protein

[brady]

I am sorry, but I am so confused. I have been reading about how we all feed our babys. How often can I (should I) add protein (chicken or fish) to Brady's food? Since he started with his limping (probably tired of hearing about that, sorry) we no longer add chicken or fish to his food. We do mix his food with yogurt, fruit, veggies and sometimes a can of vegetarian soup. There is some protein (very little) in the yogurt and the soup. I just don't want to mess him up. His dog food, Wellness has 22% protein/serving. When we first brought him home we were adding hamburg and yogurt to each of his meals. But the vet said that was too much protein. Like I said I just don't want to mess the poor guy up. If I fed him like I eat he would have to attend weight watchers along with me for the 100th time in my life...I'm just confused. Thank you
Pat

 

[caroanne]

I'm not sure if this will answer all your questions, but I posted a summary of a very good veterinary study article in the topic "back to basics/breed-specific feeding." It talks about levels of protein as well as all sorts of other stuff. It's about what you feed your large/giant-breed puppy and how that could relate to skeletal disease like hip dysplasia, etc.

Myself, I'm still trying to figure out what the "right" level of protein is!

Caroline

 

[brady]

Yes, I read the article and even printed it. It was great reading and helpful until I read the part about limited vitamin C and increased fat. He didn't say much on the protein, that is a real concern for me.
thank you

 

[caroanne]

Hi, I'm glad you found that article helpful! But I was referring to the veterinary article, the first one, the "Relationship of Nutrition to Skeletal Disease in Young Dogs." I find that article really good-- the other one I'm a little ambivalent on.

 

[sarnewfie]

Back when i had my first two newfoundlands in 86 i fed them 1/2 carton each of cottage cheese daily, sampson ofa good, he never had skeletal problems and lived to be 13 years and 2 months, mirranda a grey, had many health issues but none of them skeletal, i believe most of them due to the genetics of gray, she had skin problems, cysts on her ovaries, etc....
she was short lived due to severe thyroid problems.
in saying this, i have raised every pup since, on yogurt, the pup i have now gets three heaping tablespoons twice a day in his food, besides the food they get broccoli and green beans, at first they play with the veggies, but than they learn to eat them.
since i have followed this protocal and the same food i have always fed, i have not had skeletal problems, the pups are growing SLOW as they should, i would not worry about adding things to the food, unless you want to add veggies, or fruit.
i add 1/4 can of the canned wysong meat, once they are past the dangerous growth spurts becouse it is high in protein, the adults get the canned mixed with the dry daily twice.

 

[brady]

Thank you sarnewfie. Brady does like the yogurt mixed with fruits and veggies. We are staying away from the chicken and fish. He doesn't seem to miss them either. I think it was in my head.
Pat