Orijen dog food

Question
QUESTION: i have a 6 1/2 month old male lab 38 lbs very healty, and first id like to know approx how big he will grow to. also i am feeding him orijen large puppy brand whats your opinion on this product? is this too much protein 42%
thank you

ANSWER: YES that is way too much protein. It's an excellent dog food, but not for your puppy at this time.
I would put him on a good large breed puppy food from Flint River. Eagle Pack, Canidae,Wellness or Natural Balance. Keep those protein levels down around 23 percent or less.
As to what size he will be as an adult, you take his weight at three months, double it and add ten pounds. That should give you a general idea. Common practice among lab owners is to keep their pups a bit on the thin side during growth stages. This protects their joints from things such as HOD, and hip dysplasia. Slow steady growth by using a lower protein food will help your dog to reach his adult size in a much healthier way and extend his life span.
Good luck
Cindi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi, thank you very much...i didnt have dog at three months, adopted him at 6 months....as for the orijen, your saying that is good to feed at what age? and in the meantime, can i mix it 50/50 with another lower protein food or just use it as snacks

Answer
Exactly. This dog food is much too high in protein for a large breed dog during growth periods.  You can feed it to him as an adult, after he reaches two years of age. No you cannot feed it mixed but now and again as a treat would be ok in SMALL amounts.
Good luck
Cindi