of
fat and dry matter and limits the quantity of feces (Belay,
1997).
Objective 2: Limiting fermentative activity
Strong
fermentative activity can trigger an in-rush of water into the colon
and a marked proliferation of microbes; two factors that lead to the
excretion of watery feces. So it is essential to limit fermentative
activity among German Shepherds.
Hyper-digestible food reduces
the quantity of non-digested remnants that enter the large
intestine.
A single source of fermentable fibers: beet pulp, a
fiber that is degraded by bacteria in the colon (75%), limits colic
fermentation.
Objective 3: Protecting and nourishing the
digestive mucus
Incorporation of beet pulp
Beet pulp helps
maintain healthy gastro-intestinal mucus (Reinhart, 1993). It
is also a substrate of choice for colic micro-flora, which degrades
it into short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) (acetate, propionate and
butyrate in the main).
- These SCFA, especially butyrate, are an
important energy source for the colic cell (Roediger, 1980). They
also have a beneficial effect on the digestive mucus (Sakata et al,
1987).
- SCFA reduce the colic pH (acidification of the contents
of the intestine) to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacterial
flora and inhibit the growth of pathogen strains (Kumemura et al,
1992).
Beneficial effect of beet pulp
Beneficial effect of
beet pulp, compared with cellulose and a blend of pectin/gum arabic,
on gastro-intestinal disorders.
From Reinhart,
1993.
Incorporation of MOS (Mannan-oligosaccharides)
MOS
belong to the category of non-fermentable fibers that, in their
natural state, form the inner wall of yeast cells. They are composed
of two sugars: glucose and mannose.
MOS help limit the
development of potentially pathogenic bacteria by preventing them
from attaching themselves to the intestinal mucus (Harmon, 1999). So
pathogenic bacteria cannot physically reach or adhere to the
intestinal cells and are evacuated in the stools.
Extra source of
omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)
The fatty acids EPA
(eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) prevent
excessive inflammatory reactions by the intestinal mucus (Reinhart
and Davenport, 1995).
Objective 4: Improving stool
consistency
The improvement of the consistency of stools is
realized primarily by enhancing the water retaining capacity of the
caecum and colon. It is important to incorporate indigestible
compounds with a high water retaining capacity into the German
Shepherd’s food.
Incorporation of insoluble mineral salts
Due
to their porosity and their large exchange surface area, they enable
the reduction of excess water present in the digestive tract and
deal with certain toxins responsible for increased secretion of
water.
Incorporation of purified cellulose
Its high
hygroscopic capacity enables it to retain up to 6 times its own
weight in water. Additionally, this fiber, which is not degraded by
the colic microflora, is absorbed intact in the stools to help
improve the consistency of the feces (Wichert et al, 2002).
An
immune system put to the test every day
The firm musculature of
the German Shepherd, its well developed torso, its solid limbs –
without omitting its character – make the German Shepherd a utility
dog par excellence, as a guide dog, rescue dog, police dog or
defense dog, to name but a few. These varied chores put its immune
system under severe pressure every day.
The German Shepherd is
among the breeds showing a weak plasmatic concentration of
immunoglobulin A (IgA) (Whitebread et al, 1984, Griot-Wenk et al,
1999), which increases the risk of infection.
IgA are antibodies
specialized in the defense of mucus and the skin against infectious
agents and are essential ingredients of such secretions as saliva,
tears and intestinal juices. Taking account of the distinct
immune characteristics of the German Shepherd, it is essential to
utilize nutritional factors that help strengthen its natural
defenses.
The essential role of IgA is to prevent pathogen agents
from attaching themselves to cells, and specifically covering cells
like digestive mucus (opposite) and the epidermis (outer layer of
the skin).
REINFORCING THE NATURAL DEFENSES
Incorporation of
MOS (Mannan-oligosaccharides)
MOS stimulate the local defenses by
increasing the antibody count, especially IgA, and the production of
the white corpuscles (neutrophils) responsible for general defense
tasks (O’Carra, 1997).
Oxidative stress and
antioxidants
Additionally, when it works for protracted periods,
the German Shepherd like other dogs builds up an antioxidant
deficit, which makes it more vulnerable to damage caused by free
radicals (oxidative stress) (Obra et al, 1999).
That makes it
essential to combat oxidative stress, in addition to stimulating the
dog’s immune system.
COMBATING OXIDATIVE STRESS
Antioxidant
synergistic complex (vitamins E, C, taurine and lutein)
An extra
source of Vitamin E (600 mg/kg),
which plays a major role in the
protection of cellular membranes and strengthens immune
defenses.
A source of Vitamin C (300 mg/kg),
which advances
the regeneration of vitamin E and helps combat oxidative
stress.
