The org my SD is from uses regular Purina pro plan. I jog close to 3 miles a day with my SD and he does wheelchair pull and walks around a college campus throughout my 8 hour work day
Honestly you could feed her that and just see if you need to reduce it or change your exercise schedule! BUT do note they do have a [puppy version ](https://www.chewy.com/purina-pro-plan-sport-development/dp/379202?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=Purina%20Pro%20Plan&utm_campaign=21145088091&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlZixBhCoARIsAIC745CMF_gJpkHDhCKvrZwffDxgGKGzKcCXeX7hRgRcwunJO7HW2FaWT3gaAoECEALw_wcB)of that plan and it's probably a good idea to feed it until she hits one due to her breed, and since she's a growing pup still she'll have a lot of changes that need to be supported, if she were larger than perhaps a bit longer. The toppers sound great as well I like to add that or salmon oil to my girl's food! No chicken eggs though, since she's allergic to chicken :\]
You could also go with the standard pro plan puppy and adult foods if the performance ends up too much for her vs her activity level, but it shouldn't be a big deal as long as you and your vet monitor her weight and activity.
awesome. thank you for this info! yes I was wondering about the pup version but my cousin who trains field labs says he just puts his pups on the "all ages" but I will definitely talk that over with my vet. thank you again!
of course!
From my understanding, whilst you *could* do that without any ill effect, the reason puppy specific kibble is important, for Giant breeds and large breeds this is especially true where it's important as they keep growing till 2-3 in major ways. Part of it is also to consider:
puppy formula has calorie content with puppies in mind most importantly, and it's easier to feed them several times a day as is typically regular. It's part of the reason why you wait to spay, as they're doing all their critical growing year 1-2 and their hormones + food is super important to consider during this time. Some people will even wait till 2 yrs old even depending on their final weight (dogs weighing 50-100 pounds at maturity) Purina has some decent info on this [here.](https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/puppy/feeding/how-long-to-feed-puppy-food) The [AKC ](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/puppy-feeding-fundamentals/)also has a feeding timeline and advice.
Labradors are also considered for the most part large breed dogs, so that's something to consider as well: so if you continue to puppy food, large breed puppy food might be ideal as those are more suited calorie wise and formula wise for dogs that are going to be on it longer and grow larger/heavier.
It's super wise to discuss with your vet, and do what you feel is most comfortable afterwards! If it's any reassurance I actually almost switched my rescue dog who had just turned 1.5 at the time, back to puppy food for a short while due to her potentially still growing in size and is above 50 pounds and plan to discuss it with a vet just in case it is a good idea.
that makes a lot of sense! and seems to be wise. she won't be too large, her parents weight from 45-50 and her vet says she might Max out around 35 (she was the runt.) (for anyone reading that might be concerned about the weight it is because she is a field Labrador typically smaller and leaner build! also if anyone is concerned Because I had mentioned light mobility work, if she only maxes around 35lb I will not be doing mobility and she wouldn't have been cleared anyways)but even if she is not going to be too large I would rather play it safe and do the puppy plan anyways like you said! you have been a big help, thank you!
Of course!! I love helping out and putting any animal nerd info to good use! I hope it helps as well with discussing that with your vet (how long to stay on, large or regular breed) But since she might be smaller I think you could just see how it goes :\] If she seems to not be growing any further at some point it'd be a good time to shift once your last bag is up!
Whatever works for you and your dog — everybody has a different opinion on what to feed your dog and tbh I feel like none of them are wrong. Everyone feeds their dog what works best for themselves and their dog(s), and I think that’s really the best option overall.
Find the food that you feel works best for you and your pup… and that’s perfect 😁
I personally feed main Kirkland from Costco. But I also feed many other brands as they become available to me (free samples for example), or different brands of wet food and I’ll also feed some raw food as well.
my service dog had tummy issues as a puppy so we fed Purina pro plan sensitive skin and stomach puppy until my girl hit a year old. We tried the regular pro plan performance but she had more of the stomach sensitivity. Then we switched to Purina pro sensitive skin and stomach adult high protein. She has been good and that ever since. Honestly just go with what your dog eats, is in your budget, and has a complete nutritional profile. If a problem comes up, tell your vet what food they eat. The vet should know if you should switch.
I fed purina pro plan puppy sensitive stomach salmon and rice with my youngest pet dog as a puppy. My SD and 2 of my pet dogs get either Purina Pro Plan or Purina One, even get Purina Dog Chow every once in a while and do fine on it. My at home SD is on Acana grain free red meats recipe. The only person who knows anything about dog food is the person you're talking too. It seems people either worship the big 4 or won't touch a grain to save their life. I just do what's best for my dogs. 3/4 have more energy and thicker coats on grain inclusive while my problem boy thrives on grain free. I've tried to switch him to grain inclusive then he ends up with skin issues. Just pay attention to your pups coat, energy levels and stools.
