I went to the store intending to purchase Innova puppy or Canidae, but was talked into Pinnacle Puppy/Adult Trout and Sweet Potatoe, but now I hear that puppies should have higher protein content. Any advice?

Puppies do need a good protein source, but I can't remember the percentage...I think 23% is OK, but not sure, hopefully someone else will chime in.

But I want to pass on to you what my vet said. He asked me to stay away from exotic diets (like duck, trout, sweet potato). He treats a lot of food allergies and he likes to save those items to use for ellimination diets if a dog develops food allergies. An ellimination diet requires foods that the dog has never eaten. We had to do this with Scooby.

Oh, that is good to know...I was talked into the brand by the pet store after I had initally wanted Innova...thanks!

I was told and have read to shoot around 30% protein and 20% fat for puppies.
Most foods I've seen lately have around 20-25%/10-15%.

The California Naturals I'm feeding my 10wk old pup is 26/16. Although It seems it's too rich for him. His stools have been very loose/soft. I transitioned over a week and a ½. That may have not been enough time, but I finally empty the bag on the other stuff he was on. I'm going to give it another week or so before I make another change.

Like humans ... quality supercedes quantity ... some will say protein is protein. I strongly disagree !!! There are simple proteins and complex proteins. They are two very different animals. I have always thought of it this way:

Simple protein = NATURAL PRODUCT
Complex = MAN MADE

I have a boxer with kidney issues and has fought pancreatitis. She was on Purina NF for over a year after a kidney injury. The NF has a "more simple" protein source. She never gained weight back and was active, but not boxer active. We then switched our all of the dogs (3 boxers) over to Muenster which is what Shiner was eating. Even more simple protein source. She got WAAAY more active, gained weight and is very alert now. Her blood tests got significantly better after the switch as well. She is as active as her "brother" Dallas that is 5yo ... and she is 11yo !!! Look for simple protein sources ... think non-man made.

There is absolutely no reason to give a puppy an exotic protein source because if you give it now and later have problems, you don't have much else to try. Chicken is highly digestible and I would look for a food that has 26% protein, even higher is OK. Just keep an eye on the calcium. Shouldn't be higher than 1.5%. You could do Canidae or even Nature's Variety Praire Chicken/Brown Rice.

The store should take back the bag you bought with no problems. Tell if it's open, just tell them it make your dog sick and swap it out. The store I shop at will take anything back, NO Questions.

If you are interested in trying Nature's Variety, here is a link to a coupon:
http://www.naturesvariety.com/tryit/

I feed my weaned pups 28% protein and switch over to adult at 6 months.

I would go with a higher protein than the 23%. At least 26% or higher.

Keep in mind when switching foods to compare the cal/cup to be sure you are feeding the same amount of calories per day or you could end up over feeding which can cause loose stools.

I have always fed a chicken based food and I do agree with staying away from the exotic so you have something to fall back on if your dog ever developes issues.