[GSDsForever]

Suraj,

I am unfamiliar with the breed/mix you have, from being primarily familiar with AKC (& CKC) recognized breeds. I honestly don’t know what a “Pocket Size American Bully” is.

Is this an American Bulldog? An American Staffordshire Terrier? Is this a nickname for one of these — and then a variety of it? Or is it a mixed breed of some kind? I’m not aware of there being a recognized or established variety of either of the 2 breeds I listed that is a “Pocket Size.”

To the point, and the reason I raise the question, is that I am not familiar with what health concerns or predispositions affect the kind of dog you have. That makes it difficult to answer your question.

Despite there being “large breed dog foods” w/focus on safe orthopedic development in large breeds, some small breeds have the highest rates by breed of hip dysplasia, such as Pugs, French Bulldogs (or the less common Brussels Griffons, Tibetan Spaniels). On the other hand, there are tiny breeds like Italian Greyhounds and Chinese Crested that have virtually no risk of CHD, with no concern needed in choosing a puppy diet with regard to this issue.

Pugs are actually the #1 breed with over 75% dysplastic, of those tested . . . followed by Olde English Bulldogges and American Bulldogs. Meanwhile, larger dogs such Salukis, Belgian Tervurens, Belgian Sheepdogs, Beaucerons (French Shepherds), and Flat Coated Retrievers have very low to non existent rates of CHD. There are also breed health trends, and breeds that used to not have a particular problem, now in recent years do (and vice versa).

Please talk to a knowledgeable vet and experienced, knowledgeable experts in your breed/mix. I would not choose a puppy food without consulting both, for my own puppy.

[GSDsForever]

Suraj,

I would feed any dog, large breed or otherwise, with a significant breed risk of hip or elbow dysplasia (and therefore DJD) a food with the following:

3.5g Calcium or Lower Per 1000 Calories
Actual (Typical Analysis) Calcium-Phosphorous Ratio of 1.3 :1 to 1:1

The guaranteed analysis you have provided above, which refers ONLY to minimum for calcium and phosphorus, does not tell us this. You would need to call the brand for this, unless it is posted on their website.

I would feed any *large breed* puppy prone to orthopedic structure, growth issues, and injury a food that is additionally suitable for SLOW, controlled growth and I would keep the puppy lean.

I would feed a *puppy of any breed/mix* a formula that I could verify a FULL nutrient profile and ensure it met safe and optimal levels of all nutrients, from a good and trustworthy company, preferably a formula with some longevity of safely feeding puppies (my own breed included).

I cannot recommend ANY formula of dog food (for ANY reason) based on just a guaranteed analysis from the bag. No one can (or should). It doesn’t provide enough information, about anything.

• This reply was modified 6 years, 2 months ago by GSDsForever.

[joanne l]

I really don’t see a problem either way. If he is doing fine on what you are feeding than leave it alone. If you are really concerned than call the vet, but I don’t see any problems on what you are feeding now. I have a German shepherd and one before this one and I have feeding both. If you want to feed large breed puppy food than feed it when he gets a little older, maybe 6 months.

• This reply was modified 6 years, 2 months ago by joanne l.

[Patricia A]

I was looking at the k kals in freeze dried Stella and Chewy’s. I want to rotate to the lowest come the winter months when my easy to get chubby Chihuahua gets less exercise.
Primal Turkey/Sardine is the lowest actually coming in at 38.5 when I broke it down per nugget. which I do rotate with.However, Tia really loves Stella’s, so I will occasionally give the chicken at 50 kals per patty. However, when i just glanced at their puppy freeze dried the calories per patty was only 32 kkals.
Firstly, I always thought that puppies need HIGHER calories since they are growing? Can’t imagine how many patties you’d have to feed to a larger breed puppy. Why would the puppy formula be lower in calories per patty then the adult?
Anyway just would like to know is their ANY reasons why a nine year old dog cannot be fed puppy food if the calories are this low?? I asked this question in Stella’s P/M but they haven’t gotten back to me as of yet . Just thought I’d throw out the question on the board .
The freeze dried is used as a topper to kibble.

• This topic was modified 6 years, 2 months ago by Patricia A.
• This topic was modified 6 years, 2 months ago by Patricia A.
• This topic was modified 6 years, 2 months ago by Patricia A.
• This topic was modified 6 years, 2 months ago by Patricia A.
• This topic was modified 6 years, 2 months ago by Patricia A.

[Suraj D]

My puppy is 7 weeks old and i am feeding a brand which recommend one formula of food for weaning puppies and small/medium breed puppies.
They also have another formula specific for large breed puppies.
I want your opinion that after 8weeks can I continue with small/medium puppy formula or should switch to large puppy formula?

Small/medium formula nutrition information:
Crude Protein 31 %
Crude Fat 19 %
Crude Fibre 4.8 %
Calcium 1.2 %
Phosphorus 1.0 %
Total Omega-3,6 3.8 %
EPA 0.2 %
DHA 0.3 %
Energy (kcal/kg ME) 3615

Large puppy formula nutrition information:
Crude Protein 29 %
Crude Fat 17 %
Crude Fibre 3.6 %
Calcium 1.1 %
Phosphorus 0.9 %
Total Omega-3,6 3.4 %
EPA 0.3 %
DHA 0.4 %
Energy (kcal/kg ME) 3680

[Megan R]

My doggo Oliver has some major reactions to certain types of food. He gets chronic ear infections. We’ve been to the vet and they suggested changing his food. We did this several times over about 6 months when I finally landed on one that worked.

Stupidly I was not keeping track of what I was trying, so I only know that he reacted to these:
https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/actr1um-holistic-large-breed-adult-dog-16kg/1455222100208
https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/actr1um-holistic-adult-dog-food-7kg/1455222100259

And is fine on this variety:
https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/actr1um-chicken-adult-dog-food/6000076440252

How should I go about narrowing down the difference? I would like to avoid going to the vet again as its quite pricy! We’ve also tried the vet recommended brand of food that cost a fortune with the same results.

Any advice would be appreciated!

[GSDsForever]

Sharon,

It isn’t necessary to feed a large breed formula to an adult dog.

I would look through the latest list of grain inclusive recommendations, since that is what you’re seeking.

Remember, DFA has a very limited scope. DFA ranks and creates lists on a very limited list of criteria and has never presented these lists of brands/formulas as considering EVERY relevant indicator of quality.

