More protein for Labradors the better?

Question

Would more protein for Labrador Retrievers be better? Which would be a better amount of protein for a Labrador:

30%
or
24%

Answer 1

One of the greatest factors in orthopedic problems in large and giant breed dogs is excessive protein. That is why Large Breed dog foods have lower protein than regular adult foods. I have NO idea why Royal Canin thinks 30% is good for adult Labs. I would never feed that much protein to any dog that was going to be over 50 pounds. I would not feed 30% to puppies either. That would force the growth and lead to the same orthopedic problems. 24% would be the max I would feed.

The usable protein in both of those foods are pretty comparable. They are both good foods, but the level of protein in a 30% is too high!! If you are talking about Purina High Pro, which I think has a 30% protein also, is not the same as the two we are talking about here. It is a way lower quality of protein. Contains a ton of fillers also. Yes, food companies can manipulate the data to say some of what they want and we are left to decide on our own. You can ask your vet. Some of them have a clue about what you are asking.

Are we even talking about working dogs here, or just pets????

Answer 2

If you are worried about protein a better way is to supplement their diet with meat. That way you know they are getting good protein and not just junk. Chicken or beef is best, pork is harder for them to digest. Cut the fat off, cook well done, and do not use spices or seasoning as they could upset their stomachs. Go with a quality large breed dog food like Eukanuba.

Answer 3

Those numbers mean.....*insert drumroll here*.....absolutely NOTHING.

It's the quality of the protein that's SO much more important than the quantity. You can't judge a food by the percentage of protein listed on the label, without also considering the source of the protein. The only number that is important is *usable* protein, which is not listed on the label.

The numbers are only put there to pacify those who don't really know much about nutrition at all. Food manufacturers can (and do) make those numbers come out to be whatever they want, by adding unusable protein sources to the ingredients. It's perfectly legal for them to do so, and they take advantage of that.

You need to discuss your dog's specific nutritional needs with his/her veterinarian. With Labs and other large breeds, what is most important to restrict during part of the growth phase is CALORIES, which is what leads to too-rapid growth, and subsequent related orthopedic developmental problems. That's why we often have to switch puppies from puppy food to adult food when they start to develop things like panosteitis, OCD, etc, that are related to growing too fast....it's done for the calorie restriction, not protein restriction. That's also why "large-breed" puppy diets are formulated with fewer calories than "regular" puppy diets.

Answer 4

depends on the age of the dog and the activity level.. if the dog is used actively for Retrieving.. than the 30% would be better.. but if the dog is a homebody then the lower protein one.. fat dog or thin?? use your common sence here also..

Answer 5

24% should be better than 30, unless it is a very hard working dog, Working the fields and streams...Labs do best with very little grain and no food coloring.
Canidae is a good formula for labrador's as it contains turkey as second ingredient, with helps them settle down and focus..

Answer 6

It depends on how old the Lab is. 24% for 6 monthes or older. You want to grow the pup slow due to joint problems. Also Labs tend to easly pack on pounds so watch your fat intake. Do measured daily feedings not free feeding and keep the dog lean and well excersised.

Answer 7

How active is the dog??? 30-20 is pretty hot and can burn their coat. IMHO 24% is to low tho'. I like to use a "Performance" but only between 26-28%