Dog Community

feeding large breed puppy?

Beauceron.Akita.Golden

Posted : 8/16/2010 9:03:19 PM

Ok...i know there are lots of different opinions on feeding large breed puppy food, so i figured this was a good place to start!..so here is a little background on my situation for those that dont know..

I have 4 dogs - a 6 year old neutered akita, 3 year old (f) beauceron, 16 month old (f) GSD, and a 6 month old (m) tibetan mastiff. I have been feeding all of the Blue buffalo primarily for a while now and they have all done well on it, I am not looking to switch to a new brand (except that i may have to try Merrick out when Petco starts carrying it in the next couple of months!)

The three older dogs all eat the large breed adult formula, and the TM eats the LB puppy... my question is would it be safe to switch the puppy onto a LB adult formula? It would be more convenient for me to feed them all the same thing, but i wont do it if it will jeopardize his development.

Opinions? concerns? Thanks!

tiffy

Posted : 8/16/2010 9:29:11 PM

I wouldn't touch Merrick with a ten foot pole. Too many QC issues.

jennie_c_d

Posted : 8/16/2010 10:29:58 PM

I'd feed them all the adult formula. Check the calcium to phosphorus ratio out. As long as that's safe, he'll be fine. I don't feed puppy food to anything old enough to leave it's mom. After 12-14 weeks (to account for transition time), they're on regular food.

Beauceron.Akita.Golden

Posted : 8/17/2010 8:10:57 AM

ok thanks...i know alot of recent studies are suggestingno puppy food at all..remind me again what is the correct ca:phosphorus ratio?

erica1989

Posted : 8/17/2010 10:07:14 AM

I don't have any insite on the puppy food - I never have that large of breeds coming through my house - BUT - I did just get another email about a Merrick recall. I can forward it to you if you'd like - but that's enough for me to stay clear!

My boys love the Blue :)

grab01

Posted : 8/17/2010 10:12:50 AM

Goose was on adult food from the breeder, but not a brand I feed. She's currently eating half that and half large breed puppy food. I feed the rest of the kids (aside from Ginger right now, as she's eating Addiction) TOTW and I don't know that that is appropriate to feed a larger pup. Grimm did eat TOTW from puppyhood on, but he's a much smaller guy.

Beauceron.Akita.Golden

Posted : 8/17/2010 3:43:59 PM

yeah the recalls are enough to make me stay away i think too! We will stick with the blue for sure :)