Large Breed puppy food?

[Oliver]

I was just curious if purchasing a puppy food that specifies that it is for LARGE BREEDS is necessary?

I was trying to find both a large breed puppy food and one that did not have a chicken/rice combo as its main ingredients since Oliver was itching a lot when we first got him. I figured changing to a different protein source wouldn't hurt to see if it was allergies. I went with Blue Buffalo Lamb and Brown Rice Puppy formula since their large breed formula had chicken as its main ingredient. Oliver has been doing so well and itching WAY less on this food, however, I'm wondering if it's necessary to switch foods again to try to find both large breed and no-chicken combo. He's doing so well on this formula so I'd hate to change it up again, but if it's necessary and healthier for him in the long run...I'd be happy to. Thoughts?

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Some articles have said that sized breed food is the same as the puppy and adult dog food just repackaged to indicate a difference. The real difference is in the amount given to laqrger dogs. If Oliver is doing well why change? Check out the differences in the ingredients of the two and see if there is any. If not, stay with or change to the large breed and increase the amounts, it shouldn't matter. Do some research on your brand, you can ll the company and ask the differences. But don't change just because it says large breed.

[Oliver]

Great! This was what I was thinking, but wanted to see what you guys had to say! Thanks!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Large breed puppy food manufactured by Ivet has less calcium to encourage slower bone growth, but over a longer period of time. However it is chicken/oatmeal based. If your puppy is doing well, I say stick with it. Large breed puppy is a fairly new product ( last ten years) and hundreds of thousands of large breed puppies thrived and lived to a healthy old age before it was available.