Protein Levels in French Bulldog Diet/Questions about Food

[shawno]

Hey everyone, I'm new to the community and hoping some of you may have some insights about different foods and protein content.

I've done a lot of research and found that there isn't much consensus on the best way to feed your dog. Raw is good, raw is bad. Cook it a little, cook it a lot. Dry food, no dry food. As with most things in the world, it seems there's no way to know what is actually the best thing for each individual dog or lifestyle. Although this is the case, I think there are some things that ring true for more French Bulldogs than not. Anyway, I'll get to the point/my question:

I've read that diets high in protein may not be the best for a house dog that isn't particularly active. We take our little lady on daily walks and play games with her, but she's no marathoner. We currently feed her Blue Buffalo Wilderness (lamb) and are looking to switch her to a different diet in hopes of helping her slight allergies (she gets bumps on her skin sometimes, has some ear problems [itchiness/irritation], and licks her paws pretty frequently). We've taken her to the vet quite a few times and these issues are consistent enough season to season that it seems it's likely to be a food allergy. So, I've heard good things about Orijen and Farmina. Both come in grain-free formulas and come from reputable companies that continually produce high quality dry foods that have never been recalled. The only issue with these two foods is that they are quite high in their protein content. Orijen's sister company Acana has some great grain-free foods in their Singles line as well, which tends to have lower protein content. It would seem that Acana would be the best choice for my one-year-old French Bulldog, but Susan Thixton, a reputable pet food analyst/advocate and founder of TruthAboutPetFood.com says that Orijen/Acana (Champion Foods) has some issues when it comes to their practices (mainly to do with them buying from companies that promote "canned hunts," and not so much to do with their quality. But they also haven't signed her transparency document/pledge). In her 2015 "List" she promotes Farmina as one of only two dry foods she would ever consider feeding her dogs. As I said above, the protein content in Farmina may be an issue for my only slightly active little lady. Does anyone have any information on the subject of protein content and pet activity levels? Any suggestions on reputable dog food brands that participate in transparent and healthy food creation processes? I'm looking for a grain-free food with natural ingredients and minimal unnatural supplements that may help with our little lady's allergies, preferably no fish or chicken. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks, everyone!

Shawno

 

[eeturk]

[MENTION=377]MaplesMommy[/MENTION] usually has great info on this type of thing!


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[MaplesMommy]

Lets have a look at what proteins actually are. Proteins consist of amino acids. Amino acids are technically the building block of life. The body needs amino acids for numerous functions such as producing enzymes & hormones,repairing tissue, breathing etc. There are 10 amino acids that are absolutely essential to supply via food because the dogs body cannot produce them by its own. (And without, it could also not produce non-essential amino acids but that a whole nother topic ).
Proteins are only used as 'fuel' to a very limited degree. Mostly all Amino acids are pretty much 'busy' with doing essential things(as mentioned above).
Fat contains more calories than protein or carbohydrates. However, its the carbs that you have to keep an eye on. Because with dog food we are talking about 'bad ' carbs and starchy ingredients such as Corn,Potatoes etc. Its sad to see that some dog foods are really 50% sugar.. (Well what do u expect if a chocolate bar manufacturer makes them?!).
The higher a dog food is in protein, the less room there is for carbs. When I mention carbs I always also mention yeast. Almost daily I encounter people that say they think their dog has a food allergy but more than 90% turn out to be a yeast overgrowth. Keep in mind : Starch feeds yeast. That together with high Omega 6 ratio just screams inflammation.

That too much protein is bad is nothing more than a myth!
Otherwise millions of raw fed dogs would be suffering and dying but instead they are THRIVING and healthier than ever.
In my opinion comparing kibble to a raw diet is like comparing mac n cheese with a fresh salad. One is highly processed (how much 'food' can it still be if it can stay good on the shelf for over a year?) the other one is fresh and species appropriate

 

[Cbrugs]

I'm of the opinion that feed what works best for your dog and not a low quality kibble. I've tried a high protein kibble with Jax and he didn't do well on it. I've also homecooked for him (turkey) and mixed with Fromm lamb and he broke out in sores and scratched himself raw. Fromm is a good, high quality kibble that a lot of people on here feed, Jax just doesn't do well on it (I've tried multiple flavors). I say try something out and if he/she does well on it, there you go.

 

[shawno]

Thanks for the information, [MENTION=377]MaplesMommy[/MENTION]. I've done quite a bit of research and too much of anything can be bad, and feeding is a case-by-case thing. I didn't intend to compare dry kibble to raw food; sorry if it came off that way. My main question is if there are kibbles that have better protein balances than others, and which ones are best for smaller dogs, such as French Bulldogs, in general. I'd love some insights on which dry food brands and mixes have worked best for others that have dogs with allergies or "yeast overgrowth." Thanks again for the response.

 

[shawno]

Thank you for the response, [MENTION=188]Cbrugs[/MENTION]. It seems like a lot of people have similar experiences with feeding. Some dogs take to raw feeding while others don't. What are you feeding Jax now. Has there been anything he's responded well to? Dry kibble, raw, lightly cooked, etc.?

 

[MaplesMommy]

Thanks for the information, [MENTION=377]MaplesMommy[/MENTION]. I've done quite a bit of research and too much of anything can be bad, and feeding is a case-by-case thing. I didn't intend to compare dry kibble to raw food; sorry if it came off that way. My main question is if there are kibbles that have better protein balances than others, and which ones are best for smaller dogs, such as French Bulldogs, in general. I'd love some insights on which dry food brands and mixes have worked best for others that have dogs with allergies or "yeast overgrowth." Thanks again for the response.

Sorry, I only mentioned the kibble /raw comparison because you mentioned you were confused by all the different ways of feeding so I just wanted to compare the main groups : Processed and Fresh. But thats just my 2 cents

Like I said, there are no Breed specific protein needs. Thats all marketing! It doesnt matter if you are feeding a Frenchy or a Chihuahua.
As mentioned above, the higher the protein, the less room for carbs.
I like the Orijen/Acana, I havent heard of Farmina, but I am also not too familiar with lots of kibble brands.
Unfortunately all kibble needs starch in order to stick together, however some products use less. Watch out for very starchy ingredients (especially within the first 3-5 on the list) such as Potatoes, white rice, corn etc and avoid those. I'd also recommend adding some Kefir that is known to kill of 'bad' yeast. (Its strength depends on the type of Kefir).

 

[Cbrugs]

Thank you for the response, [MENTION=188]Cbrugs[/MENTION]. It seems like a lot of people have similar experiences with feeding. Some dogs take to raw feeding while others don't. What are you feeding Jax now. Has there been anything he's responded well to? Dry kibble, raw, lightly cooked, etc.?

He's getting California Naturals venison and lentil. It's not a 5 star food but he was on it before and never had any issues so I'm putting him back on it after the turkey incident. I avoid grains and potatoes (which can cause yeast). He was on Taste of the Wild before and I can't remember why I took him off. Jax has many environmental allergies which is a whole other issue. I will probably try homecooking again at some point. I also give him coconut oil, local raw honey and goat's milk kefir.

Nature's Variety limited ingredient is also a good food. After I took Jax off the lamb, I did this one in the turkey and he broke out in the sores again which made me assume it's the turkey causing this.

Finding the right food could be a challenge but once you find one that works, I say stick to it. I regret changing things up cause all hell broke lose so I'm hoping I can get Jax back on track.

 

[shawno]

Awesome! Thanks for that information and the Kefir tip, [MENTION=377]MaplesMommy[/MENTION]. I'll look into that. I need to research more on fresh feeding. I don't know a ton about canine nutrition, making a balanced meal, or if there are dog cookbooks, but I'll definitely be looking into it. Thanks again for the information!

 

[shawno]

Thanks for the response, [MENTION=188]Cbrugs[/MENTION]! I appreciate it. I'll look into the Kefir, and definitely try to avoid grains and potatoes (on account of the yeast). I hope you get everything with Jax figured out. Best of luck! Thanks again!

 

[MaplesMommy]

Awesome! Thanks for that information and the Kefir tip, [MENTION=377]MaplesMommy[/MENTION]. I'll look into that. I need to research more on fresh feeding. I don't know a ton about canine nutrition, making a balanced meal, or if there are dog cookbooks, but I'll definitely be looking into it. Thanks again for the information!

No problem at all Nutrition is a really complex topic with a lot of different opinions amd theories (just like politics ).
Here is a good article that explains what Kefir is and what it does : So Long Yeast, Hello Kefir! - Dogs Naturally Magazine (are we allowed to post links public? If not, admin feel free to delete ).
I use locally made coconut Kefir which contains over 100 billion bacteria strains. It is super strong but I like the coconut milk aftertaste My boyfriend (who unfortunately eats quite a bit of junk food) takes it too and he actually told me he felt better already a few days after starting it

 

[shawno]

Thanks for getting me to the right people, [MENTION=664]eeturk[/MENTION]!

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Awesome! Thanks for the link and information!

 

[eeturk]

Thanks for getting me to the right people, [MENTION=664]eeturk[/MENTION]!

- - - Updated - - -

Awesome! Thanks for the link and information!

You are so welcome! There are a ton of knowledgable people here, it's been a godsend for us!!

And we feed raw, so I knew I wasn't a good source of info for comparing low/high protein diets!


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[CristianL]

We feed Pepper, Orijen Puppy (7 month old). She had it since day 1. She just loves it, she would eat until she'd POP! She has no allergies caused by it, no hair loss, no excessive gas, no stool problems. We tried Taste of the Wild for a week or so and her hair started falling BAD! Went back to Orijen and it went away, everything OK again. So I guess it depends from puppy to puppy
They(and us) are literally made of protein from bones, to muscles, arteries and veins, skin, hair, and nails. The heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and lungs are built of tissue made of proteins. Proteins help carry the oxygen to the blood, in the form of enzymes proteins digest food, synthesize essential substances and breaks down waste products for elimination. Proteins produce the energy for life. Proteins in combination with sterols form hormones regulate the delicate chemical changes that constantly take place within the body. To be short of protein is to be lacking in the very substance of life.
So for a growing puppy, protein is a must and from what I've seen Orijens' "Puppy" variety are the highest in protein and the adult one is lower in protein since all the development processes are slowed down when full grown.
You could try Orijen out and see how it goes. Buy a small bag at first, give it a try, see "how they play together" and keep at it until you find the combination that works best for your bullie.

 

[2bullymama]

Thanks for the information, @MaplesMommy. I've done quite a bit of research and too much of anything can be bad, and feeding is a case-by-case thing. I didn't intend to compare dry kibble to raw food; sorry if it came off that way. My main question is if there are kibbles that have better protein balances than others, and which ones are best for smaller dogs, such as French Bulldogs, in general. I'd love some insights on which dry food brands and mixes have worked best for others that have dogs with allergies or "yeast overgrowth." Thanks again for the response.

if yeast is an issue you want to avoid white potato for sure.... my Bulldog had yeast issues and once I removed grains and white potato form her diet , she cleared up, but I have to also wipe her down after coming inform being outside.... we feed Fromm Pork and Peas and have also on occasion fed Game Bird. Another great option is The Honest Kitchen... all human grade food where you can add your own protein... comes in many options to fit your dogs needs. And, THK customer service is awesome, you can call talk to them about what you need/want to accomplish and they will send samples and help you determine the best product from their line.

 

[shawno]

Thanks for the response, [MENTION=1103]CristianL[/MENTION]. I appreciate the information. I actually just got some Orijen Regional Red (no potatoes, grains, or chicken [chicken seems to be hard on her]) to switch her over to. I've heard nothing but good things about it, your review included, so we'll see how it goes. May try to incorporate some home cooking as well.

 

[shawno]

Thanks for the information, [MENTION=2]2bullymama[/MENTION]. She's had yeast infections in her ears and licks her paws whenever she's not focused on anything else, so this is definitely good information for us. We just got her a new grain- and potato-free food (Orijen Regional Red) to try out and are probably going to try to incorporate some fresh foods as well. We'll see if it helps. Thanks again!