Question about the protein in Innova Evo

[RowdysMom]

I have a question, about Innova Evo dry.

Innova Evo has a protein content of 42% and 22% fat. The protein amount, 42% seems too high to me. I bought a bag of Innova Evo and gave a small amount to Rowdy and he got very sick. I had noted the protein content was very high, but the food was highly recommended by the natural food pet store and it is highly recommended here too, so I thought it would be OK. Anyway, I did not feed him anymore but have since wondered about that high protein content. If anyone with more knowledge on this would respond, I'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

[chattiesmom]

How long after you gave Rowdy the Innova did he get sick? Was it about 2 hours?

[cindy0721]

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

How long after you gave Rowdy the Innova did he get sick? Was it about 2 hours?

Just curious what would that mean? Gizmo's tummy did not react good to Innova Puppy, we had to put him on California Natural Chk & rice...... still hasn't been a week since the change, but when he was on Innova pup he got runny stool for at least 2 days....

[chattiesmom]

I was just curious. When a dog gets violently ill about 2 hours after eating a high protein meal it is an indicator of liver problems. I would watch what is going on and perhaps talk to the vet about doing some blood work, and if the ##'s indicated it necessary do a bile acid test.

I am sure that there are 1,000's of reasons besides liver problems, but it is something to consider.

[RowdysMom]

No, it was longer than that, can't remember for sure. He's been tested for liver issues - he had some weakness in his back legs, which we have since decided happened after he jumped off a high bed. Anyway, we had his liver stuff checked out when that happened and he is A-OK.

Of course, his illness may not have been related to Innova Evo at all - it was just that it was the only thing different in his diet/environment. And I was concerned about the high protein content - so I never tried it again. Also, the kibbles are pretty big and he prefers small ones.

[chattiesmom]

RowdysMom -- I am so very glad to hear that Rowdy is A-OK. It is a very scary thing to have a sick baby.

[RowdysMom]

Does anyone know if the protein content 42% is OK or is it high?

[chattiesmom]

I think we need a consultation with a certified canine nutritionist. And even then I am sure we would disagree. LOL

Sorry, I can't answer your question, I can only tell you that my three have been eating it for over a year (well Peppy has been on it since he got here in July) and we have had no problems.

[chattiesmom]

It would be murder for a dog with liver problems, though, that much I can tell you.

[RowdysMom]

In humans - high protein would be hard on the kidneys. I wonder if the same is true for dogs???

[mhorst]

I was at the feed store today buying some Innova Puppy and discussed the Innova Evo with the lady there. She said that the Innova Evo is the Adkin's Diet for dogs. She gave me a sample for our older Yorkie, Chase who is 2 to 3 lbs overweight. I thought of trying it on him.

Now I'm worried however, because he had liver and kidney problems this summer from a virus. The last bloodwork showed everything to be back to normal.

The poor guy went through so much this past summer, I don't want to make him sick again.

Chattie's Mom, did any of your furbabies have a weight problem before the Evo? If so, did it help?

[chattiesmom]

I am sure that high protein is hard on kidneys, too.

When protein is procesed in the body, the byproduct is ammonia. The liver's job is to remove the ammonia. When the liver doesn't function properly ammonia builds up in the blood system. Ammonia is toxic.

[chattiesmom]

No weight problem, but please please, do not feed the Innova EVO to your dogs if you know they have liver/kidney problems. Talk with your vet first and have their blood profiles done to be sure -- if it was an illness that caused the kidney/liver problem and not a permanent problem, then it might be ok, but always err on the side of caution, talk to your vet and have the test done before feeding high protein.

From what my vet has told me one high protein meal to a dog with liver/kidney disease can be fatal.

[JHurtt]

I use Innova Evo and have been for just under a year. It is my understanding that a high protein diet for dogs is very beneficial, but if someone knows differently I would love to hear it. As far as loose stools with this food, I read before starting my pups on this stuff that most dogs need time to adjust to this food because it is very rich. To be on the safe side I very slowly started mixing it in with what I used to use and eventually they were able to go 100% on this.

[Yorkieville200]

Originally Posted by RowdysMom

Does anyone know if the protein content 42% is OK or is it high?

I feel the protein is too high for Yorkies, so, I went to Barnes & Noble and went through about 6 books on Yorkies, and each author stated protein shouldn't be higher than 22% for adult Yorkies, and 28% for Yorkie puppies.

I've also read, that these diets are too new in dogs, that we won't know the long term effects for some time.

My girls are older (7 & almost 10) so, I'm not taking any chances.