feeding a bloodhound; NuVet Plus for bloodhound;

Question
QUESTION: I have a bloodhound.  14 months old, around 85 pounds.  i recently left him with a dog sitter who recommened NuVet plus.  i have ordered his first supply.  i have him on natural farm selects food.  is this the best food for him? and how much do i need to feed him each day?  I know that large dogs have a tendency to have hip problems as they age and i certainly want to do whatever i can to prevent that and to keep him as healthy as possible.

ANSWER: Hi Kay, yes, that is great that your started your dog on the NuVET Plus program!
As far as the dog food brand, can you send me a link to the product?  I looked up Natural farms and was taken to Many links.  I can look at the ingredients, if you give me the correct link.

Thanks
Marie Peppers
For NuVET Plus products:
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
or
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html

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QUESTION: Nature's Recipe Farm Stand Select.  I buy at Pet Smart.  


Made with high-quality ingredients for the health and well-being of your dog. With real turkey or salmon as the protein source to promote strong muscles plus real fruits and vegetables for a strong immune system. Balanced levels of dietary fiber help maintain healthy digestion. No beef, corn or wheat. No by-products, fillers or artifical preservatives.

Turkey Recipe
Ingredients: Turkey, turkey meal, ground rice, barley, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), oatmeal, potato protein, cranberriers, apples, peas, carrots, animal digest, tomato pomace, sodium tripolyphosphate, flax seed, potassium chloride, salt, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), inositol, niacin supplement, vitamin A supplement, D-calcium pantothenatie, thiamine mononitrate, beta-carotene, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, menadione sodium bisulfite complex, vitamin D3 supllement, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement) minerals (zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, iron proteinate, copper sulfate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, maganous oxide, calcium iodate, sodium selenite), yucca schidigera, choline chloride, rosemary extract.

Guaranteed Analysis:

Crude Protein (min) 25.0%
Crude Fat (min) 13.0%
Crude Fiber (max) 4.0%
Moisture (max) 10.0%
Calcium (min) 1.0%
Phosphorus (min) 0.8%
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* (min) 0.25%
Omega-6 Fatty Acids* (min) 2.0%
Salmon Recipe
Salmon, salmon meal, ground rice, barley, oatmeal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), potato protein, tomato pomace, animal digest, cranberries, peas, apples, carrots, sodium tripolyphosphate, flax seed, potassium chloride, salt, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), inositol, niacin supplement, vitamin A supplement, D-calcium pantothenatie, thiamine mononitrate, beta-carotene, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, menadione sodium bisulfite complex, vitamin D3 supllement, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement) minerals (zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, iron proteinate, copper sulfate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, maganous oxide, calcium iodate, sodium selenite), yucca schidigera, choline chloride, rosemary extract.

Guaranteed Analysis:

Crude Protein (min) 25.0%
Crude Fat (min) 13.0%
Crude Fiber (max) 4.0%
Moisture (max) 10.0%
Calcium (min) 1.0%
Phosphorus (min) 0.8%
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* (min) 0.25%
Omega-6 Fatty Acids* (min) 2.0%
* Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.  

Answer
Follow -up :  Glad you have the NuVET supplements...
One more tip for you:  To avoid any bloat - please wet the dry dog food with 1/8 cup of water - let it sit for 5-7 minutes and then serve.
Larger dogs can have a problem with bloat.
Also, not walking right after a meal.... ( no major expercise with a fully belly)

Marie's NuVET site - here:
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html
BEST wishes
Marie Peppers of Ask the Pet Nurse

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Ok, this food has a fair amount of protein at 25 % ...... VERY safe amount for your dog's needs.
Follow the back of the package for feeding amounts.  ( this is just a guide)
YOU can feed a little more or less of what the guide tells you.
Watch your dog for signs of hunger.  Feed a little more if needed.
Also, a 1/2 can to 1 full can of green beans is helpful and empty calories.
Add a "dash" of olive oil to a 1/2 can of unsalted green beans.

The ingredients look fine with this food.
Good job!

Marie Peppers of ask the Pet Nurse