sprayed-on fat

The sudden "paranoia" came from reading a post on this forum about a dog getting pancreatitis from eating Innova EVO. It has 22% fat. This one of those things were there are conflicting opinions about high fat/protein. I've read that most dog foods don't have adequate protein, which causes problems. Then I've also read that a high protein level makes an increased workload for the kidneys and can cause kidney failure earlier in life. So basically I'm choosing to go with a moderate amount of both fat and protein at this point.
 
As far as Shih Tzus not being prone to pancreatitis, see below.
 
Excerpt from  [link>http://www.gcvs.com/internists/pancreatitis.htm]http://www.gcvs.com/internists/pancreatitis.htm[/link][/size]
 
"Pancreatitis refers to an inflammation of this organ. It can happen to dogs and cats of any age, breed or sex. If severe, pancreatitis can lead to irreversible changes in the pancreas and impaired function long term."
 
 
 

One of the ladies on one of my golden boards lost her 4 year old golden to pancreitits in March.  He was also on Innova.  However on the Saturday night before he became ill on Tuesday they had given a tad of steak fat left on their plates and she was blaming herself, but the vet said he is sure that Finn had a  "weak pancrease " and is illness and death had nothing at all to do with a little steak fat one time.  Another on the same board had her golden come down with it also, but she made it after weeks of treatment and being ill.    I do not remember  which brand this one  feeds, except it is a top name.  And I didn't remember that K had fed Finn Innova until she mentioned it in a post today--deciding which brand of puppy food to get for the expected puppy..

I too do not see the concern for pancreatitis....it is very rare and takes ALOT more than 20% fat (plus genetics) to cause it.

I agree. It's not "high" fat in the diet that causes it, but feeding massive quantities of fat (like a pound of bacon) to a dog that's never had much fat, combined with genetics (or sometimes ONLY genetics). I also don't believe that a high fat food will cause a dog or human to become obese, as long as it's healthy fat and not saturated, or trans fats. Dogs get their energy from fat, and dogs with itchy skin NEED lots of fat. My dogs eat huge amounts of fat, really. I don't know how much it is dry matter, but I buy the cheapest meat, never drain it, and add fish oil to their meals. I eat similarly large quantities of fats. We're all thin and healthy, with much better skin than we used to have.

I too do not see the concern for pancreatitis....it is very rare and takes ALOT more than 20% fat (plus genetics) to cause it.

I also agree.And i too would emphasise that it takes ALOT more than 20% fat. Pancreatitis is most common around christmas and thanksgiving times,when dogs that have only eaten dry food all year, all of a sudden get a huge plate of turkey,turkey fat,gravy and all the other yummy holiday additions. A dog who consistently eats a food with 20% or higher fat content is very unlikely to get panc. because of it.

Luvntzu's so your fear came about reading 1 post about a dog,right? Do you know the history of this dog,was it proven EVO caused it etc etc.

Luvntzu's it is certainly your option to put your dog on a restricted fat diet,but IMHO it is completely unnecessary and  would be more detrimental to his health than a more appropriate higher fat content.

A high protein food will only cause problems if the dog is already kidney compromised.

As i said earlier small breed,long coated dogs need the higher fat foods and 20% fat is nowhere near high!

High energy dogs, be it performance dogs or just hyper little-bitties, do fine on a higher fat diet. My beagles, for instance, consistantly get a higher fat food and then in the "running" season, the fat gets "upped" to around 20 - 22% (just from the kibble).
 
I understand your concerns luvntzu's, as we all want what is best for our fur-friends, but there is always going to be a questionable ingredient or "study" or case-report or SOMETHING that is going to raise an eyebrow or two. I have to admire you for your concern and willingness to provide only the BEST for your baby, just don't pass by what could be the "best" because of someone *opinions* or some isolated case-report with inconclusive evidence. You will drive yourself crazy and it could  possibly be a detriment to your pooch in the long run.

Thank you kennel_keeper. [] I do want to do what's best for my little angel and I agree that it's impossible to find a food that someone isn't going to have issues with. It can just be hard to make sense of it all and know what to believe! You're so right though about trying to find the "perfect" food driving me crazy. I'm already pulling my hair out and I'd like to decide on a food and stick with it.

Edie- My dog isn't on a *restricted* fat diet. I said that at this time I'm feeding him a diet with moderate fat and protein. TO Southwest Chicken & Herbs has 25% protein 15% fat. I've planned to rotate through their formulas which go up to about 28% protein and 18% fat. I MAY start feeding the Royal Canin Puppy 33, but right now it's working okay to mix in canned food with the TO and last night he was munching on the dry when I was in bed.

I'd be interested to see info saying that small, longcoated dogs need at least 20% fat and that it doesn't put them at risk for pancreatitis. Like I said, I want to do what's best for my little angel and I'm always open to learning new things!!