food and protein levels
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Kristinga
food and protein levels
I have been dealing with food and allergy issues with my 5 year old lab mix for some time now. Chicken and lamb based foods seemed to lead to ear yeast infections and itchiness. She is doing well on Natural Balance Vegetarian formula, but it only has 18% protein. Is this too low? Is there a correlation between low protein and kidney problems?
Re: food and protein levels
Hello Kristinga,
I am going to chime in here. My opinions may be different from others here but that is what is great about this kind of forum. I don't think 18% protein is too low for a dog that is not very active but I have seen some dogs not do well on vegetarian diets, in general, over a long period of time because of the lack of specific fatty acids in the food. The hair and coat seem to become very dry over time. I am not speaking of Natural Balance brand specifically because I have not seen dogs that have used this food.
You might want to consider some fish body oil capsules as a supplement if this problem occurs. The omega-3 fatty acids in the capsules will also help with the allergy problems. Also, you might want to consider doing some allergy testing to see if your dog has any concurrent inhalant allergy problems. Many pets with one type of allergy will have concurrent types of allergies that go undiagnosed.
Good luck.
I am going to chime in here. My opinions may be different from others here but that is what is great about this kind of forum. I don't think 18% protein is too low for a dog that is not very active but I have seen some dogs not do well on vegetarian diets, in general, over a long period of time because of the lack of specific fatty acids in the food. The hair and coat seem to become very dry over time. I am not speaking of Natural Balance brand specifically because I have not seen dogs that have used this food.
You might want to consider some fish body oil capsules as a supplement if this problem occurs. The omega-3 fatty acids in the capsules will also help with the allergy problems. Also, you might want to consider doing some allergy testing to see if your dog has any concurrent inhalant allergy problems. Many pets with one type of allergy will have concurrent types of allergies that go undiagnosed.
Good luck.
Re: food and protein levels
Mikey has been on Purina HA for about 2 months and his coat is dry and his skin flaky. He did well before about a week ago with it...
JMM -- JaMi Maltese -- Dust Mops with Drive
Re: food and protein levels
Kristinga wrote:I have been dealing with food and allergy issues with quote]
I feed my girl Wellness Fish and Sweet Potato dry food (by Old Mother Hubbard) which is baked, rather than extruded, and is recommended for dogs with allergies. I don't know the brand of food she was eating with her former owner, but was told it was a lamb/rice formula. When I got her, her coat was dry, and she was scratching and chewing her sides, and legs. She's been on this food for two months now, and her coat is much improved, and is no longer scratching/chewing herself.