When to increase protein levels.

[ptbug]

I cannot seem to find a consensus on when to change my pups food. When do folks raise the protein levels. He is currently on Nutro that is 21%. He is 5 1/2 months.

thanks.

[gmac]

I've been told to boost it to around 25-26% at a year.

[sasman]

Is he doing well with the Nutro 21? If so, why change it?

[Mom x 2]

<When do folks raise the protein levels>

I was definitely under the impression that the majority of people stayed with the low pro food for life. Am I wrong?

Cindy

[JLI]

I prefer staying with the low until 2yrs BUT reevaluate based on the dogs growth. Once I'm sure they have all skeletal growth (over 18mos), I evaluate condition. On my 2, after 18mos, they were still skin and bones and picky eaters and I was increasing their activity level so I upped the protein to 25% at 2yrs and now both have much better condition based on the little they eat. There's no set rule, depends on your dog and his/her growth. I always like mine on the lean side anyway.

[gusschwabedvm]

You should never need to increase protein levels, except in certain circumstances. When the pup is done growing at the end of adolescence he should then be on an adult food, but that's what he should be on now.
If your Dane is a true Working dog, with a very high physical demand for energy, like a working sheep dog or a sled dog running the Iditerod then you'll need to increase the protein and fat. The average house pet, show dog, obedience or agility dog will do fine on moderate levels of protein.

[ddpost]

Would there be any problems feeding a high protein food to the average pet? He IS very energetic, and still on the lean side. He was a desperately sick and needy fellow when I first got him at 18 months, and now a year later, he looks and feels great. I'm still feeding him 30% protein, 20% fat. Would this cause a problem? All seems well with him at this time, and wouldn't want to change his diet unless there is a reason. Advice welcomed! Please.......

Dawn