Orijen Question

[Blake Petty]

Good evening,

I currently have a 7 year old French Bulldog and will be picking up a 9 week old Labradoodle puppy next Tuesday. I've been feeding my Frenchie Orijen (rotating formulas) for several years and love everything about the food. I obviously intend to also switch the doodle puppy over to it as well. My question is do I need to put the doodle on the Puppy Orijen formula or can I give him the Adult/6 Fish that I currently buy that I give to my Frenchie? I'm asking because when you compare them they are all very close if not the same in protein, fats, calcium & phosphorus, and calories.

Adult

38% Protein

18% Fat

1.3-1.6 Calcium (min/max)

1.0-1.3 Phosphorus (min/max)

460 calories per cup

6 Fish

38% Protein

18% Fat

1.4-1.7 Calcium (min/max)

1.1-1.4 Phosphorus (min/max)

480 calories per cup

Puppy

38% Protein

20% Fat

1.3-1.6 Calcium (min/max)

1.0-1.3 Phosphorus (min/max)

480 calories per cup

Therefore is it really necessary to start out with the puppy formula? I'm asking because it would obviously be easier to only purchase the 1 bag/formula instead of 2 separate ones, but I'm willing to do whatever I need to do to ensure the health of both dogs. Just thought I would ask the question and see what everyone's thoughts/opinions were.

I appreciate any/all comments and help.

Thanks in advance!

-Blake

[Joan Bollaert]

I was told that it was unnecessary to use Puppy formula.  However, I've always done it.   Karen, from this site will know more.  I'm guessing, it won't make any difference.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's probably fine, the feeding guidelines just won't be right for a puppy, so you'll have to feed a little extra. Check the feeding guidelines on the Puppy formula, figure out the calories they recommend for your pup, and then feed the appropriate amt of the adult formula to equal that calorie content.

[Blake Petty]

Got it! Thank you!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And be sure not to switch foods or make any changes or additions in your pup's diet for at least two weeks after he/she comes home. Feed the exact same food and treats the breeder is feeding, even if they're not so good. 

[Kate, Mel, Tenley & Harper]

I actually emailed Champion about this a few months ago.

My question:
"I have an adult dog right now who eats the Regional Red/Six Fish (we rotate with every bag). I'll be getting a puppy soon who will arrive to me eating Orijen Puppy from the breeder. I'd like toe transition her to the Regional Red/Six Fish so that she's eating the same thing as my other dog. Is it necessary for a puppy to eat the puppy food? She will mature to be about 20lbs. I see the adult foods are formulated for all life stages, which leads me to believe that a puppy would be fine on them?"

Their reply:
"Hello Katelyn,

Thank you for taking the time to write to us.

The ORIJEN diets like the Regional Red and 6 Fish are All Life Stages food and can be fed to any age or breed of dog.

When feeding an All Life Stages food, don’t forget to increase the amount of food during puppy hood. This is how we ensure the proper energy and mineral balance during growth and development.

It states the following on the feeding guide:

For puppies aged 1 ½ -3 months old feed twice the recommended adult amount. From ages 3-6 months feed 1 ½ times the adult amount and ages 6 -12 months feed 1 ¼ times the adult amount. After 12 months you would feed the regular adult amount for current weight and activity level.

Use the current weight of the dog on the chart and convert portion size using the above equation.

If you have any other questions please let me know.

Regards,

Angela
Customer Care
Champion Petfoods LP"

[Kate, Mel, Tenley & Harper]

One thing to note from her reply is that she singled out the 6 fish and regional red foods.

May want to double check to see if same math applies for adult formula. Or, just email them. They got back to me in a few days.

[Abigail *George & Juno*]

THIS! I emailed them before we got our puppy 1 1/2 years ago and they said the SAME thing. We still feed them six fish to this day. The online feeding guidelines actually have guidelines for puppies... So I just used those. :)