High protein

[musicdeb]

Generally, mastiffs are allergic to chicken and grains in kibble. If your pup did ok on Merrick with the grains, then you may be able to continue to feed grains. However, it's been proven that grains fed to dogs is not a good thing.

Personally, I would choose either TOTW Grain Free or Earthborn Holistics Grain Free.

 

[Rnichols]

Yea the merrick is grain free aswell I just wish it wasn't 38% I'm going to go to the store and see which I can get She eats the merrick buffalo grain free and loves it so I hope to get something with buffalo in it hoping it would make the switch easier

 

[DennasMom]

...but... Deb... those two articles don't say high protein is bad...?

"But too much protein is bad, right?" you ask. Do your own research and poll half a dozen nutrition specialists (not the guy who runs the local pet shop) and here is what you will find: There is no general agreement among expert nutritionists regarding what constitutes “too much” protein in the dog*s diet. Research shows that dogs have a high capacity for digesting and utilizing diets containing more than thirty percent protein on a dry weight basis. (Dry weight basis means the food with no moisture present. Dry dog food in a bag usually has 10 percent moisture and canned food has about 74 percent moisture.) If left to catch and consume prey to survive, as wild canines do every day, dogs* diets would be even higher in protein than what is generally available commercially.

38% does seem higher than average, but... I thought worry about high protein levels was a thing of the past. Now, I thought the focus was on keeping puppies as lean as possible, keep their growth slow, and limit calcium (<1.5%) and phosphorus (~1%).

 

[Rnichols]

I agree couldn't find anything that said it was bad either just want healthy. What does everyone here feed

 

[musicdeb]

It's not bad as in bad it will kill the pup, it's not healthy for the pup. Too much protein CAN cause some kidney issues.

If your dog eats too much protein, some will be excreted in the urine and the rest will be used as calories or converted to fat - causing your dog no harm. However, if your dog has a kidney problem, high protein diets are not recommended. Most pet food companies slightly exceed the minimum recommended protein requirements to ensure that dogs get adequate protein from their food.

I addressed the question, that yes, too much protein can harm a pup. You are correct, Tina, an overall healthy food is best for the pup.

Rnichols, as I previously stated, after doing your research go with the food that best fits your pup's needs and your budget.

 

[Rnichols]

Yea thanks for your help I'll start new this weekend

 

[Rnichols]

Thanks for all y'all's help lulu started getting taste of the wild mixed in last night seemed like good food and have seen sereval people on here feeding it as well. Thanks for y'all's help I'll keep y'all informed