That’s why, for example, you’ll see brands with 4 or 5 stars that have some serious negative history or a relatively unknown, new and unproven brand. The lists don’t include evaluation of the grades of specific ingredients (ingredients that appear the same of a dog food label vary greatly in quality) and other indicators of ingredient quality, or a formula’s digestibility, or the research and testing that went into creating a particular formula (or the absence of this), or safety screens on finished batches (or lack thereof), and so on.

I think this is a great site for collection of valuable information on numerous brands and different voices in dialogue. I’m really grateful for all that Mike and DFA do on this site. It represents lot of work. But I think it’s a mistake to get too hung up on trying to just feed a DFA 5 (or 4) star food.

I have my own personal criteria for evaluating foods and my own experiences. Don’t you? My selections of what I deem best may or may not appear on DFA’s 4 or 5 star list. And some foods on the 5 star list I would never feed.

DFA would likely not remove all grain-free or legume heavy (or potato) formulas from high ranking and recommendations without conclusive evidence of DCM in dogs caused by these diets. It’s not that DFA is unaware of the news, FDA notices, commentary from some vet schools and vet specialists working on the research/treating dogs.

[Sharon P]

I might be adopting a 2.5 yr. old Pit/Bull Mastiff mix. I have always owned labs. I was looking over the dog Food Advisor’s latest reviews/recommendations for large breed dogs and most all of them listed were “grain-free.” Why? So much press on the dangers with a dog’s heart.

[GSDsForever]

Hi Jordan.

Some additional options for grain inclusive, with NO chicken formulas include these brands:

Dr. Gary’s Best Breed, First Mate, Eagle Pack’s Holistic Select Line (see e.g. Adult Radiant Sardine, Anchovy, & Salmon), Sport Dog (e.g. Buffalo formulas), Inception, Purina Pro Plan (e.g. Salmon & Rice Sensitive Stomach & Skin), Petcurean Go!, Farmina, Annamaet, Canine Caviar, Verus, Instinct by Nature’s Variety Be Natural Salmon (includes peas #7), Nutrisource (e.g. Trout & Rice — not the large breed one), and (soon) Open Farm’s new grain inclusive line. One of the moderators here, PugMom Sandy, noted a sardine formula from Nature’s Logic also.

Purina, Hills, & Royal Canin have veterinary therapeutic formulas/prescription diets that exclude chicken as well.

The above is not an exhaustive list or a recommendation for any listed. And those are just U.S. available foods.

Your choices will depend upon what you are looking for preferentially in a formula and brand, things that you personally believe to be indicative of “high quality.”

From experience, I have known many dogs to do well on the Fromm Whitefish grain inclusive formula recommended by another poster above, especially dogs with sensitive digestive systems and needs for low residue, highly digestible. It has a nice mix of whole grains, sweet potatoes, and bland, highly digestible simple carbs.

I am currently feeding Annamaet’s Option formula (purple bag: Salmon based, w/lamb) and am very pleased with the company and the formula. To it, I daily add canned wild Alaskan salmon with bone, to bring the protein up from ~26-27% protein (dry matter, actual typical) to 30%+ (adjusted for our needs). Last month I added canned sardines.

Good luck! If you are interested in one of the above formulas/brands, I’d be happy to give you my thoughts on it.

[anonymous]

BTW: The food you say your dog does fine on has chicken https://www.gofromm.com/fromm-family-large-breed-puppy-gold-food-for-dogs

So, wouldn’t it make sense to just go to the large breed adult formula?

[Patricia A]

Stella and Chewy’s has grain inclusive Beef. https://www.stellaandchewys.com/dog-food/stellas-essentials-wholesome-grains/beef-and-ancient-grains-recipe
Product Benefits
#1 ingredient grass-fed beef
Wholesome grains including brown rice, pearled barley, oatmeal, quinoa and millet
Pea-free, lentil-free, potato-free & poultry-free
Made in the USA with no ingredients from China
Rich in Omegas for healthy skin & coat
Leading levels of glucosamine & chondroitin to help maintain hip & joint function
High quality proteins for lean muscle mass
No corn, wheat or soy protein
No by-product meal
Guaranteed taurine levels
Complete & balanced for all life stages except large breed puppies

Never The Other Stuff!

Ingredients
Beef, lamb meal, pearled barley, oatmeal, brown rice, pork meal, beef fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural vegetable flavor, beef liver, millet, quinoa, flaxseed, calcium carbonate, salt, potassium chloride, choline chloride, suncured alfalfa meal, salmon oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), inulin (from chicory root), pumpkin, blueberries, taurine, tocopherols (preservative), thyme, sage, dried kelp, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, niacin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, rosemary extract.

Product Analysis:
Guaranteed Analysis:

• This reply was modified 6 years, 3 months ago by Patricia A.

[Ja M]

PS, the “species appropriate products are just for marketing purposes. If you compare the ingredient list, and the guaranteed analysis on the bags of any 2 “breed specific” products, you might notice as I did, that in most cases theres little difference, other than size of the kibble which you can feel through the bag (just so a small dog wont choke on some large kibble) …between one and another. FYI. Read. Your. Labels!

[Patricia A]

Let’s say you made an appointment with your vet strictly for a consultation on diet for your dog. Then ask that first off I would like you to tell me what are the necessary vitamins/minerals and percentage that needs to be in the food to keep my dog healthy. Also if I had a large breed puppy how would those percentages change if at all. How many more calories does he need when feeding then a small breed puppy? What should I look for as the first through 5th ingredient on the dog food label that should point me to the best food? What should I be on the alert for that should NOT be on their ingredient label that would suggest a low quality food? You know what the vet would say to these questions? You think any vet not trained strictly in animal nutrition would know these answers. I think not.
Take it a step further and bring in a dog food he suggests such as royal Canon, science diet etc and cut out the name and show him only the ingredient label.Also take in let’s say freeze dried also and some other brands with only the label.

So Royal Canin adult dog foods first few ingredients are:
Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, oat groats, wheat, corn gluten meal, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, fish oil, calcium carbonate, vegetable oil, potassium chloride, salt, etc.

And here’s Science Diet recipe (website states vet recommended)
Chicken, whole grain wheat, cracked pearled barley, whole grain sorghum, whole grain corn, corn gluten meal, chicken meal, pork fat, chicken liver flavor, dried beet pulp, soybean oil,

Now I’m not trying to plug a dog food. I get my starting point from Dr. Mike and go from there. But let’s take Bixbi Rawbble whose first ingredients are this: Salmon, whitefish, chicken and ground bone, pumpkin etc.

Grain inclusive Stellas ingrediens: Chicken, chicken meal pearled barley,oatmeal, chicken fat, brown rice etc.

