I have a Rhodesian Ridgeback who can be very excited when she meets other dogs and people.  She is on a dried dog food, which has no additives, protein being 23.5%.  I was told that she would be better on the tinned Chappie, which is far lower in protein and could prevent her being so excitable.  Does anyone know if this is a fact?

SC

If you want to remove additives which may cause hyperactivity you may need to think about a food such as Naturediet (only meat, rice, carrots and bone) which is vacuum packed or Burns dry food (which is meat, rice and veggies).

If you are concerned about the protein content, you need to remember that if wet food is marked as 10% protein and the dry food as 21% protein that does not mean that the wet food has less protein!  you have to remove the moisture content from both foods and make a calculation; for example naturediet is between 7 - 12% protein and burns between 18.5 and 24%, but in real terms Naturediet is higher in protein content :D

Do not know what the protein level is in Chappie, but then again I don't know what exactly is in it either because the content varies depending on availability of ingredients.

Exciteability et al is often wrongly attributed to protein levels when it may be due to something else entirely or be multi factorial.

Does it say on the tin it is a complete food or do you serve it with mixer, mixer also has protein. Most tinned foods are about 70% water so you have to read very carefully to sort it all out. Chappie is a good well established food that has been on the market for years it is good for sensitive stomachs and I believe is made by Waltham (Pedigree). So you can either do more research into the food you are feeding now, and don't forget any extras or you can change to one that is a lower protein. You don't say how old your dog is, it could be a case of youth rather than food and although protein is said to cause hyper activity so does coloring.

My first labrador (when I was teenager at home with parents) was fed on Chappie and supermarket brand mixer. I dont remember him ever needing the vets, lived until 14 and was always in excellent condition. He was still a lively, bouncy lab. I've no idea whether it would improve you dogs behaviour, but I'm sure it would feed her well enough.

However, I've got a feeling that there are a lot more dogs that need a bit more training than those that need less protein. Wouldnt hurt to try though.

Good luck.

Hello guest. I admit I don't know much on commercial dog food but you will find the information on the best food for your dog on this site: http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/health/common/feeding.html. Some things on this site may shock most pet owners, but you will be glad you read it.

Good luck for you and your dog.

Puppylove if you don't know much about dog food how do you know the site you have directed the guest too is the place to find out about the best way to feed your dog?