Dog Community

High Protein with a Simple Formula? What would you do?

Anonymous

Posted : 9/17/2009 12:12:34 PM

Once again playing the balancing act with foods and three dogs.

I have everyone on California Natural due to some income changes here, but we're starting to get back to a better place, and I am trying to figure out how to:

1. Have only one bag of kibble going at a time

2. Keep everyone fit and lean, with great coat and energy.

The Dogs Needs

Rosco: Needs to be on a simple formula for food due to suspected allergies. Lamb seems to be his best protein source. He is his most fit on high protein. He's great on California Natural, but a bit flubby.

Lexi: I could probably feed rocks and she's still look great. (God bless her!) She needs more calories than most to maintain weight, but is not a "hard keeper".

Luna: Well, Lu's body condition is without a doubt best on raw, but her energy is lacking when on 100% raw. 1/2 kibble and 1/2 raw seems to be her happy place. She does well on Cal. Natural, but is honestly fat on 1.5 cups a day and tons of exercise. And is still a bit fat with 50/.50 raw and kibble when the kibble is high carb.

So, does anyone know of any simple formulas with high protein? Or, other ideas?

stardog85

Posted : 9/17/2009 12:33:12 PM

Dunno about protein levels, but for limited ingredients I've heard good things about Wellness (the Simple formulas) and Natural Balance LID.

I have a dog allergic to poultry, so we feed (or have fed) Eagle Pack Holistic Fish or Lamb formulas, Prairie Salmon, Beef, Lamb, or Venison formulas, Evo RM (red meat only), TotW (yellow bag), and are considering feeding Canidae Lamb or Fromm Salmon ala Veg formula next. I really like rotating foods - lots of variety and keeps everyone looking great because they aren't on anything long enough to be deficient imo.

We feed 3 dogs (24lbs, 32lbs, 34lbs - total of 4 cups per day basically) and switch foods each bag since the bags generally last about 5 weeks. I don't have anyone with a sensitive tummy, so switches are done quickly - only a 50/50 mix for 2-4 meals, then all new food.

Anonymous

Posted : 9/17/2009 1:32:49 PM

Stardogs you do know the yellow bag TOTW has chicken in it?

stardog85

Posted : 9/17/2009 1:34:59 PM

Hmm how could I have missed that?! Maybe I feed the light blue bag? It's been a while lol.

Anonymous

Posted : 9/17/2009 1:43:29 PM

Thanks guys... heading off to check those out now

jennie_c_d

Posted : 9/17/2009 1:59:28 PM

How about California Natural, with Nature's Recipe or Bravo Balance raw for the other meal? You'll up their protein, maintain balance, and increase muscle mass, while keeping it fairly simple.

Anonymous

Posted : 9/17/2009 3:17:02 PM

Sorry -- forgot to mention Lu is the only one eating raw. Rosco doesn't do well on it, and for Lexi, if I can up the protein in kibble form that would be prefereable for my budget.

The Cal. Natural is only 20% protein. I wish they made a 30% protein formula! Sad

tzu_mom

Posted : 9/17/2009 3:20:53 PM

I am assuming you are feeding California Natural Adult formula, yes? (the adult lamb has 21% protein). One easy way to keep a simple formula, but increase the protein is to feed the Cal.Nat. Puppy formula (the puppy lamb is 26%protein). I know quite a few people who have their adult dogs on the Cal. Natural formulas for the very reason that they need a simple formula, but are not willing to go so low on protein. Just a thought.

brookcove

Posted : 9/18/2009 10:49:05 AM

Increase the meat until you are happy with the results. If you use a red meat, like ground beef or beef heart, and add a little calcium (an eggshell per pound of added boneless meat), you should not throw anything off in the kibble. For a dog that is sort of meh on the Cal Natural, it may be the low fat not the low protein. Fat affects coat quality, energy levels, and alertness. So offering simple boneless meat can fix that as well. Good luck!