Primal ingredients: Turkey, turkey necks, whole sardines, turkey hearts or turkey gizzards, turkey livers, organic collard greens, organic squash, organic cranberries, organic blueberries, organic pumpkin seeds, clery, sunflower seeds etc.

So does anyone think he would know which one was Royal Canin just by looking at the label. Would he pick Royal Canin or Science Diet as being what he feels the highest quality after seeing the first few ingredients of the others? Unless I’m WAY off on what I understand to be ingredients to look for on a dog food label for the best nutrition for my dogs, then I would HOPE his pick would be the others over Royal Canin and Science diet which vets push in their practice.
What I’m attempting to put across here is that the MAJORITY of vets who sell Prescription diets as in Science Diet, Royal Canin etc at their practices and suggest that food have no idea what is even in the ingredients and wouldn’t recognize which brand are those and which are others by just looking at the ingredients. They have salesmen from these companies and correct me if I’m wrong please and get kickback each time a bag is sold.

[Patricia A]

Let’s say you made an appointment with your vet strictly for a consultation on diet for your dog. Then ask that first off I would like you to tell me what are the necessary vitamins/minerals and percentage that needs to be in the food to keep my dog healthy. Also if I had a large breed puppy how would those percentages change if at all. How many more calories does he need when feeding then a small breed puppy? What should I look for as the first through 5th ingredient on the dog food label that should point me to the best food? What should I be on the alert for that should NOT be on their ingredient label that would suggest a low quality food? You know what the vet would say to these questions? You think any vet not trained strictly in animal nutrition would know these answers. I think not.
Take it a step further and bring in a dog food he suggests such as royal Canon, science diet etc and cut out the name and show him only the ingredient label.Also take in let’s say freeze dried also and some other brands with only the label.

So Royal Canin adult dog foods first few ingredients are:
Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, oat groats, wheat, corn gluten meal, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, fish oil, calcium carbonate, vegetable oil, potassium chloride, salt, etc.

And here’s Science Diet recipe (website states vet recommended)
Chicken, whole grain wheat, cracked pearled barley, whole grain sorghum, whole grain corn, corn gluten meal, chicken meal, pork fat, chicken liver flavor, dried beet pulp, soybean oil,

Now I’m not trying to plug a dog food. I get my starting point from Dr. Mike and go from there. But let’s take Bixbi Rawbble whose first ingredients are this: Salmon, whitefish, chicken and ground bone, pumpkin etc.

Grain inclusive Stellas ingrediens: Chicken, chicken meal pearled barley,oatmeal, chicken fat, brown rice etc.

Primal ingredients: Turkey, turkey necks, whole sardines, turkey hearts or turkey gizzards, turkey livers, organic collard greens, organic squash, organic cranberries, organic blueberries, organic pumpkin seeds, clery, sunflower seeds etc.

So does anyone think he would know which one was Royal Canin just by looking at the label. Would he pick Royal Canin or Science Diet as being what he feels the highest quality after seeing the first few ingredients of the others? Unless I’m WAY off on what I understand to be ingredients to look for on a dog food label for the best nutrition for my dogs, then I would HOPE his pick would be the others over Royal Canin and Science diet which vets push in their practice.
What I’m attempting to put across here is that the MAJORITY of vets who sell Prescription diets as in Science Diet, Royal Canin etc at their practices and suggest that food have no idea what is even in the ingredients and wouldn’t recognize which brand are those and which are others by just looking at the ingredients. They have salesmen from these companies and correct me if I’m wrong please and get kickback each time a bag is sold.

• This reply was modified 6 years, 3 months ago by Patricia A.
• This reply was modified 6 years, 3 months ago by Patricia A.
• This reply was modified 6 years, 3 months ago by Patricia A.

[anonymous]

@ Alice B

Thanks for the feedback.
Glad your dogs are doing well and that you are listening to your vet.
You may enjoy this book that will be available soon “Placebos for Pets?: The Truth About Alternative Medicine in Animals”
/forums/topic/cellbio-another-dubious-lab-test-from-hemopet-and-dr-jean-dodds/#post-146014

PS: Large breed dogs are just as susceptible to GI problems/obstructions/blockage as small breed dogs due to raw diets/bones.
Your vet will confirm.

• This reply was modified 6 years, 3 months ago by anonymous.

[Alice B]

Yes the ground bone is likely the cause of hard poop problems
I got caught up in the idea of rotating foods & raw foods for dogs, this practice is written about on a few forums I’ve read,
it doesn’t seem to agree with my dogs digestion

Maybe large dogs can cope with this style of diet better than toy breeds ?

We went for a Vet check-up, both dogs are healthy & perfect weight, So happy with that outcome,
When I discussed what the feeding plan I had been trying was, the Vet just said ” oh dear, PLEASE stick with Royal Canin”

[haleycookie]

It’s unlikely your pup will be large breed. Try to stick with meat based foods, some of my favorites are, merrick back country, canidae ancestral, orijen, instinct raw boost, and essence dog food. All of these foods are going to be made up of mostly meat. They all (to my knowledge) employ vet nutritionalist to formulate their foods as well.
I’d also recommend adding canned foods, dehydrated raw, frozen raw, and other topper type foods.
Fresh pet is actually pretty good quality. It is much more fresh and meat based than kibbled foods. Kibble should ideally be a base and other types of less processed foods should make up the rest.
Nature’s variety makes quality canned foods, frozen raw, and freeze dried toppers in a multitude of flavors, I would check those out, merrick has a wide variety of canned options for picky dogs. Tiki dog food also have very popular canned foods for picky dogs. Also the brand weruva has great canned foods too. You can add bone broths as well. Solid gold has a variety of those as well as other brands, you can also just boiling chicken (or bones) and use the broth off that. Cooked egg, plain kefir, and raw goats milk are nutritionally dense as well.
Consider rotational feeding, this helps prevent allergies, pickiness in dogs, and it also helps in case the food u feed is recalled or discontinued. Rotational feeding just helps expand their diet and if u ever have to change for an emergency you will be prepared to do so. If u do decide to try rotational feeding try to start slow. Get the pup on one food for awhile then slowly switch over the course of a couple weeks. Eventually u will have no issues switching with no transitional period at all.

[crazy4cats]

Congratulations on your new furry family member! Large breed pups are dogs that will be over 50 or 60 pounds when they are full grown. It doesn’t look like the new puppy will be that big. But, you could always feed a large breed puppy food if you are not sure.

