[David2]

Is there any problem mixing two different foods? I am wanting to mix ProPlan Chicken and Rice with ProPlan Performance. My dog is getting a little too skinny but I think the 30/20 Performance is a little too much. He is an inside dog and he gets worked a good bit but not as much as a dog on a pro's truck. I am just trying to get the balance right. I have tried increasing the amount and it is not really working. I just want to make sure by mixing the foods I am not going to be short changing him some how anything he would need. David

 

[KNorman]

Dave,

It's not a problem except you have to mix 'em and buy two different bags. I used to mix PMI Exclusive Performance with the PMI Exclusive Adult that I used to feed Maya. I'm using Eukanuba Active now which is seeming to suit her very well.

Usual switch-over recommendations apply.

We're training in the morning at 6:30....are you making Cajun's test?

 

[Guest]

I have EVERY dog here, mutts included, on peformance. As long as your dog isn't sedentary or otherwise inactive, I see (NOT a vet) no reason to mix your foods. Our dogs are pretty active here, of course training but even the mutts run around and play several times a day.

I find it really helps keep them in great condition.

We WERE buying multiple varieties and one day I said, forget it, too much of a pain to keep up with it. The performance is a few dollars more per month, but easier to just have one variety. And dogs have done really well on it...

-K

 

[2tall]

I only mixed the two when I was getting the dog off the chicken rice and onto the performance. He did just fine during the transition and now is on performance alone and looks better than ever. I got an interesting comment from my vet when I took pup in for his annuals. In the review, she asked about what food, how much, etc. Now she is a "pet vet" and does not see many if any working dogs, but she told me that my dog was the only one she had ever seen that really seemed to do well on it!!!! She thought it was a waste of money for "most dogs". :shock:

 

[Guest]

I only mixed the two when I was getting the dog off the chicken rice and onto the performance. He did just fine during the transition and now is on performance alone and looks better than ever. I got an interesting comment from my vet when I took pup in for his annuals. In the review, she asked about what food, how much, etc. Now she is a "pet vet" and does not see many if any working dogs, but she told me that my dog was the only one she had ever seen that really seemed to do well on it!!!! She thought it was a waste of money for "most dogs". :shock:

blech, time for a new vet...

All you have to do to know what foods are good is visit a boarding kennel for a period of time. It's VERY clear which foods are good and which are not. We are BIG on watching stool... It's a critically important indicator of a dog's health. and all I can say is volume and consistency on non-premium foods is disgusting (well, it's all disgusting, but hey).

I would have a hard time sticking with a vet that has that opinion. She should know better. There are very few "grocery store" brands that provide THE BEST nutrition. In my opinion, purina one is the best. Iams comes in 2nd, but stool volume tends to be higher from my experience. The rest are junk. You can see it in the dogs...

-K

 

[2tall]

Kristie, the lady vet is a new "part timer" and my regular was off that day. I wasnt concerned because it was just annual shots, etc. But there is NO vet in our area that has a clue about any other than pet pups.

Believe me, I am 100% in agreement with you. I have too many people ask how my dogs look so good, coat, teeth, etc. and I have always bought the premium food, always purina, even when it was purina one for my old dog.

Its very few $$$ for the return.

Indy and I will see you in a couple of weeks!

 

[ncduckdogs]

nutrition

Mixing anyof the pro plan formulas is no problem.
We keep chicken and rice adult, puppy and performance on hand.
The reason for this is some pups come in at 6 month's of age and need the puppy formula until we transition to adult.
Some training dogs are also more active, or kennel stress more, etc. so we have a few on performance.
Some dogs are on a mix of adult/puppy or adult/performance.
As Kristie says consistency and volume are key! Watch your stools. Use what works best for your dog to maintain desired weight.
Been using purina for 25 + years (except for one year a local company gave me a good deal, but too many inconsistent issues with them) and would not change. Pro Plan works, so stick with high quality feed and you and your retriever will be much happier.

 

[Angie B]

By mixing your missing what each formula has to offer. Feed companies have it down to a science. All you need to do is pick the appropriate formula and adjust your amounts accordingly.

Angie

 

[David2]

Thanks for the info everyone... I am going to mix while swithing over and unless I see him getting overweight, which I think in unlikely, I will probably go with the performance.
Angie B,
I appreciate your responce. I that was what I was worried about, but I really didn't know how it worked.
Cat Squirrel,
I am running Cajun's test next weekend. I trained at Tinseltown this moring but am in New Roads with the in-laws right now so it looks like I will be working by myself in the morning. (I don't see any of these smiley face things that has a gun to its head so I guess I am not going to use one...) I am good for Monday morning if you are doing anything and I talked to Nalton and he said they would be doing something everyday this week. I got you number so I'll call you or Kelly tomorrow afternoon and see what the deal is. I want to say Kelly is working but maybe we can go work on some stuff if you are off. David