Dog Community

High protein food for small breed puppy?

Posted : 5/10/2009 8:15:30 PM

I had my puppy (pictures later) in Petsmart today, and we saw the Blue rep, who asked what he was eating. I said, Blue, so he immediately assumed I was feeding the puppy food, but I told him no, I'm feeding the Wilderness. The Blue rep, and the Nutro rep thought I should switch to the puppy formula, because the Wilderness is too high protein. I showed the breeder what I was planning to switch too, she had him on Bil Jac, and I told the vet what I switched him too when I took him on Friday. I know the high protein is a no no for large breeds, but I had never heard any issues about it for a small breed. His stomach has been fine on it. I tried mixing it with the Bil Jac, but he started refusing the Bil Jac, so I gave him pumpkin for two days with it, and he had no problems. His weight gain has been fine, though for part of that he was still eating Bil Jac. Do you think I need to switch immediately to puppy, or can I wait and see?

brookcove

Posted : 5/11/2009 1:36:33 PM

The question is whether the Wilderness is "all life stages" which would mean it's got the nutrients that puppies need - generally puppies need extra of most things as a percentage per kg of food, so ALS foods simply are formulated for puppies' needs - and the extra doesn't harm most adult dogs. But a food formulated at the lower nutrient level of an adult wouldn't be enough for a puppy.

Most older puppies are FINE though on adult food - for a small breed we're talking as young as five or six months. And honestly there's not a huge difference when we are talking about the average dog. I only get antsy when we are talking about highly manipulated breeds like dwarf frames, giants, smooshy faced dogs, and performance dogs.

It's not protein that's a no-no for large breeds, it's the incorrect ratio of calcium to phosphorus that is in most puppy and adult foods, and particularly in high-ash foods like a couple of the super-premium grain frees.

griffinej5

Posted : 5/11/2009 3:55:24 PM

The reps were making a big deal over the protein. I can't find any info online about whether it's all life stages, or adults only. I'll have to go out to the store and check on a bag, since I poured mine into a container, and don't have the bag anymore, then make my decisions once I check that out.

stanton

Posted : 5/11/2009 11:46:20 PM

I have 2 little dogs, both acquired when they were under a year of age.

From my experience, the little dogs actually do really well on a high protein diet. Just yes, make sure it says all life stages, otherwise DO switch to the chicken puppy formula, chicken generally contains less ash then lamb. Then, at around 8-9mnths of age or older, switch back to the wilderness if you want.