I only feed my pets food that are WSAVA compliant. They are Royal Canin, Eukanuba, Iams, Purina, and Hill’s. They all sell puppy food that would be great for your new addition. I feed my dogs mostly Purina ProPlan. They are doing great! Good luck!

[Alisha T]

We are going to be adopting another furry member to our family today and I am a little confused about the Large Breed issue. I have had dogs in my life all of my life and I never realized until coming to this site that getting specific food for a puppy that will be large is so important. Lola, our five year old Goldendoodle is only 10 pounds and so luckily this doesn’t apply to her. The one we will be adopting has a mother is who 35 lbs and father 25 lbs. My question is does this qualify as “Large Breed”? Lola has been so hard to feed due to her being picky and I have tried all of the high end foods and after five years of expensive dog food that had to be tossed in the end we have landed with the Fresh Pet Select that you get in the fridge. Not ideal but it is healthy and she eats. Any advice on what new puppy should be eating?

[Patricia A]

Mary Lynn are you sure that the chicken is the problem? When you eliminate all chicken for a week or more does he stomp the paw chewing? I know it sounds like a simple solution but sometimes even chemicals such as rug cleaners could cause irritation and allergies. Don’t know if you’re interested in grain inclusive. Really can’t find any gran free that doesn’t include some form of peas or legumes. Below is Stella and Chewy’s grain inclusive with just beef and lamb meal .
Ingredients
Beef, lamb meal, pearled barley, oatmeal, brown rice, pork meal, beef fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural vegetable flavor, beef liver, millet, quinoa, flaxseed, calcium carbonate, salt, potassium chloride, choline chloride, suncured alfalfa meal, salmon oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), inulin (from chicory root), pumpkin, blueberries, taurine, tocopherols (preservative), thyme, sage, dried kelp, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, niacin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, rosemary extract.
#1 ingredient grass-fed beef
Wholesome grains including brown rice, pearled barley, oatmeal, quinoa and millet
Pea-free, lentil-free, potato-free & poultry-free
Made in the USA with no ingredients from China
Rich in Omegas for healthy skin & coat
Leading levels of glucosamine & chondroitin to help maintain hip & joint function
High quality proteins for lean muscle mass
No corn, wheat or soy protein
No by-product meal
Guaranteed taurine levels
Complete & balanced for all life stages except large breed puppies

• This reply was modified 6 years, 3 months ago by Patricia A.

[crazy4cats]

I think that Purina ProPlan Large Breed Puppy would be a better choice. It has the correct calcium and phosphorous to keep your growing puppy’s joints healthy!

Good luck with our precious pup. Labs are the best!

[anonymous]

Check out what Fromm has to offer (grain inclusive) puppy formulas. Example https://www.gofromm.com/fromm-family-large-breed-puppy-gold-food-for-dogs

https://www.gofromm.com/classic-puppy-dog-food

Also, see this site for science based info http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2010/01/nutrition-in-large-breed-puppies/

Also discuss your concerns when you see the vet. Remember to transition to a new food very gradually with a puppy.

Maybe mix some soft food and a little water in with the kibble.

[Patricia A]

Candice Stella and Chewy’s just came out with a grain inclusive food that is all life stages. Might possibly add them to your list. My dogs are doing well with their kibble as a base and freeze dried topper.
#1 ingredient cage-free chicken
Wholesome grains including brown rice, pearled barley, oatmeal, quinoa and millet
Pea-free, lentil-free & potato-free
Made in the USA with no ingredients from China
Rich in Omegas for healthy skin & coat
Leading levels of glucosamine & chondroitin to help maintain hip & joint function
High quality proteins for lean muscle mass
No corn, wheat or soy protein
No by-product meal
Guaranteed taurine levels
Complete & balanced diet for all life stages except large breed puppies

• This reply was modified 6 years, 3 months ago by Patricia A.

[Susan]

Hi Whiskey D,

Please make appointment with a Holistic Vet or I contacted a Animal Nutritionist, DO NOT ADD calcium you need someone who will balance diet for your pup.
Your dog is probably getting enough calcium if he’s eating bone in diet??

“Excess Calcium Isn’t Good for Dogs. … Because of this, some owners feel their dog or puppy – particularly if he is a large breed – should be given extra calcium. But too much calcium can have the opposite effect: excess calcium can slow bone and cartilage development, even stunt growth.”

Rodney Habib is studying & doing his degree, his large breed white dog “Sammy” is nilly 18yrs old, all 3 of his dogs are all feed balance raw diets… Rodney has more brains then the negative people on DFA who always post negative post about him & other people all the time..

Do your research, join Raw feeding groups – “The Possible Canine” Catherine Lane, Dr Judy Morgan- Pup Loaf, Lew Olson – “K-9 Natural” group – Dr Laurie Coger f/b page..
Steve Brown is really good to follow, he recommends adding { 1-2 Mussels, 1 tablespoon Salmon & a pinch of Kelp} daily to balance a dogs diet…… Tin Salmon has bones, drain water, mash bones thru the salmon & put in air tight container put in fridge look for the lowest salt/sodium % on can..

Dr Karen Becker has a few good books with balanced raw recipes – msg her on her F/B page, she was releasing a new book last year.

Feed healthy whole foods, veggies, fruit, “Sardines” are VERY healthy & help balance a dogs diet, also “Mussels” very healthy both foods have natural calcium, vitamins/minerals, chicken frames are nice soft bone, chicken drumsticks, turkey legs, turkey necks… look for Wholesalers who sell to the supermarkets & Butcher shops that’s what we do in Australia we buy from the wholesalers….its fresh then you freeze in sections…

[Patricia A]

Oh I feel so badly for your fur baby and also for you. I would have went to that breeders door and handed the bill for at least half of the vet expenses and never mind for the suffering you and this poor dog is going through most likely from poor breeding. I went through this with my Chloe years ago. I didn’t know any better and purchased from a large pet shop Yuppy Puppy. She had so many problems immediately and I knew if I took her back they would have euthanized her. The place ended closing down a few years later because of all the complaints about sickly pups and dogs. Now I realize they were all shipped from puppy mills. Chloe lived though to 13 with many vet visits through the years because of health problems.
Please keep in touch and let me know if anything was found to be causing her symptoms. Also I know many people who’s dogs get very ill from flea/ticks meds . Very toxic and he doesn’t need this causing other symptoms possibly.
I found this regarding common diseases in labs/doodles. Don’t know if it fits exact symptoms.
Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease is found in poodles and Labradors and has been passed on to Australian and multigenerational Labradoodles. In this disease, the pituitary gland malfunctions and fails to create an important hormone called ACTH. This hormone regulates a steriod called cortisol. Without cortisol, a dog cannot manage stress or digest food correctly. Dogs with Addison’s disease may suffer from weakness, an abnormally fast heart rate, diarrhea and excessive thirst and urination. Your vet can test your ‘Doodle to detect the presence of the ACTH hormone.
Melissa keep me updated and I’m Praying they find out what is causing her symptoms and she gets healthy.

