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  1. #11
    Senior Dog Maxx&Emma's Avatar
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    I completely missed the amount you are currently feeding and agree, that amount is close to half of what your puppy should be eating!
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    Ozzy - 10/2002 - 06/2011 - Rest well my sweet boy. You are forever remembered, forever missed, forever in my heart.

  2. #12
    House Broken LuckyLuna's Avatar
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    As others have said, large breed puppy food typically isn't needed or formulated to best feed labs. The low amount of calcium in the Iams Large Breed Puppy would concern me. I would look for a kibble with 26-28 % protein and 16-18% fat and calcium roughly in the range of 1.2 - 1.6. There are numerous brands to choose from.

    This is a very important time in your puppy's growth and it is certainly possible to safely transition him to a new kibble that provides him what he needs.

  3. #13
    Puppy kwillia's Avatar
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    Thanks so much for all your input. It is much appreciated. I started this morning on the PP Focus Puppy food. 1/2 and 1/2. IAMS didn't have the calcium level so that is the main reason I switched. I also increased is food to 3 cups a day. (He probably gets a 1/4 cup of treats throughout the day which is his dogfood). I use this for training.

    Tucker may be on the small side. He did double his weight at the 3 month check-in which is what the VET wanted him to do. He was 17.5 lbs. then. We will see what his weight does in 2 weeks.

  4. #14
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    Starting out my new lab on Medium puppy food. Hoping the transition to the new food works well for your pup. Agree 100% with Luckyluna that this is a very important time for the pup's growth.

    KAZ

  5. #15
    Senior Dog Georgia's Avatar
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    I raised Sam on Focus large breed puppy. In my totally unbiased assessment, he was a gorgeous puppy! The large breed puppy formula is 28/13 protein/fat. Sam is now on the Focus large breed adult. I've tried other Pro Plan formulas and like the Focus large breed best for him.
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  6. #16
    Senior Dog
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    If large breed puppy food works for you, great! I'll stick with the recommendations of the breeder. It's readily available and no issues of getting the stock.

    Big or medium, if it works for your pup, and your pup is feeding well, healthy, growing strong, you got it!

    Doesn't have to be a certain brand, as long as it agrees with the pups metabolism. Of course, not disregarding the necessities that are in the food.

    Good Luck!

    KAZ

  7. #17
    Senior Dog windycanyon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kwillia View Post
    Thanks for you input. The breeder does like IAMS and has kept some of his dogs on the IAMS adult food. He has had 3 litters that I know of and I was looking for more input from years of experience from a breeder. I can tell you my last lab was lanky had arthritis at a very early age. elbow and hip problems. That breeder had never had any issues with his dogs. (12 years ago). I believe I did contribute to his problems because he did get a little over weight as a pup and I was feeding him kibble and bits per vet. He also was neutured at 6 mos (not sure if that is something I need to think about too)

    Back to Tucker, I want to get the right portions in him. IAM Large Breed Puppy are formulated with 0.8 to 0.9% calcium and 0.7% phosphorus . Is this sufficient?

    Everywhere I read, pups should have around 1.2%, Iams also at 26/14% for protein/fat. I'm thinking the fat should be closer to 16%. Everyones input is greatly appreciated. I can't believe I'm so indecisive about this.
    The proper RATIO of Ca: P is 1.2:1.0. Not levels... The levels in Iams/Euk work for many of us.
    As for fat, again, 14% or so works for many of us.

 



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