AboutLabman Expertise What kind of food is best, dogs that won't eat, dogs that eat too fast, judging your dogs weight, preventing joint problems in large breeds, feeding puppies, supplements, avoiding health problems, healthy skin and coat, etc.
Experience Much of what I know about dog diets comes from my years of experience and training with dog guides and other service dogs. I can share their proven methods with you. They can't afford anything but the best to give a dog the same long, active life you want for your pet.
They breed most of their dogs, and have pedigrees, X-rays, other
medical records, and complete life histories on thousands of dogs. Their staff veterinarians are in touch with each other, top nutritionists, academic researchers, etc. They have investigated and tested many different diets. Nobody knows more about producing and maintaining healthy dogs, has more incentive to do so, and to share what they know with those such as me caring for the dogs. Unlike many others giving diet advice, they aren't selling anything. They are giving away dogs after very expensive training. It costs them the price of a new car to replace ones no longer able to work. They don't skimp on food.
I have also done extensive reading in this area.
Education/Credentials My degree in chemistry allows me to understand how real research is done and evaluate the proof behind diet claims. I am not taken in by the junk science behind many diets.
Question I am getting a new puppy this week (British Lab). Currenty they feed the dog Nutrisource large breed puppy. What can you tell me about Nutrisource dog foods?
Thanks
Answer I am not familiar with it. Chances are it is as good as anything. Most dog food rating systems are based on speculation about the ingredients without any studies to back them. They give low ratings to common brands that have a very successful history with service dogs. What I would do would be to go ahead and feed it until 4-5 months and then change to the adult version of one of the common brands. Choose one with the same protein source. You should be feeding a puppy chow now. Switching to an adult chow for the larger breeds at 4 months, slows growth and helps develop sturdier joints.
Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx
Nobody knows more about producing healthy dogs with a long, active life or more incentive to do so than the service dog schools. They are highly successful feeding common brands, making the early switch to adult chow, and keeping the dogs lean. They x-ray every dog at a year and seldom have any less than OFA good.