[anonymous]

Please consult a veterinarian (in real life not the internet) asap for a checkup for your puppy and recommendations.
Please stop listening to quacks.

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=raw+diet

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2018/05/whos-behind-the-the-truth-about-pet-cancer/ excerpt below, click on link for complete article and comments.
Rodney Habib
Mr. Habib is a professional activist and well on his way to becoming the Mike Adams or Joe Mercola of animal health. He would likely view that as a compliment, but clearly it is not. While it is possible to admire Mr. Habib’s passion and success as a manipulator of the media, unfortunately most of what he is selling is pseudoscientific nonsense. He skillfully uses social media to instill fear in pet owners; fear of pet food, vaccines, and virtually anything mainstream veterinary medicine recommends. And despite absolutely no training or expertise in science, he confidently tells the public that vets and scientists have it all wrong, and they should listen to his advice instead.
This advice consists of the usual evidence-free arguments for raw food, ketogenic diets, dietary supplements, herbal remedies, the dangers of vaccination, and many of the usual unproven or bogus ideas promoted in this series. Mr. Habib is one of the main architects of this project, along with Mr. Bollinger and Dr. Becker. If ever there was a group of people better at public relations than at health science, it is this trio.

Nutrition in Large Breed Puppies

[crazy4cats]

What breed is your pup? How big will it get?

Feeding a large breed puppy the correct amount of calcium is of the utmost importance while they are growing. You only get one shot at those growing bones and joints, it has to be right! They are very prone to hip dysplasia and elbow issues if not fed correctly.

For either small or large breed puppy, I would definitely get in touch with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to help you formulate a raw food. There are some that will work with you.

Rodney Habib does not have the credentials to formulate a complete and balanced diet. Especially, for a large breed puppy.

[Patricia A]

Stella and Chewy’s also just came out with a grain inclusive in two proteins.
Stella’s Essentials Wholesome Grains Kibble

Stella’s Essentials with Ancient Grains provide a great solution for pet parents looking for a premium diet that has a variety of wholesome grains including barley, oatmeal, brown rice, millet and quinoa. Our diets are protein-rich, nutrient dense and packed with the finest natural ingredients to support whole body health and best-in-class animal nutrition.
Product Benefits:
Responsibly sourced animal proteins – cage-free & grass-fed
Poultry-free option
Pea-free, lentil-free & potato-free
Wholesome grains including brown rice, pearled barley, oatmeal, quinoa and millet
Made in the USA with no ingredients from China
Rich in Omegas for healthy skin and coat
Strong levels of glucosamine & chondroitin to help maintain hip and joint function
High quality proteins for lean muscle mass
No corn, wheat or soy protein
No by-product meal
Guaranteed Taurine levels
Complete & balanced for all life stages less large breed puppy

[Shirley N]

I also wish I’d researched and found this site. Just ordered one bag of Dr.Marty’s pricey food, thinking I will just combine it with what I’m feeding my 55 lb rescue mixed breed. She is constantly scratching her skin and it’s not Flea/Tick because she’s on vet-prescribed monthly med for that. Have seen no indication of fleas or ticks. I’m concerned about Dr Marty’s because my vet advised against grain-free food because of new evidence of heart problems. ( I had started her on Purina One for large dogs (healthy joints version). It does contain some ingredients Dr Marty warned against. However, I know I will not be able to feed her Dr Marty’s by itself. Maybe the rich and famous can afford it. Not me. My last dog was draining me financially due to problems with diet. Took him to a great holistic vet and she was able to test him for allergies. No surprise, he was allergic to wheat. And much more. She came up with a meatloaf formula that I made for two years, for about $150 a month. Then he couldn’t eat the meatloaf eventually and I had to put him down as there was nothing he could eat that didn’t make him sick. So I’m overly cautious about finding the right food for my 2 year old rescue. Really wish I could cancel the order . Glad I only ordered one bag.

[GSDsForever]

First Mate’s grain inclusive formulas — carb base is oatmeal & brown rice — might be an option, for either you Jessica or you Joanne.

I just have not had much exposure to this brand, and I personally have not done the research & inquiry with the company that I would wish to do before considering feeding one of their formulas. Options are chicken, fish, or lamb formulas, all limited ingredient, relatively simple formulas.

I appreciate and hate at the same time reading chicken fat as one of the ingredients across formulas, as someone avoiding chicken. Allergy-wise, fat can’t be an allergen, but that chicken fat had better be clarified and tested free of all protein!

Ash and fiber both look too high to me in these formulas. They claim suitable for large breed puppies, but to any large breed puppy people reading this, please do not feed this unless and until confirming the ACTUAL calcium and phosphorous, vs. the % amounts and ratio expressed as minimums here in the guaranteed analysis.

[anonymous]

Here you go!

http://gundogforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=49291

Consider one of the Fromm Large Breed Puppy Formulas: https://www.gofromm.com/fromm-family-large-breed-puppy-gold-food-for-dogs

And of course, check with your vet when you bring your pup in for routine care (in example: rabies shot)

I no longer use Chewy as they are owned by PetSmart. But that’s your choice.
More info here https://prime.peta.org/2017/05/buyer-beware-chewy-com-purchased-petsmart/

[phyllis v]

FROMM Family Puppy comes in Large Breed and is pretty close to what you are seeking…. with Sweet Potato

[Sheila J]

Help! I am looking for a puppy food ok for large breeds with no peas, potatoes, legumes .eat based (not meat meal) low or no grains, and very few controversial Ingredients. All of your top recommended puppy foods for 2019 do not qualify.

[aimee]

Hi Connie,
Fromm large breed adult is marketed as an adult food but it is formulated for growth meaning the company could market it it as a puppy food or all life stages food but chose not to. Nutritionally though it is the same as puppy food.

If however the nutritional adequacy statement said the food was only formulated for maintenance I would not consider it appropriate for growth.

I prefer during growth to use foods from a company that has fed the food to a large/giant breed throughout the entire growth period and monitored the dogs development.

