Calories

[poli4465]

Hi Everyone,

I'm so glad I found this forum. I've really learned a lot by reading things here, and this is my first post!

I have a 2 yr old german shepherd mix. I originally was feeding him Beneful until I found this forum, then Diamond Naturals, and now he's on Fromm Four Star. Fortunately, he's done fine on everything. However, we run together quite a bit -- 5-6miles/4-5 times a week and it's difficult to keep his weight on. I feed him 2 cups twice a day which is more than even the bag suggests.

And then I found this calorie comparison chart (which I'm sure has been posted here somewhere) http://www.petobesityprevention.com/..._Dry_Foods.pdf

and I'm confused. Fromm (Chicken 4 Star) is 370 k/calories, which by the look of it is relatively low. I'm wondering if feeding him a higher calorie food might be better, if for no other reason than to be able to feed him less. In particular, California Natural Chicken Meal and Rice is 511 k/calories per cup, which seems very high for a limited ingredient kibble. Even some grain free foods are low in calories (TOTW's are 360-375).

Thoughts? I understand not all calories are created equal (a candy bar may have the same caloric content as a healthier snack but isn't as good for you), but at the same time a calorie is a calorie is a calorie and I feel like a higher calorie food designed for dogs that get more than typical amounts of exercise might serve him better.

Thanks.

[Tobi]

Here is my take on it... When i fed kibble i didn't worry about the calories as much as i worried about the ingredients, and body condition of my dog, I think that too much thought is sometimes put into calories for dog food when it really shouldn't be.

I've never looked at the calories on the meats i feed for instance, I watch his body condition over the weeks if he's plumping up or slimming down i adjust accordingly.

Having said that, to the forum!!

[SubMariner]

Hi Everyone,

I'm so glad I found this forum. I've really learned a lot by reading things here, and this is my first post!

I have a 2 yr old german shepherd mix. I originally was feeding him Beneful until I found this forum, then Diamond Naturals, and now he's on Fromm Four Star. Fortunately, he's done fine on everything. However, we run together quite a bit -- 5-6miles/4-5 times a week and it's difficult to keep his weight on. I feed him 2 cups twice a day which is more than even the bag suggests.

And then I found this calorie comparison chart (which I'm sure has been posted here somewhere) http://www.petobesityprevention.com/..._Dry_Foods.pdf

and I'm confused. Fromm (Chicken 4 Star) is 370 k/calories, which by the look of it is relatively low. I'm wondering if feeding him a higher calorie food might be better, if for no other reason than to be able to feed him less. In particular, California Natural Chicken Meal and Rice is 511 k/calories per cup, which seems very high for a limited ingredient kibble. Even some grain free foods are low in calories (TOTW's are 360-375).

Thoughts? I understand not all calories are created equal (a candy bar may have the same caloric content as a healthier snack but isn't as good for you), but at the same time a calorie is a calorie is a calorie and I feel like a higher calorie food designed for dogs that get more than typical amounts of exercise might serve him better.

Thanks.

At one time we were feeding our very active GSP 4 cups of "Brand X", which had been recommended to us by a trainer. However, the dog kept losing weight. So we went to EVO Turkey Chicken. Although it is high in calories, they are all from good sources, plus it has the highest protein content out there of any kibble ~42%.

The dog put on muscle/weight, coat got even better looking, and is even more energized than before. On 2 1/2 cups per day.

[3Musketeers]

I would definitely switch him over to a grain-free food with a higher protein and fat percentage. The fat is going to be a much better energy source than carbs, and the extra protein, along with the fat will help him keep muscle from all the excercise. Dogs don't need any carbs and they usually give short-bursts of energy, whereas the fat will keep him going longer.
I wouldn't worry about the calories that much, but those usually have a higher amount of calories for the most part. EVO is a good one, it scores high calories on your list, I'll just list a few foods with their protein/fat and calories which I think could help out.


EVO (red meat, turkey/chicken, salmon):
Crude Protein (Min) 42.0 %
Crude Fat (Min) 22.0 %
Calories: 527.0 kcal/cup


Orijen (regional red, adult):
Crude protein 38.0 %
Crude fat 18.0 %
Calories: 480 kcal/cup
(The puppy food however has more fat/protein and calories, so I'd give that a thought)


Nature's Variety Instinct (chicken, beef):
Crude Protein (min): 42.0%
Crude Fat (min): 22.0%
Calories: 490 kcal/cup


Nature's Logic (chicken, venison, or duck):
Crude Protein 38.3 %
Crude Fat 18.1 %
Calories: 551 kcal/cup

Earthborn (Primitive Natural):
Crude Protein 38.00%
Crude Fat 20.00%
Calories: 430 kcal/cup

[poli4465]

Thanks for the replies, those are some good suggestions, but I'm still a little confused. In people, carbs provide energy. Not so in dogs? People on fad, atkins type diets cut out carbs while increasing protein intake to lose weight. I understand dogs have different digestive systems, but going to a higher protein/lower carb diet will help my dog maintain or gain weight? Just seems counter-intuitive to this newbie!

[Caty M]

Dogs are carnivores, not omnivores like people. Yes they may be able to utilize processed plant matter (carbs) but why, when you can get the energy they need through animal protein and fats. It simply makes sense to feed a carnivore animal products.

[Tobi]

Thanks for the replies, those are some good suggestions, but I'm still a little confused. In people, carbs provide energy. Not so in dogs? People on fad, atkins type diets cut out carbs while increasing protein intake to lose weight. I understand dogs have different digestive systems, but going to a higher protein/lower carb diet will help my dog maintain or gain weight? Just seems counter-intuitive to this newbie!

This may help you understand a bit better, this was written by the people at Champion foods, imo a very reputable pet food company.
http://files.championpetfoods.com/OR...hite_Paper.pdf

[PDXdogmom]

Yes, dogs can utilize some carbs as energy. They metabolize protein and fats first, though. I've fed my two dogs many different high end grain-free foods. My one dog is a senior golden of very moderate exercise level. He almost tends to lose weight on the high protein grain free kibbles although he does have good muscle tone on them.

You might want to take a look at Canine Caviar Chicken and Pearl Millet. It is 26% protein and 16% fat. While not grain free, millet plays out much differently than carbs like potato or white rice. It is very calorically dense at 599 kcal per cup. My very active four year old lab is doing just as well, if not better, on this food compared to all the high protein grain-free foods I've fed her. I will often add a scrambled egg or 1/4 cup of cooked ground turkey (or similar) to slightly boost the protein when she is especially active. Chicken And Pearl Millet Adult

This food gets down to the basics as opposed to the aggressive marketing of superfluous kibbles with 8 different proteins and many bits of fruits and vegetables.

[poli4465]

That was a good read and thanks for the additional suggestions. I am going to check my local feed store and see what's available.