pet food

Question
Hi Labman, I have a great dane mix he is 11 months old and weights 75lbs. I feed him purina puppy chow,which i hear is not a good dog food. what is good dog food for him that does not cost too much? I live in Detroit,Mi

Answer
Most puppy chows, even the large breed ones, are formulated for maximum growth.  Large breed puppies do better on an adult chow which leads to slower growth and sturdier joints for a longer active life.  I would switch to an adult chow now.  

Which one?  Much of what you hear about dog chow comes from those selling dog chow and those that have bought a story that fits their world view.  Let me assure you there is no firm evidence that what you have been feeding is bad for your dog other than the fast growth I mentioned.  When we started raising puppies for a large dog guide school in 1991, they were starting their puppies on the Purina Puppy Chow.  It was chosen by a well informed team of professionals that were extremely interested in a good chow.  Now they are feeding chicken based Pro Plan.  Much of the reason for the switch was the smaller, firmer stools that are easier to clean up and dispose of.  That is the main difference between the many different types of chow.  

Just switching to the adult version of the Purina would be a good idea, almost certain to work well if the puppy chow is doing well.  If you want the easier clean up, Purina 1 would only be slightly more expensive.  Most likely he will do fine on any of the other common brands too.  When you switch, make it slowly over about a week to avoid digestive upsets.  

It is important to keep a growing puppy lean too.  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  Great Danes commonly are light eaters, often refusing to eat enough to keep their ribs hidden.  If your mix is that way, one of the concentrated meat based chows would be a better choice than the Purina.  If he still won't eat enough to hide his ribs completely, that is OK.