Should I switch my German shepherd pup to canidae or innova?

Question

I am currently feeding my 14 week old puppy Royal Canin Large Breed puppy food. I did a little research, it seemed like a great food and many people were very happy with it. My dog likes it and is doing very well, but I heard Canidae and Innova are better foods. After checking them out, I agree. Would Canidae be ok for a shepherd since it doesn't have a breed specific food? I noticed it doesn't have a few ingredients that large breed foods claim promote healthier joints and cartilage. Anyone with a large dog have experience with these foods?

Answer 1

try innova evo, my boxer is on evo for 3 years an he loves it.
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/showcat.php/cat/8
check out this web site, evo is on the top of the list...
good luck :)

Answer 2

I have fed both of my German Shepherds Canidae for the last year. I have previously tried Royal Canin, but my male (currently 2 years old) did not like it. My female, who is 11 months old, has been fed Canidae since she was 8 weeks old. She has never had any problems with her joints, although my male did when he was about 10 months old (at that time feeding Nutro). I have noticed improvements in my male after switching him to Canidae. I believe his coat got better and he also put on a few needed pounds. I would recommend the Canidae to anyone. Just because it isn't "large breed" or "puppy food" doesn't matter, it is correctly balanced for your dog. Good luck.

Answer 3

There is no such thing as "breed specific" foods. You want to make sure your dog is on Premium food. Innova, Nutro, Blue. Look at the ingredients - make sure there are NO by products (feet, heads and intestine), NO Corn (it's very hard for a dog to digest). If you dog has skin conditions don't have a food that offers Wheat. (#1 culprit for skin allergies).

I feed my dogs Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed dog food - started them out on the Large Breed Puppy. Reason? It has glucosamine and chondroitin already in there which helps to fight arthritis and dysplasia - prominent in larger breeds.

They guarantee skin and coat, digestibility (absorbing more of the vitamins and minerals so smaller stools) and that the dog will love it - or my money back! Check them out www.nutroproducts.com.

But whatever you decide - read the ingredients first!

Also when you switch your dog you should do it over 6 days. 70% of your old food 30% of the new food for 2 days. Then 50-50 for 2 days then 70% of new food and 30% of old food for 2 days then 100% of new food.

Good Luck

Answer 4

Breed specific food is a gimmick, and the supplements foods add for large breed are not significant enough to make a difference.

The thing you have to watch for is too high protein and too high calcium in puppy foods, so you can either feed a LB formula, an All Stages formula (Canidae) or even adult food is fine.

If your puppy is fine on the Royal Canin, don't switch.

Answer 5

I feed my Black Lab Innova Senior Formula. He was on the large breed regulr for years. I think he realy enjoys it. I have found it is easy on his digestion and has kept him feeling well. I recommend it. For additional fattyu cids and glucosimine you can by special treats. It is amazing the difference getting a dog started eary on these makes. Just don't give them to many weight is the worse thing for large dogs.

Answer 6

There are differences between breeds... but honestly the behavior of a dog and the connection it has with it's owner is majorly based on how you raise and train him. If you give lots of love and attention, as well as good consistant training than your dog will be a great addition to your family! Enjoy your new pet!

Answer 7

I used to feed my GSDs a high quality kibble such as Canidae and innova, however, after switching over to a raw prey model diet a few years ago, their health, teeth, and coats have improved dramatically. Even the "good" processed dog food is crap.

I will never again subject my dogs to artificial ingredients, preservatives, food with the nutrients extracted, cooked out then added back in, crap that will rot their teeth, plug up their digestive system and give them nasty stinky large poops.

Answer 8

Hi. I have fed my germand shepherds royal cannin before and its a very good brand food for pups. Keep him on that dont change. When they are puppies it can make them ill by changing there food. As long as its long breed puppy its good for them whether its iams or the name brand of petsmart theiir basically made from the same nutrients and offer the same to your dog. I would suggest staying with royal cannin.