Optimum amount of protein for dog with skin problems

[rockymiller]

I have a 5 yr old boxer that scratches alot and had irritated skin with hair loss. Since switching over to higher quality foods 3 yrs ago (such as old Canidae forumula) he has gotten much better.

Now it seems that the pet store is always pushing me towards high protein grain free food ESPECIALLY since I have a boxer. They also recommend not getting food such as Dick Van Pattens or California Natural that IMHO look like they would be AWESOME for dogs with skin problems. The store associate just says that they are great food but for a Boxer they recommend something higher in protein.

What is the optimum %of protein I should give him?

Will high protein dog food cause more skin and ear problems?

Are there any negative effects of giving my dog say around 22-24% protein level?

 

[NJBoxermom]

I would be more concerned about the kind of protein and

carb...I had a lot of sucess w/ Wellness duck and sweet potato w/ a fish based kibble w/ my whitegirl that had bad allergies.

 

[Cami]

The foods you mentioned are actually touted as being a better choice for dogs with allergies than some other alternatives. Allergies often manifest with skin issues (in addition to other things).
While these foods can't "cure" an allergy they can oftentimes be of benefit since they have less ingredients. Fewer "things" to be possible allergens.

Dogs do NOT need grains. They DO need high quality proteins. Athletic (muscular), high energy dogs need MORE protein than other breeds. The percentage of protein you included in your post seems (TO ME) to be on the low side for the "average" Boxer who is highly energetic and quite muscular. It is a good amount of protein but a slightly higher amount of a GOOD quality protein could be beneficial.

Protein isn't only a nutrient - the amino acids it is made up of also serve as building blocks for body tissues, organs, enzymes, hormones, antibodies and so on - roughly 1/2 of the dry body mass of a dog consists of protein.

My girls food comes it at 41% protein and she does very well on it. Grain free and low carb as well. Gluten free to boot. While I don't recommend this amount of protein for all dogs I can only say that my girl thrives on it. It is pretty up there as far as percentages go.

 

[rockymiller]

I had my dog on a higher protein food Acana pacifica. I believe the protein was maybe 33%. It is not as high some but I guess a mid level protein formula. I don't know if it was the increase in protein, or just the food but my dog had an increase in ear problems. I dont know if i am sold on the grain free high protein diets yet although the theories make sense.