An extra source of Taurine (2200 mg/kg),
a major
constituent of immune cells, particularly cells producing antibodies
(lymphocytes). Taurine also plays a significant role in the
prevention of cardiac diseases (especially cardiomyopathy).
A
source of Lutein (5 mg/kg)
Lutein is a vegetable extract derived
from the petals of the African marigold (Tagetes Erecta)
Lutein
fulfills two essential functions:
- It protects against free
radicals. Lutein protects the lipids of the cell membrane, thus
combating lipid peroxidation.
- It stabilizes cell membranes into
which it incorporates and modulates the immune response by driving
up the production of antibodies (Reinhart, 2000).
A sensitive
skin to protect
The dog’s skin pH is one of the highest among
mammals (an average of 7.4).
Among the canine race the skin pH
appears to vary according to breed.
A protocol was perfected by
the Royal Canin Research Center to measure the alkaline pH of the
German Shepherd and compare it with other breeds.
These results
show that the German Shepherd possesses a much more alkaline skin
than the Golden Retriever or the Labrador.
Many authors
agree that an alkaline skin is more conducive to bacterial
proliferation than an acidic skin (Chikakane and Takahashi, 1995;
Matousek and Campbell, 2002).
Its relative deficiency in IgA
(Immunoglobin A) and the high alkalinity of its skin can explain the
German Shepherd’s sensitivity to bacterial skin diseases, such as
pyoderma (Denerolle et al, 1998).
So it is essential to reinforce
the integrity of the skin barrier, while nourishing the hair and
preserving its natural beauty, through nutrition.
REINFORCING THE
INTEGRITY OF THE SKIN BARRIER
The epidermis forms a barrier that
limits water loss by the body and prevents its penetration by
allergens. This barrier role is made possible by ceramides, which
are lipids that form “cement“ that bonds the epidermis
cells.
Vitamins/amino acid synergistic association
The
synergistic action of a supply of various vitamins (choline,
nicotinamide, inositol, pyridoxine and panthotenic acid) and amino
acids (proline and histidine) augments the synthesis of
ceramides, which helps limit water loss and prevent the
penetration by bacteria or any allergens (pollen, dust mites) (Tim
Fray, 2002, Waltham Center for Pet Nutrition).
NOURISHING THE
HAIR AND SKIN
Source of ?-Linolenic acid, an omega 6 fatty acid
provided by borage oil that improves the health of the hair and the
quality of the skin.
Extra source of Zinc (250 mg/kg), a crucial
element in the synthesis of collagen and of keratin, which are
essential for epidermal regeneration and cicatrisation. In the event
of a deficiency, hair becomes dull and greyish.
Source of
Linoleic acid. The synergistic action of this acid and zinc assures
a brilliant coat of hair and less dandruff (Marsh, 2000) (see
opposite).
But also:
An extra source of vitamin A (vitamin for
the epithelium) (22000 UI/kg)
Vitamin A helps combat seborrhoea
and plays a key role in the regeneration of the skin (growth and
proliferation of epidermal cells) (Miller, 1986; Scott, 1986).
An
extra source of Biotin (vitamin H) (3 mg/kg)
The extra source of
Biotin, often called vitamin H (from the German word ‘Haut’ for
skin), helps combat dehydration of the skin, hair loss and the
formation of dandruff (squama). (Marsh and Watson,
1999).
Incorporation of selenium
An essential mineral for
maintaining and growing tissue that helps protect cell membranes in
interaction with vitamin E.
A bone structure under great daily
stress
The German Shepherd’s exceptional morphology enables it to
perform as well in its work or walking with its master, as in the
most diverse and most demanding of sporting disciplines: ring,
mondioring, protection, campagne, and not forgetting search &
rescue of course. That means that the joints of this versatile dog
are put under great stress.
Hip, elbow and knee dysplasia, cauda
equina and articular osteochondroses are unfortunately not rare in
this sporting dog (Lafond et al, 2002).
Dysplasia is
characterized by the abnormal development of the coxofemoral joint,
which leads to poor imbrication of the head of the femur in
the hip’s cotyloid cavity as well as the appearance of
osteoarthritis.
In time, its cartilages will be damaged and this
wear and tear may gradually give way to osteoarthritis when the dog
grows older.
That means it is essential to help prevent joint
complaints and associated inflammatory mechanisms through
nutrition.
PROTECTS ARTICULAR CAPITAL
Objective 1: Protecting
joints and preventing or slowing down osteoarthritis
An extra
source of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride (1000
mg/kg)
The combined action of these two nutrients helps stimulate
the regeneration of articular cartilage and slow down cartilage
degeneration (Lipiello et al, 1998).
- Chondroitin sulfate
inhibits the action of enzymes that cause the destruction of
cartilage. It also possesses a high water retaining capacity,
enabling proper hydration of the cartilage.
