An exception to the DER for growth is the Great Dane, which has a 25 % higher
energy requirement in the
first 2 months after weaning and may not grow properly if fed < 2.5 times RER during that period.1 Another consideration should be made for
dogs with long hair, as this subset of patients generally has a
lower energy requirement than
dogs with shorter hair.3 It should be stressed that underfeeding is considerably safer in these patients than overfeeding.