Training a Fresh Puppy? Diet Possibly will Make a Difference

Having problem teaching Fido to sit and stay when you select him to? Fresh research shows nutrition can affect your dog’s ability to learn.

A study released at the 2004 meeting of the American Veterinary Medical Association shows docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an necessary brain-building nutrient for human babies, is cool for puppies, too.

The fresh research, conducted by The Iams Co., looked at the role DHA plays inside brain development for puppies. It found puppies nourished with high levels of DHA - both before and after weaning - were smarter, extra trainable than puppies fed low amounts of DHA.

These findings correlate using those on human nutrition. In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration acknowledged the benefits of DHA when it approved the fortification of human infant formula with DHA to ensure formula-fed infants received the cognitive benefits of this nutrient.

“The role of DHA for puppies is similar to that for human infants - it is a basic structural component of the brain,” said Dr. Dan Carey, a veterinarian with Iams. “This research shows why feeding a diet high in DHA is so vital. Cool nutrition, combined with training and loving care, primes puppies for healthy lives.”

Inside the Iams study, 39 puppies were evaluated for the effects of dietary DHA on learning. Puppies were fed a entire and balanced diet that varied only inside DHA levels, because were the puppies’ mothers prior to delivery. Following they turned 9 weeks old, all puppy was tested in a shape-recognition food-reward test, which included a maze course with symbols associated with the location of a food therapy.

Following 30 days of testing, the success rate for puppies nourished using enhanced amounts of DHA was twice that of those receiving typical amounts of DHA inside their diets.

“Based on the results of this study, I would suggest that breeders and pet owners feed their dogs foods enhanced using DHA,” said Carmen Battaglia, founder of the “Breeding Better Dogs” program. “I believe they’ll see better results not just inside their puppies since they grow and develop, but also inside greater training due to greater brain development.”

Eukanuba puppy foods, which have better levels of DHA, are perfect for dog owners who want smarter, extra trainable puppies.