Too much protein???

[Mojolim]

I have been feeding Jin-Ju Royal Canin puppy food that was given to her from the breeder. I recently went into Bark n' Fitz and noticed a food called Orijen. So I did some research and saw some great reviews about it. But when I looked closely, I saw that the protein was 42%. Otherwise, all the ingredients in this food seem to be great. Is this too much protein to be feeding such a small puppy? Or even a fully grown toy breed? I would like to switch her to an all natural food without any by products. Any suggestions? How much protein should a puppy be getting anyhow? I really would like to know (I'm running out of Royal Canin!) so I can run out and by some more food!

[yorkieK9trainer]

42% is TOO much for any breed. (unless you were raising an athlete that was working out on a regular basis)

It takes a toll on their kidneys and bones.
I'd ask a nutritionalist, not just your vet unless he went back to school specifically for nutrition.

[Mojolim]

So what is a good food to feed a puppy? She almost 14 weeks old and 2 lbs.

[Mojolim]

Oh, and where can I go to by good quality pet food?

[yorkieK9trainer]

Usually some of the better quality foods aren't found at chain stores. So if you have a feed store near you, that's probably where I'd check first.
Otherwise, if you shop at PetCo, I'd personally recommend Dick Van Patten's "Natural Balance". It has three protein sources in the first four ingredients which is FABULOUS and the quality of each is there. Further your protein count isn't too high or too low for a growing or mature house dog.
The fat content is somewhat high, but overall if your dog metabolism is even average he/she should be just fine on their weight. If you spay/neuter at a young age (under 16 months) then you may have to modify their diet some otherwise these dogs do tend to become a touch obese on an otherwise healthy kibble.

A good rule of thumb to remember is that "What works well for one dog doesn't always work well for the next." Just because you're feeding a high quality kibble, doesn't mean that it will work well for her. It all depends on what is in it. And there are so many great dry dog foods out there now that you have a good selection while still sticking to a good food.

Send me an e-mail if you want to chat further on this. I'd have to ask you a bunch more questions and then go from there. I can send you links to check out any recommended diets for your dog specifically.

Remember that the nutritional debate is ongoing. The food market is ever changing in our canine community as new studies are done and new companies creep up.

Best of luck-

[lizziepooh_1]

I'm not an expert, but I've neard that too much protein is not good for our little guys. If you go to that dog food analysis site (I'm sure someone has the URL, or you could run a search for it) It is receommended you feed a 4 or 5 star food. the 6 star foods are excellent quality but contain too much protein. Good luck in your search!