OK, here's the deal. Right now, I'm feeding Canidae Platinum to our 12 1/2 year old Dal, Blackhawk, because I believe the Canidae ALS aggravated his colitis/pancreatitis. Blackhawk's digestion is great on Platinum, but now that we have him on thyroid replacement, I can't get the weight back on him that he lost with his last colitis attack. I have been adding occasional eggs and mixing a bit of Lucy's ALS in. Maybe adding lean ground deer would help? He's up to almost 3 cups a day and weighs 50 lbs (2.5 cups a day is the recommendation for his weight). I don't want increase the amount to much a risk another colitis/pancreatitis attack. He has another thyroid level check in a couple weeks so we can find out then if his dose is too high.
On the other hand, Lucy, our Catahoula mix, is getting some "padding" over her ribs now that it is colder out and we've all gotten less active. Should I put her on the Platinum, too? I keep lowering the amount of ALS and even at about 1 1/2 cups a day for a 50 lb dog (bag recommends about 2 cups) she's not really getting any leaner. (Having two kids that leave snack around for her doesn't help)But I think the protein level of Platinum is awfully low for a young, fairly active dog. I have been mixing her ALS with the Platinum for the last week or so to see if that helps.
Ugh! Anyone know of a high protein, low fat kibble that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? I'm going to hit the pet store this week and check all their brands. I know they carry Innova, Royal Canin, Nutro, Wellness, Merrick, Eagle Pack, Canidae and probably some more I can't remember. It's just an odd situation to be trying to fatten up an old dog and slim down the young one.
It probably wouldn't be so frustrating, but I'm having the same problem with my cats! The young cat, Cletus, is a pig and weighs too much, the old cat, Kate, is skinny and I supplement her with moist food (she's getting a checkup after Xmas). Plus, the Wellness Salmon that they prefer is always out of stock and I end up with the Chicken that the old cat doesn't like as well.
