Natural balance

[Maxy24]

does natural balance venison and brown rice dry food have enough protein in it for a 10 year old dog. He is not very active just goes for a walk or two a day and plays with me a little. I heard that the natural balance dog food does not really have enough protein to be fed alone but i also heard that because Max is ten that he does not need as much protein. Thanks if i can get some good answers today i'll buy his new food!

 

[Bobsk8]

I read this comment constantly on this forum regarding the protein in NB. While it isn't the highest amount among the often recommended foods, it will usually be within 1 or 2% of all the others . For instance, Canidae Lamb and Rice has 21% and Natural Balance Venison and Brown Rice has 22%. In my opinion, a one or two percent differential either way isn't really a big deal. Smokey has been on the NB Venison and Brown Rice and alternating every so often with NB Sweet Potato and fish. Her coat is amazing and I get compliments all the time about how shiney it is. She has a high energy level and walks about 4-5 miles a day and spends a half hour or so running around the dog park, every day. She loves all the NB products I have tried her on and her digestion is great...

 

[Maxy24]

Thanks! I think I'll go for it then My dog has been on a horrible food and i want to change him as soon as possible.

And your dog does look awesome by the way

 

[Buddy'sParents]

From the NB site:

INGREDIENT LISTING

Venison, Venison Meal, Brown Rice, Ground Rice, Rice Bran, Peas, Tomato Pomace, Canola Oil, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Inulin, Taurine, Natural Tocopherols, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B).
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
Crude Protein 22.0% minimum
Crude Fat 12.0% minimum
Crude Fiber 3.0% maximum
Moisture 10.0% maximum
Calcium 1.1% minimum
Phosphorous 0.9% minimum
Omega 3 Fatty Acids 0.5% minimum
Omega 6 Fatty Acids 2.0% minimum

I think it would be fine for Max. If you want extra protein, a good canned food would be okay. Good luck.

 

[Bobsk8]

Thanks! I think I'll go for it then My dog has been on a horrible food and i want to change him as soon as possible.

And your dog does look awesome by the way

Smokey says, " Flattery will get you everywhere "

 

[sam]

As Bobsk said- NB is pretty much on par with many other foods.It's certainly a good quality product with a good reputation and many dogs who need an alternate source of protein seem to do well on it. I do feel that foods close to 20-30% protein are pretty low for a scavenger carnivore so I would supplement with a good quality canned food or some egg or a cooked protein source. I'm pretty sure NB even makes a duck and potatoe canned if you need to stick to those ingredients.
I always feed some canned and add some water when I feed kibble anyway. There are also lots of good foods with MUCH higher protein content including some with alternative protein sources but wether you want to feed higher protein or grainfree is up to you. If you've had trouble finding a food that works for your dog and NB d&p does- I'd probably stick with it.

 

[Maxy24]

if i were to add an egg would i do it every day or a couple times a week? and i do add water to Maxes food also.

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

I agree that it is rather low in protein for a carnivore. I would add some sort of extra protein every day. It could be an egg, or some really meaty canned food, or some ground, boneless meat. I think it's better to mix it up a little than give the same thing every day.

There is actually evidence that higher protein is especially important in old age.

 

[Bobsk8]

I agree that it is rather low in protein for a carnivore. I would add some sort of extra protein every day. It could be an egg, or some really meaty canned food, or some ground, boneless meat. I think it's better to mix it up a little than give the same thing every day.

There is actually evidence that higher protein is especially important in old age.

What would you consider an acceptable protein level and what brands have that level?