Switching from Orijen LBP to...?

[smitty24]

We've had our 9mo boy Huxley for almost a month now and one of the first things we did was switch him from the food his previous owners were feeding him to Orijen LBP. It took almost 2 weeks to switch completely, and now he has finished his first bag of Orijen. It's hard to find around here, and I'm not sure it's agreeing with him. He seems to LOVE it, but his stools are still soft and plentiful, not to mention very strong smelling. He stinks up the whole back yard when he goes! I'm thinking of trying something new, but not sure what. I read and read this forum, but I'm a bit overwhelmed. It seems folks really like California Natural, and I can get it easily here, so I was considering that. One thing about the Orijen is it has several different protein sources. Would switching to something with just one source possibly help? I'm not sure which way to go. Another I was considering before we tried Orijen was Solid Gold. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated!

[Patty/Breeder]

Are you sure you are not feeding too much of the Orijen? Over feeding can cause loose stools. Did you compare the calories per cup of the Orijen to the old food when switching?

Cal Nat. is a great food but IMO 21% protein in the adult formula is not enough for a growing Lab (or a senior).

If you think you may be over feeding the Orijen and cutting back helps - why not order it on line if its hard to get in your area?

[smitty24]

I think we're feeding the correct amount. We compared calories with the old stuff when we switched. We're feeding 2 cups a day, plus around another 1/4-1/2 cup or so throughout the day I use for training and playing. So about 2 1/4-2 1/2 cups of kibble a day. I'd hate to cut him back any more than what he's at now. His weight has been fine. He's gained about 3 or 4 pounds since we got him, but he's getting MUCh more exercise and looks healthier. 21% protein might be a bit too low I suppose. Any other thoughts or recommendations? Thanks!

[Patty/Breeder]

Maybe a grain free with a little less protein and fat would benefit your dog's stools.

What about Acana - made by same company that makes Orijen. I know the protein is lower but not sure on the fat.

It could be that Orijen just does not agree with your dog.

www.championpetfoods.com

[cjb0arder13]

I just switched my boys to Taste of the Wild Salmon. It's grain free. Not sure how available it would be for you, but it's a good food and not SUPER expensive. The boys' poop is nice and firm, and doesn't really have an odor at all.

After doing a little more reading on the board, I think I'll rotate the main ingredient TOTW (so next time, I'll try the Bison I think) as I heard that feeding salmon/fish too often can cause increased mercury levels.

Good luck! The hunt for a good, affordable food is a tough one, and can cause intense debate

[LadyBuckeye]

Or, since the CN is readily available, consider the Puppy Formulas - either chicken or lamb - higher in protein, and an All Life Stages food and can be fed to a dog of any age.

[LuckyLuna]

I'd have to agree that the California Natural PUPPY formulas that have the protein and fat a growing dog needs is an option. Also the Acana grain-free (I've had good success with the Acana Prairie Harvest) with 34% protein and 17% fat is a good option to try if you're trying to keep the carb levels on the lower side, but not quite as low as Orijen. Also, the 3.5% fiber in the Acana might be helpful.

[Doppler]

How was he doing before the Orijen LBP? Some dogs don't do well on grain free foods.

[smitty24]

Wow, thanks for all the input! On his old food his stool was, um...plentiful. It didn't have the horrific odor though. I like the CN puppy as an option, or possibly the Acana. I had looked at the TOTW stuff before and was interested. I'm going to head to the pet food store later today, so I'll double check and see what all they carry. I'm pretty sure they carry all of them as they have a good selection.

[smitty24]

Thanks again for the help. We decided to try the Acana praire harvest. I like the grain free, and it's still high protein but not so much as Orijen. Plus there are other flavors of Acana we can rotate him on if this works out. Hope he does well on it!

[crazysage]

zen went from orijen puppy to orijen regular and was doing great, but he slowly started to get more and more gassy, and lost interest in eating from time to time

we suspected it may have been building up an intolerance to chicken

Orijen red has not been made available locally yet, and when it is I was told it was going to be over $90 for the 30lb bag, which is insance

we switched over the last month or so to evo red, and he loves it, and is doing great
his poops are small and even firmer then when on the orijen

for now we have a winner!

[bearsowner]

Originally Posted by crazysage

zen went from orijen puppy to orijen regular and was doing great, but he slowly started to get more and more gassy, and lost interest in eating from time to time

we suspected it may have been building up an intolerance to chicken

Orijen red has not been made available locally yet, and when it is I was told it was going to be over $90 for the 30lb bag, which is insance

we switched over the last month or so to evo red, and he loves it, and is doing great
his poops are small and even firmer then when on the orijen

for now we have a winner!

OOPS, just noticed you are already feeding EVO RED

$3.00 a lb. for dog food IS insane.

Have you checked the price of EVO Red?

Others on here who feed it say it is a great food.

Here is the link to EVO RED:

http://www.evopet.com/products/default.asp?id=1490

42% protein

22% fat

The fat content is a little high, but still reasonable.

527 k/cals per cup

Crude Protein (min) 42 % Crude Fat (min) 22 % Crude Fiber (max) 2.5 % Moisture (max) 10 % Linoleic Acid (Omega-6 Fatty Acid) (min) 1.2 % Carbohydrates NFE (max) 15 % Vitamin E (min) 300 IU/kg Vitamin C (min) 500 mg/kg Omega-3 Fatty Acids (min) 0.4 % Docosahexaenoic Acid (min) 0.1 % Total Microorganisms (min) 90,000,000
CFU/lb

EVO has come out with a Herring and Salmon formula.....only 18% fat and protein still at 42%.

[JRabDawg]

I hate to hijack this thread, but I think our issue is the same.

We are feeding Orijen LBP and the poos are massive. They started firm, then get soft and then runny each time he poos. That was when we were feeding 1cup morning and 1cup evening. We have had our now 13wk puppy on the OLBP for over 2wks and for the last week cut him back to 1/2cup 3x per day and this poos are still soft. We are thinking about switching him to something else. Someone recommended Petcurean "Now!" Grain free, but it seems to be more veggies than meat, but it is 28% protein. We are thinking about either Innova or Blue Buffalo....We just want solid poos!.... Help!!! Thanks!

[Milo]

Acana is a great food. I have had huge success with it. My pups poos were loose too and cutting back by as little as 1/4 a cup can make a huge difference.

[smitty24]

Hijack away, it's relevant! I'll let you know if Acana works for Huxley. I think OLBP was just too rich for him. Good Luck!