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Posted by Alyssa on 3/19/2008, 9:31 pm, in reply to "Re: Size"
24.251.90.23
Yes, poor nutrition can stunt growth, but I have yet to see a dog whose growth was "enhanced" by a particular feeding protocol, which was what I believe John was leaning toward with his question. Those 29 inch dogs aren't 29 inches because of what they ate as a puppy (although they may have grown faster); they're that size as adults because of genetics.
One of the most recognizable kennel names in this country feeds Old Roy and consistently produces dogs at the top of the standard in both height and weight. So even when feeding a food that most of us would never even consider using, again, genes win out. 
I know I've told the story of feeding my first RR as though he should be a 90 pound male -- and he ended up being pretty overweight by the age of 10 months simply because what his breeder predicted he'd be was not who he actually was. My advice is always to feed the dog you have in front of you -- if he's pudgy, cut back a smidge; if he's thin, add a bit more. It'll all be fine in the end.
-- Alyssa.
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