The best think would be to do the research. The joint and bone issues are actually due to the high calcium levels that come with most grainless food. Some can be as high as 3 or even 4 percent. I believe Orijen puppy has a calcium level of 1.4%. It is usually recommend for large breed puppies to get 1.2% calcium. I don't see this slight increase causing a problem with most dogs. But I am not a nutritionist.
Some will say that the extra protein can put a strain on the dogs kidneys. I have also heard that puupies kidneys are not developed enough to deal with the extra protein. Protein can be converted for energy use or stored by the dog. It can also be expelled in the urine. However, some say that the extra work can exhaust the kidneys early.
The dog would need to be extremely active in order to use that amount of protein. Most working dogs would do great on this food. I am considering the food for my 15 month dobe when he reaches two years old. At that point Dusk will be involved in a great deal more exercise than I allow him to enjoy now. He will be biking with me for 2 to 5 miles a day. Dusk already has enough problems holding weight as it is.
I will still use the puppy food, since the calcium is lower than the adult.
