I've been musing about changing Quinn's food to a single source protein of Salmon from her current Turkey, Duck & Trout recipe (within the same brand) to help with her dry and itchy skin. This has been suggested to me a few times now and obviously I had to go into research mode. However, I would likely not be able to stick to feeding fish only treats (I could try). Would this make the food swap pointless? Also, the salmon recipe is 22% protein and her current food is 34% (both grain free). I called the company who said that I shouldn't see a difference in her condition, as dogs draw energy first from carbs, then fat, then protein but that protein does helps build more muscle. Quinn's condition right now is great - sleek and well muscled. Is it crazy to mess with her food?
Food Change
- Thread starter Ashley
- Start date
- Location
- Argyll & Bute, Scotland
Ashley have you tried giving Quinn salmon oil on her food? I found it really improved the condition of Hattie & Charlie's coats, shiney and very soft. It might help with her itchy skin. xx
- Location
- Andorra and Spain
Well, it’s not just about the percentage of protein, but the quality of that protein. You could have a food that had a very high percentage of pea protein, for example, but that wouldn’t have all the essential amino acids to make a complete food. The percentages only tell a part of the story.
Even within a single protein source, there is a big difference in the accessibility of the protein. Take beef, for example; grass-fed beef has higher quality, more accessible protein than its grain-fed counterpart.
Nutrition is a minefield, and without having a professional’s advice, I think most of us will always be stabbing in the dark to some dxtent!
Even within a single protein source, there is a big difference in the accessibility of the protein. Take beef, for example; grass-fed beef has higher quality, more accessible protein than its grain-fed counterpart.
Nutrition is a minefield, and without having a professional’s advice, I think most of us will always be stabbing in the dark to some dxtent!
- Location
- Canberra, Australia
Personally I’d just give it a whirl to see whether it helps Quinn. I don’t think that being unable to go 100% fish would render the change pointless. You might need to give it a month before expecting to see any difference, if there is going to be one.
Re. Snowbunny’s points about protein quality and type differing across sources.... because of this it’s generally a good thing to feed multiple protein sources, all other things being equal. But improving skin condition is an important goal and so I think it’s worth seeing if a diet change helps. If it doesn’t, you can easily go back to what you’re feeding now.
Re. Snowbunny’s points about protein quality and type differing across sources.... because of this it’s generally a good thing to feed multiple protein sources, all other things being equal. But improving skin condition is an important goal and so I think it’s worth seeing if a diet change helps. If it doesn’t, you can easily go back to what you’re feeding now.
I notice that there is a 12% difference on the protein delivered by fish or fish/poultry. Just wondering what the company are 'bulking' the food with if it's grain free - particularly with the latest concerns around grain free foods in the USA.
As @snowbunny says, nutrition is a minefield but personally I would take @Oberon 's approach and try a switch and see if it helps.
As @snowbunny says, nutrition is a minefield but personally I would take @Oberon 's approach and try a switch and see if it helps.
@Charlie I have been giving Quinn salmon oil since we talked about it on TLF, so maybe 6 weeks or so and her coat looks great, but not significantly different from before. Her underside is where she is still dry and flaky with quite a bit of hair loss 
I will continue with the oil though, because I think it will help long term (plus she licks her bowl clean, multiple times so it must be yummy!).
The salmon food is in a line for sensitivities/allergies with limited ingredients so I definitely think it bulks up more on lentils and peas rather than other sources of protein like her current recipe. I have always been a bit weary of grain free, but you almost can't avoid it, as it's so prevalent and every company has a line out. It's such a minefield. She is not fully grain free, with treats etc and I am fully open to feeding grains if I found the right food.
@Oberon I like your perspective - I think we will give it a try and see how she does as you're right, we could always switch back.
thanks everyone!
I will continue with the oil though, because I think it will help long term (plus she licks her bowl clean, multiple times so it must be yummy!).The salmon food is in a line for sensitivities/allergies with limited ingredients so I definitely think it bulks up more on lentils and peas rather than other sources of protein like her current recipe. I have always been a bit weary of grain free, but you almost can't avoid it, as it's so prevalent and every company has a line out. It's such a minefield. She is not fully grain free, with treats etc and I am fully open to feeding grains if I found the right food.
@Oberon I like your perspective - I think we will give it a try and see how she does as you're right, we could always switch back.
thanks everyone!