Evidence cluster — puppy (pediatric) growth & development nutrition (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC + PubMed)

Representative peer-reviewed studies (verbatim abstracts)

The following studies were retrieved from Europe PMC / PubMed and are reproduced verbatim. Interpretive synthesis is left to the API user.

PMID:41852679 — Accelerated early weight gain of neonatal puppies from overweight bitches compared to lean dams in spite of similar milk macronutrient composition.

Source: Front Nutr 2026
Front Nutr. 2026 Mar 3;13:1747221. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1747221. eCollection

2026.

Accelerated early weight gain of neonatal puppies from overweight bitches compared to lean dams in spite of similar milk macronutrient composition.

McCarter SJ(1), Werre SR(2), Power ML(3), Balogh O(4).

Author information: (1)Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, United States. (2)Department of Population Health Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, United States. (3)Smithsonian National Zoological Park and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, United States. (4)Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, United States.

INTRODUCTION: Lactation is the final pathway for the maternal metabolism to influence the neonate. Studies in women and animals have shown maternal body condition affecting milk composition and/or offspring growth and adiposity. The effect of the body condition of the dam on neonatal puppy growth rate has never been examined, despite a growing population of overweight breeding dogs. This study aimed to compare the milk macronutrient composition and puppy growth rate during the neonatal period between overweight and lean bitches. METHODS: A total of 16 litters from 15 medium- to large-breed client-owned dogs were enrolled after whelping. Dams were classified into lean (LE, body condition score [BCS]: 4-5/9, n = 8) and overweight (OW, BCS: 6-7/9, n = 8) groups. Milk was collected from bitches at 5 timepoints (0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks of lactation). Growth curves of a total of 106 puppies born alive to LE (n = 58) and OW (n = 48) mothers and exclusively nursing on the dam were analyzed until 21 days of age. Birth weight, daily body weights, average daily weight gain (ADGg), average daily percent gain (ADG%), average daily percent gain from birth (ADGB%), and total percent gain from birth (TGB%), as well as milk dry matter, crude protein, sugar, fat, ash, and calculated gross energy, were analyzed using a mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA); the significance level was set at a p-value of <0.05. RESULTS: Puppy birth weights were unaffected by litter size and the dam BCS. Puppy growth curves and TGB% were significantly different between the two maternal groups. ADGg, ADG%, and ADGB% were significantly higher in OW dam puppies on day 2 and day 4 after birth. Puppies born heavier remained heavier, while ADG% and ADGB% were inversely related to birth weight. Litter size had no effect on these growth parameters. Swimmer puppy syndrome was observed in eight puppies from three OW dam litters. Dam BCS had no significant effect on milk macronutrients in the first 4 weeks of lactation. DISCUSSION: In conclusion, despite the similar day-to-day neonatal body weights between the maternal groups, puppies from OW dams grew differently, gaining more weight in the first week of life. Factors other than milk macronutrient composition are likely responsible for these differences.

DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1747221 PMCID: PMC12994540 PMID: 41852679

Conflict of interest statement: The author(s) declared that this work was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author OB declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision.

Abstract (verbatim excerpt):

JOURNAL:Front Nutr 2026

Front Nutr. 2026 Mar 3;13:1747221. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1747221. eCollection

2026.

Accelerated early weight gain of neonatal puppies from overweight bitches compared t

PMID:41487487 — Exploratory analysis of nutrient composition of adult and senior dog diets.

Source: Front Vet Sci 2025
Front Vet Sci. 2025 Dec 18;12:1717409. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1717409.

eCollection 2025.

Exploratory analysis of nutrient composition of adult and senior dog diets.

German K(1), Melgoza C(2), Torres-Henderson C(1).

Author information: (1)Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States. (2)Rising Sun Animal Care, Denver, CO, United States.

INTRODUCTION: Senior dog foods are often marketed as distinct from adult formulations, yet no specific nutrient profiles exist for this life stage. This study evaluated nutrient composition of over-the-counter adult and senior canine diets in relation to Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) adult maintenance requirements. METHODS: Sixty-one dry and canned diets were purchased from retail stores and complete proximate analysis with minerals was performed. The diets selected consisted of 25 brands (companies), including 30 diets marketed for adults (21 dry, 8 canned, and 1 freeze-dried) and 31 diets marketed for seniors (25 dry, 6 canned). Diets were randomly selected using a random number generator from the complete inventory of dog foods available at two pet food stores in Fort Collins, Colorado (one national retailer and one locally owned store). Nutrients were expressed per 1,000 kcal metabolizable energy, and descriptive statistics were generated. Adult vs. senior, dry vs. canned, and combined categories were compared using parametric or non-parametric tests depending on distribution. Within each company, paired adult and senior products were also evaluated for percent change in nutrient content. RESULTS: Eighteen percent (18%; 11/61) of products did not meet at least one requirement for AAFCO adult maintenance, and differences between adult and senior diets were inconsistent. Fiber, fat, and energy density showed the greatest variability, especially among canned diets. DISCUSSION: As a descriptive exploratory analysis, no power calculation or adjustment for multiple comparisons was performed, and results should be interpreted as hypothesis generating. Overall, senior dog diets demonstrated wide variability and did not consistently differ from adult products, underscoring the challenge with not having defined nutrient profiles for this life stage, and the need for further research linking diet composition to clinical outcomes in aging dogs.

DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1717409 PMCID: PMC12757753 PMID: 41487487

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Abstract (verbatim excerpt):

JOURNAL:Front Vet Sci 2025

Front Vet Sci. 2025 Dec 18;12:1717409. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1717409.

eCollection 2025.

Exploratory analysis of nutrient composition of adult and senior dog diets.

PMID:42309750 — When physiology fails: Endocrine and clinical perspectives on complicated pregnancy and parturition outcomes in dogs.

Source: J Reprod Dev 2026
J Reprod Dev. 2026;72(3):390-397. doi: 10.1262/jrd.2025-133.

When physiology fails: Endocrine and clinical perspectives on complicated pregnancy and parturition outcomes in dogs.

Balogh O(1).

Author information: (1)Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.

In this review, metabolic, endocrine and molecular dysregulation of canine pregnancy and parturition complications are discussed in a clinical context. The focus on metabolic and hormonal abnormalities of pregnancy includes gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy toxemia, hypocalcemia, luteal insufficiency and hypothyroidism, all with potential negative maternal and fetal outcomes. Gestational pseudo-Addisonian crisis, a rather infrequent but severe complication of canine pregnancy with yet unexplained pathophysiology is also presented. While most of these pregnancy complications have long been known, potential gaps in our understanding of their pathophysiology are shown. Complications during parturition affect 5-37% of all canine whelpings, posing a significant risk to the newborns and the mother. This review discusses recent advances about the pathophysiology of primary uterine inertia (PUI), which is the most frequently diagnosed type of dystocia in the bitch. A multifactorial origin of PUI is supported, although clear conclusions applicable to all cases cannot yet be drawn. Lower than normal maternal peripheral oxytocin and blood ionized calcium concentrations, as well as placental dysfunction resulting in decreased prostaglandin F2α production may be involved in its development. Furthermore, PUI has been linked to changes in the expression of several contractility-associated genes and proteins in the uterus, which may cause altered contractility, or alternatively and simultaneously reflect the time-dependent progression of labor. Future studies should focus on the interplay between the placenta, uterus, and the cervix to elucidate the underlying mechanical, endocrine and molecular mechanisms of PUI.

DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2025-133 PMCID: PMC13286665 PMID: 42309750 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: None.

Abstract (verbatim excerpt):

JOURNAL:J Reprod Dev 2026

J Reprod Dev. 2026;72(3):390-397. doi: 10.1262/jrd.2025-133.

When physiology fails: Endocrine and clinical perspectives on complicated pregnancy and parturition outcome

PMID:40984628 — Periostitis Ossificans in a Litter of Belgian Malinois Puppies.

Source: J Vet Dent 2026
J Vet Dent. 2026 May;43(3):262-277. doi: 10.1177/08987564251376607. Epub 2025

Sep 22.

Periostitis Ossificans in a Litter of Belgian Malinois Puppies.

Bar Giora Y(1), Mann O(2), Kachtan I(1), Bar Am Y(1).

Author information: (1)Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rishon Lezion, Israel. (2)Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Periostitis ossificans (PO) is a subtype of chronic osteomyelitis characterized by subperiosteal bone formation as a reaction to mild infection or irritation. In the veterinary medicine literature, it has been described in large breed dogs, aged 3 to 5 months, and was postulated to be caused by mild inflammation related to tooth eruption. This report describes 3 Belgian Malinois puppies from the same litter diagnosed with PO at 3 months of age. The puppies presented with non-painful distal mandibular swellings. Diagnostic procedures included intraoral dental radiographs, a computed tomography scan of the head, and bone biopsies submitted for histopathological examination. PO is typically a self-limiting condition and likely caused by inflammation due to tooth eruption. Therefore, treatment focuses on pain management and monitoring until the permanent teeth emerge. Long-term follow up until two and a half years of age showed a significant decrease to total resolution of the swelling, with minor bone changes evident on advanced imaging. Histopathologic findings are not pertinent for the diagnosis of PO and imaging shows pathognomonic features of the condition. Mandibular PO, craniomandibular osteopathy, and calvarial hyperostotic syndrome are all self-limiting proliferative bone diseases of the skull in juvenile dogs with an implied genetic component. The authors' findings support grouping them as a single disorder called "Idiopathic Canine Juvenile Cranial Hyperostosis" with predilection sites that vary between breeds.

DOI: 10.1177/08987564251376607 PMCID: PMC13044283 PMID: 40984628 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Abstract (verbatim excerpt):

JOURNAL:J Vet Dent 2026

J Vet Dent. 2026 May;43(3):262-277. doi: 10.1177/08987564251376607. Epub 2025

Sep 22.

Periostitis Ossificans in a Litter of Belgian Malinois Puppies.

