Feeding?

Question
Hello,
My Vinny is an un-neutered 10wk male lab currently on Eukanuba Puppy Growth, I was wondering at which age to switch to adult formula. I also have Luca who is a year 1/2 neutered male Lab. I am very confused with all the bands of food out there. I have heard good things about Diamond Naturals, I was hoping to find something that will not be a fortune. My Luca is currently eating Blue Buffalo and I am not so impressed with it.

Answer
Dog food is very confusing.  Before the current form of the net existed, we were raising puppies for a large dog guide school that feeds Pro Plan, no better rated than Science, Iams, etc.  Once I started reading how awful it was, I started digging.  What I have learned is that many other service dog schools with all their resources to determine the best diet and the incentive to do so, are feeding back of the pack chows including Iams, Science Diet, and Pro Plan.  I have not been able to find any research backing up the claims of the premium chows.  I have challenged people on open forums to provide me with research backing the premium chows.  They don't seem to appreciate the importance of controlled testing.  Those selling premium chows are very good at exploiting the emotions of many.

My thinking is moving in the direction that much of the discussion of dog food involves people into alternate diets for themselves.  If you avoid additives such as BHT and are eating organic, then you may want to feed your dog chows such as Blue Buffalo.  Otherwise, the common brands have a strong track record.  One of the more sensible things I have found lately is http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2009/07/pet-food-nutrition-myths/  You cna find a range of opinions at http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/articles2.html#nutrition

As for adult food, the dog guide school has us switching their labs to adult or all life stages food at 4-5 months.  You should be feeding a puppy chow now. Switching to an adult chow for the larger breeds at 4 months, slows growth and helps develop sturdier joints.  Beware of of feeding puppies an adult food with over 1.5% calcium by analysis.  

Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx