My Labrador puppy's food has 1.72 calcium. Is that too high?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 7th, 2018

  Yes. The goal for large breed puppies is a calcium under 1.5% AND a calcium to phosphorous ratio of about 1:1 (some say up to 1:3). As of this year, dog foods will be required to state whether they have met these rules in their AAFCO statement (see link below). In general, most of the reputable pet food brands who label their food as a "large breed puppy food" are following these rules. http://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2017/02/confused-about-what-to-feed-your-large-breed-puppy-new-rules-may-help/ Hope this helps and best of luck to your big boy Louie!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Catherine Stecyk

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 6th, 2018

  Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Raider is quite the handsome dog! Especially for large breed dogs, it is OK to feed them a puppy food until they are 12-16 months old, as long as they are still active enough to not become overweight. Puppy food tends to be higher in calories than food formulated for adults. You can certainly stick with TOTW for his adult food, as long as it says on the bag that it is formulated for adult maintenance. To answer your question about the ideal calcium:phosphorus ratio- for dogs, the ideal ratio of Ca:Phos in dog food is between 1:1 and 2:1. I hope this is helpful!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful