[Michael G]

I have a 19 week old male Golden Retriever puppy. He is lean and healthy. I have him on the Hovan Slow Grow diet plan. Ms. Hovan specifically said to switch him on an off of Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Food and Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food. I would like to know if any knowledgeable members agree with this or would suggest another food for him. I am looking for the best way to keep him healthy and active for as many years as possible. This can be tricky for Golden Retrievers. Any knowledgeable help given is much appreciated! Thank you!!!

[Hound Dog Mom]

Check out the large breed puppy thread: /forums/topic/large-and-giant-breed-puppy-nutrition/

[Michael G]

Hound Dog Mom,

Thank you very much for your reply. I had already checked out that thread, but was wondering if anyone had any answers specific to my dog and questions. I would love to hear from you on this!!! Thank you!!!!!

[aquariangt]

Short answer: I wouldn’t use either of those brands.

Switching in and out is definitely good, but you need to make sure it complies with the proper calcium levels. HDMs most recent document is on page 15 of that thread, and pick a few things off that and rotate through there

[matt n]

I suggest looking through the thread the others are suggesting. That’s what I’ve had to do with the absence of response to my own questions.

I might be wrong but these are the conclusions I’ve drawn for what to feed my puppy (poodle/GR mix).

A raw food diet is probably the “best”…if you have unlimited funds. For myself, I tried to find a balance of affordability, healthiness, and convenience. As a result I’ve narrowed it down to these dry foods…

Annamaet Grain-Free Aqualuk
Annamaet Grain-Free Salcha Poulet
Dr. Tim’s Kinesis
Dr. Tim’s Kinesis Grain-Free
Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch
Earthborn Holistic Meadow Feast
Nature’s Variety Instinct
Victor Select
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Puppy

I’ll eventually try all of these and see which my puppy does best on. If that’s too much trial and error for you, I’d go with Dr. Tim’s Kinesis.

As far as I can tell, grain free vs grain inclusive usually only matters if your pup has issues with grains or if you’re into the “fads.”

But once again this is just my observations from perusing the forums.

• This reply was modified 10 years, 3 months ago by matt n.

[DogFoodie]

Hi Michael,

Did you look at the list of approved foods on the LBP forum? Hound Dog Mom put it together after she specifically researched foods with Calcium levels that were appropriate for large breed puppies. All of the foods on the list are four and five star.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwApI_dhlbnFTXhUdi1KazFzSUk/edit?pli=1

[Michael G]

I did access this thread and found the suggested information. Thank you for the help!

[Michael G]

Matt, thank you. Are any of these specifically for large breed puppys?

[aquariangt]

It doesn’t matter so much if it’s specifically a large breed puppy food or not. As long as it has the AAFCO profile for growth and hits the necessary nutrients (specifically calcium) they are noted as acceptable. In fact, many LBP foods AREN’T appropriate for what they are aiming for. All of those Matt listed would work for your golden pup

[DogFoodie]

If you’re specifically interested in the foods that Matt listed, I would double check them against the list I gave you the link to as not all of those he listed have appropriate Calcium levels for a LBP.

[aquariangt]

I didn’t double check, thanks Betsy 🙂

so to edit my post: any of them matt listed but are on the list, would be good options

[aimee]

Hi Michael,

I’d never head of that plan before. Interesting that she recommended those two brands. I’ve always had Labs and used to show them. My show pal showed Mastiffs. I’ve raised my pups on Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy and she used Eukaneuba LBP.

When I attended a Mastiff national specialty I asked each breeder I saw what food they recommended for Mastiff pups. Each one said Eukaneuba LBP.

The Lab breeders I got my pups from and others I knew from the show circuit all used Pro Plan.

Interesting that this plan rotates between these two brands.

I’ve always had good results with Pro Plan.

[InkedMarie]

I don’t think much of those two foods; IMO there are much better foods for a similar price. I urge you to use foods on HDM’s list.

[Cyndi]

I agree with Inked Marie. The foods on HDM’s list are much better than Eukanuba or Purina. I wouldn’t use Purina anything, even if you paid me to.

[LabsRawesome]

Hi Michael, I would pick 3 or 4 from HDM’S LBP list. My dogs do great on Victor, Earthborn, Dr. Tim’s GF. Check her list for specific formulas, that are LBP appropriate. 🙂

[Michael G]

My puppy is now 8 months old. I have had him on Dr. Tim’s Kinesis for two months. He loves it. His stools were runny for a couple weeks at the beginning and for a couple weeks a month into it. As he is almost through his supply I am looking to switch foods. I am thinking of trying Victor Select Lamb Meal and Brown Rice with Chicken Meal, 40-pound next. Three questions…

Does this Victor Select sound like it will be a good selection for him?

If so, where would be the best place online to find it for the best price?

To what age would this diet be appropriate for him?

Any help is much appreciated!!! Thank you!!!!!

[Susan]

Hi Michael did his poos finally firm up?? If not, maybe pick a kibble with a bit lower protein% & fat% then Dr Tims, it may be too rich for his stomach/bowel causing the runny poos…
Also when adding a new food, do it over 7-9 days still adding his old food, so it wont cause any runny poos..add 1/4 cup of the new kibble mixed with his old food for 2-3 days, then 1/2 cup new mixed with old for 2-3 days etc…

[Michael G]

Susan,

Yes, his stools have firmed. I am going to try him on Victor Select Chicken next, which should be a little lower protein and fat content. Thank you for the suggestion.

Mike

[Ed W]

Has any one tried Acana Puppy Large Breed Formula . I would like to here back on any ones thoughts . Thank you Ed .

[Norbert S]

Hi
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http://topelevenreviews.com/dog-food/

[Dias Kernel]

Hi
I read many helpful topic on the following website, I hope its help
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