Loose Stools - 2 GSD Puppies

Question
Hello Catherine,

I had to start a new thread because of too many follow ups.  Anyway, I can get the Wellness, Natural Balance, Innova, Taste of the Wild, and Natures Variety brands here in Wichita.  If you could rank them in the order you would recommend them, I will check pricing and such and go from there.  Thanks so much for your help.  Have a great day!

Jennifer

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

I would tend to prefer you start out with a more moderate diet, so I'm doing to say the Natural Balance:
http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/dogformulas/UltDog.html

Next choice would be the Innova Large Breed Puppy - actually, I'd say these two are tied for most dogs, but for a GSD maybe try the NB first.

Really it's a matter of seeing how they do.

My third choice from this grouping would be Wellness Superfive:
http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/dog_wellness_dry_super5mix_puppy_health.html

Any of these foods should be tried before going to a super high protein food like Nature's variety. I am not 100% sure about the company or formulas so while NV is a good product, I feel better with any of these three (above).

PLEASE don't let anyone tell you that puppyfoods are all bad and you should switch to an adult food early. This is really dated information. These new premium companies are using nutrient levels geared specificlly to the unique needs of a growing large breed dog and should be use for the full first year. They are superb foods, as  far as kibble goes.   Your challenge is to find one that will work for your guys, and that may mean a sensitive line such as this:
http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/dog_wellness_simple_food_solutions_duck.html

I prefer the nutrient levels in the LargeBreedPuppy, but then again, if they're having diarrhea all the time they aren't exactly absorbing well. With sensitive dogs, you often need to fnd a compromise.


You might consider starting with this food(the sensitive) and if they do well,  slowly transition to the large breed puppy version.

I hope this gives you a good starting place ,and some useful ideas. any time you get really loose stool, it's prudent to take a few days and do bland diet; white rice and lowfat protein such as whitefish or chicken (skinless - turkey is better). I would re-run the tests if this happens again, and be wary of people offering fatty snacks! Be aware that it can take several foods to find one with not only the right ingredients for your dogs, but the correct levels of protein and fats. If I can help more along the way, let me know. I'd love to hear how you're doing, don't hesitate to drop a line at home and update me.

catlane@thepossiblecanine.com.
All the best, Catherine