[crazy4cats]

A lot has been learned about the proper way to feed large and giant breed puppies over the last 46 years. Fortunately, large breed puppy food has been formulated now to meet all the needs of the growing joints in big pups. It is no longer necessary or recommended to feed them adult food to slow down growing.
/calcium-content-analyzer/

In addition Fromm is one of the brands that the FDA has implicated in the recent increase of dogs being diagnosed with Nutritionally Mediated DCM.
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/news-events/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy

[Connie I]

I have had giant breed Saint Bernards for 46 years and in four months will be adding a Caucasian Mountain Dog. They range from 180 to 204 lb . I have tried all different kinds of dog food and the best I have found and have used for a very long time is Fromm gold for large breed dogs. We don’t ever feed Saint Bernards puppy food when they’re little because it makes them grow too fast and it can cause issues in there joints later on in life. I do not have any throwing up of bile, we have no diarrhea, and they love it. We also feed Raw on top of the dry. My Saint Bernards live to be 12 and 13 years old and don’t really have any joint issues until there about 10. For anyone I would highly suggest Fromm gold large breed dog food. All you can do is try it for every individual dog by a small bag and go from there.

[crazy4cats]

Snowtigga-
I used to feed both Whole Earth Farms and Fromm to my dogs as well. In light of the recent discovery of NM DCM in dogs, I have switched to Purina ProPlan Large Breed Weight Management kibble along with a dollop of ProPlan canned. They are doing great and have even lost some weight! I highly recommend!

[Patricia A]

Christine is it a possibility that low blood sugar is contributing to seizure activity since he eats only once a day and very little? Maybe some lean boiled hamburger topper with kibble and string beans, carrots will help with his appetite and assure he gets enough animal protein. I boil chicken and add a tiny bit of the water to kibble also. Also maybe below article is of help. Common causes of seizures are flea/tick meds even when discontinued can result in ongoing seizures in some dogs as well as heart worm meds and vaccinations.
Diet and Epilepsy Link

Environmental control is a significant element in gaining better management of your dog’s seizures. Start with what goes into him. Feeding a home-prepared diet, cooked or raw, can make all the difference for some dogs. Though there are virtually no studies to determine whether there is a relationship between diet and seizure activity, many holistic veterinarians report anecdotal evidence that a top-quality home-prepared diet can play a large part in management of seizures.

Allergy testing for grain and protein sensitivities is another tool you can use to identify and remove any potential seizure triggers.

Dr. Kelleher also advocates the use of taurine supplementation for epileptic dogs at a dose of 250 milligrams per 40 pounds body weight daily. Taurine supplementation is especially important for dogs who eat commercial and grain-based diets. This amino acid is found in the central nervous system and skeletal muscle and is concentrated in the brain and heart. It’s unknown whether that has anything to do with the fact that taurine supplementation can reduce seizure activity, especially in those dogs experiencing tremors or noise triggered seizures. Discuss this or any other supplement with your dog’s veterinarian.

If feeding a home-prepared diet isn’t possible, find the highest-quality commercial dog food. Grains in the diet, including treats, should be kept to a minimum.

Keep in mind that many commercial dog foods include rosemary extract and sage, both of which are known to be seizure triggers in some sensitive dogs. Processed treats like rawhide chews and pigs ears should also be avoided with epileptics. Sharing human food containing MSG or cured products like hot dogs and luncheon meats is also not recommended. Many human takeout foods, instant, ready made, and convenience foods also contain chemical ingredients that can be adverse to the health of a seizure-prone dog. Cleaning up your dog’s diet is good incentive to do the same with your own.

Frequent, small meals are helpful in managing epilepsy, as keeping the blood sugar stabilized seems to help. Hypoglycemia can contribute to seizure activity, especially in smaller breeds where the dog’s digestive tract and his meals are proportionately smaller. Grain products are especially suspect in animals who have seizures regularly. Feeding frequent, small meals is also helpful for coping with the increased hunger experienced by dogs who are given phenobarbital. Snacks such as fresh or steamed vegetables or fruit pieces are great low calorie treats that can keep your dog satisfied and increase his seizure threshold.

Other Canine Epilepsy Triggers

Despite the changes in recommended vaccine protocols recommended by most of the major university-based veterinary medical schools, many veterinarians continue to recommend annual vaccinations for their patients. In a seizure-prone dog, a vaccine booster can trigger seizure activity for at least 30 days. This is one reason that Dr. Dodds recommends avoiding routine vaccination for canine epileptics.

Many owners of epileptic dogs ask their veterinarians to test their dogs’ vaccine titer levels instead, to ensure the animals have adequate antibodies to protect them from disease. If the results indicate a dog does not have adequate immune protection for a particular disease, the appropriate vaccination can be administered individually, rather than in a “5 in 1” vaccine combination.

Regular rabies vaccines are required in each state by law. These vaccines can be especially risky for epileptics; owners of epileptic dogs have lots of anecdotal evidence of this. Check with your local municipality to see if proof of adequate vaccine titer test results are acceptable in place of vaccinating an epileptic dog annually . Many towns and cities will accept documented titer tests as proof of vaccination.

Since exposure to many chemicals can trigger seizures in sensitive dogs, it should not come as a surprise that many heartworm and flea preventative treatments that are systemically administered can be disastrous for many epileptic dogs. While elimination of these treatments is not always possible, care must be taken with a seizure-prone dog when preventing heartworm infestation. Several of the most popular heartworm preventatives actually list tremors or convulsions as rare side effects, and can be contraindicated with a dog that is given daily phenobarbital.

Flea products containing insect growth regulator can cause twitching and muscle weakness when an animal is overexposed. Keep in mind these cautions are given for normal canine populations. An epileptic is commonly more sensitive to these products and great care must be taken when protecting them from heartworm and flea infestation.

[GSDsForever]

Dennis,

IMO, just mine, I definitely think you should change brands from Blue Buffalo, both due to the concentrated legumes (be aware of “splitting,” which is found here — which is listing peas, but then separately all the separate parts of peas, which would otherwise be listed even higher in the ingredients) and the quality standards/control of the company.

There are a number of more reputable companies (my opinion) out there from which to choose, especially since your dogs can have chicken (most commonly available). I would choose one that is grain inclusive/not a concentrated source of either legumes or potatoes.

There are some awesome small breeds owners on this website that could give you more advice not only on food but longevity in these breeds and yours specifically. My dogs have been long lived, but large breed. Good luck.

