Can't decide on a Brand of dry food

[nkowacich]

I've done some research, and it says gain free food is best for dogs. Can someone explain to me why?
I have a 5 month old boxer, and currently feeding him Purina Puppy Chow, i feel like he needs more nutrition and fat that he's not getting right now. And his stools are always changing with this food, he'll have super soft stools, and then normal ones. It's weird.
Also, I have some brands of foods that i chose and i don't know which one i should buy. Wellness Core is a great grain free food, rated 6 Star for dry dog food. Sounds promising.
Innova Puppy formula is rated 5 Star. My cat eats the cat version, and is doing well with it.
Merrick food rated 5 Star. Not grain free, don't know anything about that food.

Can someone please help me?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!

 

[doofershuman]

We use Blue Buffalo Freedom which is grain free because I kept reading online that Boxers are more prone to having grain/corn allergies and it just seemed easier to avoid them right away. He was on Puppy Chow when he came home and his poo was ALWAYS soft and gross. Our vet and the people at the pet store all told me that it is just not a good brand..lowest quality. Plus he was extra gassy while on it. We had him switched over after 1 week. Another reason for soft poo could be eating to much. My Doofer would go from 3/4 cup to 1 1/2 cups during the day and his stoles got softer as the day went on. We then allowed him only 1 cup per feeding and his stoles have gotten MUCH better!

We haven't tried any of the ones you listed, but I know I have seen Wellness and Innova mentioned in forums here many times as good brands.

 

[Razr]

Been feeding mine 75% Beneful Puppy with 25% Biljac, stools are like tootsie rolls (she's 6 months and 41 lbs.) Vet said at last check-up she was in perfect health. She's been on it since I brought her home, her system is used to it.