Mark, Actually, there is quite a bit of research that has gone into the Large Breed puppy formulas. We used to think that percentage of protein was what determined growth, and many people still mistakenly believe that a low percentage protein food should be fed to growing Berners. (There is some truth to this, the higher percentage protein formulas also may have had higher than necessary calcium than the larger breeds needed for growing puppies.) Protein helps with muscle growth and development, the balance of calcium and phosphorous is much more important to helping regulate the growth of bone.
Good points though - always try to find the supporting research, I've collected a bit of it, and I know it's out there! I'll look up my references when I get back from the Potomac Specialty if it's not available out on the web for some enterprising person... Pat Long, (& Luther) Berwyn PA