Bar Giora Y(1), Man

PMID:42195398 — Development of the Urogenital Microbiota in Healthy Beagle Puppies: A Longitudinal Comparison with the Dam.

Source: Life (Basel) 2026
Life (Basel). 2026 May 19;16(5):841. doi: 10.3390/life16050841.

Development of the Urogenital Microbiota in Healthy Beagle Puppies: A Longitudinal Comparison with the Dam.

Somville M(1), Taminiau B(2), Gronsfeld V(1), Egyptien S(1), Brutinel F(1), Hamaide A(1), Daube G(2), Van de Weerdt ML(3), Deleuze S(1), Noël S(1).

Author information: (1)Department of Companion Animal Teaching and Clinical Practice, FARAH-Comparative Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Avenue de Cureghem 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium. (2)Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 10 Avenue de Cureghem, 4000 Liège, Belgium. (3)Labforvet, 18 Rue Tienne aux Grives, 5300 Andenne, Belgium.

Characterizing the microbiota is essential to improve the understanding and management of urogenital disorders. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, this study investigated the urogenital microbiota, including urine, vaginal, and prostatic communities, in a litter of 10 healthy beagle puppies from 4 months of age until the completion of the first estrous cycle in females and 18 months in males. A further objective was to compare these microbial profiles with those of their dam. Significant differences were observed between urinary and genital microbiota in both sexes, evolving over time. Notably, in females, puberty and the first estrous cycle were associated with marked changes in the vaginal microbiota, outweighing individual variability. In contrast, urinary microbiota remained stable during female growth. In males, microbiota showed time-dependent and individual-specific progression, with distinct microbial communities identified in the urinary bladder and prostate. Shared genera between the dam and her offspring were observed, but inter-individual variability suggested a limited maternal influence. Further investigation is needed to clarify vertical transmission patterns. In conclusion, the urogenital microbiota of healthy dogs undergoes dynamic and distinct site-specific changes during early life.

DOI: 10.3390/life16050841 PMCID: PMC13208289 PMID: 42195398

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Abstract (verbatim excerpt):

JOURNAL:Life (Basel) 2026

Life (Basel). 2026 May 19;16(5):841. doi: 10.3390/life16050841.

Development of the Urogenital Microbiota in Healthy Beagle Puppies: A Longitudinal Comparison with the D

PMID:42063421 — The perinatal microbiota in dogs and cats: a narrative review from human research to veterinary practice.

Source: Front Vet Sci 2026
Front Vet Sci. 2026 Apr 15;13:1817504. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1817504.

eCollection 2026.

The perinatal microbiota in dogs and cats: a narrative review from human research to veterinary practice.

Banchi P(1), Mila H(2), Selma-Royo M(3), Tal S(4)(5), Péron F(6), Gaillard V(6).

Author information: (1)Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium. (2)NeoCare, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, Toulouse, France. (3)Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology-Spanish National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Spain. (4)Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel. (5)Tel-Hai Academic College, Upper Galilee, Israel. (6)Royal Canin Research Center, Aimargues, France.

Erratum in Front Vet Sci. 2026 Jun 10;13:1866749. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1866749.

Early-life microbial colonization is increasingly recognized as a key determinant of host development and health. While the perinatal microbiota has been extensively studied in humans, comparable knowledge in dogs and cats remains limited. The present review synthesizes current evidence on the perinatal microbiota in dogs and cats, placing it in the context of advances from human microbiome research while emphasizing biological and management factors relevant to veterinary medicine. The prenatal period represents a window of exposure to the maternal microbiota, which is a key contributor to fetal development, while the occurrence of viable microbial colonization of the fetus in healthy pregnancies is not supported by evidence neither in humans nor in companion animals. After reviewing the features of the maternal gut and vaginal microbiota, particular attention is given to the birth process as a major ecological transition, with delivery mode and birth environment shaping early microbial exposure in species-specific ways. The postnatal period is characterized by rapid microbial succession driven by physiological maturation, early nutrition, and environmental factors. We examine the role of colostrum and milk in shaping neonatal gut microbiota assembly, integrating evidence from human studies with emerging data in dogs. We also discuss how maternal care and other environmental exposures contribute to early microbiota development. Finally, we evaluate microbiota-oriented interventions in veterinary settings, including maternal probiotic supplementation, and discuss their potential benefits and limitations based on available evidence. Throughout the review, we discuss current clinical approaches to the perinatal microbiota in companion animals and identify major research gaps. We conclude by emphasizing the need for well-designed longitudinal and ideally multicentric studies integrating maternal, neonatal, and environmental microbiota data and aimed at developing evidence-based microbiome-informed strategies in veterinary practice.

DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1817504 PMCID: PMC13124624 PMID: 42063421

Conflict of interest statement: FP and VG are employees of Royal Canin SAS, a Mars Inc. company. PB, HM, MS-R, and ST received fees for their participation to a symposium organized during the EVSSAR congress 2025, whose main insights are presented in this review.

Abstract (verbatim excerpt):

JOURNAL:Front Vet Sci 2026

Front Vet Sci. 2026 Apr 15;13:1817504. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1817504.