Dog Community

Questions on Protein

Posted : 11/16/2006 9:35:12 PM

I've read that puppies need a food with approx 26-28pct protein. I am very confused about a few things regarding this. First, when is your puppy not considered a puppy anymore or when should i feed adult food? Also, if a pup
requires that much protein why is NB and others considered all life stages when the protein level is fairly low for a pup. Lastly, should i suppliment protein for my pup?
His food contains 22pct protein, he's 8 months old at 44lbs. He is fairly active..gets a 3 mile walk in the mornings and wrestle/play time in the evenings every day. We rarely skip our walks. I do give him a couple tblsp of canned food with his kibble 2 x a day. He is still eating 3 x a day about a cup or a little more per feeding. He also gets the NB food rolls for treats every day probably about 1/8 c. a day. Do you think it's enough protein with the food / canned and treats combined? Thanks in advance

Jo

ron2

Posted : 11/17/2006 6:38:58 AM

Studies have shown that high amounts of protein do not adversely affect growing puppies. The one thing to be careful with is the calcium ratio.

mudpuppy

Posted : 11/17/2006 4:40:22 PM

the "all life stages" designate simply means the food passes some really lax minimal standards to keep your dog alive, not in optimal health. Dogs of any age need at least 30% protein dry weight to be well-muscled and really healthy for life. I would refuse to feed a kibble with less than 25% protein, and if it only had 25% protein or 28% protein, I'd supplement it with fresh protein sources (i.e. meat, fish). You don't have to feed puppy food, ever. It's a marketing gimmick. Dog food companies make kibbles with low protein (22%) because it's cheaper than adding more meat, and the government lets them get away with it, and the dogs don't drop dead right away when fed such foods-- they just gradually develop health problems as they get older.

kennel_keeper

Posted : 11/17/2006 7:50:40 PM

Dog food companies make kibbles with low protein (22%) because it's cheaper than adding more meat, and the government lets them get away with it,

Its the protein conspiracy [

]

they just gradually develop health problems as they get older.

LOL, don't we ALL [sm=rofl.gif]

papillon806

Posted : 11/18/2006 1:34:42 PM

Keep in mind that the CP protein are the minimum values. When testing certain foods, I have found that (for example) foods that say they have 22% protein usually vary between 22-24% protein.

chelsea_b

Posted : 11/18/2006 3:00:41 PM

Keep in mind that the CP protein are the minimum values. When testing certain foods, I have found that (for example) foods that say they have 22% protein usually vary between 22-24% protein.

I wish they'd just tell you what was in the food, without all the gimmicks and games. [&:]

papillon806

Posted : 11/18/2006 3:34:27 PM

Yeah....I also REALLY wish they would give you the TDN (total digestible nutrient) values!! *sigh*