the correct nutritional requirements - Page 1

I am looking for the correct RDA of vitamins and minerals for an adult GSD. 

I have found some info but it seems to differ greatly from site to site.

I have found some info concerning vit c saying that it can damage the kidneys has anyone heard this ? 

Thanks in advance.

Tracie

www.freewebs.com/incubusgsds

I imagine the problem is that it will depend on what each dog needs.  Even human RDAs are highly disputed.

When I did my degree, if I remember correctly, there is no evidence showing that Vit C added to the diet has any added benefit for dogs.  Dogs produce their own Vit C in their liver and you have to remember that its water soluble and therefore quite hard to put into diets.  The only time I can remember it being a problem is with a dog that has bladder stones.

To get a true reflection of vitamin/mineral needs would require you to contact all food manufactuerer's get their input and then compare the difference.  There is bound to be both similarities and then something things will be quite varied.

It depends on a number of factors, and I agree with the above, RDA's for people are disputed, so I see no point in getting hung up on them for dogs - if you are feeding a very good kibble, the vitamins and minerals are already figured out for you. If you are feeding raw, you will need to add proper supplements - I get all mine from www.b-naturals.com I use the Daily Blend, then switch to the Immune Blend as my dogs age......... amounts are given according to the dog's weight. The person who developed these products has a PhD in animal nutrition, a real rarity. She DOES include Vit C in her powdered formulas........

These are superior human grade products, and there is also an extensive list of archived newsletters on the website, covering all manner of topics including diet. You might want to check it out! 

In the United States, one of the pre-eminent organizations who advise on science topics, including nutrition for animals, is the National Academy of Sciences. They publish a 400 page document called: Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats.  It is expensive to buy, but absolute must reading if someone really wants to feed raw or be knowledgeable about what is the state of the art in canine nutrition. The better kibble manufacturers have years and years of dedicated research looking at what diets do and do not keep animals healthy and they have both their own labs and kennels. However, they also rely heavily on this document mentioned above. The document description is as follows:

"Updating recommendations last made by the National Research Council in the mid-1980s, this report provides nutrient recommendations based on physical activity and stage in life, major factors that influence nutrient needs. It looks at how nutrients are metabolized in the bodies of dogs and cats, indications of nutrient deficiency, and diseases related to poor nutrition. The report provides a valuable resource for industry professionals formulating diets, scientists setting research agendas, government officials developing regulations for pet food labeling, and as a university textbook for dog and cat nutrition. It can also guide pet owners feeding decisions for their pets with information on specific nutrient needs, characteristics of different types of pet foods, and factors to consider when feeding cats and dogs."

As for Vitamin C, there is no scientifically based evidence demonstrating benefit in canines, as is noted above. 

I highly recommend reading this document. You may be able to find a copy in a large university library, especially one that has a veterinarian school.