Recommended protein and fat % in dog food?

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by sassypup

Wow Crystal, that is fascinating. So isn't what is on the label misconstrued/false advertising then? I mean some dogs, like little dogs can possibly get really sick if an owner isn't aware that water is factored into the %

I don't think it is wrong because a dog food company would want the protein to look higher in most cases. In the case of Evo canned it is 9%. If they would have converted it for you on the can they could've said it is 41% protein which looks better (for grain free feeders). So, I think they have to put moisture content and it is just the preferred way of doing it I guess.

Science Diet converts their foods for you on their site.
I know, not the best food but it is a nice thing to do.

This is why when feeding canned you have to feed so much more volume.
Moisture isn't calories, vitamins or minerals, so it can't be counted.

I do think they should put both versions on the cans though, because you are correct, a small dog who can't handle fat well would be in trouble if the owner didn't know how to calculate dry matter.

[cindybell]

Hi!
Please correct me if I am wrong, but I thought that toy dogs were not supposed to have a high protein dog food because it is too much strain on
their kidneys. On dog food analaysis, the top of the line dog food, it says
it should only be given to large dogs because of the high protien content.
Someone help! Thanks

Cindy

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by cindybell

Hi!
Please correct me if I am wrong, but I thought that toy dogs were not supposed to have a high protein dog food because it is too much strain on
their kidneys. On dog food analaysis, the top of the line dog food, it says
it should only be given to large dogs because of the high protien content.
Someone help! Thanks

Cindy

There are two sides to that.
One side says dogs are carnivores and no amount of protein will hurt them as long as there isn't underlying liver or kidney disease.

The other side says too much protein causes kidney problems.

There really aren't any studies showing that high protein causes kidney problems (so far) but the general consensus is to reduce protein if a kidney problem is diagnosed because it may make the problem worse.

I am somewhere in the middle.
If someone could show me a study from a major university stating that dogs live longer on high protein, I might go along with saying that is best. But, I don't really see these studies.

I think if you feed high protein or mdoerate protein, you are taking a chance either way because I personally see some lack of science on both sides (solid answers). It is probably out there somewhere, but who wants to flip through textbooks all day and find the answers?

So it is really owner preference.

[YorkichonBella]

Thanks for the insight on this from all of you! It can be so confusing! We want to do the Best for our Babies.

[sjthrash]

Howdy, y'all! This is fascinating info. I just started Cujo on the canned EVO (weaned him off the vet recommended Science Diet) and he just loves it. However, he is a little overweight (9.4) so I'm not sure I'm doing him any favors now that I see how to analyze the analysis on the can! His skin & hair have really improved, tho?? What to do. He only gets about 2 Tbs as I split the can between 4 dogs. He also has kibble available at all times & seems to prefer it. I've been trying different kinds but he is finicky & he likes the Science Diet!!! What to do? I've cut back on his evening "cookies". Oh, by the way, he will be 9 yrs old in Dec. I'm in love with this little guy and only want the best for him at any cost. Any recommendations?

[luvfla]

Where can i buy these foods? After reading the posts...Science Diet is DEAD to me!

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by sjthrash

Howdy, y'all! This is fascinating info. I just started Cujo on the canned EVO (weaned him off the vet recommended Science Diet) and he just loves it. However, he is a little overweight (9.4) so I'm not sure I'm doing him any favors now that I see how to analyze the analysis on the can! His skin & hair have really improved, tho?? What to do. He only gets about 2 Tbs as I split the can between 4 dogs. He also has kibble available at all times & seems to prefer it. I've been trying different kinds but he is finicky & he likes the Science Diet!!! What to do? I've cut back on his evening "cookies". Oh, by the way, he will be 9 yrs old in Dec. I'm in love with this little guy and only want the best for him at any cost. Any recommendations?

Two tbls. may not hurt but Evo canned is so high in fat that I would skip it personally.

[sjthrash]

Thanks so much for your input. Any recommendations? Sandie

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by sjthrash

Thanks so much for your input. Any recommendations? Sandie

I like Evangers canned but anything could be recalled tomorrow, so I really don't trust any of it.

[sjthrash]

Hey, do I HAVE to put a title up there? I'm new at this!!
I subscribe to The Whole Dog Journal & the Evanger's is on their list of recommended canned foods so I'll give it a try. Again, my thanks for your input! Sandie

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by sjthrash

Hey, do I HAVE to put a title up there? I'm new at this!!
I subscribe to The Whole Dog Journal & the Evanger's is on their list of recommended canned foods so I'll give it a try. Again, my thanks for your input! Sandie

You're welcome and you only have to title new threads, not new posts, so no you don't have to.