High Protein Diets

Ann

Ann

Moderator
Since we are fortunate to have on the Forum someone who is both a vet and a Sheltie owner, I've asked Dr. Mac (The Quahog) if he'd share his opinion with us on high protein dog foods. It seems to be one of several topics we've discussed here at great length, and I thought it would be helpful to hear from someone who is really an expert. I think many of us who have questions about this can benefit from his viewpoint.

Discussion is welcome; please remember he's doing us a favor to jump into the fray, so even though this is a topic many are passionate about, let's try to keep an open mind, stay on topic and be respectful.

Tossing to you, Dr. Mac!
 
Well, thank you for that. Though as i have stated I see other veterinarians here who are excellent, and the breeders and other owners seem very knowledgeable as well.
Please i do not claim to be a 'nutritional expert', in particular in the realm of choosing one food over the other. Discussing nutrition on message boards is a true bloodsport - people seem have a great deal of ego invested in some often rather odd ideas. and it does disturb me when they unduly frighten or cause unnecessary guilt in my clients.
I am reminded of a conversation i had not too long ago with some rather skeptical clients-

New clients , husband and wife, seemed a little reserved and sullen ,almost unfriendly, like for some reason they did not trust veterinarians.
So I say ' Where did you get the pup?'
And she says, with some trepidation like I was going to yell at her, ' From the local big pet store. She's from Kansas, i think probably a puppy mill, but we love her anyway.'
And I say, 'Well of course you should love her, she's a wonderful, beautiful puppy. So what do you feed her?'
Again she acts like I'm going to hit her, ' Purina Puppy Chow... but I'm going to switch to something better soon, I promise. What do you suggest?'
And I say, with a little smile, 'First off, I suggest you turn off the damn computer and enjoy your puppy.'
And the guy breaks into a big grin, comes over and slaps me on the back and says ' I like this guy'

With all that being said, i think there are some basic misunderstandings about proteins, what they are and their metabolism ( I once had a message board argument (well, i didn't really argue, i mainly just got yelled at) with someone who proclaimed- in 3 colors and 4 fonts and highlighting and bold capitals - never feed carbohydrates to a dog with cancer because they 'digest as sugar' and 'feed the cancer.' To someone with a basic knowledge of nutritional science this is a 'how many things can you find wrong with this picture' type of puzzle.)

So I thank you for the opportunity and i will put together a little primer on my personal approach to high protein diets, making VERY clear I do not claim it as THE ONE TRUTH. - Dr. Mac.
 
Looking forward to your input !

I currently just attempt to feed my Kia with as good grade food as I can afford. We cook Chicken or calves liver with some Brown rice added and I add a mutivitamin for good measure . She always has a bowl of fresh water and some dry kibble to munch on if she should desire. The kibble is either Taste of the wild and /or Merricks Turducken which she loves. For treats I use Freeze dried liver, Duck strips or chicken strips. I give her a Fish oil capsule at least every other day. She is very healthy and has a fantastic coat! She is not over weight she is very active and strong muscles. It's awesome having some vets on here for some educational input.:biggrin2:
 
Dr. Mac if I havent told you before I'll tell you now publicly, I LOVE YOU, :lol:. My Vet is the same way as you and has told me the same things as well. TY again so much for your professional input, what a blessing to us! :wink2:
 
Dr. Mac blushes furiously. :o

Actually, a brief review of the literature reveals that this topic has been rather thoroughly covered in a 9 page thread a short time ago. Including very informative comments from the ever spot on Dr. Shelli.
So rather than start a competing thread I'll check out what was said and post my little essay there. - Dr. Mac
 
I've only just found out that Justicemom (Dr. Shelli) is a vet too! Who knew we were so rich with vets -- you all have been hiding your talents from us. Reading some of our threads, can't say that I blame you :lol: Any other vets hiding here that I don't know about? :winkgrin:

So an official veterinary welcome to Dr. Shelli, who has graciously agreed to add her thoughts to this weighty topic. Thanks!
 
We are so blessed to have Vets on this forum. I am surprised we haven't scared them away with our "friendly" discussions on certain topics.

We love you Drs. Mac and Shelli :yes::yes::yes:
 
Well I have been waiting for most of the day to read Dr. Mac's response. I guess he's busy being a Vet or something, :razz:
 
MY vet told me last week that protein is really a non-issue unless they have kidney or liver problems.. I will get my pup bloodwork every year but what about the 12 months in between. I love my vet and LOVE and THANK all the vets here for ..well... just being her for us.

IT seemed tho at my vet visit i was the one TELLING him all the so called "facts and figures" about high/low protein.(In a nice way of course... he was very patient with me) I never really got a straight answer.(he said TOTW was a good food and that was that). Like many of you i have met here know... my Angel died of kidney failure then my mom died of kidney failure 2 months later... so this is a topic that has special meaning to me..

SO calling all forum vets.... can you tell us what you think??? there are soo many opinions.. are there any facts.. low/high protein....good vs. bad protein...anything you can do to ease my mind or point me in the right direction of protein %..Words would not even begin to express the thankfulness I would have for you. I dont have much money (for expensive food) but i would eat hotdogs everyday if it meant not seeing another family member suffer.
 
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