Switching foods...
 

Unfortunately, I think I'm going to have to switch Zimmer's food as the protein count is far too high for him and it caused a serious change in how hyperactive he is. He was on Nature's Domain (from Kirkland) but after three-ish weeks he wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole, and when we switched to Blue Buffalo Wilderness, it was like a switch flipped and he was just gogogogogo 24/7, even after his 1 hour crazy romps in the park (plus the forty-five minute to an hour walks/jogs he gets in the morning). He also became increasingly more difficult to deal with when left at home with his babysitter aka my friend, who has called me several times a day to tell me how berzerk Zimmer was acting. While on Nature's Domain, it seemed like he was a completely different dog...

I spoke to the vet about it, and he agreed that the protein level was too high for him, but his recommendation (Royal Canin) was immediately shut down due to the awful comments people have made to me about it. I told the vet I would find a new food on my own. I've done several hours worth of research on foods, but I thought I would ask for a second (or third) opinion.

Any suggestions? (Please bear in mind that, while I would like to be able to spend $70+ for a bag of food, it's just not financially possible for me right now.)

I would guess he was healthier on that other food and his energy perrked up but his exercise schedule didnt. I cant agree with trying to lower your dogs energy/health via diet.

Perhaps I worded my original post wrong?

I'm not trying to "lower" his health/energy via diet. I'm doing what my vet suggested. He believes the protein level is too high for him. He's a rescue, he's only been with us for 3 1/2 months (he's now a year old), and we're still trying to fall into a rhythm. I don't want to push him too hard as far as exercise goes. If you're worried he's not getting enough exercise, he is. When he comes back from his walk/run in the morning, he's down for the count, at least until the afternoon when he's a bundle of energy, which is when he's taken to the park for his doggie play dates. He also runs around in the backyard with our other dog, Loki, playing tug and chasing squirrels, etc., so there's that. I also take him hiking by the river on the weekends. But as a dog suffering from separation anxiety, I want to help him find some semblance of calm when I'm not around, and the vet said a factor could be the protein in his food - or the whole food in general.

Not only that, but since changing to Blue Buffalo, his stool is never firm - always soft and never completely brown. Another reason I want him off Blue. There's something in there that doesn't agree with him.

Just to clarify since my OP might come off as I'm trying to change my dog by changing his food - this is not what I'm trying to achieve. I simply noticed a change in his activity level (it had risen above what we thought was his norm) and his behavior when we switched from Nature's Domain to Blue Buffalo, so I mentioned it to the vet while we discussed Zimmer's separation anxiety. His vet said the protein level was too high for him, which may also play a role in his SA. Who am I to argue with my vet? He's never steered me wrong so far (other than recommending Royal Canin, though apparently they have a brand specifically made to help dogs with SA relax? I guess it's called Royal Canin Calm). We're doing everything we can to help Zimmer with his SA, and if the vet thinks his food is hindering him, I'm going to change it.

And as I stated in my other post: I think there's something in Blue Buffalo that doesn't agree with him as his poop is always soft (and sometimes quite runny), with weird discoloration. Another matter I mentioned to the vet, and again he said to change his food.

I'm simply looking for a good dry food with better ingredients that doesn't have the same protein level as BB Wilderness(which is 35%).

I hope this clears up any confusion.

Have you checked out this site? Click the foods you're interested in and scroll down on each page - it shows you how much protein is in the kibble. Good luck, I know how confusing and annoying (lol) trying to find the right food is.


http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/brand/

I actually have been religiously browsing through that site for the last few days - thanks!

We decided to go with Castor & Pollux after several friends recommended it (and Zimmer couldn't stop smelling the bag once we brought it inside the house, so that's a good sign! Even I think it smells better than BB). :D