Question:
My vet mentioned that the food that Keesha is on (Fromm, my vet is not familiar with that brand) might be too high in protein and that might have contributed to her current urinary tract problem.
The analysis on the bag says not less than 24% protein. I haven't done much research on this but does anyone have any experience or knowledge to share on this?


Answer:
That is very possible. Nitrogen (a product of protein metabolism) is very hard on the kidneys and can cause irritation. The AAFCO recommend about 18% protein for adult dogs and more (I think up to 22-24%) for growing dogs. I am not a professional, but I agree, 24% is much too high.


Answer:
I did a search and found this article. It's pretty interesting and lists protein requirements.
http://www.washingtonsquareveterinar...or_good_pe.htm


Answer:
Keesha and Ally are on the duck and sweet potato formula from Fromm because the guy at the petstore said it was the most palateable for dogs and I was worried that they weren't eating much. But another person at the petstore did mention that Fromm is quite high in protein. I think I will need to switch their kibble to something lower in the protein content.
Thanks for the link, Candice! Now I have to hunt for another brand, I'm thinking of Canidae but that has 24% protein as well. Seems like most foods have that amount.


Answer:
Several higher end foods make a reduced protein formula. Unfortunately, they are also lower fat so if you are concerned with the girls' weight, they probably won't be ideal. Most "lite" foods have lower protein percentages.


Answer:
I'll ask the pet store and see what they come up with after doing some of my own research. Keeping in mind that they are supposed to be 'the health food store for your pet' (their slogan, not mine, lol) and are supposed to deal only in good quality pet food.
I'm not going to do any changes now until Keesha gets better. If all else fails, I'll put her on a bland diet until I find something suitable instead of keeping her eating her current kibble if that contributed to her UTI.


Answer:
Look for something with higher calories but lower protein......this will allow your dog to consume less protein. Guaranteed analysis does'nt really tell you much because of the wide range of calorie levels amoung various foods. A dog will likely consume less protein eating a food with 22% protein and 500 kcal/cup than it would eating a food with 22% protein and 300 kcal/cup because it will have to eat more of the lower calorie food and therefore more protein will be consumed.
Im not sure whats available to you but California Natural might be a good choice for lower protein if you dog will eat it.


Answer:
Thanks for the tip, opokki I think I will check calories on the label like you suggested.
I found California Natural at a pet food store in a town about an hour's drive away which is not practical for me since I don't have a car and the work van that my bf drives belongs to his co-worker who might need it at any time which means we can't drive too far away from home at any given time.
I am going to check the pricing on Nature's Variety as well since it was recommended by the store. Otherwise I might go with Solid Gold. I'm still researching with no definate plan yet. The girls still have half a bag of Fromm to go thru which gives me some time.


Answer:
Nature's Variety is a great food.


Answer:
Candice, is that the brand you fed the kitten you brought home from your school? I thought it sounded familiar.