[Hound Dog Mom]

Hi Hershy –

Thanks, it was very hard to let him go. 🙁

Royal Canin is not a horrible food, however it’s extremely overpriced for what you get. You could spend the same amount and get a much better food or get a food of equal quality for much less.

Victor looks like a wonderful food, unfortunately, I don’t believe it’s appropriate for large breed puppies (at least their grain-free formulas aren’t – I’ll be looking into the grain-inclusive formulas soon).

You’re correct that most companies only state the minimum – this is why it’s important to call or email the company and ask for the “actual.” In order to calculate the grams per 1,000 kcal. you would multiply 1000 g. (the # of grams in 1 kg.) by the % calcium (as a decimal – i.e. 2% = .02). This will give you the grams of calcium per kg. You then divide this number by the number of kcal. per kg to obtain the grams per kcal. You multiply this by 1,000 to get the grams of calcium per 1,000 kcal. – look for a value of 3.5 or less.

The Kirkland I have listed is their Nature’s Domain – I haven’t looked into the Kirkland Signature formulas. It would be necessary to contact the company to get the actual calcium level of the food. If you can get the Nature’s Domain I believe that’s pretty reasonably priced.

Fromm Gold might also be worth checking out. Their Large Breed Puppy formula is rated 4 stars and at roughly $50 for 33 lbs. is fairly reasonably priced.