What's the problem with High-Protein dog food that's for puppies?

Question

I was going to get Orijen Puppy food, although protein is 42% in it..It says it's mostly reccommended for adult dogs, why?

Answer 1

Excess protein can cause problems in dogs just as much as not enough protein.

Chalice

Answer 2

The high protein affects the rate at which your puppy will grow. If you have a small breed puppy a high protein diet would not affect them as much as a large breed dog because they already grow at a much quicker rate (reach their max size sooner).

Protein affects our muscle and organ developments as well as aids in bone development, etc. If you gave a great dane puppy a really high protein diet and its muscles developed before its bones and joints were strong enough, it would probably cause serious medical problems and you would have a dog who either had mobility problems or would require surgery.

Once a dog has finished growing, protein acts more to maintain muscle mass etc, rather then just helping it grow.

So, I would suggest getting a high quality food (like that which you are already thinking about) but try a regular protein version, at least until he's full grown.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

Puppy food has a higher fat content than Adult food. It doesn't really have much to do with protein content. If this food says it is an adult food, then it has a lower fat content so the adult dog stays lean and healthy. Higher fat in the diets of puppies (this is also true for babies) is needed for brain and eye development. You are on the right track by looking @ high protein dog foods, now just find one that is made for pups! Good luck!

Answer 4

THey burn more calories, get innova puppyfood, its GREAT!