Originally Posted by
dsgmm9
http:///forum/post/2759889
yes actually i was talking to you Al Mc. great danes do need less than 25% protein to help them grow as slow as possible to help prevent hip/elbow dysplasia. if you can show me one large breed puppy food, or for that matter any puppy food with less than 25% protein i will most likely use it but until then i have to stick with my vets advice, as well as the endless info on the internet about great dane nutrition.
It is not just the protein content. It is the total kcals per cup that is the determining factor. Protein along with carbohydrates and fat are what determines total calories in a unit of measure. Also, most large breed puppy foods have glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and MSM added as supplements that are not in many other puppy, maintenance, or low cal diets. These are very good for joint health in growing large breed dogs.
If you have confidence in your veterinarian I know that you will follow his/her advice. As for the internet, just like all the postings on this forum (including mine), they are not always accurate. I realize that I will not change your opinion, nor will you change mine. However, since other people read these forums I would ask them to keep an open mind and get advice from their veterinarian and not from your opinion or mine. I stand by my opinion that good quality large breed puppy foods are safe for giant breed dogs and they are what I suggest to my clients.
If you are serious about feeding a Large Breed puppy food if it contains less than 25% protein as you stated:
1. Innova 24%
2. Nature's Recipe 22%
3. Eagle Pack Holistic 23%
4. Eagle Pack regular 23%
5. Bil jac 24%
All are large breed puppy formulas that can be obtained at local pet food stores or by googling the words 'Pet' 'food' 'direct'. Of the foods mentioned above I would go for Innova. I find that the palitabilty of it appears to be superior to the other three and it is the easiest to find in local pet food stores.
I wish you and your pup a happy and healthy life.