Hey all Basically we kept our Labrador puppy on the food she was on when we had her which was bakers complete. I am aware that this food is reviewed very badly and we are looking to get her onto some much better quality food now. We have a budget of about £30 a bag of 12/15kg and I was looking at the skinners range of puppy food for working dogs. Is it ok to give a non working lab this food? The ingredients seem very good If not, can anyone please recommend some good foods in this price range? We also saw some harringtons complete puppy food which also lists good ingredients but has a higher protein level that even the working dog food. I was told that protein is the thing to watch out for and try not to give them too much. Thanks for any advice
Re: Question about puppy food... We use skinners and while we do some gundog training I definitely wouldn't class Riley as a working dog I've been very pleased with it, we're on duck and rice and he looks well on it and I think it's improved his coat, he's got more shine and less itch!
Re: Question about puppy food... I don't know whether it's true, and someone more experienced might make a more informed comment, but my understanding is that it is not the high level of protein (contrary to popular belief) that causes problems (ie joint problems) in puppies but generally over feeding causes problems. The quality of the protein is important though.
Re: Question about puppy food... I was under the impression a high protein content might cause the puppy to grow too quickly which may increase the risk of dysplasia.....I'm certainly no expert though!!!!
Re: Question about puppy food... I was pretty wary about the whole protein thing to start with, but there doesn't seem to be any solid evidence for any of this - hyperactive behaviour, growth problems, etc etc. I think it was discussed a bit on the forum previously. Lilly is quite laid back in the house and I was concerned this might change if we changed her food to a higher protein one. She originally had a supermarket cheapie (hero) mixed with Pro-Plan, the reasons for this being lost in the mist of time LOL, but I wanted to change her onto a single dry kibble source. I deliberated over this for months and months as those that know me would attest, and eventually tried her with Orijin - hugely expensive but 80% meat sources 20% fruit/veg and NO grain. Obviously a higher protein content. Result.....absolutely NO change in behaviour and nice glossy coat. Cheapest we could get though was £57/13kg. Now thanks to a good friend, we have sourced a product called Eden Hollistic Pet Food which seems identical and is produced in the UK (the Orijin was Canadian), and comes in at £44/15kg bag which lasts us about 8 weeks - this is at a working dog price as we "bulk buy" together as a "pack". I think its £50/bag otherwise. We haven't noticed any difference having switched over and are very happy with it. It comes in small and medium kibble and apparently can be fed right from weaning although obviously have no experience of using it for pups. Its so difficult to make decisions on this as so many people have strong opinions, and all have different favorites. After all my research : I would be more wary about the grains and carbs in food rather than the protein. I am certainly no expert though, and only have the experience of the one dog. I guess if it was up to me though I would probably want to do raw feeding but there is no appetite for this among the rest of the (human) household!
Re: Question about puppy food... I would totally agree on the lack of evidence I think that's why there are so many opinions because there's little concrete proof one way or another. I'm certainly up for being set right on food (and most other things) anytime
Re: Question about puppy food... Thanks for all the answers guys. I've decided on skinners after reading some reviews and looking at ingredients. Hopefully she likes it