- Glucosamine
hydrochloride (precursor of glycosaminoglycanes, the principal
constituents of articular cartilage) stimulates the regeneration of
cartilage (especially promoting the synthesis of
collagen).
Incorporation of manganese
Manganese, a mineral
trace element, contributes to the synthesis of procollagen, a
precursor of collagen, which makes up the cartilage
fibers.
Objective 2: Combating inflammatory mechanisms
An
extra source of omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) (0.4%)
The
fatty acids EPA and DHA, essentially found in fish oils, possess
anti-inflammatory properties. They activate the production of
anti-inflammatory mediators and inhibit the synthesis of some
inflammation mediators (Freeman, 1999).
A made-to-measure
kibble
Objective 1: Guaranteeing optimal appetence
Whether it
is a search & rescue dog, an explosive or drug sniffer dog, an
avalanche dog or a dog that works to find people in collapsed
buildings, the German Shepherd has little competition when it comes
to olfaction sensitivity. Born with an exceptional olfactory acuity,
this supreme tracker is able to detect up to 500,000 different
odors, compared with the mere 4000 that humans can
distinguish.
This faculty may be clarified by the difference in
the nasal mucus surface area. It is 200 cm2 in the German Shepherd
with 200 million olfactory cells, while it stretches only 125 cm2 in
the Fox Terrier and 67 cm2 in the Cocker Spaniel (Vadurel,
1997).
Its exceptional nose makes guaranteed optimal appetence of
the food essential to satisfy the dog’s very high demands as well as
possible.
Appetence without equal
German Shepherd 24 is
formulated with premium quality ingredients and exclusive aromas,
based on a secret recipe. In many trials conducted at the Royal
Canin kennel, German Shepherd 24 has been tested by a wide panel of
expert breeders.
More than 1100 trials have been conducted based
on a sliding scale of approval and criteria perfected in association
with the breeders. German Shepherd 24 attained the top mark
(5/5).
Royal Canin Innovation: Nitrogen-Flushed packaging
The
5 lb bags of German Shepherd 24 are conditioned under a controlled
atmosphere: a technology used widely to pack human food, which
replaces oxygen with an inert gas that thoroughly combats the
natural oxidation of food, thus preserving all of its organoleptic
qualities and all its aromas.
Objective 2: Improving oral
hygiene
The dog’s teeth are brushed mechanically as it chews
German Shepherd 24, which helps limit the accumulation of tartar.
This effect is reinforced by the presence of chelating agents of
calcium, sensors which render calcium unavailable for the
mineralization of dental plaque and so the formation of tartar
(Soulard and Servet, Royal Canin Research Center,
2002).
Encouraging the dog to chew its food reduces the tartar
index by 41%. Extra incorporation of calcium sensors reduces the
index by 73%. From Soulard Y and Servet E, 2002. Royal Canin
Research Center, 28-day trial.
Objective 3: Helping to prevent
torsion/distension of the stomach
After a meal the stomach can
achieve a volume of 1 gallon in a 33 lb. dog and up to about 2
gallons in a large dog. This predisposition to distension,
associated to a relative laxity of the stomach’s means of attachment
to the abdomen, means that the dog is predisposed to the
torsion/distension syndrome. This complaint is fatal in 30% of
cases.
There are several factors that heighten the risk of
stomach
torsion/distension:
- Size: heightened risk in large-
and giant-breed dogs (Glickman, 1994)
- Age: heightened risk in
animals over two years old (Glickman, 1994)
- Sex: heightened
risk in males (Glickman, 1997; Bright, 2003)
- Quantity of food
ingested: heightened risk in the event of ingestion of a large
quantity of (Glickman, 1997)
- Speed of ingestion: heightened
risk in the event of fast ingestion (Glickman, 1997)
- Stress:
heightened risk in the event of stress (Glickman, 1997)
Another
significant risk factor that also needs to be considered is the
breed.
Breeds with a higher ribcage depth/width ratio, like the
Great Dane or, to a lesser degree, the German Shepherd, appear to be
more at risk of developing this complaint than other dogs.
Owing
to its conformation the German Shepherd displays a much greater
ribcage depth/width ratio than the Labrador or the Golden Retriever,
which puts it at greater risk of developing stomach
distension.
So it is essential to feed the German Shepherd very
digestible food that can be ingested fast and efficiently.
The
elaboration of the German Shepherd 24 kibble is the result of a
great many trials at kennels.
Ten prototypes were tested. The
animals’ physical and physiological reactions, the time they took to
eat and the effects on digestion were recorded in true-to-life
conditions.
The German Shepherd 24 kibble in the shape of a cross
came through the various stages of development with success. Due to
its shape and dimensions it encourages the animal to chew.
From:
http://www.royalcanin.us/gsbook.asp
  
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