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The Role of Dietary Nutrients in the Puli’s (Canine) Diet

It is of paramount importance to all puli owners that their dog is of sound health and of beautiful appearance. Nutrition is of key importance in the achievement of these goals. Food of good composition is important, with adequate amounts of protein (amino acids), carbohydrates and fat. Apart from these the macro, micro, and other complimentary components are also of great significance, without which we cannot reach ultimate nourishment. In my article I would like to elaborate on the role of essential minerals, vitamins and other supplements, so often referred to by food manufacturers

98.5% of Calcium (Ca) found in the body is in the bones, the remaining quantity contributes to the workings of enzymes, neurons and cell membranes.

Ca intake is especially important in case of puppies and suckling bitches.

Deficiency leads to bone deformity during growth, thickening of joint ends. In adult dogs Calcium deficiency may lead to brittle bones, osteoporosis.

80-85% of Phosphorus (P) can be found in the bones, 20% in the soft tissue. Young animals have the greatest demand for P. It has a very significant role in the energy utilization of the body.

In general it can be said, that in cereals there is relatively more P and relatively little Ca in comparison. Boney meat has an adequately high Ca content, but dogs cannot be solely fed on this. It is good if the Ca:P ratio in food is 1.5:1 in case of puppies, and minimum 1:1 in adult dogs. Premium and super premium foods available today are completely compliant with this. For those feeding their own food it is advised to use a 50:50% meat-cereal (pasta, rice) combination with a minimum 1.5:1 ratio Ca-P supplement added for adult dogs.

Vitamin D2 is produced in plants, vitamin D3 in animal (human) organisms. Vitamin D helps penetration of Ca through the cell membranes, absorption and discharge of P, the working of Ca-P in the body as well as being also responsible for development, reproduction and ossification of cartilage cells. Deficiency leads to rickets, osteomalacia (soft bones). Vitamin D can be found in fish oils for example.

In summary it can be said that Calcium, Phosphorus and Vitamin D have a significant role in bone development and function. The adequate quantity and ratio of all three elements in food can bear influence on, or reduce the risk of dysplasia – a popular, but still controversial issue.

Vitamin A comes from animal sources, in plants its pro-vitamin, carotene can be found. It is essential for functioning of the epidermic cells.  If not enough it results in reduced defence mechanisms of the mucous membranes (lungs, intestines etc.), thus making the animal more susceptible to infections. Due to reduced function of mucus membrane in the male and female animals (testicular germ cells, uterus, vagina) embedding of the zygote in the uterus is more difficult, thus resulting in increased embryo deaths. Pigmentation of the skin can be influenced by carotene.

Deficiency can also cause night-blindness. Carotene can be found mostly in raw vegetables, carrots etc. It is not heat stable and also easily disintegrates in sunlight.

Vitamin E (tocopherol) is an antioxidant in the body, preventing oxidation between the cell membrane and the cells. Vitamin E can be found in plant germ oils.

Selenium (Se): contributes to reducing oxidation processes within the cells, helps muscle function, enhances the immune system and is a component of numerous important enzymes.

Vitamin E and Se saturate free radicals, reduce development of cancerous processes and delay aging.

Vitamin K: It occurs in forage in three forms ( K1, K2, K3).

Deficiency can cause blood clotting disorders in the body. (Beware of rat poison,  it contains cumarin which, as an antagonist of Vitamin K can cause haemophilia in the animal.) Vitamin K is generally present in adequate amounts in forage.

 Vitamin B group: Components of enzymes, play and important role in

protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. The dog’s body partly produces these, but is not capable of producing all (Vitamin B12). Milk, liver,  yeast fungus contain large quantities of B Vitamins.

Biotin: plays part in metabolism of protein, carbohydrate and fat.

Deficiency causes skin and hair problems. As one of the main „features” of the puli is its hair, sufficient biotin intake is especially important. It occurs in relatively large quantities and in easily digestible form in plant oils, e.g. corn oil and eggs.

Folic acid: essential for the synthesis of nucleic acid. Deficiency results in poor growth.  

Choline: a substance necessary for bone formation, lecithin synthesis and for regulation of other physiological processes. Large quantities are contained in yeast and fish-meal.

Vitamin C: plays a role in the immune system, the body’s defense mechanism. Deficiency also causes reduction in the production of scarfskin and cartilage.

Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), and Chlorine (Cl): play a role in maintaining homeostasy (balance) of the body. They act as activators to several enzymes. Na and Cl required intake can be provided through salt in the animal’s food, K is present in the forage, it can only be discharged from the body through acute vomiting and diarrhea.

