From what I've read, the ratio for calcium and phosphorus is perfect at 1:1 for growing pups. Most are higher than recommended or not balanced. The balance is important. Orijen Large breed puppy & Wellness super5mix large breed puppy are the two of the best as far as the ratio, and low in both compared to other kibbles.

 

The food I have lists calcium at 1.5 and phosphorus at 1.1 so I guess that's not too bad..

 

I wouldn't go more than 1.6/1 (the orijen LBP formula). Anything more than that is too much for my own comfort.

Keep in mind that most bags only list the minimum amounts. You need to go by the max amount, so this information is always found on the side of a bag of dog food. Sometimes you need to do your own research.

 

Make sure it is maximum and not minimum that is listed, many times they put the minimum up only...

 

Both are "min" amounts...should I use this food, or try something else? It's also not a large breed puppy formula, just "puppy" and a holistic dry food. The breeder is giving her Beneful right now but we don't want to use it when she comes home this weekend...We're in Canada so alot of the food options I've read on here aren't available here, I'm in a small town, we only have grocery stores, Walmart or a pet valu which is very highly priced...I do have a petsmart about 40 minutes away and will go there if I need to

 

I would go 40 minutes away for good food, you can get Wellness there, I would think and Orijen. Breeder is feeding Beneful? Red flag...sorry I had to make that comment.

 

What about getting the food shipped to your house? Is that an option for you?

 

anyone know if the wellness large breed adult is fine for my 5 month old? it only lists minimum amounts on the bag

 

Wellness large breed puppy is fine. Even the regular wellness adult formula is ok and probably what I would feed if I fed wellness. Just dont feed the regular puppy formula, only large breed or adult. Oh and don't feed their wellness core formulas to a puppy either.

 

thanks! wanna get him on the core when he matures more, im guessing around a year?

 

Personally, I'd wait until at least two years old. 18 months at the earliest, but that's just what i'd do.

 

What about Blue Buffalo?

 

BB refuses to publish their maximums. Many have tried to find out. The fact that it's such a secret makes me suspect it it too high. I have switched.

http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum/diet-nutrition/145562-blue-buffalo-what-they-hiding.html