weight gain/ safe healthy food

Question
Hello, I have a 17 month old English Mastiff, Hank he is a love, I'm afraid of all the recalls and am not sure what to feed him.  He looks big but only weighs 139.5 lbs.  I thought of feeding him Abundance dog food, right now he is eating Authority.   If you have time maybe you could explain why after a year of being best buds he and my 7 yr old lab or trying to kill each other.....
Thanks,
Robin

Answer
Hi Robin,

Life's Abundance All Natural Premium Quality Dog Food is not, nor has ever been, on any recall list. Life's Abundance Dog Food is safe for your dog. Several varieties of Authority brand dog food, on the other hand were involved in the recalls.

Authority Pet Food is involved in a class action lawsuit for misleading consumers regarding the contents of their pet food. The lawsuit alleges that pet food companies market their products as wholesome, choice cuts of meat, natural and complete and balanced diets even though they are fully aware that this food is largely carbohydrates and sugars combined with toxic preservatives and additives with very little to no meat at all. The lawsuit seeks damages to consumers for the false representations made in the Defendants' advertising as well as punitive damages.

A copy of the Complaint and supporting research materials is available at: http://www.mflegal.com/petfoodlawsuit

If you want  wish to be considered for participation in this lawsuit, go here:

http://www.mflegal.com/petfoodlawsuit-contact.html

As for your Mastiff's recent aggression, is he the one "starting" these fights, or is it your other dog? Has he been neutered? As your Mastiff matures (and large breeds mature later than smaller breeds) his hormones are starting to kick in. You should have both of your dogs neutered ASAP if they are not already neutered.

A vet exam would be a good idea too. There are medical reasons for sudden increased aggression. Pain, fear, and illness can all cause sudden behavior changes and temperament changes like aggression.

If your Mastiff is the aggressor, working with him on obedience commands can help him learn his place in the "pack", so he'll be less likely to be fighting for a higher social position. If you haven't enrolled him in obedience classes, do so.

Make sure your Mastiff is getting the amount of daily exercise he needs. He needs to be walked twice daily briskly until he's tired. He also needs to run at least twice per week until his tongue hangs out, playing fetch or whatever.

If your Lab is the aggressor most of the time, he should be examined by your vet. The most common hidden cause of aggression in older dogs is the onset of arthritis, which makes them not only less able to engage with other dogs, but also potentially vulnerable and defensive as a result.

Needless to say, your dogs should not be left alone when they can't be supervised. Direct his attention to you immediately when he shows too much interest your another dog, by giving him something active to do for you, such as a pop quiz in obedience commands.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti