One of the great joys I share with my family these days is the love of our Golden’s. Although they’re different personalities, they clearly understand what is expected of them and do they’re very best to work within the confines of those expectations. We established boundaries early, and while they have a great deal of freedom, they earned it by their understanding of those boundaries. That, along with a thorough understanding of our dogs went a long way to establish a healthy relationship with our dogs. It doesn’t happen overnight, to be sure, but research, talking to breeders and getting answers to the questions that plague the relationship between you and your pet are the seeds that make for a long, healthy and rewarding relationship with your dog.

Dogs are similar to their human counterparts at mealtime in that they are going to like what they are going to like and aren’t afraid to express it even if it means pushing away from the table or staying away from the bowl. Here is where their inability to speak becomes a hurdle you have to overcome. It, it would be great if they could come out and tell you what they don’t like about mealtime, but here is where you become part psychologist and mind reader. Fortunately, many stores comply with a liberal return policy on pet foods saving the expense of wasted food.

We have recently tried feeding our Golden’s Blue Buffalo and they really enjoy it. While we try to get our dogs exercised properly everyday, the restrictions winter imposes often causes dogs to gain weight, so we switched to a food that addressed that issue, however, since they now are coming into their active season, it’s time to switch back to a higher protein diet and we are now trying high protein and grain free Blue Wilderness.

There has been an argument in some circles regarding high protein diets. On the one hand some feel higher protein diets taxes kidneys. Higher quality proteins are processed by the kidneys but generate little waste unlike lower quality proteins like, corn, soy feathers horns and hooves. With healthy proteins, once a dog fulfills its protein requirement the excess produces more energy, sustains high energy levels by producing ketones and glucose with a healthy dose of antioxidants to ward off toxins. The nutritional Guaranteed Analysis figures break down as follows:

Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein 34%
Crude Fat 15% min
Crude Fiber 6% max
Moisture 10% max
Calcium 1.3% max
Phosphorus .09% min
Omega 3 Fatty Acids .3% min
Omega 6 Fatty Acids 3.0% min

The ingredient list starts out with deboned chicken and chicken meal and continues with vegetables, fruit, and a host of vitamin, minerals, skeletal, nervous and immune system, digestive, muscle, heart, brain and cellular support.

Our dogs took to the Blue Wilderness eagerly, which was no surprise as high protein diets are quite palatable for most dogs. The dark brown kibble is small enough to feed your small to large dog and mixes well with water, if you desire. While the benefits are many, the street cost of an 11 lbs. bag can approach $30.00, which is a little high, but given the benefits of a happy, healthy and active dog, you may find the cost justified.

Recommended: Yes