I noticed Naturaw list the calcium to phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio on their website, but surprisingly I see that the Forage Puppy (1.16:1) is below the guidelines for feeding dogs:
‘Researchers recommend an optimum Ca:P ratio of 1.2 to 1.4:1. Some say this ratio could rise to 2: 1, but it should never drop below 1:1.’ Quote taken from a National Institutes of Health article.
The rest of the Forage range varies but only the chicken and beef are listed as being within the recommended levels: Free Range Chicken - 1.2:1, Beef - 1.2:1, Pork - 1.18:1, Venison - 1.17:1, Lamb - 1.06:1
Considering this ratio is very important during the growth stage, I found the puppy levels disappointing, and bought the chicken instead.
I think it should be mandatory that this information be displayed on packaging. Does anyone else look for this information when deciding what food to buy?
Does ‘All about dog food’ ask companies for this information, surely it should be part of the grading criteria?
We opted for Naturaw, based on it having the highest rating on here, while we wait for DAF Premium with fruit and veg to be delivered. The Naturaw Forage free range chicken looks high quality and there’s a lot going on in there. Puppy loved it, and that’s the main thing.
Hi, I understand your concern as Ca:P ratio is really important especially in puppies. Most UK pet foods to be ‘balanced and complete’ have to meet FEDIAF guidelines, which naturaw states on their packaging ‘FEDIAF balanced’. FEDIAF’s guidelines are here:
For puppies (different for adults), it states in the table that the minimum Ca:P is 1:1 and the absolute nutritional maximum is 1.6:1 , this is for early growth and for late growth per 1000kcal. Therefore, I would really not worry as their Ca:P ratio for both the puppy recipe (1.16:1) and adult recipes are within the guidelines. Also, a higher Ca:P ratio, I.e. closer to the 1.6:1 maximum, can be detrimental to larger and giant breed puppies due to their growing rates. I personally would feel completely comfortable feeding all of their recipes to my own dog. Also just as a side note, DAF minces even with veg are not complete and balanced to any guidelines (even if they say on their packaging or state 80:10:10) so I would be careful of feeding them to a puppy over longer periods of time. naturaw, benyfit natural, paleo ridge, naked dog etc. all have actual complete and balanced puppy recipes i believe.
I’m not affiliated with naturaw, I’m just a vet student who likes to help