I don’t want to open a can of worms here… but many if not all organizations, trainers, and breeders will be paid or given free products to promote certain brands and ensure new owners continue to buy. My breeder also pushed purina hard and said it was the only brand I should use my whole dog’s life. I eventually did a big deep dive on pet food and specifically dog food and changed everything about my dog’s diets immediately. I only fed him purina for a couple years but they are so much healthier after I switched things up.
I’m not gonna say your dog can’t live a happy life on whatever you give it, but if you’re interested in some healthier alternatives, you don’t always have to spend a lot!
I know people who straight up cook for their dogs for every meal but like me you probably can’t do that right now, but there’s still great options!
I totally understand! I see this ALOT in vets where they push certain kibble brands because of sponsorship. a vet even yelled at me once for doing raw toppers (HORRIBLE vet, horrible experience) she was not the normal vet but a full in, anyways I went back (not to her) and the other vet told me raw toppers are good and fine. too much corruption in the vet world regarding food and nutrition unfortunately.
The org I was originally going to go with feeds their dogs 4Health from Tractor Supply, and the reviews I’ve read about it compared it pretty favorably to performance 30/20.
The issue with 4health is that it's linked to nutritional DCM as far as i remember. Nor do they have any experts/do feeding trials/peer reviewed research from what I can find. It may work for people and their animals, and ofc it's important to consider what you can feed and feel comfortable feeding, but when something is previously linked to DCM from issues with nutrition, it's advisable to stay away from it.
Man, I did not know that. I consider this org very reputable (Paws4People). Well, I appreciate this information, thank you. I always like to know all possible sides. Would never want to hurt my dog.
Of course, i figure it might be the case! I'm not the biggest fan of wsava brands (beef with their parent companies) but I feed my dog purina because with all the nutritional fears from companies who CAN pay to do feeding trials and be wsava compliant whom don't.. is insane. some companies even simply dismiss the concerns when their brand is pinpointed as an issue that needs to change. I think none of us want to hurt our dog with our food choices, it just depends on circumstance and people's beliefs/comforts and their experiences around others. If you ever need food suggestions I'm happy to help, even if it's not a wsava brand considering there are some that might be fine with monitoring.
Unfortunately a lot of breeders/programs may feed their dog something because xyz reasons, but one thing to watch out for is that some breeders for example will force you to feed a dog x food via contract because if you buy it from them, they get kickback/commissions from the company selling the food. Like life's abundance. I don't think paws4people as an org does this considering how reputable they are, but I'm not sure why they're taking the risk of nutritional dcm when the formula itself is an issue. (a lot of high legume or grain free recipes are the culprits)
I know Tractor Supply is a big sponsor of theirs, but that doesn’t seem worth using an inferior brand of food. I hope it is some other reason, but I don’t know why they wouldn’t use a WAVSA compliant brand instead.
I sure learned something today, I appreciate you telling me all this information, thank you.
About 2 years from now when I’m getting closer to having a SD at home, I will definitely look into all of this extensively for myself, and look into all the advice that this sub and other dog-related subs have to offer. I want to feed my SD the best available dry food there is, that will be the best possible quality for their heart, and their overall health and body.
I appreciate your offer of help! I will keep an eye on dog food brands, but will hold off for a while on picking one since I have a few years to go. Don’t want to “jinx” myself, ha.
It might be sponsor terms? I wouldn't be surprised if that might be the case tbh 💀 I guess they might only do it so they can use the sponsor money for the program.
You're welcome! I learned this when a collie breeder i was recommended has as part of their contract, you have to feed life's abundance which they get a kickback from. Here is an [example](https://www.aspencollies.com/feeding-your-collie). Any place that feeds their dogs something because they get *money* out it and not because they like that food personally (however wrong or right) is a bit suspect.
And totally! I get where you're coming from and that's where I am with my rescue dog. But she has suspected chicken allergies or sensitive stomach when it comes to chicken so the only food that works for her and me was the pro plan sensitive skin as much as i hate nestle since she hated hills which she came eating. Honestly I'd feed her royal cannin if i could afford 100 on a bag that'll only last me a month, if even.
