Puppy Food Protein %

[lacyinla]

I have read on this site and on the instructions I received from Clifford to keep the protein % down when feeding Lacy's. I was hoping someone could give an explanation as to why this is important. Also what specific brands of food are good in this respect ?

[gabe]

I transitioned to innova large breed. It has 24% protein. It is expensive but good. Jackson seems to be tolerating the switch. Almost done with switch very little puppy chow in food now.

[podunkheaven]

Lacyinla:

Puppies grow rapidly in the first 6 to 8 months. The food you feed has to keep up with the collagen in the joints as they grow. If you feed a "hot" protein level it increase their growth and can cause damage to the joints due to lack of lubrication (collagen). I also add Vitamin C which produces collagen in the joints. Not only will the puppy grown steadily and not have joints issue due to lack of collagen but will live a much healthier life as he/she gets to their golden years. Hope that briefly explains and answers your question.

[NE Track]

Whats the dose of Vitamin C you give puppies?

Should we get it from a pet shop that's in specific doses
or is food grade from a health store in powder form ok .

[podunkheaven]

Start the puppies on 200 IU's adding an additional IU each week until you've worked them up to 1000 IU's. This will help them no to have bowel issues. (Vitamin C is an antioxidant so bowel disruption is normal initially) You can use powdered or chewage. Powdered is easier to administer (sprinkle in peanut butter). I also add 1000 IU of Flax Seed oil which my dogs eat like candy. I buy my vitamin C at GNC and the Flax Seed Oil at Wal-mart.

Innovo is a good food. I feed Diamond Taste of the Wild Roast Lamb which is a grain free product to 4 dogs with great success. This food is also one of the more reasonable ones in cost.

[NE Track]

Thank you,

You have been very helpful and kind to new puppy owners.

What do you think about food grade Diatomaceous Earth for flea and tick control.

Or as a daily food supplement that will kill any worms or parasites the pets may have or develop.

[podunkheaven]

wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/defaq.html

This Holistic vet thinks it is a great insect killer, as long as it is labeled "Food" grade. This vet says it most be used for at least 60days for the proper elimination.

I have not personally used DE in this capacity but, have used it in the barn to knock down fly and flea reproduction.

[NE Track]

I came across DE when I was doing puppy research. I found it interesting and maybe an alternative to drop type flea control products.

Is there a flea control product you prefer for Lacy pups? Have they had any reactions ?

[podunkheaven]

I use Vectra but in high flea concentrations it isn't as effective, but it is very effective on Ticks. I don't spray my yard because it is 350 acres and it just wouldn't be very cost effective. "LOL" There is a product called Revolution that some say is very effective for both fleas and ticks. I have not used it due to it being very new on the market. I am not a latest and greatest, or bleeding technology consumer. I sit back and wait to see what research shows over a couple of years before I use products on my animals.

[NE Track]

LOL yes that's a big yard to treat. Your dogs are lucky to have such a large play ground.
Hope your food plots get the moisture they need.

I will look into those flea and tick control products. The vets here push the high end ones or should I say high cost ones.

I too do a lot of research on the items or products I purchase. I sift through the marketing hype.

[podunkheaven]

No moisture here...the only water is the cow trough. In fact I have only seen three does in the last 2 weeks. The crops are gone and the water is scarce. We did have some sesame do ok for the birds...but again there is no water for them to come to.

[gabe]

I am still happy with the innova large breed puppy so far.