Mastiff Mix Puppy Food and Supplements

Question
I have a 3 month old Bullmastiff/English Mastiff mix.  I am wondering the best type of food to feed him.  He is currently on Purina Puppy Chow, but I read that this could make him grow too fast causing problems.  In addition, what kind of supplements would be good for him?

Also, I have recently noticed that he has tapeworms.  Do you suggest any certain type of treatment?  I bought Safeguard worm treatment for dogs.  I was wondering if I should use this home remedy or consult a veterinarian?

Thank you!


Answer
Most common brands of puppy chow do produce excessive growth, and I wouldn't be surprised if some of the premium brands are worse.  Real facts on how dogs do on different diets are very hard to come by.  The only thing I trust at all, are the practices of service dog schools.  They are in a position to know more than even the dog food companies, and have enormous incentives to produce the longest possible active life.  What is your goal for your dog?  The service dog schools get around the problem by making an early switch to adult food, often at 4-5 months.  I would feed the Purina for another month or 2, and switch to a common adult food.  I know Purina, Purina 1, Iams, Pro Plan, and Science Diet adult foods all produce great results in young large breed dogs.  the meat based ones will produce smaller, firmer stools that are easier to clean up.  Being able to feed less makes up for part of the extra cost.  

Don't undo the benefits of the switch to the less rich adult food by adding supplements.  Everything your puppy needs is in the above foods I listed.  It is very important to limit the calcium to less than 1.5% of the diet.  

Since you already have the OTC medicine, you could try it.  If it doesn't work, then get the good stuff from the vet.