Protein and fat levels too low in CN grain free?

[RVsBoxer]

Hi guys,

Wilson (who is turning 6 this month!) has a sensitive stomach and after trying foods like TOTW and Evo that caused bouts of collitis, I decided to switch him to California Natural lamb and rice which has limited ingredients.

Well CN is now coming out with a grain free formula which I would like to switch him to...however, it seems that the fat and protein levels are low? I've read a higher fat content is preferred for better skin and coat. How low is 21% protein and 11% fat? What would be more ideal? So far most of the info I have read was pertaining to protein levels for puppies.

Also, what could I add to his kibble that would be healthy and would maybe increase the protein and fat content a little more? Other than fish oil which he doesn't like much, and beef liver which I worry will cause vitamin A toxicity if I give him too much....

Would really appreciate any ideas, as well as suggestions for other grain free kibble with limited ingredients.

Thanks!

 

[gmacleod]

It is too low, I think. The nutrient profiles established by AAFCO (which, it has to be said, relate to *adequacy* only, not to ideal) give the minimum protein level for maintenance of still-growing dogs as 22% for protein (fat is lower, at 8%).

Now technically, these percentages relate to dry matter basis (DMB) - and kibble, whilst nearly completely dry, is not completely dry. It still has about 10% water content. Thus, your CN with 21% protein "as fed" probably does actually have 22% on a dry matter basis.

However, I think you should keep in mind the above - these are the minimum acceptable levels. Anything below that is inadequate and likely to lead to undernutrition. An ideal level, however, is not the minimum for avoiding undernutrition It is somewhere higher than that. For a 6 month old pup, I'd personally say 24% is the bare minimum, and 26% or higher more ideal.

Doesn't mean you can't feed this food if you choose to though. You can very simply increase the protein and fat content by adding real meat to his meals. Good things to add would be chicken (easy on the skin), lamb, turkey, beef, pork, venison. Canned oily fish such as sardines or mackeral (not tuna) are also good (and better than fish oil supplements), as is the occassional egg (max 2 per week) and perhaps a little cottage cheese now and again.

 

[BxrMommieNAZ]

Personally my allergy dog and senior dog have both been on Natural Balance LID which is 21% protein and 10% fat for 2 1/2 years and both have done GREAT on it. My boy went on it when he was 8 months old and he'll be 3 years old next year. I've had no problems. I do add some NB LID canned food or some boiled chicken once in awhile as wel as chicken livers and gizzards once in awhile but only 3-4 times a month. So for our experience we haven't had any issues...and IMO when it comes down to it for us it is the only food that works with his allergies and colitis so there isn't a whole lot I can do about it regardless.

 

[RVsBoxer]

For a 6 month old pup, I'd personally say 24% is the bare minimum, and 26% or higher more ideal.

Gmacleod, Wilson is actually turning 6 years old, not 6 months. I'm sorry I should have been clearer about that! So I was wondering what optimal protein and fat levels should be for an adult Boxer.

Thanks to you both for the ideas on things I can add to his kibble!