Should I worry more about protein levels in m Great Danes Food or his allergic reaction to Grains?

Question

Ever since my dog was 3 months old he had diaherra. I told my vet and he said my observations were wrong about him having a sensitive stomach. I took the situation into my own hands and started experimenting with foods. After 4 types I found a Grain free completely organic food. He is now 8months and has never has any problems with this food. The problem is we moved and I have to special order it through my local pet store and every time I go to pick it up, they're closed unexpectedly or they forgot to order it. Now my mission is to find something similar to what he is on. This also leads to another problem, anything Grain Free is way too high in protein. If I look at Large breed puppy formulas they have moderate protein levels, but lots of grains...... I do not know what to do. HELP.

Answer 1

No puppy food of any kind not even large breed, no food over 24% protein for a Dane puppy.

What were you feeding him before? Have you had allergy testing done?

Corn, wheat, soy are the common allergens and ingredients that should be avoided in any dogs food. Not only are the allergens they are also nothing more then cheap fillers and not easily digested or processed nutrtionally by dogs.

I am not a fan of Eagle Pack foods since they are grain heavy and only have 1 meat source in the first 6 ingredients. It use to be a good food but not any more..there are much better foods out there.

I don't know what foods you have tried already or what you are currently feeding but some good foods for a Dane include but aren't limited to:

Canidae ALS, Canidae Chicken & Rice, Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul Regular or Large breed adult, Wellness Super5 Mix Chicken,Innova (not EVO protein is too high), Solid Gold, California Natural, just to name a few.

****wolves definately aren't as big as Danes*****

Answer 2

Wolves are as big as than danes and they typically don't have protein levels under 90%, why do domestic dogs need protein levels under 25% like most foods have. The only worry I'd have is the protein source. Soy is a worse protein source than corn. You want meat protein only.

Answer 3

What were you feeding your pup when he had the diaherra?

Have you visited the Great Dane Ladies sight?

Check it out and give her an e-mail with this question

http://www.greatdanelady.com/

I feed Eagle Pack Giant breed puppy and adult (as well as chicken holistic)to all of my mastiffs without any issues what so ever..but the lady w/the Danes is who I would refer you too. Danes(and other Giants) need a special diet so they don't grow too fast, as you already know. I would consult with her.

Answer 4

there are many grain free foods that are great, my dog is on Tase of the Wild but some others are EVO, Natural Balance, Instinct, and many more, all three of those are top of the line grade A foods

Answer 5

Natural Balance makes several grain-free, low/moderate-protein formulas with their Limited Ingredient Diets, and they can be found at your local Petco or easily ordered to your door.  Good luck!

Answer 6

~ I have two Danes who I have feed Orijen, EVO, and Eagle Pack Holistic Chicken.  Honestly, my favorite is Orijen and they have done very well on it.  Great Dane breeders will highly recommend Eagle Pack Holistic Chicken which is not grain free but apparently the right amount of everything for a growing Dane.  However, now being 8 months I would go with Orijen, Natures Variety Instinct (grain free), Merricks Before Grain or feed a raw diet that you do yourself!

Answer 7

Well, I know that Solid Gold was originally developed for the Great Dane.  And I have a good record of finding it at most organic health food stores, human ones I mean.  

Another idea is to talk to the manager of the petfood store and tell them that if they don't get on the ball then you'll order the food online.  Most dog foods can be ordered online and hopefully they'll step up to the line and make sure they get it ordered.  I'd also make it a habit of calling them a week before the food runs out and making sure they've ordered it, talk to the manager if you have to.  This to me sounds more like a customer service issue than anything and I'd basically take it up with the manager or try somewhere else.

Answer 8

Skip the "large breed puppy" formulas.  At best, they're a gimik, at worst, they cause more problems than they solve.

Go for high protein, no grain.  Dogs systems are built to deal with a mostly/all meat diet.  Grain was never dog food.

Preventing the allergic reaction strengthens the dog's entire body.  If you allow the dog to suffer a little, the whole body suffers.  You could be looking at other health problems like skin, ear, joint, behavior issues, as well as the tummy trouble you're familiar with.

So, meat diet is the way to go.  

Consider raw if you don't have a good kibble readily available.

I don't know what you feed, but Innova EVO is a good grain free diet.

Cheers.

Answer 9

Have you ever had him allergy tested. There is a test that will cover everything from grass, food, dust, and even their own dander. It would pinpoint what he is actually allergic to. I don't really think he is allergic to grain, I think maybe it is more that he has like you said a sensitive stomach. Have you ever had a fecal test done. They can determine if he has any parasites. I would definetely consult another Veterinarian as soon as possible because he may have some other underlying reason for constant diarrhea. My German Shepherd had the same problem and when we had a thyroid test done we found out that he has low thyroid levels. Since he has taken thyroid meds daily, he doesn't have stomach trouble like he used to.  

Answer 10

Since this particular brand works for your animal,

ask another supplier if they would be good enough to order for you.

Another option is looking on the bag for a contact to company.You may be able to order direct in bulk or they may have another distributor to recommend in your area.

good luck