Skinners Puppy Food-is it any good?

[lisalh]

Hi all,
Another question from a novice Mum.  The breeder recommended that we feed Fred 'Skinners Puppy Food 'for working dogs as that was what he was already on- although he is a working cocker he is definately a pet and will not be worked, should I keep him on the Skinners or change his diet to something that gives him a little less 'pep' (as the breeder described it).
  We are having no problems with regards how it comes out the other end but dont want to be giving him the wrong food etc etc.  He doesnt get any meat but always gets carrot and apple as treats along with any other left over veg from our dinners while we are training him.  Is this diet ok for him? he does appear to be thriving but as a novice could only be wishful thinking on my part.

Thanks in advance for all replies

Lisa ( & Fred)

[AmandaA]

Hi a lot of people think that because their dog is of a working breed that this food is best. this is wrong working food is for what it says working dogs. dogs that have a active job.
I would change it over can you see his ribs, you should be able to feel them but not see them also check when he was last wormed and give your vet a call the vet nurse should give free advice for you.

[lisalh]

Thank you for that. Am glad someone could clear that up for me- as to his ribs you can see them when he is lying on his side but not when he is running around- he was last wormed Christmas Eve so I will be doing him again soon.  Once again thanks for replying.

Lisa (& Fred)

[Elmo]

I used Skinners on my show cocker and am still using it now...the adult stuff. Elmo has always thrived on it so why change

[Nicola]

It's not true that working foods have to be fed only to working dogs. I know plenty of pet dogs or dogs who only go out maybe once a week or so during the shooting season who thrive on 'working' brands such as Skinners, Chudley's, Autarky etc. I feed my dogs Arden Grange but if they weren't on this then Chudley's Working Crunch or Skinners Field and Trial Maintenance would be the likely alternatives. If he's doing well on the food then unless you really see a need to change him I'd keep things as they are. Some of the varieties have higher protein contents but each of these brands does a number of varieties for dogs in heavy work, dogs in the off season etc. and puppy foods always have higher protein levels anyway as puppies require it. The main difference in 'working' brands and a lot of regular ones is simply that they're cheaper as you don't pay VAT on them.