Natural Balance vs Merrick for inactive Cavalier: protein & calories?

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'v had a look at the ingredients list, which is to me more important than the protein %, both of them are great quality food, Nulo seems to be a little better though, but it's completely up to you, both are a great choice.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Unless your vet had given you specific diet requirements for a specific disease (kidney disease for example), this percentage should be fine. I will warn that some dogs actually develop diarrhea on high-protein foods, though I have seen many pets do great on it. Best wishes to you and Chloe!

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.

The nutritional profiles for both of these foods is very similar. I have no preference, but I have had heard several positive reviews about Fromm from my clients. What I would recommend is that you choose one (just go with your gut!) and feed it for 1 week. If Chloe doesn't like eating it, has vomiting or diarrhea, less energy, a dull haircoat, etc then it may not be a good match for her body. Then you could try the other (or a different food).

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.

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.