Huh. I would credit genetics for soft pasterns, lol. I do use puppy formula for the first 5-6 months, but then again, I haven't seen pastern issues in quite a while. I have heard that cheap food (i.e. corn based) works wonders for pano...probably the same theory, reduces protein, slows growth a bit... Kathy, member GSDCA, DVGSDC Celebrating generations of Dual Titled TC'd Champions visit www.geocities.com/pinehillgsds In a message dated 7/11/2009 5:50:31 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, rbuffdogs@xxxxxxxxx writes: We also do NOT use Puppy food past the age of about 5 weeks. It is too calorically dense, nutrient dense, and often causes more problems. When we see puppies come here with soft pasterns it is usually directly related to using puppy food. We get the owners to put them on a standard adult food, no frills for awhile and "viola" the pasterns are just fine. Kathy **************Looking for love this summer? Find it now on AOL Personals. (http://personals.aol.com/?ncid=emlcntuslove00000003) ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2008. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================