Food question?

[zmoonie]

Hello everyone, I'm a long time listener, first time caller.
My question is regarding feeding my new pup a 9 week old female..
I raised my male (2yo) on Canidae with mixed results, stools were too
soft but he looked great. Made cleaning his poop a hard task. I feed him this until he was about 6-7 months old. So I switched him to California Natural with even greater results.. hard stools and his coat looked awesome.
No growing pains whatsever...
The breeder of my new girl recommended Large breed Puppy food..
I tried explaining that I feel its a gimmick blah blah..This by the way is
highly respected breeder/judge. She feels strongly about the large breed puppy food to slow growth. I beg to differ, I believe Large Breed foods do not
have enough protien and fat %..
My store carries all the premium brands and is making the choice a bit harder
for me...
I do not want to go with Canidae again nor Innova, I feel they are great foods
but too rich. Hence California Natural.
My question to you good people California Natural offers a puppy formula now.

Cali Natural Puppy:

Ingredients:
Lamb Meal
Ground Brown Rice
Sunflower Oil
Taurine
Ground White Rice
Vitamins/Minerals


Moisture 10.0 %
Protein 26.0 %
Fat 16.0 %
Fiber 2.5 %
Calories 1931 Kcal/lb
Calories 4247 Kcal/Kg
Calories 591 KCals/Cup

compared to The regular Cali Natural Lamb and rice
Same ingredients as above...but

Moisture 9.5 %
Protein 21.0 %
Fat 11.0 %
Fiber 4.5 %
Calories 1814 Kcal/lb
Calories 3990 Kcal/Kg
Calories 430 KCals/Cup

As you can see protien and fat content is lower in the reg formula.
I like the protien and fat % in the puppy formula but 591 calories
seem to high?????? Your imput is greatly appreciated.

[moondog]

I don't see what your concern is with the calories? If the protein and fat content is higher while maintaining the ratio between them, so the calories per cup will increase along with it. I don't see that as a problem.....puppies need more protein and fat than adult dogs, and the amount fed can always be adjusted.