So, when we send home puppies, we also send what we call the 'instruction manual'. In this manual we list HokaMix30 as one of our recommended supplements. It is (among other uses) what we recommend for joint and ligament development. It is a herbal concoction that aids in the balanced and slow growth and development of what is a primary concern with a giant breed growing puppy.
Joints and muscles grow at different rates in a growing puppy. As a result, one does not always support the other. Also, there are the open growth plates at either end of long bones that add instability. For more information on growth plates check out: https://dogdiscoveries.com/puppy-growth-plates/
Often growth plates cannot take the impact that too much exercise (we always think puppies need more exercise when they are little than they do) or rough play can create. It is therefore important to ensure that there is a good independent support system: tendons and ligaments. Tendons connect the muscles to bones, and ligaments connect bones to each other, supporting the joints.
HokaMix is a blend of natural vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants, trace elements, essential fatty acids, chlorophyll, fiber, proteins, sugars, carbohydrates and other nutrients that occur naturally from the herbs. All of these have been selected for their assistance in encouraging gut absorption and increases gut flora, aiding to restore the metabolism to a natural, healthy state.
We have begun to feel that rather than "suggest" HokaMix, we may send it home with every puppy. Over time we have seen too strongly the benefits provided by this supplement, and feel it is very important to stable and healthy development. A study examine risk factors for hip dysplasia (the biggest concern ones have for large and giant breeds) noted that "Factors associated with a decreased risk of developing HD included off-leash exercise from birth to 3 months of age, birth during the spring and summer, and birth on a farm" (Krontveit, et al.). Since the likelihood that upon going to their new homes puppies are only walked off-leash, and only on "soft ground in moderately rough terrain" (Krontveit, et al.) is not very high, we need to help owners provide the best support they can; we feel this is HokaMix.
HokaMix can be given for all stages of life, but we primarily recommend it for at least 18-24 months (until growth stabilizes). We also send home the information found at https://www.puppyculture.com/new-appropriate-exercise.html for a further lesson on bone development and growth and the role exercise plays.
"Housing- and exercise-related risk factors associated with the development of hip dysplasia as determined by radiographic evaluation in a prospective cohort of Newfoundlands, Labrador Retrievers, Leonbergers, and Irish Wolfhounds in Norway." Krontveit RI , Nødtvedt A , Sævik BK , Ropstad E , Trangerud C American Journal of Veterinary Research [01 Jun 2012, 73(6):838-846].