When we got our chocolate lab pup last February, the breeder recommended that we feed her Purina puppy chow for her first year. In a few weeks Koko will be a year old. A few weeks ago she weighed 91 lbs. Even though she’s slim, active and very quick, the vet suggested we dial back on the high nutrition food.
What do some of you knowledgeable folks feed your pups to keep them trim while satisfying their appetites?

Visit DogFoodAdvisor.com. There’s a wealth of information on that site!

We are currently using Purina ProPlan sensitive skin and stomach, for self-explanatory reasons. It’s pricey, but it works for all of our pups.

Blue Buffalo, Orijen or Merrick grain free.

https://www.rover.com/blog/bes...ood-grains-for-2020/

Been using BB then Merrick for 15 years and been pleased.

I second double checking with dogfoodadvisor. They do skew to highest protein, which is fine for most, but certain dogs don't agree with the highest protein levels. So dialing it back to 4 star instead of 5 or higher is fine.

Remember that no matter what food brand you choose, you should rotate foods fairly regularly. Either change up the ingredients like going from beef to chicken, or stick with a primary protein but change brands. Long term, it is unlikely that the exact nutrient mix of any food is has enough of some certain ingredient for your particular dog. Your particular dog might need just a little more taurine than what the food you chose has, for example. I change it up every 2 bags, between Earthborne and Fromm varieties.

And finally, the total amount of training on food that veterinarians go through in vet school is like a 3 hour lecture put on by Purina.

Bandit has had Fromme since she was a pup. Different flavor every month. You can figure out the serving size based on your pups calorie requirements.

I started feeding my Dutch Shepherd Merrick, then the formula changed a few years back. It looked different and smelled different. My dog wanted nothing to do with it. I found out they were sold to one of the big dog food companies. I ended up switching to Fromm and it’s worth the money. I switch the protein around to keep him interested. He seems to like lamb and lentils the best, followed by salmon. Didn’t care for the duck.

Fromm for our dogs.

We've had good luck with Victor Purpose Grain Free Hero Canine for the last few years.

When changing dog food, mix in old with new and slowly change over.

quote:

Originally posted by Sportshooter:
When we got our chocolate lab pup last February, the breeder recommended that we feed her Purina puppy chow for her first year. In a few weeks Koko will be a year old. A few weeks ago she weighed 91 lbs. Even though she’s slim, active and very quick, the vet suggested we dial back on the high nutrition food.
What do some of you knowledgeable folks feed your pups to keep them trim while satisfying their appetites?

On their website, Purina recommends transitioning a medium sized dog from puppy to adult dog food at about 12mos. Sounds like your pup is thriving on the Purina brand and that's what I would stick with until proven otherwise. I know a few folks who swear by Purina Pro Plan and there are 60+ high-quality options available in the Pro Plan product line, including specialized adult dog foods for sensitive skin & stomach, weight management, cognitive health, and breed sizes, along with their standard Pro Plan adult formulas ... so Purina Pro Plan.

quote:

Originally posted by K0ZZZ:
And finally, the total amount of training on food that veterinarians go through in vet school is like a 3 hour lecture put on by Purina.

Vets make a profit percentage on whatever brand they push. So don't be fooled into buying dog food at the vet, as it is not the best food only what makes them money.

I’ve seen this type of discussion before, but this one has delivered what seems to be the most useful information and good ideas. Thanks a bunch.

https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...935/m/4630014644/p/3

https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...0601935/m/9470026674

https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...0601935/m/3160036164

Please consider using www.karmanator.com and the sigforum search. We have answered the dog food question dozens of times with many many pages of info.

quote:

On their website, Purina recommends transitioning a medium sized dog from puppy to adult dog food at about 12mos. Sounds like your pup is thriving on the Purina brand and that's what I would stick with until proven otherwise. I know a few folks who swear by Purina Pro Plan and there are 60+ high-quality options available in the Pro Plan product line, including specialized adult dog foods for sensitive skin & stomach, weight management, cognitive health, and breed sizes, along with their standard Pro Plan adult formulas ... so Purina Pro Plan.

Thank you for reminding me that there was no possibility of any new information.

Can't go wrong with Essence,Fromme,Orijen

my apologies Mr. Hobbs. I thought I was replying to to mild chastisement from 4mul8r.

quote:

Originally posted by Sportshooter:
my apologies Mr. Hobbs. I thought I was replying to to mild chastisement from 4mul8r.

No problem. The links are not specific to YOUR dog and you have every right to ask for advice. Although there may be some good discussion at those links and maybe worth a look. Good Luck !!!

Personally, I like American Journey from Chewy. Lot's of different formulations and the convenience of Chewy shipments to me door in two days is an added benefit.

We were feeding grain free and our vet told us to stop due to heart issues in larger breeds when feeding grainfree food. Part of me wanted to call BS since they'd be eating grain free in the wild, however modern dogs are so far removed from the 'wild' that it likely doesn't apply much anymore. Wild canines also don't live terribly long. *shrug*

My 10 year old rescue developed a sensitive digestive track over the last two years.

Is mostly Shepard and some husky tossed in for good measure.

we tried a lot of different foods.

He is now eating

Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food.

We add some can dog food from Costco

https://www.costco.com/kirkland-signature-nature's-domain-canned-dog-food%2C-turkey-%2526-pea-stew%2C-13.2-oz%2C-24-count.product.100451760.html

and a slice of fresh pet.

He now eats in two minutes and spend an extra 5 minutes licking the bowl.

Latest details on the grain question.

https://www.k9ofmine.com/dog-food-fda-warning/