Big Paws Only Dog Forums

I'm not sure I buy some/all of their reasoning. They seem to have a one scale fits all way of looking at the foods. I think this is a case where the buyer has to be aware of the needs of their breed as well as the "score" of the food.

Eagle Pack Holistic foods only rate a 4, and the reasons given seem to be "Insufficient meat content" and "Beep Pulp".

Well . . . the whole point of this food is keep the protein content in the mid-20s, so the "meat content" is NOT insufficient if you're trying to keep your giant breed dog from bursting out of it's skin with HOD and other rapid growth ailments (as just happened to a mastiff pup my two play with; his mom had him on Orijen large puppy [which rates a 6], which is a great food, but at 42% protein is NOT ideal for a mastiff or other giant breed*).

As to beet pulp, as far as I know, the myth that it is bad for dogs has generally been debunked, and the benefits for omnivores of all kinds (including humans) is pretty well accepted. 

*The website does spell out that the food is not in fact suitable for puppies, but they still give a “6” to a product that’s name and major claim/purpose they disagree with. This seems more than a bit problematic to me. 

There has been a study done on whether protein contest actually makes puppies grow faster and shown that it's not. The calorie intake and not sufficient exercise what makes them grow and cause orthopedic issues.

http://www.dogresources.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=1002&sid=c540e4a6a86965f067fc6709b42d8258

The concept explained on dogfoodproject as well.

http://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=protein 

If you want a healthy dog for your family you have to make sure that the breeder has all health clearances on parents (hips, elbows, thyroid, eyes, heart, etc.). That is the only way to know that the breeder actually cares  Make sure that you can locate health records on www.offa.org for both parents.
I can't answer you question about personalities difference of males and females...IMO males are goofier and more playful.
The life longevity and health depends on food quality and health care you provide. 

I am so sorry Moni  You gave Faust a wonderful life and he will have plenty of playmates at the rainbow bridge 
Big hugs to a sweet guy and your family 

I added FUN pictures tonight. Two puppies were playing fun games 

http://s256.photobucket.com/albums/hh194/lilyolesya/Newborns/?albumview=slideshow

Don't you worry dogs are OK but the house....hmmm I will be there on weekends to "party", oops I meant "to make sure all is weel" 
Enjoy your vacay!!! 

The whole situation sounds ridiculous!  

Tell you mom that breeders who do make money spend YEARS and YEARS breeding show quality dogs with extensive health tests of ALL breeding stock. Reputation is the only reason they can make something. And when I say years, I mean like 20-40 not just a few.
Even if she can find families who are willing to pay for a pup from a dam who was rescued from a pound GOD forbid she will need a C-section or puppies get really sick...she will end up with vet bills that waaaaaaaaaaaay more that she will get for the puppies  
Gosh, she sounds so irresponsible  
Please take her dog and spay her  

Neem oil is GROSS but it works like nothing else 
Lessons I learned: 1. Use a cotton ball and NOT your fingers! 2. Get a mask! LOL