After clearing the flea issues, Austin still had a red belly and scratches a lot. I have a topical spray that now helps relieve the itching. I have been reading here and at the Fire Hydrant about sensitivities to corn, wheat, and soy, and have decided to try EVO and eliminate all grains, then bring some back under controled conditions. At 42% protien, the reviews say "Not recommended for puppies", yet I read where some of the board breeders feed 20 pounds of puppy food, then move to adult.

At 7.5 mo, and 47 pounds, is Austin a candidate for EVO if I transition slowly from the SD puppy I'm feeding now?

At 7.5 mo, and 47 pounds, is Austin a candidate for EVO if I transition slowly from the SD puppy I'm feeding now?The protein isn't the problem -it's actually the high levels of calcium that can be dangerous for growing large breed puppies. If this was my puppy, I'd wait. While the studies indicate the most damage occurs before 6 months, most recommendations are to wait until close to 12 months before assuming the puppy has gained the ability to excrete excess calcium.

The old practice of transitioning from puppy food to adult food doesn't really mean as much as it used to. Reading the nutrient profiles for individual foods can be more helpful than just going by the names "puppy" or "adult" on the bags. A lot of good adult foods are lformulated "for maintenance of adult dogs only" and aren't appropriate for growing puppies, some adult foods have too much calcium for large breed puppies, etc... And, conversely, all regular puppy foods are really "all life stages" foods and can be fed throughout a dog's life. (Clear as mud, eh?)

If you want a grain free for a younger dog, check Orijen. I thought I read someone's post somewhere that Origen has much lower calcium levels than EVO or Nature's Variety. EVO I think runs about 3% calcium, NV about 2.5%. I am not sure on Orijen but look it up.

Evo has 3.3% calcium and I agree its too high for a 7.5 month old.

However, Orijen www.championfoods.com (http://www.championfoods.com) has formulas with 1.4 to 1.8 calcium which would be a better choice for a growing pup.

The other thing is the calcium/phosphorous ratio in these foods and according to a vet that studies this (from www.naturesfarmacy.com (http://www.naturesfarmacy.com)) that is a more important issue and he feels both the above foods are safe for growing pups as well as Natures Variety Instinct (2.49% cal).

I tend to err on the side of caution where the Evo and NV are concerned and would wait till your pup is at least a year or go with the Orijen now instead.

FYI - I am in contact with a friend and a breeder feeding the Orijen and they both love it. The breeder has fed this to weaned litters and pups are developing properly.

What is he currently eating?

Currently on Science Diet, Puppy Large Breed. Plus 2 shoes, 1 boot, numerous plushies.

Thanks Patty, for the Orijen reference. It sounds just what I need.