My boyf and I have had dogs when we were children but this is the first time of having our own dogs.

We have two, a retriever and a lab.

The lab is just right and so we are now monitoring her weight because we know labs can gain weight easily.

However the retriever is slightly underweight (she is 18 months now), she is very energetic and on walks just doesn't stop. We had been giving her the correct amount of food according to the packet. Should we have been giving her more with her being energetic?

Also boyf thought she may need a food with more protein, so we bought Pedigree but now I read it's not the best food.

What would be the best food for her and should we be giving her more than the recommended amount with her being so energetic and slightly underweight?

Personally I only use the pack recommendations as a guideline, if I feel one of my dogs is over or underweight I alter the diet accordingly.  Protein in the diet is a contentious issue, as dogs can't always use all the protein that's declared in the breakdown.  IMHO the best dog foods list a meat as a first ingredient (and ideally it comes from a human grade source - Burns is one of the best complete dry foods and NAturediet the best 'wet' ) and doesnt' rely on soya or maize. 

Hi ,

I have Goldens,the instructions on the backs of food are just guidelines nothing more.
If she needs to put "body" on adding tripe raw mixed into her food is great for this or mix in a little Butchers tinned tripe.Please do this gradually and not too much.Once you have that body on you just need to maintain it adjusting the amount you feed with the exercise accordingly,however there is a difference between putting body on and fat.
Personally speaking I would recommend James Wellbeloved not everyone choice but it is an excellent complete food and works well mixing with the tripe when I have needed to do it.
Normal adult maintenance food in something like JWB,Royal Canin,Pedigree contains more than enough protein .

Good luck and lets us know how you get on.

Briony:-)