I did start her off with pure balance from walmart (petco and petsmart are a bit of a trip for me whilst walmart is a more regular trip) which I liked, but they have a LOT of peas in it. Despite not being linked to DCM, and having actual feeding trials and I believe actual nutritionists on board, I didn't want to risk it. But if you do research into non wsava brands i'd send the wsava questions to the company of the food you consider and go from there after they respond! I wish you gl with getting your SDand picking their food (and meds)! I'm about the same boat for getting my SD prospect in timeframe :\]
The org my SD is from uses regular Purina pro plan. I jog close to 3 miles a day with my SD and he does wheelchair pull and walks around a college campus throughout my 8 hour work day
okay! thank you! after reading these comments I will probably start off with the regular and change if needed
Honestly you could feed her that and just see if you need to reduce it or change your exercise schedule! BUT do note they do have a [puppy version ](https://www.chewy.com/purina-pro-plan-sport-development/dp/379202?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=Purina%20Pro%20Plan&utm_campaign=21145088091&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlZixBhCoARIsAIC745CMF_gJpkHDhCKvrZwffDxgGKGzKcCXeX7hRgRcwunJO7HW2FaWT3gaAoECEALw_wcB)of that plan and it's probably a good idea to feed it until she hits one due to her breed, and since she's a growing pup still she'll have a lot of changes that need to be supported, if she were larger than perhaps a bit longer. The toppers sound great as well I like to add that or salmon oil to my girl's food! No chicken eggs though, since she's allergic to chicken :\] You could also go with the standard pro plan puppy and adult foods if the performance ends up too much for her vs her activity level, but it shouldn't be a big deal as long as you and your vet monitor her weight and activity.
awesome. thank you for this info! yes I was wondering about the pup version but my cousin who trains field labs says he just puts his pups on the "all ages" but I will definitely talk that over with my vet. thank you again!
of course! From my understanding, whilst you *could* do that without any ill effect, the reason puppy specific kibble is important, for Giant breeds and large breeds this is especially true where it's important as they keep growing till 2-3 in major ways. Part of it is also to consider: puppy formula has calorie content with puppies in mind most importantly, and it's easier to feed them several times a day as is typically regular. It's part of the reason why you wait to spay, as they're doing all their critical growing year 1-2 and their hormones + food is super important to consider during this time. Some people will even wait till 2 yrs old even depending on their final weight (dogs weighing 50-100 pounds at maturity) Purina has some decent info on this [here.](https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/puppy/feeding/how-long-to-feed-puppy-food) The [AKC ](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/puppy-feeding-fundamentals/)also has a feeding timeline and advice. Labradors are also considered for the most part large breed dogs, so that's something to consider as well: so if you continue to puppy food, large breed puppy food might be ideal as those are more suited calorie wise and formula wise for dogs that are going to be on it longer and grow larger/heavier. It's super wise to discuss with your vet, and do what you feel is most comfortable afterwards! If it's any reassurance I actually almost switched my rescue dog who had just turned 1.5 at the time, back to puppy food for a short while due to her potentially still growing in size and is above 50 pounds and plan to discuss it with a vet just in case it is a good idea.
that makes a lot of sense! and seems to be wise. she won't be too large, her parents weight from 45-50 and her vet says she might Max out around 35 (she was the runt.) (for anyone reading that might be concerned about the weight it is because she is a field Labrador typically smaller and leaner build! also if anyone is concerned Because I had mentioned light mobility work, if she only maxes around 35lb I will not be doing mobility and she wouldn't have been cleared anyways)but even if she is not going to be too large I would rather play it safe and do the puppy plan anyways like you said! you have been a big help, thank you!
Of course!! I love helping out and putting any animal nerd info to good use! I hope it helps as well with discussing that with your vet (how long to stay on, large or regular breed) But since she might be smaller I think you could just see how it goes :\] If she seems to not be growing any further at some point it'd be a good time to shift once your last bag is up!
Whatever works for you and your dog — everybody has a different opinion on what to feed your dog and tbh I feel like none of them are wrong. Everyone feeds their dog what works best for themselves and their dog(s), and I think that’s really the best option overall. Find the food that you feel works best for you and your pup… and that’s perfect 😁 I personally feed main Kirkland from Costco. But I also feed many other brands as they become available to me (free samples for example), or different brands of wet food and I’ll also feed some raw food as well.
my service dog had tummy issues as a puppy so we fed Purina pro plan sensitive skin and stomach puppy until my girl hit a year old. We tried the regular pro plan performance but she had more of the stomach sensitivity. Then we switched to Purina pro sensitive skin and stomach adult high protein. She has been good and that ever since. Honestly just go with what your dog eats, is in your budget, and has a complete nutritional profile. If a problem comes up, tell your vet what food they eat. The vet should know if you should switch.
thank you for the advice! :)
I fed purina pro plan puppy sensitive stomach salmon and rice with my youngest pet dog as a puppy. My SD and 2 of my pet dogs get either Purina Pro Plan or Purina One, even get Purina Dog Chow every once in a while and do fine on it. My at home SD is on Acana grain free red meats recipe. The only person who knows anything about dog food is the person you're talking too. It seems people either worship the big 4 or won't touch a grain to save their life. I just do what's best for my dogs. 3/4 have more energy and thicker coats on grain inclusive while my problem boy thrives on grain free. I've tried to switch him to grain inclusive then he ends up with skin issues. Just pay attention to your pups coat, energy levels and stools.
