puppies and protein

Question
Hi Catherine, It's me again. First, thank you for the
group. I have got a lot of useful information.
I need clarification on a few things.
I have been looking into Innova, Wellness Super 5
and some of the other premium brands. They really don't
seem much "better" than Canidae. Is it true the government deemed it acceptable to use moldy grain in dog food ?
This is why I am leaning towards grain free. Evo, Wellness Core or Taste of The Wild.
I would love to use Orijen but it is a little out of my
price range. Evo has 42% protein the other two 34%.
How much protein is too much for a puppy?
TOTW is also cheaper. Do you know anything about it?
I have heard some questions about their processing and
where they get their meat. Not to mention it is made by
Diamond. Should people be worried about the amount of
acrylamide in kibble made with potatoes?
Thanks Catherine,
Your the best
Tim  

Answer
Tim, I have no confirmed evidence that any governmental agency ok'd the use of moldy grains, however I work primarily with home prepared diet and in the dogfood business, nothing would surprise me.

The problem with leaning toward grainfree foods is that there are any - MANY - other issues to consider when selecting a food. Grainfree foods are usually very high in protein which isn't suitable for all dogs. I personally don't like the presence of white potato in a food at all and especially not for seniors. Fat content can be high and minerals SKY high - scary high for a largebreed pup especially. I also don't like feeding one protein source all the time, I rotate my dog's meat/poultry/fish. I know this gets complicated but you sound like you're really interested - don;t get discouraged.

BOTH the 34 and 42% is too much for a puppy...and people should be worried about the solanine in food made with potatoes. Acrylamide is a concern with any carb heated at high temperatures. The reason I don't use a lot of kibble - they all have multiple problems.

I like the Innova puppy foods in terms of nutrient content, but they have gluten. I did use a little Innova Large Breed Puppy for Dan, mixed half and half with Orijen, while he was growing, but I did and do feed primarily home made. It's a lot more work, but not a lot more money than premium.

These are all great questions for the group, that way you get many answers, not just mine. <g> You can also always write the companies!

All the best - hope this helps a little...Catherine