Is 30% protein dog food okay for my 6-year-old Cavalier King Charles?

Hello, neither of them are wrong or better than one another. The difference being is that the food with the higher protein is likely leaner (more energy is derived from protein) and has less carbohydrates or fat associated with it. Now, unless your dog is working dog, she may not need that much extra protein. Vice versa, the lower protein food may have a higher carbohydrate or fat percentage. Both foods however, if formulated for "maintenance" should meet the AAFCO requirements for energy of an adult dog. Meaning, you're going to be feeding the same amount of energy to Chloe, except one is going to be coming mainly from protein and the other one from fat and/or carbs. AAFCO recommends a minimum protein content of 18% in canine dog food formulations for maintenance. Therefore both of the foods you were feeding meet this minimum requirement. One of the contraindications for a high protein food is if your dog has kidney disease. With kidney disease, excess protein may worsen this disease and therefore, kidney diets actually contain less protein. Hope this helps.

Yes, provided that Chloe is at a healthy body weight, 18% fat on a dry matter basis is fairly average for most dog foods and should be perfectly fine. I can't comment as to the volume of food that she is being fed because the caloric density of foods can vary widely. However, if you have further questions about feeding Chloe an appropriate amount, feel free to request a consultation or post additional questions.

Hi and thanks for your post! Since Chloe is lightly active, I would choose the lower protein option (20% verses 25%). Higher protein foods are more appropriate for working dogs and highly active dogs. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I'm so glad to help you and that you like my answers! Royal Canin is an excellent food, and the 25% is fine for Chloe. Yes, you are right Cavaliers can be prone to heart disease, so the extra amino acids are good for them. Chloe is lucky to have you!

The recommended level for an adult, spayed dog is about 18% protein and 9-15% fat. If she is active as in a working dog, doing agility trials several times per week, or other high-intensity activities, then a higher fat/protein combination is needed as the body uses up more energy and the muscles need to be continually supplied with protein. However, for a typical house pet with regular exercise, sticking to the recommended amount is best. Overfeeding leads to excess calories which turn into fat and weight gain and are not used.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Many spaniels have sensitive stomachs as well as skin in my experience. If Chloe is doing well on the food, with no diarrhea or upset stomach, I personally do not have a problem with it. I like a food that is within the ratios of protein to fat as you have said-with the caveat of patients that deal with things like irritable bowel or chronic pancreatitis, in which I make the fat as low as possible while still being a healthy food source for our canine companions. While you have said you aren't a fan of many commercial diets-there are types that cater specifically to sensitive stomach and food allergies from many of our large brands-and if you don't like these there are comparable brands as well that you can find at your local Petco. If Chloe is having active issues with this particular food, please let us know and we can suggest a comparable diet. I find that probiotics often work well for my sensitive GI patients as well. Fortiflora is commercially available and has a high palatability when tested. I hope this helps!

Hi and thanks so much for your post this afternoon. 18-20% protein should be just fine if Chloe is a lightly active dog. 25% protein would be better for more active dogs (such as dogs that do agility or are working dogs). I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!