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 have a 3 month old Bullmastiff/English Mastiff mix. I am wondering the best type of food to feed him. He is currently on Purina Puppy Chow, but I read that this could make him grow too fast causing problems. In addition, what kind of supplements would be good for him?
Also, I have recently noticed that he has tapeworms. Do you suggest any certain type of treatment? I bought Safeguard worm treatment for dogs. I was wondering if I should use this home remedy or consult a veterinarian?
Thank you!
Answer Most common brands of puppy chow do produce excessive growth, and I wouldn't be surprised if some of the premium brands are worse. Real facts on how dogs do on different diets are very hard to come by. The only thing I trust at all, are the practices of service dog schools. They are in a position to know more than even the dog food companies, and have enormous incentives to produce the longest possible active life. What is your goal for your dog? The service dog schools get around the problem by making an early switch to adult food, often at 4-5 months. I would feed the Purina for another month or 2, and switch to a common adult food. I know Purina, Purina 1, Iams, Pro Plan, and Science Diet adult foods all produce great results in young large breed dogs. the meat based ones will produce smaller, firmer stools that are easier to clean up. Being able to feed less makes up for part of the extra cost.
Don't undo the benefits of the switch to the less rich adult food by adding supplements. Everything your puppy needs is in the above foods I listed. It is very important to limit the calcium to less than 1.5% of the diet.
Since you already have the OTC medicine, you could try it. If it doesn't work, then get the good stuff from the vet.
