Purina Pro

[StaceyW]

Anyone know anything about this food? I know there have been lots of food discussions but dont remember anything about this one. Our vet says it is good and doesnt feel there is any reason to buy anything more $$.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There is one of the TOTW that's lower in protein...we talked about it in TFG, Janie is feeding it. The Pacific Stream flavor, I think. Check the TOTW discussion in TFG, but I'm pretty sure that's it.

[StaceyW]

I thought TOTW was good for large breed puppies?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Some people are concerned about too high a protein content for large breed puppies. Some sources recommend keeping the protein content under 26%; the other two TOTW formulas are about 32% percent protein. This is by no means a hard & fast rule, but it is usually wise to err on the side of caution.

[StaceyW]

Carol of Southern Charm Labradoodles - your thoughts on this?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Not Carol, but here's her reply to another discussion about feeding puppies earlier today:

Reply by Carol Dean 8 hours ago
Hes hungrey and growing, he should be on 3 meals a day and give him as much as he will eat....Read the back of the TOTW bag, but when in a rapid growth sput they will be ravenous....You can use the Salmon TOTW with a lover protein content to prevent too temper rapid growth.....

[StaceyW]

yeah - I was curious about her take on the opinion that it is not the best food for large breed pups because I know she feeds it to all her puppies and dogs! So is the point of the above that the salmon one is preferable if you are worried about weight gain?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There's a belief that too much protein will promote too rapid growth, which can stress the bones before they are ready for it. I have not studied the science behind this idea, so I can't vouch for it. The salmon formula contains 25% protein, as opposed to 30 and 32 for the others.

[Krista, Angel, and Toby]

That's interesting, considering that Orijen LB Puppy is a 70% protein formula. From a Comcast OnDemand feature on raising puppies the vet said that Calcium was the deal breaker for LB Pups? I'm confused. But regardless, I am not changing Angel again, not too soon, anyway. Her poos are just starting to have some form again after all the switching.

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

No 75% are protein based ingredients (premium animal ingredients) as opposed to carbs etc.. If you read the side of the bag you will see the daily value is an appropriate 42% (Orijen all breeds puppy) Also if you go to the company site it has a rational debunking of the "too much protein" urban legend. Where it came from and why it is not applicable.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, there is an issue with calcium proportions to phosphorus with puppies, too. Dianne Carter gave us info on it in the Food Group.
I agree that they should have more protein. Even AAFCO puts puppies' protein requirements higher. I just don't know the reasoning with the LB puppies. But if a food meets the AAFCO standards for all ages, which TOTW does, it should be fine.