[Deb B]

Hi Frenky, Yes I was talking about the same lab. Sadly , she is no longer with us, but lived until she was 15 ! Her passing had nothing to do with the lipoma…..still glad we had it removed. Doing so allowed her to keep mobile and active until the end. She was an amazing girl. 💔

[Deb B]

Our beautiful lab had a lipoma the size of a grapefruit on her side which we had watched for 4 or 5 years continue to grow. When it became restrictive to her for walking, laying down, everything, we had our vet remove it. Best decision, but should have done it sooner. 😊

[Deb B]

Hi Ken, I remember your post….if Earl gets LOTS of exercise, I would feed him the same amount, but I am not familiar with how the two foods compare regarding calories….we fed our girl exactly that….1 and a half cups two times a day…she was an American type lab with a more slender frame, but she was fine…she lived until she was 15….
I need to get a puppy….

[Deb B]

Hi Kenneth…I actually called ACANA and asked that same question. They assured me that the foods they sell are the exact same formulation whether produced in the U.S or Canada…that was 3 years ago….if I were you, I’d call them directly…never hurts to speak with the source…you can also go to their site or sites and do a direct comparison of the ingredient list for every single formula they sell. I’m pretty simplistic when it comes to feeding our dogs…be consistent…I believe that’s best for their digestive systems….imo though comparing ACANA to PROPLAN…if you can afford it…go ACANA.It’s an excellent food…I am a very selective person…do lots of research before making decisions, especially when it comes to those I love 🙂

[Deb B]

Hi Kenneth, We have a 14 year old female lab, named Darcie. Our girl ate Pro Plan until about 3 years ago, when we switched to ACANA which she loves, and we think is a great food ( she is on the Senior Formula now) We always wanted to keep her lean ( she never weighed over about 65 lbs, until now because she can’t manage as much exercise) When Darcie was 2, we put her on the Pro Plan weight management formula, which I believe was instrumental in keeping her weight down…and we never fed her what the bag recommended. Because of the weight formula…we could give her a little more to keep her satisfied. Two main feeds morning and night, and a small scoop at lunchtime. When she was able, she got lots of exercise… I also think keeping her weight down saved her hips.
I should say she is an ” American ” lab…but Canadian in citizenship!! So has the longer legs, more slender face and build…The ACANA food is highly rated and I have to say I wish I had switched her sooner.
Anyway…our vet and breeder also felt Pro Plan was fine, and she did fine on it until 12!! I just felt like I should spoil her in her old age…can’t believe she’s almost 15…hoping she makes that birthday…Good Luck!!

[Deb B]

Hi Kimberley! So sorry to hear about your sweet lab. We have a yellow lab on her way to turning 15…so we have been very very fortunate. One of the things I made sure of, was that she was never overweight, which I think has helped with longevity. She was on ProPlan a good part of her life, but we fed her the weight management formula from the time she was 2 ! She did fine on it, but in my opinion, it is not a great food. About 3 years ago, I decided she deserved a better formula, and after much research we chose Acana…love it, she does too. Yes, it is more expensive but I think worth it…I don’t know anything about labradoodles, but Acana has many different formulations. It might be worth a look…your new puppy will need a food with a higher fat content until at least a year old..but after that…not so much..I’d be interested to see what your vet thinks of Acana…good luck!!

[Deb B]

Well, they are committed to supporting local farmers, which is another thing I love about them. I was told the facility opened in January, and that the new facility will over time eventually be the source for all the product distribution in the U.S. All the best!

[Deb B]

Hi there. I decided to pick up the phone and call them. They were very reassuring about the fact that everything will be identical in terms of ingredients, guidelines etc., that they have provided in the products from the beginning. From what I have seen, heard, where we purchase our food here in Canada, I have heard NOTHING but great things about this company. I would call them if I were you, and ask specific questions…they are happy to answer all your concerns.
I would not be worried if I were in your shoes, but understand why it is certainly something that should be looked into. I feel pretty confident about this company…and I am very PICKY!

[Deb B]

Are you sure it will no longer be manufactured in Canada? Was this noted on their website?

[Deb B]

Hi Debra…have you looked at ACANA food…we just switched our lab to the senior formula ( she’s 12) and she loves it, I believe a few of their foods have no potatoes. Good Luck!

[Deb B]

Hi…thought I’d update this thread. Our girl had her surgery a few days ago…and she faired really well. The lipoma was big…over 2.5 lbs.So…I am happy with the decision to have it removed. She has a drain which will be removed on Monday, then a week later, the stitches will be removed. She came home the same night as the surgery, and the next day after the anesthetic affects wore off, she started having her appetite back. Aside by being a little uncomfortable with the drain, I am already noticing that not having that thing weighing her down on one side has helped her mobility. Thanks again for all your support with my questions. I have also switched her food to Acana Senior, and she loves it, but then again, she’s never been picky when it comes to food!!

[Deb B]

You are all wonderful, thank you for all your input! I have been looking at different foods and have settled on Champion ” ACANA” …as it is very pure in ingredients, and since I am Canadian, I’m happy to support this Canadian company. Our girl is not picky at all about food, and I am switching gradually. She is happy to eat whatever we offer her!! Darcie is not overweight ( 65 lbs.) and never has been, and behaves like a puppy still at times… so we are lucky her general health is excellent. We have not scheduled surgery yet, but will probably so soon…before the lipoma gets any bigger…I realistically know that change in diet will likely not reduce its size. I have great faith in her vet.

[Deb B]

Hi Amy…thanks, our vet is very cautious as well, but the lipoma is starting to really affect her quality of movement and life, so because she is otherwise really healthy and should be able to get through surgery and recovery well, we will likely go ahead with removal. I do wish I had have fed her a better type of food though!!

[Deb B]

holy moly…..whaaaaa?? Interesting! Thanks Red!

[Deb B]

Thanks C4D and crazy4cats…This is all very helpful. Our girls lump is more like a mass ( size of flattened grapefruit) and has grown in the last six months…we and her vet have been monitoring closely. We know it is all benign, but lately we have seen that it is definately hampering her gait and I believe her energy level too…she is really spry..in fact aside from some grey hair…people think she’s about 6! I think we will probably go ahead with surgery, but also change her diet to a more healthy one! I will keep you updated on how things go!

[Deb B]

Hi there! Thanks so much…I read the Ottawa valley one, which was what got me thinking of her diet. She’s been on Proplan since puppyhood, and has had no problems whatsoever, and never been overweight. I’ll probably look into a completely grainfree food.

[Deb B]

Thanks crazy4cats! Surgery just makes me nervous because of her age, but as I mentioned, she is otherwise in really good shape. If this will help her quality of life ( and we think she has a few years left!) in terms of mobility etc., I think we will probably opt for having it removed…we really trust our vet…he has never been one to suggest costly stuff unless he felt it necessary, so I will keep you posted! Thanks again.

[Deb B]

Thanks for your input!!

[Deb B]

She has an excellent vet, and does not have cancer. He has been watching this lump for a while, and is suggesting we consider surgical removal. I’d like to avoid that if possible.

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