The switch is on...but 1 question.

the-tenth · 10-03-2007, 07:56 PM

I got a 33 pound bag of CHicken Soup Adult for Daisy and Chewy.

I got an 18 pound bag of Chicken Soup Puppy for Sandy. I wanted to get her the large breed puppy, but the only store even close to local can't get it. My question is this.
L-Carnitine * 40 mg/kg Minimum and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) * 0.05% Minimum are the only things in the large breed that aren't in the regular puppy formula. Is there an additional supplement I should or could give Sandy? Or should I just let her kill this bag, and order a bag of the large breed online for the next time? Or is it even worth it to go with the large breed forumula? I know the adult also has chondroiton and glucisamine (sp), but the puppy doesn't. I figured the Chicken Soup Puppy was still a heck of a lot better for her than IAMS large breed. Any input is welcomed and would be greatly appreciated.

all4thedogs · 10-03-2007, 08:08 PM

The main difference would be the protein and fat ratios I would believe. Large/giant breed dogs need less protein while they are growing to help them grow slow and even. This helps prevent alot of growth issues.

The amount of glucosamine in dog food is not threaputic, so I wont judge a food by its presents.

Inga · 10-03-2007, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by all4thedogs

The main difference would be the protein and fat ratios I would believe. Large/giant breed dogs need less protein while they are growing to help them grow slow and even. This helps prevent alot of growth issues.

The amount of glucosamine in dog food is not threaputic, so I wont judge a food by its presents.

agreed completely! You just don't want your puppy growing too fast. That is what would cause all the bone/joint issues. An 18 pound bag won't last too long. After that I would just order the large breed. You are right that it is a heck of a lot better then the Iams. I would be very surprised if you don't notice some changes in their coats and energy level feeding this better food. I would expect smaller land mines as well. You can feed less of this then the Iams and still maintain the dogs weight though it will take a few bags to notice that difference. They are used to eating a certain amount and will need a little time to adjust to the change.

the-tenth · 10-03-2007, 08:26 PM

And there are a lot of recent studies questioning the benefit of the Gluc\Chon. So with Crude Protein 28% Minimum and Crude Fat 17% Minimum on the standard...and Crude Protein 27.0% Minimum Crude Fat 13.0% Minimum on the large breed, do you think those percentages are enough to go with the large breed? I guess I will after this bag regardless, but should I go ahead and give her the bag that I bought, or would it be better to go with somethin crappy large breed?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inga

I would be very surprised if you don't notice some changes in their coats and energy level feeding this better food. I would expect smaller land mines as well.

OMG. If that's the case, I'm taking both bags back. I can't imagine Chewy and Sandy with more energy.

all4thedogs · 10-03-2007, 08:32 PM

Its enough of a difference that I would go with the large breed next time, but dont see one bag hurting her.

the-tenth · 10-03-2007, 08:59 PM

And am I correct in assuming that with Sandy at 60+ pounds and 3 weeks until she hits 6 months, the large breed is the route to go?

all4thedogs · 10-03-2007, 09:48 PM

Yes, she is a large breed for sure :-)

You may want to consider by-passing the puppy food at all and putting her directly on the adult food. It has less protein then the puppy version.

Lightwingcreations · 10-05-2007, 08:00 PM

What's even more important than protein and fat ratios in food is the overall amount you feed your pup. Each dog is individual and requires their own amount. What you want to avoid at all costs is letting your pup get heavy or fat, this is what will cause problems with the joints and growth. This is problematic for the big breeds, not so much the small to medium breeds. Some dogs do have hereditary problems with hip displasia, but for those that don't have that problem, you do have to worry about causing it by letting them get too heavy. I've talked to my vet about it concerning Blondie after I had done all kinds of research, and she concured that you should keep large breed pups lean and trim. It will go a long way toward a healthy skeleton.

As was mentioned in another thread, the amount you feed is also important for older and overweight dogs, not necessarily which "particular" food that supposedly caters to their body physique. Most people overfeed their pets no matter what because they can't stand to see their dogs "starve". You need to be able to see a waist and hips on just about all breeds, as well as be able to feel their ribs through the skin. If you do that, you can stave off arthritis in older dogs who don't need to be carrying any extra weight.

all4thedogs · 10-06-2007, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lightwingcreations

What's even more important than protein and fat ratios in food is the overall amount you feed your pup. Each dog is individual and requires their own amount. What you want to avoid at all costs is letting your pup get heavy or fat, this is what will cause problems with the joints and growth. This is problematic for the big breeds, not so much the small to medium breeds. Some dogs do have hereditary problems with hip displasia, but for those that don't have that problem, you do have to worry about causing it by letting them get too heavy. I've talked to my vet about it concerning Blondie after I had done all kinds of research, and she concured that you should keep large breed pups lean and trim. It will go a long way toward a healthy skeleton.

I agree keeping large and giant breeds lean and trim is VERY important, but disagree that it is more important then the protein and fat ratios. High protein levels have been linked to Pano, HOD, and other painful growth issues.

Lightwingcreations · 10-07-2007, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by all4thedogs

I agree keeping large and giant breeds lean and trim is VERY important, but disagree that it is more important then the protein and fat ratios. High protein levels have been linked to Pano, HOD, and other painful growth issues.

That's funny because I feed my two dogs a raw diet, which is obviously mostly protein and fat. My 9 month old has had no problems with her bones and I haven't seen any signs of pain so far. I do make sure to keep her lean, with no excess weight, always able to feel her ribs and hips. I imagine over-feeding is what will cause them to grow at an accelerated pace, which will cause the problems.

the-tenth · 10-07-2007, 09:13 PM

The good news is the switch seems to be going over fairly well. The bad news is, Sandy has added some other stuff to her diet. A bag of roast jerky I dried out for them, a turkey dog and a chicken breast in the last week. She's a beast, and a pretty dang fast one at that.

Inga · 10-07-2007, 09:19 PM

The girl knows good food when she smells it! LOL My friends Newfie counter surfs from time to time. He seems to have a fondness for Butter. Tends to spend the next few hours in the yard cleaning out his system. Good going in, not so good coming out. LOL

the-tenth · 10-07-2007, 09:21 PM

I hear ya. Turkey dog went in whole, and back out the same way. Didn't seem to phase her though. I don't neccessarily have a weak stomach, but something about vomit and me just don't get along. It's even better smothered all over a turkey dog. God I love dogs!!!!!!!