I am expecting a pup in the not too distant future and want to get planning. :) I will probably be keeping him on the same food as what the breeder feeds but in case it's not available here I want some other options on what people feel is the best for a large breed pup. I have read differing opinions lately with some saying that puppies no longer need higher protein than adult dogs and giving them a higher protein food can actually cause more and faster growth spurts which can do damage.

Any thoughts welcomed! :)

If you haven't got the pup yet, then I'd be getting in a supply of what the breeder feeds now! Research local sources later. I absolutely insist my pup buyers continue with the food I feed for a while (they go off with a bag, no doubt your breeder will send your pup to you with probably a week's worth). I would just hate, hate, HATE it if someone decided that they didn't like the food I fed and instantly changed - as so many posts on ChampDogs show people quite regularly and happily do! So many changes to a pup's life going to a new home without changing the food it's been reared on (assuming this isn't out and out junk ... like B****s!!) and thrives on. If a pup 'goes off' it's food the first couple of days people are too willing to assume it no longer likes it and gets something else - more likely down to the HUGE changes in little one's life.

Find out what food the breeder is feeding NOW, find out how much they will be sending with pup, ie will it last a week. In the meantime order some ... online deliveries are really very quick nowadays :-) Or ask your breeder to get you some and offer to pay for ... I'm happy to do that for my pup buyers if they're unable to buy locally to them or don't have computer access (not everyone does on-line shopping!). The breeder of your pup is the very best person to say which food is the most suitable for their large breed :-D

We all have our own ideas about what's good to feed and what isn't ... search the threads!! But seriously, your breeder is/should be the best person to advise you for their lines!

Exciting times ahead, I hope you enjoy :-D

I agree it's a good idea to do the research now.  Your pup is coming from a breeder in Europe isn't he/she?  Are you planning a trip to choose your pup?  If so, you could always try and bring some extra food home when you visit if you cannot get it in Ireland.

However it's going to much easier if you can feed your pup something that the breeder approves of but that is easily available for you longer term.  If you cannot get exactly the same food, then perhaps you and the breeder can agree in advance a suitable alternative and maybe you can take some food to the breeder when you visit so he/she can start to substitute before the pup travels.

Where is your pup coming from?  If you have language difficulties you can always tell us what the breeder feeds and perhaps someone on here can help you find a good alternative but comparable food... 

I imported a bitch in 2009 and the breeder got me a 15kg bag of the same food, so I didn't have to switch straight away, as the food they used is not available here. Kept her on it a while and then gradually mixed it in with what I changed her to.

Hi guys, yes I will be keeping the same food initially at least. I had been thinking that I may not be able to get it here so was looking for ideas but hadn't thought of bringing a bag or two home from the breeders. that's what I'll do :)