High protein diets have not been shown to cause kidney problems (although dogs on high protein do sometimes have a higher BUN). These diets are thought to exasperate a kidney problem that is already present. So you can just do bloodwork first and check. The problem with doing that is a large portion of dogs have some degree of kidney insufficiency by age 5, but it's too mild to show up on regular labs. So it's really a matter of what and your vet (or you and your veterinary nutritionist) are comfortable with.
I think if you dig into the Champion company, you'll find that the meat is probably not as great quality as what people think... Seems it's really nothing special. Whether or not the food is good for your pup should be decided by how your dog looks and the blood and urine results. If all is good and you have looked into and trust the company, then it might be a good food for your pup.
I would agree with your vet. Royal Canin is a great food (imo). I don't feed my dogs high protein and/or Orijen. I'd rather be a bit more careful with their kidneys and I trust RC much more for quality control and testing.
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