I have been pretty careful with what I feed Kai trying to ensure slow, constant growth via a good food.  I took him off puppy food at about 4 months and then have kept an eye on protein levels but also the calcium/phosphurus rates.  He's coming up for 10 months now and I was wondering when I can stop 'worrying' about the calcium/phosphorus rates and just make sure I have him on a quality adult food.

(BTW - Kai is a GSD).

If you are feeding Kai a manufactured dog food (Arden Grange, James Well Beloved, etc.) than you do not have to worry about the correct calcium/phosphurus ratio - the manufacturer has done that for you.   Standard advice is keep them on puppy food for six months and then on to adult food.   Or, you can buy a "junior food" from some manufacturers, but IMO it is a marketing ploy and not necessary.

BTW, you can never stop "worrying" about calcium/phosphorous ratios.  A dog of any age needs these to be in balance.

>If you are feeding Kai a manufactured dog food (Arden Grange, James Well Beloved, etc.) than you do not have to worry about the correct calcium/phosphurus ratio -

That is not true.Some formula's have far too high levels of cal/phos for large breed pups. There's an American food called evo,amongst others,where the manufacture warns against feeding their product to large breed puppies.Fine when their adults,but not when pups!

>when I can stop 'worrying' about the calcium/phosphorus rates and just make sure I have him on a quality adult food.

The general concensus is 18mths to 2 years,pretty much when the dog is around full grown. I know,a friend of mine wants to feed EVO to her GSD's but is waiting till they are all over 18mths to change over.
I think a rough guide for large breed pups is around- Calcium 1.1%, Phosphorus  0.8%

It's Burns that we feed and we have mostly stuck to their Adult Lambe version since about 5 months old as that seems to have the best ratio.  The older dogs love their fish version but that has Calcium 0.61% , Phosphorus 0.48%
so I have been holding off that one.  Will carry on with the lamb for a while yet then.

Ktee,

Apart from reading labels - which is good advice - if you are feeding a manufactured pet food you do not need to worry about the calcium/phosphorus levels.  Besides convenience, that is the entire point of buying a manufactured, complete product. 

Ages ago breeders of large dogs (I used to own and show GSDs) would routinely supplement manufactured food with extra calcium.  I recall advice from the breeder of a pup I purchased to add a heaping tablespoon of dry skim milk to the complete food the breeder recommended.  (Plus add extra cooked minced beef.)   I doubt anyone would do that today - at least I hope not.

Arden Grange I understand was developed and is owned by GSD breeders, so I think it's pretty safe to follow their recommendations.

Basically - if you choose to use a manufactured food as the primary source of nutrients for your dog follow the manufacturers' recommendations and don't mess with them by oversupplementing with something you think is missing.

>if you are feeding a manufactured pet food you do not need to worry about the calcium/phosphorus levels.

So you would feed a food such as EVO to large breed pups with a ratio of CAL 3.03% Phos 1.76% ? I also probably wouldn't feed it to a dog with kidney/stones issues due to the ash content of something like 12%

On the other end of the scale there are foods such as Burns which i wouldn't feed either because the percentages of everything from meat and fat to protein are far too low.
So yes i agree with reading and deciphering the ingredient list,but i also think it is extremely important to check the nutrient analysis also,as not all foods are created equal, as some are sorely lacking in nutrients where as others have too much for certain individuals .

I am wondering what to feed my Mini Aussie puppy on when I get her...I would like to feed her on Orijen as my other dogs do so well on it.The calcium and phosphorus levels of the Puppy food are 1.6% and 1.4% and for the large breed puppy food 1.3% and 1.2%,protein content of both is 42%.I read somewhere that high protein foods aren't suitable for puppies(seems a bit strange).Would appreciate any comments from those of you knowledgeable in nutrition.Has anyone on this forum reared puppies on Orijen?

>I read somewhere that high protein foods aren't suitable for puppies(seems a bit strange).

Yes it does seems strange and somewhat unfounded.

http://www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/puppy-protein/

>Has anyone on this forum reared puppies on Orijen?

It hasn't been around long enough to paint a true picture. IMHO the puppy food will be just fine for your Aussie.A lot of research has been done into this food and others like it,which is why so many companies are starting to come out with high protein/Low carb foods.

Ktee,

"So you would feed a food such as EVO to large breed pups with a ratio of CAL 3.03% Phos 1.76% ? I also probably wouldn't feed it to a dog with kidney/stones issues due to the ash content of something like 12% "

Huh??? You seem to be reacting without reading.  I said I would not worry if I read and followed the manufacturer's recommendations.  I would feed a manufactured dog food to a dog based on the manufacturers guidelines with respect to the appropriateness of that food for the age/breed of dog.  With respect to EVO - its manufacturer (Natura products) specifically recommends that it should NOT be fed to puppies with a project mature wait of over 60 pounds - and recommends its Innova large breed puppy food instead. 

So are you trying to prove my point for me or am I missing something? 

For any dog with a health condition I would follow my VET's advice with regard to diet - and not rely self-proclaimed experts on the intranet.  I'm not directing that last comment at you, btw.   I'm actually directing it at all of us with an opinion to share :-)

Thanks for replying Ktee,have ordered some Orijen puppy.The great thing about it as well is its so palatable so I can use it as training treats as well.