Re: [PyrNet-L] Bil-Jac

["Barb Bowes, Bo, Molly, Chelsea & Flopsy" <bamb@monmouth.com>]

For senior dogs, or any dog, metabolizing protein can be a problem if
the protein is from the wrong source. Protein content on a bag of dog
food can can come from any number of sources. Remember, the label
gives you "crude protein" levels. It doesn't tell you how much of this
protein is available to the dog. The protein that is the easiest on
the dogs system is protein that comes from meat sources. Dog foods
that derive more of their protein from meat are more expensive than
those that derive their protein from grains. But just because a dog
food costs more, doesn't mean it's better. Sometimes you're just
paying for the national advertising campaigns. Personally, I'd like to
see dog food labels changed to read "Available protein" rather than
just giving "crude protein" levels. I think this would give everyone a
much better idea of what they're paying for, but then, many people
would stop using some of the cheaper brands. My dog food costs about
$60.00 for a 40 lb. box. But then, my dogs only eat 1 cup a day. They
also get (depending on which dog) about a cup of raw meat diet with
it. It costs me less than $4.00 a day to feed 4 dogs. Now, these are
house dogs, not dogs who are out working in the fields! <vbg> Anyway,
Molly, at almost 11 1/2 years old, is still doing fine, and her
bloodwork is excellent. She has some old age related problems but
nothing serious. The whole point is to not just read the label on your
dog food, but call the company and ask them where the protein sources
come from and ask them to put it in writing. They know how much of the
"crude protein" is available to the dog, ask them to let you know. If
they won't do that for you, it sure should make you think about what
you're feeding. I had dogs who did beautifully on Purina Dog Chow for
years. But they weren't Pyrs and none of them lived past the age of
10. They all got cancer before I had to euthanize them. Food related?
I don't know, could just be from living in this area, but I personally
feel the better quality food I put in my dogs, the better they will do
in the long run. And of course, longevity has an awful lot to do with
genetics.

Barb Bowes, NJ down at the shore!
Bo, Molly, Chelsea & Flopsy the Pyr Shep
The more people I meet, the more I like my dog!
bamb@monmouth.com