[Susan]

Hi Ashley,
sounds like he had bad acid reflux, what he had eaten for breakfast was still in stomach not digested properly & it would of smelt awful so imagine the taste when he brought it up, you should of let him eat some grass not much about 1 mins worth or gave 1 piece of very brown dry toast. .. or give ant acid med Zantac/Pepcid, or 5ml liquid Mylanta would of relieved discomfort straight away…
Why Magnus wanted to eat & eat was to take away the acid taste in his throat & the bad taste after vomiting acid & undigested food that came up his esophagus, bad acid reflux can cause stomach ulcers, burn throat/esophagus & wind pipe when bad..
Next time this happens do you have liquid Mylanta, get small bottle keep in the fridge give him 5mls in a 20ml syringe this helps straight away, then after 20-30mins give him a few plain dry biscuits, or white breed made into toast cut in pieces, or buy Slippery Elm Powder make into a slurry..
Put 1/2 a teaspoon slippery Elm powder in a cup, boil the jug, then slowly add boiling water & stir quickly till you make a slurry, don’t make it too thick cause you need to pull up into a syringe.. you make it thin but not too thin or thick, you don’t make a paste…
Give Slippery Elm Slurry when dog has nausea, has just vomited to line his esophagus & stomach, when he’s mouth licking, swallowing, has upset stomach or diarrhea..

With kibble you don’t want Protein % too low under 25% as the carb % goes up when protein & fat is low low.. High carbs can cause acid reflux as well.. I feed 25% + Protein, 13% max -Fat & Fiber-5% max, Carbs -30% & under.

Have a look at “Wellness Core Large Breed Adult” Patch does really well on Wellness Core L/B & Canidae Pure Wild formula’s for his Acid reflux…
https://www.wellnesspetfood.com/natural-dog-food/product-catalog/core-large-breed-large-breed
Wellness have their “Wellness Simple” formula’s, Patch did well on the Simple Turkey & Potato kibble, I have found Patch does best on Potato Grain Free diets for his acid reflux you just have to work out what agrees best with your dog
Also be careful with Omega Oils, Fish Oil, Salmon, Oil, Coconut Oil, Linseed Oil these oils can cause acid reflux, same with high fiber diets, some of the low fat weight management kibbles are high in fiber low in fat.. make sure you check the fiber stay under 6%
also High Kcals kibbles are very dense & harder to digest, so stay under 370Kcals per cup

also feed 3-4 smaller meals a day, so his stomach isn’t empty too long
I feed 7am, 12pm, 5pm & a very small meal 7-8pm-1/4 a cup kibble..

Here’s the Wellness range, its often on special this is when I buy it, when I have my 25% off voucher.

For Dogs

Here’s the” Acid Reflux in dogs” F/B group, Acid Reflux is very common in dogs, my vet said she see at least 1-2 cases a week, owners don’t know what wrong or happening with their dog.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1635198406751056/

[Ashley D]

Joanne,

I have my dogs on Merrick, large breed chicken formula. Arlo (my Weimaraner/pibble mix, has been on it since he was 8 weeks old (well the puppy formulae, then we transitioned him to the adult food). We just adopted Magnus in December 2018, and we gradually switched him over to it since Arlo was doing really well on it. I agree though, something is upsetting his stomach. This has happened twice now, and I cannot seem to figure out the triggers. My vet suggested trying him on a grain inclusive food, because grain free foods tend to be richer. She suggested something lower in protein and fat.

Patricia,

For the last 8 months he has had no issues on the food we feed him. His episode wasn’t anything with the groomer. She was only here to cut my other dog’s nails (because he Doesn’t let me do them). So there would have been nothing for him to ingest. This type of thing happened once before in the middle of the night and woke him from a deep sleep.

[Patricia A]

I’m on this board frequently and just would like some opinions if these ingredients look okay, good, excellent? As I’ve written on this board ad nauseam I have Chihuahuas’ and use kibble as a small base atop freeze dried in different brands and proteins as well as toppers of home cooked in between, I’ve been using grain free for years so don’t know what to look for in a grain inclusive as this one is.

Responsibly sourced animal proteins – cage-free & grass-fed
Potato-free & poultry-free options
Wholesome grains including brown rice, pearled barley, oatmeal, quinoa and millet
Made in the USA with no ingredients from China
Rich in Omegas for healthy skin and coat
Strong levels of glucosamine & chondroitin to help maintain hip and joint function
High quality proteins for lean muscle mass
No corn, wheat or soy protein
Chicken, chicken meal, pearled barley, oatmeal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), brown rice, natural chicken flavor, tomato pomace, flaxseed, millet, chicken liver, quinoa, calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, salt, suncured alfalfa meal, salmon oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), inulin (from chicory root), pumpkin, blueberries, taurine, tocopherols (preservative), thyme, sage, choline chloride, dried kelp, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, niacin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, rosemary extract.

Product Analysis:
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (min)25.00%Crude Fat (min)15.00%Crude Fiber (max)5.00%Moisture (max)10.00%Omega 6 Fatty Acids* (min)3.50%Omega 3 Fatty Acids* (min)0.50%Taurine* (min)0.20%Glucosamine* (min)800 mg/kgChondroitin Sulfate*800 mg/kgCalorie Content3,750 Kcal/kg
382 Kcal/cup

No by-product meal
Guaranteed Taurine levels
Complete & balanced for all life stages less large breed puppy

• This topic was modified 6 years, 5 months ago by Patricia A.

[Dennis M]

Hello. We are on our third Shih Tzu, Dory a female now 9 years old. None of our previous girls made it past 10 years old. We previously fed our dogs Nutro brand dog food. We’ve been feeding Dory Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula since she was a puppy, and hoping she’ll be with us way past the age of ten. She’s now on Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Senior for Small Breeds. She has always tolerated Blue Buffalo foods and treats very well. Our concern now is the FDA report on possible dangers of feeding grain-free diets. We realize the Blue Buffalo formula Dory is eating is NOT entirely grain-free, just doesn’t have any corn or wheat included. But the FDA warned of dog foods containing large amounts of legumes such as peas or lentils, other legume seeds, potatoes (including sweet potatoes), pea protein, pea starch, pea fiber, chickpeas, or beans. The ingredients of the Life Protection Formula Dory is now eating has several of these questionably high up in the ingredient list. We’re really at a quandary here. We’ve had great luck feeding Blue Buffalo products for nearly ten years, but concerned we might possibly be damaging our dog’s heart (DCM). Could you provide us a little guidance here? With the FDA concerns, is the Life Protection Formula we’re feeding the safest product line Blue Buffalo provides for this situation, or should we be considering another brand completely? I’m concerned and my wife is more than concerned. Please provide us with some sort of insight and direction to help us decide what may be best for Dory.

