Whole Grain versus Grain Free

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I have been rotating Orijen Puppy, Merrick Puppy Plate, and Blue Buffalo Puppy with Guinness for the past few weeks. We started rotating foods because of his tendency to get bored. I also supplement with cottage cheese, yogurt, and chicken to keep things interesting. I was at the pet feed store today, and the sales person asked why I would be mixing grain free (Orijen) with other foods that contain whole grains. She felt that if you wanted the benefit of a grain free diet, you should stick to just those foods. I had never thought of this. I was just looking for the five/six star choices and rotating among some of them. She also said since Guinness is now six months he doesn't need to be on puppy food. So, I have a few questions, as this information came as a surprise to me.
-Isn't six months young to take a dog off puppy food (14 lb ALD)?
-Do dogs really need some whole grain carbs? For example, barley, brown rice.
-Is there a problem mixing grain free with whole grain foods?
I was comfortable with the approach we had been using, and Guinness is having firm (or slightly soft) stools consistently now. Since my discussion at the feed store, I'm feeling confused. I'd love input from the Food Group.

[Diane, Baker & Oskar]

Our vet told us to stop feeding puppy food at 6 months...we actually switched Baker earlier than that to Acana, which is an all-life stages food, & he's doing great. I'll be interested in others' responses to your other questions...good luck :)

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

I don't think there is a problem mixing in some grains. It's the foods that contain mostly grains that cause problems. I wouldn't listen to sales clerks, what can they know about canine nutrition? Has she taken courses? Trained at vet school? Most people do still add some grains into a high protein diet, including me and I homecook. Six months is about the time to switch over. There has also been some discussions as to no difference in Sized Foods as they are all the same just packaged differently.

[Tammy & Gracie]

I had Gracie on puppy food till 1 year. She's a mini. I know in standards, some vets don't recommend puppy food so they can steady the growth rate for good strong bone development.

If you are mixing them with no issues, why change? (If it ain't broke, don't fix it) I think the reason most of us tend to go grain free is bacause of skin problems. And the issue is usually corn. As far as I know barley brown rice and oats are very acceptable. I am learning from other posts that mixing it up is probably a good thing in avoiding future allergy issues...

[Wendy]

First, I didn't know we should take our standard puppies off puppy food at 6 months! I guess mine are ready to come off although... I do mix puppy and life stages foods too. Like you, I have been rotating or mixing feeding grain free and grain food. Merrick puppy plate, solid gold wolf pack and TOTW. TOTW I am phasing out of their diet though and plan on maybe adding some Orjen.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

For smaller dogs, stopping puppy formulas at 6 months is fine. For standards, wait until the dog has done most of his growing, about 9 months is the age usually recommended to start adult formulas.
Some dogs have a problem transitioning back and forth between grain-free diets and diets that contain healthy grains. Dog's digestive systems require a bit more effort to digest any kind of grain. If Guinness has no issues with switching back and forth, there is no reason to change what you're doing. But he doesn't need whole grain carbs of any kind; some people prefer not to give them at all, others like them because they help fill the dog up.
For allergy and skin/coat issues, it is preferable to feed grain-free, high-protein diets like Orijen. Again, if Guinness has no issues with your current regimen, there is no reason to change what works for you.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks for all this great advice! When my current supply of food is gone, I will switch him from the puppy food since he is a small/medium ALD. I also feel more comfortable now rotating brands as we have been doing. I'm thinking that I will try to give a higher percentage of the grain free now that I understand that whole grains are not necessary in his diet. Again, I really appreciate all your input.