18% is way too low. I would recommend AT LEAST 22% protein and 13% to 14% fat. I raised my Great Dane puppy on a prey model raw diet that is around 65% protein measured in dry weight. He is 4 1/2 years old now and had no growth problems.The breeder suggested a lower protein because he is growing so fast and is extremely accident prone. Also because large breed puppies can get Pano (Long Bone) and have other developmental issues if they grow too fast. I appreciate the advice! Thanks!
Great pick, for a kibble.How about Origen Large Breed Puppy?
How is 65% protein, measured in dry weight, possible?I raised my Great Dane puppy on a prey model raw diet that is around 65% protein measured in dry weight. He is 4 1/2 years old now and had no growth problems.
Because raw is just protein and fat, no carbohydrates (assuming we are talking about prey model raw, not BARF). So if you remove the water content from raw meat, depending on the meat source it's 50-75% protein, the rest fat by weight.How is 65% protein, measured in dry weight, possible?
It doesn't really work that way when you're making a comparison. You can look at the protein content on a dry matter basis (protein/dry matter x 100), or as fed. Either way results in 25% or less.Because raw is just protein and fat, no carbohydrates (assuming we are talking about prey model raw, not BARF). So if you remove the water content from raw meat, depending on the meat source it's 50-75% protein, the rest fat by weight.
I understand how you're thinking, but that's just not what "dry matter basis" means or how it's calculated.I think you can compare it, okay take EVO which is 44% protein, and say chicken, which is say 22% protein (I made that up, completely). On a DRY MATTER basis, EVO might be 46% protein, and raw is typically around 60% if you remove all the water.
I am really bad at putting my thoughts into words but I hope that made sense.. LOL :smile:
Pano is not diet related. My pup is raw fed and currently has Pano. It is common in pups that are typically to heavy and growing to fast, but no proof that diet can cause or prevent it. The best you can do is keep him thin to minimize stress on joints.18% is way too low. I would recommend AT LEAST 22% protein and 13% to 14% fat. I raised my Great Dane puppy on a prey model raw diet that is around 65% protein measured in dry weight. He is 4 1/2 years old now and had no growth problems.
ETA: Protein is the building block of muscle and you can do serious harm to your growing puppy by feeding a diet deficient in protein.
Here's a couple low-protein foods that aren't ubercrap that I found with a quick search. Wasn't hard to do. I personally wouldn't feed any of them, but that's just me.I am currently searching for 18% protein as well. The only one I've found thus far is kibbles and bits, but who the heck wants to feed that junk?I'm dealing with a 9 week old puppy who has HOD right now and have had several recommendations for 18% protein to speed up recovery for him.