Magnesium (Mg): Half of magnesium stored in the body is found in the bones. It is a component of enzymes and plays a role in maintaining isotonic conditions. There is generally sufficient Mg in forage, deficiency rarely occurs. Low levels of Mg increase the risk of cramp.

Iron (Fe): Primarily has a role of transporting oxygen, but also participates in the function of certain enzymes and in the energy release process.

Animals handle iron economically, a small part of utilized Fe comes from forage, and a large proportion is re-utilized by the body. 

Zinc (Zn): is is a component of several enzymes, as well as of insulin. Deficiency causes skin problems in dogs, respectively causes decrease of libido in male animals.

Iodine (I) plays part in the functioning of the hormones in the thyroid glands. Deficiency can cause struma, as well as slow growth and reproductive biological problems. It is important to administer this compound to the animal externally, as a complement to forage.

Manganese (Mn): plays a part in the function of several enzymes. One of these enzymes aids cartilage formation. A lack of Mn in the dog’s body can cause bone-forming disorders.

Mn is not absorbed with great efficiency from the forage, therefore it is necessary to supplement dog foods in  higher quantities than the actual requirement of the animal.

Copper (Cu): is a component of several enzymes, catalyzes cellular respiration, controls amino-acid traffic and pigment development. Helps “functioning” of iron in the body. Deficiency can cause negative influence of haemoglobin and cartilage production, ossification and the pigmentation of the hair. The thinning of the base of the puli’s cords can also be attributed to copper deficiency.

Linol acid (Omega 6), Linolen acid (Omega 3): previously they were thought to be vitamins, but today are classified as essential fatty acids.

Deficiency can cause skin problems, the dogs can develop skin diseases. Administering these helps the development of a good quality coat. Numerous researches carried out have proven the allergy-reducing effect of linolen acid, which can be helpful in cases of in-bred white pulis suffering from a number of hair and allergy problems. Good quantities of linol acid can be found in various vegetable oils, e.g. corn germ oil, sunflower oil.

Linolen acid is contained in large quantities for example in fish oils and linseed oil. The ratio of the two fatty acids is of paramount importance.

Glucosamine, so often mentioned by food manufacturers these days, is a compound belonging to glycoproteins which can be found in beetle shells and shell-fish shells. Its role is in the formulation of cartilege and maintaining healthy joints.

Chondroitin sulphate is usually added to forage and forage supplements in the form of shark, chicken and beef cartilage. It is produced in higher quantities in puppies, but, production decreases together with the rate of growth. It is responsible for the smoothness and better resistance of the joint heads. Numerous research results have shown that, together with glucosaminem, the danger of developing dysplasia is reduced.

Looking at it from a different aspect, it is very important for puli owners that their puli is healthy. To achieve this it is important that we make sure they receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

In order that the bone structure should develop (including the epyiphyseal cartilage) and to be able to fulfill its function even in old age, besides all the compounds, it is of paramount importance that the food should contain adequate quantities and ratio of Ca, P, Mg, Mn, Cu, Coline, Vitamin D amd Vitamin C.

Today, one of the most controversial issues puli owners (dog owners) are faced with is dysplasia. This is where it is important that the cartilage head socket bones and the cartilages on/in them should form in a proper way in puppyhood and to maintain their correct form later on as well.

For this, the intake, with food, of chondroitin and glucosamine, is required besides the necessary vitamins and minerals necessary for the bone structure and the epyiphyseal cartilage.

In white pulis inadequate pigmentation and „snow-nose” cause a lot of problems. Though this is primarily hereditary it can be improved slightly with administering Vitamin A (karotin), Cu and biotin.

Also in white pulis skin allergy is a common problem, which primarily manifests itself in the scratching of the head and body. In my own experience, this can be successfully reduced by feeding a diet with high levels of linolene acid, for example with linseed oil.

A cardinal question with „show” pulis today is the COAT. In order that our puli has a shiny and healthy coat a diet with adequate amounts of linolen and linol acid, supplemented with Zn, Cu and biotin is required.

The perfect food – whether it is ready or homemade – must contain all nutrients for optimal performance of our dog be it as a pet, show dog, breeding or work.

Source:  Dr Kakukk Tibor-Dr Smith János: Takarmányozástan, (Nutrition) 1988 ;

Szinák János- Veress István: Kutyakonyha, (Dog Cuisine) 1989;

Dr Wolfné Dr Táskai Erzsébet: Általános sejttani és szövettani ismeretek (General Cytology and Histology), 1997;

Personal experience

                                                                                           Zsuzs

Bátor Zsuzsa
Loncsosi-Bátor kennel