Based on nutrition listed, what food should I go with for my two great danes?

Question

I have a 3 year old Great Dane with joint problems and sensitive skin and a 6 year old Great Dane with smaller frame who is very active and doesn't act like a senior at all. I was thinking about putting them on a really good healthy food and I've narrowed it down to Innova Large Breed. The only thing left to decide is whether I should put them both on Senior or Adult. On one hand the 6 year old is a senior and the 3 year old has joint problems, like senior dogs. On the other hand the 3 year old is an adult and my 6 year old is much more energetic and active than he is.

So I took the nutritional break down of both foods and found these to be the biggest differences in content:

Adult formula has more than extra 50% of Leucine, Folic Acid, Omega 3, Fiber than the Senior. Adult also has more than extra 25% of Fat, Biotin, Linoleic Acid as compared to the Senior. All other dosages are virtually the same.

So, in my case, are these extras good for my dogs, or is Senior the way to go?

Please don't forget to tell me why you think one is better. Thanks!

So far no one has answered my question. :o(

-I have already decided on the dog food type, so I am not interested in new dog brand suggestions or feeding raw.
-Both of these are large breed. One is for adults, one is for seniors.

Does no one know what these ingredients are and why it would benefit my dogs to have more or less of them?

Thank you.

K K - thank you so much for actually answering the question. This makes sense. Great advice!

Answer 1

Innova is great food--I applaud your choice. You might want to check out Nature's Variety as well. These are both all natural foods and your large dogs will do well on them. A good quality adult dog food will be fine for both of them. The main difference I see here is fat content and antioxidants. Unless your dogs are overweight, the fat content is not an issue, and the extra antioxidants will be of value to both dogs, especially as they get older. Folic acid is water soluable, so your senior is not going to get too much, and it helps with energy. Being big dogs, and one of them with joint problems already, consider adding a joint supplement--Synovi-G3 is excellent, as is Missing Link with Glucosamine.

Answer 2

Go with Innova Evo for large breeds. It costs about the same amount but has absolutely no fillers. The standard Innova has small amounts of wheat an rice but the Evo has none providing better quality than any other food. It has all the nutrients for adult dogs as well as senior dogs.

Answer 3

If you are not going to go raw or change foods, then ask your Vet what your particular Danes need the most. Some Danes have growth related illnesses that require a low protein diet. Check with your Vet about that.
Even though your dog's food has the additives it does, they may need more. For skin and coat there is Skin Formulation 3V Caps with Omega 3, Vit A, D and E, as well as NutriVed supplements for large dogs. Ask your Vet about adding those. Also ask about supplements with gluscosamine and chondroitin.
Here is a site specific to Dane dietary:
http://www.greatdanelady.com/articles/puppy_feed_program_2006_htm.htm

Answer 4

It's not the additives you want to look at, it's the foundation nutrition. If that food has corn or wheat on it, those are allergens, which means they cause inflammation. You see the effects of allergens in skin disorders and arthritis. You may be quite surprised to see your dog's health improve if you shift them over to a no-wheat, no-corn pet food.

And then, of course, you can always try Skin and Coat supplements, fish oil, and products with glucosamine (like HealthyPetNet's Agility formula).

But I would always start with good foundation nutrition. Do a search on my blog for "DogtorJ". He is an animal nutrition expert and he says to stay away from corn, wheat, etc.

Answer 5

I'd defienantly go with large breed. The vitamines in large breed food are idea for all large breed dogs ranging for all ages.

Answer 6

go with holistic food cause the fda is not telling us everything we need to know . Nope i have had my 2 chis on this food for ever and they do great and they have not been sick ever . good luck and please take care of your animals .