Conference 7.286::canine

    
    
    Our GS puppy who is 10 months now has always been on Eukanuba.  Its
    costly but our vet and breeder recommended it and we have never had any
    issues with it.
    
    cj

    Hills & Eukanuba have come out with a food for growing large breed
    dogs.  It's formulated to keep growth at an optimal rate.  In the large 
    breed dogs, rapid growth has been associated with orthopedic diseases.  
    The nutritionist at Tufts likes the formulation.  So, if you can find it, 
    definitely try it.
    
    Best of luck!

    They carry the large breed Eukanuba puppy food at Pet Source in Acton. 
    However, I spoke to the store manager the other day about the benefits
    of using it - and she rather candidly told me that it's pretty much
    just hype and a way for Eukanuba to gain more shelf space.  If you
    compare the ingredients there is very minimal difference between the
    new large breed brand and the originaly puppy bites, in terms of
    percentage of fat and whatever else they are now saying puppy food has
    too much of.  Even though the large breed puppy food is more expensive 
    than the adult food, the store manager still recommended that I switch 
    my puppy to the adult food (which says alot given that she was passing 
    up extra money).  My dog is a lab/weimaraner cross, almost 9 months old 
    and about 36 pounds.  We're still mixing the puppy and adult to get her
    adjusted to the switch, and she loves it.
    
    Sue Jacquart

    
    There is a concern that the regular Eukanuba has too much protein, more
    than is needed, especially for a fast-growing large dog. From personal
    experience, I've found that dogs don't need that much protein and the
    extra amounts will sometimes cause problems with bone and ligament
    growth. 
    
    Once the dog is full grown there is no real concern for too much
    protein -- and you are back to personal preference choices.
    
    

           <<< Note 2169.4 by MAIL2::LABUDDE "www.tangled.web.com" >>>

    
>    There is a concern that the regular Eukanuba has too much protein, more
>    than is needed, especially for a fast-growing large dog. From personal
>    experience, I've found that dogs don't need that much protein and the
>    extra amounts will sometimes cause problems with bone and ligament
>    growth. 
 
	Our Irish Wolfhound's breeder told us that IWs should never be
	fed "puppy" food. Gemma started out on Nutro Lamb and Rice as
	soon as she was weened, and has been on it ever since. Protein
	is 23% and fat is 13%. Typical premium foods run 25%/15% by	
	comparison.

	It certainly didn't stunt her growth. At 13 months she's up
	to 33 1/2 inches and 132 lbs.

Jim

    I have always fed my baby (2 year old Mastiff) Bill-Jac Non-Frozen Lite
    since I picked him up.
    
    I guess I subscribe to the puppy food has too much protein school

    I have an 11 month old lab who has always eaten a low protein 
    (21% or less) adult food.  Our breeder recommended the low-protein
    adult food to help her grow at a reasonable rate, and also to prevent her 
    from eating her waste.  We feed her Iams lamb and rice - she's fine.  
    She gets milk mixed in for calcium - that will end at one year.  
    
    So, another vote for low protein!
    
    Lois 

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    1493   MSDOA::PARKERJ      30-MAR-1994     0  Precise Dog food Growth Formula
    1850  CSLALL::STEELE        2-AUG-1995     3  Looking for Vet and Food
    2146  STOWOA::CHAFFEE      15-NOV-1996    11  Help with food questions