"Too Rich?"

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You can never be too thin or too rich, or so the old saying goes.

However, when it comes to food, "rich" has a different meaning, and one that is increasingly being used incorrectly when it comes to dog food.

In culinary terms, "rich" refers to fat content. Whole milk is "richer" than 2% milk, and 2% is "richer" than skim. You often hear people say that traditional French haute cuisine is "too rich", and this makes sense, because that kind of food is based on lots and lots of high-fat cream and butter.

In recent years, I have noticed the term "rich" being applied to premium dog foods, especially those that are nutrient dense, like Orijen. This happens almost exclusively in breeders' forums, and we have had a few people here tell us that their breeders have told them that a particular food may be "too rich" for their puppies. One person became offended when I told her that her breeder probably said that because these foods are more expensive, and the breeder may have been using that as an excuse to feed a cheaper food. I really didn't mean to offend anyone, but was simply trying to explain that a food that is nutritionally dense is not the same thing as a food that is rich.

Since this topic has been brought up again today in the "comments" section of TFG, I thought a discussion about it might be helpful.

Foods like Orijen are nutritionally dense, meaning they pack a lot of punch per ounce in terms of nutrients. There are no fillers in them. This might mean that they are not the best choice for dogs who always seem to be hungry and looking for more food in their bowls.

These foods are also what I would call nutritionally complex, meaning that they contain a lot of different ingredients. This may not be the best choice for dogs who have food sensitivities; for those dogs, a limited ingredient food may be a better choice.

But they are not "too rich". Consider that Orijen Adult formula contains 14% fat, Kirkland Signature Adult formula contains 16% fat, and Purina Pro-plan Select (a favorite among some breeders who call Orijen "too rich") contains 17% fat.

Now you know what "too rich" means, and you know how to tell if one  food is indeed richer than another. All you have to do is compare the fat contents.

[Linda Lynch]

Great post...never had that explained that way-knew Orijen was better nutritionally and I feed less but this is good info.

[Sally, Echo and Emmi]

I have had a few people tell me that either their vet said Orijen was too "rich" for their dog or the premium dog food store owner said that Orijen may be too "rich" for their dog. In both cases it was recommended that the protein percentage needed to be lessened. I can not figure this out!! I try to explain that it is the fat content NOT the protein content. But I give up because I am not a vet nor a premium dog food store owner.

[Minga & Malu & Costa]

Yes, I always had to assume when they called Orijen rich it was in reference to the protein content. i just think of it as protein rich. Heehee.

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

Thanks, Karen. That all makes sense. I remember years ago I had a vet who actually knew about dog food. She compared eating a nutritionally dense (rich) food to eating a granola bar. You don't need a lot because no fillers!!
Not to say granola bars are always healthy:) but they are a better choice than a candy bar!!!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

This is exactly why Piggy Peri can't eat Orijen (yes, we did try it a few times). She cannot slow down - she literally scarfs it down within 1 minute. We need to be able to feed her food with grains in my opinion. At least at this point in her life.

But I have heard the "too rich" comment at one of the places I used to buy Tack and Peri's foods....they said that about Orijen. It didn't deter me because I know it's a good food.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That's why Adina doesn't feed Rosco a grain-free food, too. You guys with the "chowhounds" have it easier than those of us with the picky-fussbudgets!

[Lee Seidman]

As usual you are the best source for me to turn to with a Doodle question. Thank you for your explanation.
Do you think that the Orijen could be causing the diarreah.....my wife also partially home cooks to supplement. My two year old Lexi will not eat any Kibble and she usually cooks chicken breast in a little olive oil, also lean ground beef or pork roast... (Lexi eats better then I do) I suggested she boil rather than pan cook in ilive oil but I am not sure if that will accomplish anything. I do wish Lexi would take some fruit or veggies as well, but all she seems to like is what we home cook. I am afraid she is not getting sufficient vitamins, we do supplement but she needs something more then a vitamin tab.

Billy, our 9 month old Doodle rescue will eat anything he is given, eats way too fast, and has an incredible appetite. He seems to have diarerah more then Lexi, but it to passes after a couple of days. His diet is mainly Orijen and some chicken. We only rescued him three weeks ago and are still learning about his eating habbits.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Lee, you can start a separate discussion with these questions, or maybe two separate discussions, as there are a lot of different issues here...two different dogs of very different ages & eating habits, methods of homecooking, nutritional supplementation & choice of foods for a homecooked diet, kibble, fruits & veggies, diarrhea, etc. There is a lot of information here about these issues already...I know there's a lot to wade through, but you can click "View All" in our discussion section, then do a search for particular terms. On homecooking, we have very detailed discussions already here with full diet plans and supplement suggestions, everything anyone could want or need for feeding a dog an entirely homecooked diet. If you still can't find what you need, or just want to start a new discussion, that's fine, too.
To answer one of your questions, the Orijen could be causing the diarrhea, but I would need to know how long Lexi has been on it, how it was introduced, and what she was eating before, and it would make more sense to discuss all that in a separate discussion on that topic.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Karen...that is really a good post. It explains everything perfectly. I doubt that people on the average, haven't a clue about all the stuff you share with us. We are so lucky to have you to go to for all of our food questions. I think of my daughter who has a Rhodesian Ridgeback and often wonder who she would go to if she needed help with choosing a food? The Vet is out so that just leaves the Breeder. I share all your information with her and my close friends who have dogs other than Doodles. You have helped more people than you will ever know with your knowledge. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Nancie! Thanks for your kind words and your participation, both are very much appreciated!

[Kim]

I agree with Nancie!!!! Karen - you are a lifesaver! Allie thanks you tremendously!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hugs to you & Allie, too, Kim! How's she doing?