Found this interesting

U of Penn researcher's along with some local NJ-PA DE trainers /breeders have decided that even quality kibble of the PUPPIE variety promotes to much fast growth in large breed puppies, that later in life causes joint and arthritis, they are promoting feeding adult food, and interesting enough even though the pups fed puppy kibble grew larger at 12 months the other littermates achieved the same size appx 3 months later and at 20 months the dogs were within 2-7lbs (some of each food group were larger) The puppy fed group all showed some joint issues as early as 18 months and arthritis was found in 62% of puppy group and only 28% of adult food, as always more test are running now.

I was told by a South African vet many years ago the very same thing when I owned Great Danes and ever since I have always fed puppies adult food. Maybe the vet had some sort of insight into the subject but I always remembered how strong he felt about it and listened to his advice and used it to this day. Seems he wasnt wrong and Im glad I have stuck by what he said.

I am trying to get link. Two of the local dog trainers I visit for supplies.(.treats and grain free kibble etc.) Both had article posted..both photocopied..I am thinking it came from a Paper written for vets, as some of the language was medical. I know they said they tested 30+ litters of 7 pups or more long and short haired all in the NE area. AND YES it was large breed puppy formula..not a medical language expert but I got the feeling and or drift that they add stuff to promote growth to take advantage of all the loons who are size addicted..who than tell other loons to buy xyz