Too Much Protein/Fat in Evo?

[diane silver]

Now that I've decided to switch Emma to Evo, I'm a little worried about its protein and fat content. What is everyone's opinion on this food? I know it's a very good food, but is it too high in protein and/or fat? Whole Food Journal recommends switching foods every four months or so, and I intend to do that, so she won't be on Evo forever.

[Ginny Nightingale]

I have used EVO for over a year, alternating with a raw food (3-4 days each)- I found the red meat kibble put weight on my doodle, but not the leaner chicken variety. Dog loves it and is in good shape, but at 36 pounds she gets just one cup per day.

[diane silver]

Emma is a mini and now weighs 15 1/2 pounds, and it is the chicken/turkey that I purchased. She's only supposed to be approximately 20 pounds, and I wouldn't want her to be overweight because of the food I'm feeding! The bag says to feed between 1 1/4 - 2 cups per day.

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

I free feed Evo. It is out all day and my three dogs can eat as they like. I also homecook a stew like food that I feed about a cup a day to my large doods in the evenings. It has red rice, lentils and fruit and veggies in it. My dogs have been on the Evo for about 6 months now and I have had no problems with this regimine. I do not believe in dry only as some people do, but if you do feed only dry I think you should still give some fruits and veggies, some yogurt and other fresh ingredients to round out their diets. Some dogs do not do well on a lot of grains or corn products and that is one benefit of a low grain diet. But there are other things that are needed in a wholesome diet, for dogs and for people.

[Ginny Nightingale]

I agree that other stuff needs to be added to supplement--but I think if I free fed my Mattie Evo she'd be as big as a house! :) She is a piggy one! I can't imagine feeding her 1 1/4 - 2 cups a day especially if she weighed only 20 pounds. Someone who had a very similar doodle to mine from the same breeder was feeding her 1 1/2 cups per day and the dog was overweight.

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

It does take about 2-3 days before they realize that it will always be there. Now they eat a bite, come back awhile later, for another bite. I go through maybe 1-1 1/2 cups a day now and that is with three dogs. So they don't overeat once they get used to it.

[Dianne Carter ~ Trinity Doodles]

We do like EVO as well as the other Natura products. They were in our top 3 choices and remain in the rotation we use here. I especially like the California Natural for our baby puppies as it is a very simple formula. There are some who are concerned with the high protein levels in some foods and potential effects on growth rate as well as taxation on the kidneys. It is my understanding that it is the quality of protein and that in its purer forms it is not as harsh on the kidneys as some have thought. Of course there are other factors that come into play. I think the biggest concern is the high proteins in their growth spurt period and the results you may see down the road with hip and other joint problems. Many prefer to wait until after the 6 month mark for the introduction of high protein foods. Individual circumstances may require earlier changes as in the situation of yeast issues.

We also leave dry food out available all the time that the puppies have access to it, over eating has never been a problem here.

We also change foods, and with the use of digestive enzymes have experienced very few issues.

Trust your judgement, you know better than anyone if she is doing well on this food. Best of luck!