Higher Protein = More Energy?

Over time any commercial dog food with protein over 28-30% will show up negatively in the results of the dogs blood work. A balanced dog food is what you want to strive for.
I just had Daisy's (age 14) geriatric blood work done, and it came back ideal EXCEPT where higher protein would affect the liver and kidneys. My vet specifically asked me how high the protein is in my food. He suggested changing her food to 22%, to reduce the stress on the organs. Unless your dog is planning on running the Iditarod, higher protein is overkill.
 
missjenneygirl said:
Over time any commercial dog food with protein over 28-30% will show up negatively in the results of the dogs blood work. A balanced dog food is what you want to strive for.
I just had Daisy's (age 14) geriatric blood work done, and it came back ideal EXCEPT where higher protein would affect the liver and kidneys. My vet specifically asked me how high the protein is in my food. He suggested changing her food to 22%, to reduce the stress on the organs. Unless your dog is planning on running the Iditarod, higher protein is overkill.
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Are there any studies that prove that high protein negatively affects liver and kidneys in healthy dogs? (An honest question, not rhetorical). I ask because I have not seen any. I know many people say this, but I have seen a lot of data to the contrary regarding the effect of higher proteins. (I found several compiled in a letter posted here: http://www.pets.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=48372)
 
MissJennygirl that is very interesting, now I wonder if that is the reason for Zak's being edgy, not really barky all the time but sometime he is just grrr grrr then starts barking. He loves the Acana but I have to admit I am not to sure about the protein.
 
I certainly don't know of any studies either. I am only relating information from my vet in Maine, which has also been the advice over the years, from my vet in Connecticut. Even the possiblity of compromising the kidneys or liver, is enough for me to take note. We all know of kidney failure taking our dogs way before their time. If less protein keeps them healthy and happy, and they are not athletic endurance dogs, then I opt for that.
 
corbinam said:
Are there any studies that prove that high protein negatively affects liver and kidneys in healthy dogs? [/url])
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There aren't any that I have come across in my research. My vet just stated to me that he would rather I feed raw (which he hates as a diet for dogs) than feed high protein kibble.

Again, if the dogs are fed a variety of foods, then the specific ingredients or nutrients in a single food are mostly irrelevant. It all balances out over time.
 
Blehhhh I really like Acana. I think they're one of the best pet food companies out there. They're quality is fantastic and Bailey is doing really well on it. Her bowel movements have never been better. She used to get very small, dry, brown eye crusties in the corner of her eye. I'd have to clean it once or twice a day. Since she's been on Acana, no eye crusts.

I've always been skeptical of high protein kibble, but since Acana wasn't too high (31%), I figured it was worth a try.

I'll try and do a little more digging before I switch her food again.
 
take4roll10 said:
Blehhhh I really like Acana. I think they're one of the best pet food companies out there. They're quality is fantastic and Bailey is doing really well on it. Her bowel movements have never been better. She used to get very small, dry, brown eye crusties in the corner of her eye. I'd have to clean it once or twice a day. Since she's been on Acana, no eye crusts.
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I feel the same way. I really like a ton of stuff about Acana.

Are you planning on rotating flavors? I'd be curious to see if it happens with every flavor...or even if it "evens out" over time.
 
corbinam said:
I feel the same way. I really like a ton of stuff about Acana.

Are you planning on rotating flavors? I'd be curious to see if it happens with every flavor...or even if it "evens out" over time.
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I was planning to rotate between ranchlands , pacifica and grasslands. Maybe I should try their lamb and apple flavor. It's not grain free, but the protein is lower at 27%. I'm just a little wary of some of the ingredients and I'm not sure if my store sells this flavor.
 
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I've been told by a friend with a dog in kidney failure who has been doing a lot of research that certain sources are pointing to it being too much phosphorous in the dog food that seems to be creating kidney issues... the one link you may make is studies show often higher protein is linked to higher amounts of phosphorous being in the food.
I haven't noticed energy increases or decreases based on the amount of protein in the food, and mine have been on several different foods over the years, and that's with multiple dogs. What I have noticed can affect energy is b vitamins...
 
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HopeShelties said:
I've been told by a friend with a dog in kidney failure who has been doing a lot of research that certain sources are pointing to it being too much phosphorous in the dog food that seems to be creating kidney issues... the one link you may make is studies show often higher protein is linked to higher amounts of phosphorous being in the food.
I haven't noticed energy increases or decreases based on the amount of protein in the food, and mine have been on several different foods over the years, and that's with multiple dogs. What I have noticed can affect energy is b vitamins...
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You know when Bailey was sick last summer with a gastrointestinal virus, we did a lot of blood tests. One of the tests showed that Bailey had high vitamin B levels while fasting. I wonder if that is why she is a more hyper and reactive sheltie...:confused2:

Taste of the Wild doesn't list their vitamin B analysis, so I can't compare, but this is what is listed for Acana Ranchlands:
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) 50 mg/kg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 53 mg/kg
Vitamin B3 (niacin) 350 mg/kg
Vitamin B5 (pan.acid) 66 mg/kg
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 43 mg/kg
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) 590 ug/kg

Plus she is on Vibrant Pets, which also has Vitamin B supplements.

I'm gonna send an email to TOTW to see if they can send into on how much vitamin B is in their food.
 
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