Best food brand for puppies...

**map1986** · 01-14-2008, 02:45 PM

I have been giving Maggie Purina Puppy Chow for the passed two weeks...is that a good brand? I looked at the ingredients and it's main ingredients was some sort of corn meal and chicken product. There were sure a lot of additives though. Does anyone have a better brand that is healthier for her?

**Bob Pr.** · 01-14-2008, 03:09 PM

Many of us strongly prefer a Large Breed Puppy Food for the first year since it has reduced amounts of calcium and a favorable Calcium:Phosphorus ratio that prevents joints from closing too fast -- a common problem with Labs and other larger breeds. MANY scientific nutritional studies have confirmed this.

Among the better, popular brands: Diamond Naturals, Eukanuba, Iams, Nutro Natural Choice, ProPlan, and Science Diet

**davidreidy** · 01-14-2008, 03:57 PM

With our limited experience, I'd take IAMS out of the mix of recommended brands. Only because it's what has caused slight crystals in our 9week pup's urine.

We were prescribed science diet C/D and will switch to most likely ProPlan LBP ( LBP = Large Breed Puppy ) once the crystals are clear.

FYI - here's a short list that was recommended to me on another thread:
Orijen (LBP)
Canidae (All Life Stages)
Diamond (LBP)
Innova
ProPlan (LBP)

I researched as much as I could on all of them. Orijen looks pretty good but proplan is pretty good cost/value.
I have also read on here and am thinking about Costco's brand Kirkland which is supposed to be equivalent and/or made by similar manufacturer as Diamond.

**imported_abbigailsmom** · 01-14-2008, 04:11 PM

Mine have both been on pro plan lg breed since they were babies,

**map1986** · 01-14-2008, 08:41 PM

Thanks for the input! Can you get the Large Puppy Breed at say, a Wal-mart? Or would you have to get it at Petco/Petsmart?

**Bob Pr.** · 01-14-2008, 08:41 PM

davidreidy said

....Diamond (LBP)....
I researched as much as I could on all of them....I have also read on here and am thinking about Costco's brand Kirkland which is supposed to be equivalent and/or made by similar manufacturer as Diamond.

"Plain" Diamond used to be much better but, with the introduction of "Diamond Naturals", the "DN" is now the more premium food while the plain "D" now has cheaper ingredients (corn).

For pups, a "Diamond Naturals" LBP food would be a good choice.

FWIW, the "Diamond Naturals" and Costco's Kirkland dog food are extremely similar and made by the same company. My Puff eats Kirkland C&R.

map1986 asked

Can you get the Large Puppy Breed at say, a Wal-mart? Or would you have to get it at Petco/Petsmart?

I doubt that WalMart sells good grade LBP foods. You're more likely to find it at PetsMart, Petco, and similar stores.

Some of those sell Diamond products but Diamond is also sold at many feed stores. For Diamond dealer locations, see

http://www.diamondpet.com/dealer_locator/

Diamond never advertises, they depend on word of mouth and so its product price is much cheaper than the advertised brands. (But the DN's ingredients are MUCH better than those in the plain D's.)

**imported_abbigailsmom** · 01-14-2008, 08:57 PM

Yes Petco or Walmart for the Proplan, here in Illinois we have a feed store that carry it also, but Petco is better on price.

**imported_CHOCO4ME** · 01-16-2008, 12:19 AM

Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach here. Not puppy, but I do believe they have a puppy formula as well. Very happy with the ProPlan. I have not seen it at WalMart. I buy at Petsmart. Still reasonably priced.

**mamas510** · 01-18-2008, 12:46 PM

Our Cookie is 8 weeks old and we switched her to Innova Large breed; Our dog food lady recommended we put her on large breed. We have our 2 yr old lab - Lady on California Natural Chicken and we have gotten so many compliments on her and her coat being so shiny. i really think a good food is best for them long term. Just my 2 sense!!