[Julie F]

I have a ancient Great Dane ~11-12 (rescue so don’t know her true age). Since we adopted her in 2011 she has only ever eaten TOTW Wetlands and 4Health Large Breed (50/50 Mix). I researched/compared these foods to a great extent (long before there was much out here) against the popular “now” recommended foods. My dearly beloved ancient Great Dane does not have DCM. We recently, in the last 2 weeks, rescued another Great Dane (~4 YO). The vet at the rescue informed me of the DCM issues. We are in a quandry since the rescue was feeding Nutrisource. We have switched the newest members (the 4YO GD was a bonded pair to a little mix breed dalmation – we adopted both) to TOTW. The little guy (73#) only likes the Nutrisource, not the TOTW. The ancient GD quit eating over a month ago and only recently started eating again on a regular basis – she loves the Nutrisource. Any thoughts/recommendations. Thinking of going with what I have done for the last 8 years. Seems to have worked since my ancient GD has lived what seems to be a double life. TYIA.

[Owen J]

Each type of food, both dry and wet, has its advantages and benefits the pet. However, only their combination gives the animal all the elements necessary for a full life, so the owner needs to be able to properly combine these diets.
https://herepup.com/best-large-breed-puppy-food/

[Christie B]

My 2 dogs: 4 year old 45 pound Catahoula Leopard Dog Mix (no food issues), 10 year old 120 pound American Bulldog mix (sensitivities to chicken, possibly lamb)

After feeding both dogs for years on various grain free food and dealing with gastrointestinal issues with one of the dogs, I took my vets advice and tried Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach. I’m actually surprised that my dogs stools are smaller and firmer and my one dog hasn’t had any stomach related incidents (there was one like the 2nd day of transitioning when both dogs literally picked out and only ate the PPP and left their old Merrick food in the bowl, but I chalked it up to a transitioning headache).

I’m the first person who would cringe at just the thought of buying anything Purina related. But I told my vet I would at least try 2 bags of the food to see if my dog’s stomach issues resolved. So far so good, but I’m only halfway through first bag so we’ll see…

My question though is related to what senior dogs require as far as nutrient profiles and supplements. He’s always had a bowed front leg and it doesn’t bother him when he stands or walks. But I know it can become arthritic, especially since he’s a large breed. So he’s been on Dasuquin for a while (both dogs are).

Since the PPP is for Adults and there isn’t a PPP sensitive stomach formula for seniors, is there anything that I should be adding to his diet to meet his senior needs?

[Christie B]

Joanne – right now they eat Merrick Classic Beef Recipe Kibble with Merrick Big Texas Steak Tips Canned as a topper (I split the can between the two of them).

I usually buy the biggest bag and then if there haven’t been any issues, then I buy another and then rotate afterwards.

The previous rotation was Canidae Multi-Protein All Life Stages Kibble. Both dogs hated it…I had to sprinkle a bit of cheese on it just to get them to eat. It was a total waste.

Before that it was Instinct by Nature’s Variety Be Natural Chicken & Brown Rice

The rotation before that was Blue Buffalo Adult Lamb & Brown Rice Formula.

The rotation before that was ProPlan Large Breed Senior Bright Mind (I had my 4 year old dog finishing the bag of Blue Buffalo Lamb). Surprisingly, my big guy wasn’t a fan of the Purina ProPlan formula, so I only used the 1 bag before switching.

I started to keep a record of when his drooling episodes occurred, to see if there was a pattern.
3/2- Purina (chicken) , 3/9 Purina (chicken) , 4/11 (turkey), 5/15 Canidae (multi protein)/Be Natural (Chicken) during transitioning

I may have missed one or two in between, but they only seem to occur 1-2 times per month.

I’m pretty sure he had an episode while on the current Merrick Beef and Green Peas w/ Ancient Grains

I avoid chicken now (which is hard because it seems like so many formulas list chicken as a secondary protein ingredient).

I try to stick to beef or fish since they don’t generally add chicken. I also try to limit potatoes because my vet told me that they can be hard to digest and lead to stomach upset. I’m not quite sold on Merrick using Peas as their 3rd ingredient. I’d prefer it to be lower on the list.

I have a storage container with a lid to help keep the food fresh. I used to dump the food in directly, but I learned that it’s better to keep it in the original bag and put the bag inside the container in case any issues with recalls come up so you can check the bag for the manufacturing info. The only time I noticed ‘bad’ food was a bag of Purina Pro Plan from like 9 years ago when my dog was a pup. I didn’t notice until the container was almost empty, but it was infested with Pantry Moths and larvae/worms. Unsightly but harmless.

• This reply was modified 6 years, 6 months ago by Christie B.
• This reply was modified 6 years, 6 months ago by Christie B.

[crazy4cats]

Have you tried buying smaller bags? Maybe he is hyper sensitive to the food at the bottom being stale or rancid. My dogs love eating grass and there is nothing wrong with them. I am on a DCM Facebook site where thousands are switching to Purina ProPlan Sensitive Salmon with excellent results. I feed mine Purina PP Large Breed Weight Management and I couldn’t be happier. Good luck!

[Christie B]

There’s this one Blue Buffalo rep that stalks around my local Petsmart. I went there the other day to pick up food for my dogs and my mother’s dogs. Her dogs eat BB Lamb dry food and wet food. He gave me coupons for both. But then he noticed that I had Merrick dry and wet food in the cart and started bashing it, going on and on about the superiority of BB.

Now, I’m not particularly a fan of either food. My vet dislikes BB, and attributes some of my 1 dog’s weight gain years back to when I fed him BB large breed food. I think that their commercials are just about as misleading as the big corporate brands’ commercials are.

I’m not even the biggest fan of Merrick and I know a lot of people on this site aren’t. But it seems like they are the only brand that both my picky eaters will eat and I have far less episodes of digestive discomfort/excessive drooling from my 1 dog. The food works for them, so I wind up buying the food.

But I hate to be talked down to by a person whose only interest is his company’s profits.

I wound up telling him that his food made my dog fat…and he had no comeback. lol.

[anonymous]

If your dog is going to weigh more than 40/50 pounds as an adult you may want to consider a large breed puppy formula.
Example: https://www.gofromm.com/fromm-family-large-breed-puppy-gold-food-for-dogs

Hope this helps
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2010/01/nutrition-in-large-breed-puppies/