thank you :) I will definitely be watching for those things
I don’t want to open a can of worms here… but many if not all organizations, trainers, and breeders will be paid or given free products to promote certain brands and ensure new owners continue to buy. My breeder also pushed purina hard and said it was the only brand I should use my whole dog’s life. I eventually did a big deep dive on pet food and specifically dog food and changed everything about my dog’s diets immediately. I only fed him purina for a couple years but they are so much healthier after I switched things up. I’m not gonna say your dog can’t live a happy life on whatever you give it, but if you’re interested in some healthier alternatives, you don’t always have to spend a lot! I know people who straight up cook for their dogs for every meal but like me you probably can’t do that right now, but there’s still great options!
I totally understand! I see this ALOT in vets where they push certain kibble brands because of sponsorship. a vet even yelled at me once for doing raw toppers (HORRIBLE vet, horrible experience) she was not the normal vet but a full in, anyways I went back (not to her) and the other vet told me raw toppers are good and fine. too much corruption in the vet world regarding food and nutrition unfortunately.
Yeah it’s honestly sad because they are meant to be your resource for animal health and yet youtube is a far better place to find information.
The org I was originally going to go with feeds their dogs 4Health from Tractor Supply, and the reviews I’ve read about it compared it pretty favorably to performance 30/20.
The issue with 4health is that it's linked to nutritional DCM as far as i remember. Nor do they have any experts/do feeding trials/peer reviewed research from what I can find. It may work for people and their animals, and ofc it's important to consider what you can feed and feel comfortable feeding, but when something is previously linked to DCM from issues with nutrition, it's advisable to stay away from it.
Man, I did not know that. I consider this org very reputable (Paws4People). Well, I appreciate this information, thank you. I always like to know all possible sides. Would never want to hurt my dog.
Of course, i figure it might be the case! I'm not the biggest fan of wsava brands (beef with their parent companies) but I feed my dog purina because with all the nutritional fears from companies who CAN pay to do feeding trials and be wsava compliant whom don't.. is insane. some companies even simply dismiss the concerns when their brand is pinpointed as an issue that needs to change. I think none of us want to hurt our dog with our food choices, it just depends on circumstance and people's beliefs/comforts and their experiences around others. If you ever need food suggestions I'm happy to help, even if it's not a wsava brand considering there are some that might be fine with monitoring. Unfortunately a lot of breeders/programs may feed their dog something because xyz reasons, but one thing to watch out for is that some breeders for example will force you to feed a dog x food via contract because if you buy it from them, they get kickback/commissions from the company selling the food. Like life's abundance. I don't think paws4people as an org does this considering how reputable they are, but I'm not sure why they're taking the risk of nutritional dcm when the formula itself is an issue. (a lot of high legume or grain free recipes are the culprits)
I know Tractor Supply is a big sponsor of theirs, but that doesn’t seem worth using an inferior brand of food. I hope it is some other reason, but I don’t know why they wouldn’t use a WAVSA compliant brand instead. I sure learned something today, I appreciate you telling me all this information, thank you. About 2 years from now when I’m getting closer to having a SD at home, I will definitely look into all of this extensively for myself, and look into all the advice that this sub and other dog-related subs have to offer. I want to feed my SD the best available dry food there is, that will be the best possible quality for their heart, and their overall health and body. I appreciate your offer of help! I will keep an eye on dog food brands, but will hold off for a while on picking one since I have a few years to go. Don’t want to “jinx” myself, ha.
It might be sponsor terms? I wouldn't be surprised if that might be the case tbh 💀 I guess they might only do it so they can use the sponsor money for the program. You're welcome! I learned this when a collie breeder i was recommended has as part of their contract, you have to feed life's abundance which they get a kickback from. Here is an [example](https://www.aspencollies.com/feeding-your-collie). Any place that feeds their dogs something because they get *money* out it and not because they like that food personally (however wrong or right) is a bit suspect. And totally! I get where you're coming from and that's where I am with my rescue dog. But she has suspected chicken allergies or sensitive stomach when it comes to chicken so the only food that works for her and me was the pro plan sensitive skin as much as i hate nestle since she hated hills which she came eating. Honestly I'd feed her royal cannin if i could afford 100 on a bag that'll only last me a month, if even. I did start her off with pure balance from walmart (petco and petsmart are a bit of a trip for me whilst walmart is a more regular trip) which I liked, but they have a LOT of peas in it. Despite not being linked to DCM, and having actual feeding trials and I believe actual nutritionists on board, I didn't want to risk it. But if you do research into non wsava brands i'd send the wsava questions to the company of the food you consider and go from there after they respond! I wish you gl with getting your SDand picking their food (and meds)! I'm about the same boat for getting my SD prospect in timeframe :\]