I was just wondering what other peoples experience is while feeding both dry and canned dog food if it is a good idea to have similar protein sources in each. Example: If the main protein source in your dry food is lamb, would it be a good idea for lamb to also be the main source in the canned food as well. Or do you think it really matters. Provided the dog doesnt have a protein source related allergy.

Actually, according to Whole Dog Journal, it's a good idea to switch from one source of protein to another occasionally. The article doesn't actually refer to dry vs canned, but to switching dry food every few months.

The article says that switching from one source of protein to another helps prevent food allergies or intolerances from developing.

Also recommended is switching not only the protein source, but food manufacturer, as well. Sticking with the same brand of food can lead to nutrient toxicity, deficiency, or imbalance. A variety of high quality foods prevents this.

I've started doing this with my dogs. I was switching between Canidae and Innova, which both have chicken/turkey as the main protein. I just bought a bag of Merrick's Cowboy Cookout, which is beef based. So far, they love it! What I plan on doing is feeding one food for about 3 months, then switch it out for 3 months, etc. That gives the girls variety and keeps them from getting bored with the same old thing.

(Sorry-I can't help with your question about mixing proteins for dry and canned food at the same time. Maybe someone else will know more about that. Personally, I have never fed either of my dogs canned food)

I dont usually feed canned either but I have a particular dog who is being a bit picky. I know, I know I should make him wait it out and make him eat the dry but I would like to show him soon and want to make sure he keeps his weight up and looking good so I have been giving him some canned food. I have been using a lamb based dry so was wondering if I should get the lamb based canned.

If your only planning on feeding canned for awhile. I always think variety is the best way to go. You cover more bases over the long haul.

And I just had an idea where maybe you could you use the canned and dry by mixing them. And very slowly, meal after meal, elimanate the canned.

Also, I just found a dog food, kibble. Called Orjin. That is very paltable, the dogs love it. It's a high protien low carb food. But the dogs love it. It's pricey. 60.00 for 30 lbs. But maybe worth the money. I have been feeding RAW for 4 years now. And this food is the best kibble...easily I have found. Many people here know I have been experimenting with dog food for a long time, and have not found a kibble I like...except Orjin.

I just had another idea. I put water in the kibble since it has very low water content. My dogs tend to drink a lot of water when I feed kibble. This curbs that dramatically. You could try putting some water with the canned, kibble mix. That may help the dog transition from the canned kibble mix, if you wean slowly. Now, this is just an idea from a training stand point.

I think it will work, And I will tell you why. The dog fed the kibble,canned mixed will classicaly condition the dog to enjoy eating more. Once you have weaned the canned...the dog being classicly conditioned may keep the same zest for eating even though the canned is gone.

Also, instead of canned food or even every other meal or so. try raw eggs, they are great source of protein....actually the best source of protien of any food. More protein is asorbed than any other food. This will help your dogs coat dramatically. Which would defintly aid in the show ring. Also you will not get stains on thier teeth that commonly comes from canned food. And this could be a common practise for you. Since you get the benefits of the protien and omega 3's in the eggs and not have the liabilities of the teeth staining. There also is some benefits of the shells of eggs for dogs. They have calcium and some trace minerals. Eggs are almost pure protein. Also, dogs burn cholestrol much different than we do. They use it for energy and it's not as harmful to thier cardio vascular systems as it is to humans. Just some thoughts....good luck in the show ring!!!