Factors to consider when choosing a new kibble

[Andrea, Belle and Honey]

I am researching a new kibble for Belle because she refuses to eat her Orijen any more (smaller bags hasn't helped and I am reluctant to resort to toppers).  I would appreciate comments on the following factors that I have so far identified as guidelines for the search: 

1) must be on recommended foods list;

2) must have at least 30% (prefer more than 35%) protein;

3) must have less than 20% fat;

4) must have low Omega 3/6 ratio;

5) must not have any form of peas, legumes, or potatoes in first 7 ingredients;

7) must not contain protein meal instead of actual meat/poultry/fish;

8) must not contain beet pulp;

9) prefer if contains taurine and/or methionine;

9) prefer, but not require, poultry based flavor;

11) prefer, but not require, grain-free;

12) prefer, but not require, smaller sized pieces, to facilitate use of part of meals as training treats;

13 does not have to be LID.

Have I omitted any essential considerations not already covered by inclusion on recommended foods list? Are any of the factors unnecessarily stringent? Have I set a standard that will be impossible to meet? Thanks for your help.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Well, I take it back; those foods in the Taurine Deficiency discussion are ones you should consider, lol. 

Basically, those may be the only ones you are going to find that come close to meeting your standards, although I may be able to find some others since you are not askign that there be NO peas or potatoes, just that they be further down the list.

There is no way for me to know the size of the pieces. :) 

One comment: Regarding #7, meat, poultry or fish meal is usually far superior nutritionally to the "actual" protein itself because the moisture has been removed, and therefore there is a greater amount of animal protein in the food. A cup of chicken meal has as much as 10 times the protein as a cup of chicken. :) When the actual meat, poultry, etc is used rather than the meal, once you take away the water, that ingredient that may be listed first, second or third may in actuality be the 5th, 6th, or 7th most abundant ingredient in the list. I always look for meals in the first few ingredients for that reason.
Why did you not want the meal? 

I'd also like to ask if you have any reason to be trying to follow the diets that have been recommended for dogs who have tested low in taurine?

I do think it is absolutely unnecessary to limit yourself (and your dogs) based on information that has not yet been shown to be of any benefit in preventing TD DCM. 

[Andrea, Belle and Honey]

I'm sorry, I misunderstood your response to my question in the Taurine Deficiency discussion about foods containing only protein meal instead of the actual protein source. I am considering a small breed kibble from Annamaet that has only chicken and fish meal, which is why I asked about it, and your explanation about the protein levels in meal makes total sense and is reassuring. I am not specifically trying to follow the diets recommended for dogs with deficient taurine levels. If Belle would still eat Orijen I would definitely continue her on it; but while I am changing kibble anyway, I just thought I would try to lessen the chance of having taurine become an issue by making sure the protein level advertised in the kibble actually was complete protein rather than incomplete proteins from peas etc., just in case that turns out to be a valid concern.  I am particularly anxious about cardiac issues because 3 years ago my lab died of congestive heart failure incident to DCM (her cardiologist never mentioned, or tested for, possible taurine deficiency so I don't know if that was actually an issue for her). The 18 months of her illness were so devastating for both Ellie and me that I would do almost anything to avoid a repetition of the experience. On the other hand, I don't want to feed Belle a kibble that avoids a possibly imaginary risk of low taurine levels but exposes her to some other health issue, so I am trying to be careful about the change in food. The Annamaet has 32% protein, 20% fat, Omega 3/6 ratio of 1/3.5, and 480 calories per cup. It does, however, contain millet, brown rice, and beet pulp, so I have some concerns about it. I really appreciate your willingness to share your expertise.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The Annamaet food sounds fine if you want to try it. You may see an increase in stool volume.
DCM is not always related to taurine deficiencies or to diet; the most common form of the disease is genetic. Here's some info: http://cidd.discoveryspace.ca/disorder/dilated-cardiomyopathy.html

Please let us know how the switch goes.