Food issue

Question
I have had my 7 month old lab for about 1 1/2 months.  The breeder had her
on Purina One, which I would like to change.  I started a transition a few
weeks ago to Canidae, but her tummy just couldn't handle it.  My vet said I
should put her back on the Purina One and maybe try again later.  I waited a
couple of weeks and decided to try again.  I went very slowly, but when we
got to the 50/50, her stools became runny again.  Could this food just be too
rich or possibly she is allergic?  I want to try another food, but don't really
want to go back to the Purina One again.  I would have to buy a new bag
since I am almost out and I just don't feel good about the quality.  Would it be
horrible to just switch her cold turkey to another food?  Thanks again for your
help.

Answer
Making a sudden switch is very apt to create the very sort of problem you are having.  Where did you get the idea that Purina 1 is low quality?  Chances are, the idea originated with those selling the more expensive chows.  They use half truths, distortions, and in some cases lies to make common brands of of dog chow sound bad.  They know how to push the buttons of those wanting the the very best for their dogs to persuade them to chose a more expensive brand.  

Those best able to make an informed decision feed common brands such as Iams, pro Plan, and Purina 1.  Other than maybe the dog chow producers, nobody know more about caring for dogs than the various service dog schools.  I am vary familiar with the because my family have been raising puppies for a couple of them since 1991.  Our service has brought us in contact with people from other schools, and those dependent on the dogs as a adult.  The schools have no other agenda  than producing strong, healthy dogs.  Dogs with joint problems cannot be used as intended.  They have bred thousands of dogs, X-rayed their hips, and kept track of them over their whole life. They keep careful breeding records. They desperately want sound dogs.  They feed common brands and say switch to adult food at 4 months.  I have done that, and all 16 of the dogs I have turned in passed the X-rays of their hips.  Sturdy joints aren't the only thing.  You don't want to spent the price of a fine automobile training a dog and have to retire it after a couple of years due to allergies or other health problem.  

Much of what I read about dog chow is at odds with the thousands of dogs I have personally seen that are thriving on common brands including Purina 1.  The school  the Lab we raised last year belonged to had us feeding her Purina 1.  They also use many Goldens.  While Labs dominate dog guides, the assistance dog schools use more Goldens.  I have challenged people on dog forums to produce some real proof to back their claims about Canidae and other expensive chows.  Most of them don't even seem to understand what proving something means.  I know the dog guide schools have tried many different diets and compared how dogs have done on them under the supervision of their nutritionists and veterinarians.  None of them are feeding any of the premium brands.  If your dog is doing fine on Purina 1, the only rational thing is to continue it.

And please don't worry abut it.  Your stress will transfer to the dog.