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  1. #1
    Senior Dog Sue-Ram's Avatar
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    Would 38% protein be too high for a 9 y/o?

    Thinking of switching Ram to Merrick Beef & Sweet Potato dry which is 38/15. Is the higher protein better for keeping an older guy lean? Thanks.
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  2. #2
    Senior Dog Berna's Avatar
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    It depends on the quality of protein. However, I wouldn't put much faith in the protein in kibble, because honestly, I fed my dog a 40% protein grain-free kibble for a couple of months. He did appear leaner, but isn't protein there to feed the muscles? He didn't develop muscle mass, which I find pretty odd.

    If your dog is active he will do okay on a 38% protein kibble, as long as it's quality protein.
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  4. #3
    House Broken LuckyLuna's Avatar
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    I find my 13 year old golden Bentley does really well on kibbles with protein around the 28-32% range and fat around 16-18%. For the past 2 months he has been eating the Farmina N&D Wild Ancestral Cod ( a 30/18 formula) with good results.

    If your dog has no health problems and the kibble has decent quality of meat for its protein, then the 38% probably won't harm him; but I think you can maintain good muscle tone and mass with a somewhat lower protein percentage.

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  6. #4
    Real Retriever EmmaJo11's Avatar
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    I would do a urinalysis first before starting the food and then check it again a few months after feeding the food.
    My little 11yr old Border Collie is eating Fromm Game-Bird 29/17. I continue to check her urine every six months. I sent off a urine creAtine/ protein ratio just today on both dogs. If hers comes back bad then I will be changing her food.
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  8. #5
    Best Friend Retriever emma_Dad's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by EmmaJo11 View Post
    I would do a urinalysis first before starting the food and then check it again a few months after feeding the food.
    My little 11yr old Border Collie is eating Fromm Game-Bird 29/17. I continue to check her urine every six months. I sent off a urine creAtine/ protein ratio just today on both dogs. If hers comes back bad then I will be changing her food.
    Whats the purpose of this? I'm guessing it to see how much protein is in the urine. Extra protein isn't being absorbed and passed through the urine?

  9. #6
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    IMO-yes, 38% protein is too high for a 9 year old...unless he is seriously active.

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  11. #7
    Senior Dog Sue-Ram's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by coffeedogs View Post
    IMO-yes, 38% protein is too high for a 9 year old...unless he is seriously active.
    Just curious, what's in your rotation these days?
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  12. #8
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    I had my 3yo on Merrick Tx Beef with Sweet Potatoes. Did well for about a year then developed diarrhea and vomiting. We put her a on bland diet, rice and hamburger for 3 days, went to vet ($700 later) and back tracked to the Merrick. Google 'diarrhea and Merrick Dog food.' I was shocked. We just switched to Acada.

    We did check protein levels in urine and she did fine. Beautiful coat, happy etc. But were amazed at how her body reacted at the one year mark - how quickly and totally her body rejected it. And she wasn't the only one if you believe the posts on the web.

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    Sue-Ram (05-29-2014)

  14. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sue-Ram View Post
    Just curious, what's in your rotation these days?
    Currently in the rotation: Fromm Beef Frittata, Fromm Surf & Turf, From Salmon Tunalini, Fromm Gamebird, Fromm Lamb & Lentils, Earthborn Holistics Coastal Catch, Meadow Feast, Great Plains and Primitive Feast, Acana Pacific, Ranchlands and Grasslands and once in a while I throw in a bag of Merrick-either the duck, beef, buffalo or salmon & sweet potato.

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  16. #10
    Senior Dog Nancy0's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by coffeedogs View Post
    Currently in the rotation: Fromm Beef Frittata, Fromm Surf & Turf, From Salmon Tunalini, Fromm Gamebird, Fromm Lamb & Lentils, Earthborn Holistics Coastal Catch, Meadow Feast, Great Plains and Primitive Feast, Acana Pacific, Ranchlands and Grasslands and once in a while I throw in a bag of Merrick-either the duck, beef, buffalo or salmon & sweet potato.
    I don't think that's enough Gina - you should add more (wink, wink).

    Nancy

 



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