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Originally Posted by ChocoMilk  Can I ask you where you got this information? I'm currently feeding my puppies Solid Gold Hunchen flock puppy formula bc of its many good reviews, and I wasn't sure if I want to change to orijen on the next bag since everyone talks about how great it is. I am still hesistant on high protein diet because of the controversy, and like brister said, because it is easy to overfeed. I'm currently free-feeding them (and probably will, for the rest of their lives) and I don't have time to measure the right amount each day, so I'm not sure if they'll overeat and get sick. |
I honestly can't remember....a little more than 2 yrs ago is when I did extensive research on foods. Bella was still a puppy, and I was trying to filter through all of the info I had read on YT. I ended up doing a LOT of research, and that's one of the things that really stuck with me, because at the time she was a puppy. Shortly after I did all that research (it literally couldn't have been more than a week or 2) I found out through her pre-spay bloodwork that she had a problem with her liver, which led to a whole lot MORE research.....and obviously, at that point our options were a lot more limited.
Because of that, I wouldn't switch to high protein, grain free until the pups were 8 months old. Beyond that, it really is a personal decision. My honest opinion is, my dogs at least aren't athletes. Going on brisk walks is the extent of their athleticism, so they don't need a high protein diet. Agility dogs and working dogs probably would really benefit from it though. Also, I've read a lot of differing opinions on whether dogs and their ancestors (wolves) ate grain, etc..., so that just boils down to what makes sense to you and what you're comfortable with. I know some dogs have underlying kidney issues that causes them to go into kidney failure when switched to grain free.....not ALL dogs, but some. For me, it's not worth the risk. I suppose I might be more comfortable going grain free (I certainly am not AGAINST it by any means...it's just a personal choice) if I had a complete work up done (including labs) to make sure there weren't any kidney issues at all beforehand. But, again, that isn't an option for us anyway, so luckily I don't have to make that decision anymore. I will say, I did entertain the option of doing the patties that you thaw for Bella before she was diagnosed, though, so I may have ended up doing it.
As you said, kibble is a LOT easier than any other way to feed. I free feed mine...they each have their own plates, and they're not allowed to eat of the other's plate. Bella leaves hers and eats when she feels like it...she's always been that way, and she looks and feels super healthy, so I know it has nothing to do with her MVD...it's just how she is. Maya on the other hand generally eats what you put on her plate, so I have a set amount that I will give her over the course of a day. Right now, I allow her to have quite a bit more than Bella eats because she's still a puppy. If she's acts like she's hungry, I give her more. Bella self regulates....she'll only eat a certain amount and then leave the rest, so I never have to worry about her overeating. I said all that to say, I free feed mine also, BUT I measure out each amount I put on their plates. It would be a lot harder with several puppies I imagine, and I don't think that's necessary. Measuring the amounts out allows me to know how much they're both eating each day, which it's important to me to know that so I know they're both ok.
