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Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1  [/B] 
Alot of what you pointed out above, applies to many of us.....!
I am really enjoying reading her responses. I am waiting for her to advise on giving the Adult Mini versus the Yorkie Breed specific kibble! Since I dont know any other way to do it, I have copied/pasted her responses and put them in a folder for my own future use! |
Hello @Yorkiemom1!!
Sorry for missing your question... back on page 4 :S haha. If I have missed any questions, I apologize, but feel free to post them again for me to answer.
MINI Adult is part of our Size Health Nutrition line of formulas. It is tailored specifically for the 9 - 22 lb small dog's needs. These small breeds can be some of the spunkiest and longest living of all the breeds, but also have some specific needs related to their size that can be supported through nutrition. These can include:
- higher frequency of dental disease (polyphosphates to help reduce tartar formation)
- skin and coat support (highly digestible protein, vitamin A, biotin, omega 6 fatty for coat gloss and EPA & DHA to help limit inflammation at the skin)
- more energy requirement per pound than large/giant breeds
Yorkshire Terrier is part of our Breed Health Nutrition line of formulas. These formulas take RC's knowledge and expertise to the next level. Formulation of these diets involves careful examination of veterinary cases, scientific literature and observation to complete our understanding of that specific breed's particularities, needs and requirements. Observation is completed both in our breeder network and at our kennel and cattery in France. Some of the things we examine with each specific breed include fat vs. lean muscle levels (think of a Newfie vs a Boxer), stool consistency (high or low in moisture), trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL, strength of skin barrier), urine RSS vales (likelihood of urolith formation) etc.
One of my favourite things to talk about with the Breed formulas is our kibble science. Each kibble design is tailored to the breeds specific needs for kibble grasping (prehension), chewing/dental issues, rate of ingestion, and digestive sensitivities. We evaluate their facial morphology (ie. brachycephalic or mesocephalic) along with the way they grasp their kibble to design a kibble shape that is easy for them to pick up and chew. This is evaluated by filming the breed eating on a glass surface. Sometimes we experiment with different kibble shapes, sizes, textures or densities until we find the best design for that breed.
For the YT specifically, the formula addresses:
- the very high prevalence of dental issues in YT through longitudinally extruded kibble (requires more force to break which applies more friction on the teeth to help scrape off plaque) and polyphosphates (calcium chelators/binders that help to capture it in the mouth before it forms tartar on the teeth)
- skin and coat support for the YT's fine, long hair (highly digestible protein for coat formation,enhanced levels of vitamin A, biotin, omega 6 fatty for coat gloss and EPA & DHA to help limit inflammation at the skin along with the specialized PINCH complex of vitamins and an amino acid to strengthen the skin)
- aging support for one of the longest living breeds (enhanced antioxidant complex to help limit free radical damage, EPA and DHA to help limit inflammation)
- Highly palatable for a finicky appetite (kibble design to help ease grasping for the tiny, delicate jaw, natural flavours and aromas to help the YT enjoy eating their food)
After formulation of every formula, we give it to our breeder network and owners for their feedback. Ultimately we want to make sure the performance we formulate our diets to have is actually visible in the dog. If anything is not up to our standards, we go back to the drawing board and adjust nutrient levels in the formula before asking them to evaluate it again.
Overall, both formulas are appropriate for a YT, but the additional nutritional support for the YT based on their specific needs help to provide that more tailored nutrition to the breed.
Hope this helps answer your question!
Ashley
