Why is controlled nutrition vital concerning calcium and phosphorus during the growth phase of GSD puppies?

Excess amounts can lead to overly rapid bone growth.

For large breed puppies like German Shepherds, the rate at which their skeletal structure matures is directly influenced by their mineral intake. If a puppy receives excessive calories, particularly too much calcium and phosphorus, it can trigger an abnormally fast rate of bone development. This rapid growth often outpaces the corresponding development of the soft tissues and musculature supporting those bones, significantly increasing the long-term risk of developmental orthopedic diseases. To mitigate this, slow, steady, and controlled skeletal maturation is crucial, which is why specialized large breed puppy foods regulate these minerals carefully, aiming for consistent, rather than accelerated, development.