Help - Need low protein food suggestions

[Zookeep]

My vet recommended a low protein diet as part of a plan to deal with some behavioral issues. He said it should be 20 percent or less protein. All the ones I have found have very low fat too because they are senior dog foods.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a high quality food with 20 percent protein or less, but a normal level of fat?

I am not looking to get into a discussion over whether the vet's recommendation is correct. I went to the best veterinary behaviorist in my area, and I trust his judgment.

[Ken Clean-Air System]

There are some that I can think of that come close to what you are looking for - 21% or 22% protein, though I'm not sure what percent fat you are looking for. The foods I'm thinking of are all around 10-12% fat. Would those levels be ok for you?

[Twyla]

I have to watch Woolf's protein intake for the same reasons. Nature's Recipe has several different formula that will fit your criteria. Woolf is doing great on it, coat and skin is good.

edited to change that from several to the Lamb and Rice will fit your criteria of 20%. The 'Easy to Digest' is 21%.

[Zookeep]

Originally Posted by Ken Clean-Air System

There are some that I can think of that come close to what you are looking for - 21% or 22% protein, though I'm not sure what percent fat you are looking for. The foods I'm thinking of are all around 10-12% fat. Would those levels be ok for you?

I guess I am just looking to get as close to 20 percent as possible with as high a fat level I can find. If 12% is as high as I can find, it will have to do. I may have to supplement with salmon oil or something else. My problem is that my dogs have skin issues, along with the behavior issues.

Which ones do you suggest?

Edit: I should have thought to look at your spreadsheet. I see some on it which may work.

[Ken Clean-Air System]

Avoderm' Grain Free Salmon and Potato formula is 22/12. California Natural Herring and Sweet Potato and Grain Free Kangaroo and Red Lentil formulas are both 21/11. Both of the Go! Sensitivity + Shine formulas are 22/12. Natural Balance's LID formulas are all around 20-21/10. Pinnacle Trout and Sweet Potato is 22/10. Pioneer Naturals has a few formulas that are 22/10. Precise Sensicare is 22/12 and Precise Plus Lamb Meal and Sweet Potato is 22/12.

[Zookeep]

Originally Posted by Ken Clean-Air System

Avoderm' Grain Free Salmon and Potato formula is 22/12. California Natural Herring and Sweet Potato and Grain Free Kangaroo and Red Lentil formulas are both 21/11. Both of the Go! Sensitivity + Shine formulas are 22/12. Natural Balance's LID formulas are all around 20-21/10. Pinnacle Trout and Sweet Potato is 22/10. Pioneer Naturals has a few formulas that are 22/10. Precise Sensicare is 22/12 and Precise Plus Lamb Meal and Sweet Potato is 22/12.

Thanks so much. This gives me a lot of choices. I have Twyla's suggestion of Nature's Recipe, and have found a Premium Edge one with 21/12.

[epd0407]

I dont want to start a fight here however dont you find it odd that the vet is blaming food for behavior issues?

Ive worked with many dogs with "behavior issues" and the common thing they all have is that they all do have alot of energy their looking to get out. If your dog has behavior issues give the dog a job (load up a doggie backpack) and take him/her for a nice long walk or two.

[Zookeep]

Originally Posted by epd0407

I dont want to start a fight here however dont you find it odd that the vet is blaming food for behavior issues?

Ive worked with many dogs with "behavior issues" and the common thing they all have is that they all do have alot of energy their looking to get out. If your dog has behavior issues give the dog a job (load up a doggie backpack) and take him/her for a nice long walk or two.

I took two of my dogs, who are fighting, to Dr. Rivard, the head of Cornell University's veterinary behavioral clinic. He is a member of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, and has a PhD in neuroscience. Like I said, I trust his judgment.

He is not blaming the issues on the food. As part of the treatment plan, he recommended low protein dog food. He referred to Dr. Nicholas Dodson's studies on the effects of high protein on territorial aggression. Dr. Dodman is the head of Tuffs University's behavioral clinic. I figure Dr. Rivard, and Dr. Dodman know a lot more than I do about dog behavior, so I will take their advice.

[M&J]

Canine Caviar Special Needs Dinner has 18% protein.

http://www.caninecaviar.com/product/special-needs/

[GSD1231]

I'm also looking for a low-protein food for my GSD puppy... I currently have him on California Natural Grain Free Venison Meal which he seems to enjoy, but I've heard now that P&G owns Natura, California Natural is no longer a great food source for him. I want to feed him the best, and he definitely needs a low-protein diet of around 20-25%. If he has anything higher than that he has loose stool and will not eat. Any suggestions welcome!