It sounds like a bad idea but my initial research indicates that it may actually be quite useful.
I’ve got some left over powder that accumulated over time (my kids were breastfed). I could throw it out or I could potentially use this as a supplement to my dog’s food. Obviously I could only feed a tiny supplemental amount at a time.
Some of the concerns are:
Lactose intolerance of dogs/puppies older than weaning age — while my dog very well may prove a lactose intolerance, he may not in which case there is no reason not to try it and see. The lactose in this baby formula is most likely easier to digest than raw cows milk and I’m only considering feeding a small amount at a time.
Whey as a protein source — this is either the main benefit of the idea or the main problem depending on who’s opinion is considered. The pet food industry sees whey protein as a high quality protein that is becoming a more popular ingredient in dog chows. Hitherto, corn gluten meal has been preferred simply because it is cheaper. Greg Aldrich, Ph.D wrote for Pet Food Industry.com, "As an ingredient, whey represents a quality, high protein component with nutritional and functional properties." http://www.petfoodindustry.com/ViewArticle.aspx?id=18144 Whey protein is also the key ingredient in a lot of supplements sold as performance boosters for working dogs — http://k9performance.com/ While human body builders debate endlessly about whether whey protein isolate or casein is better for building muscle, research is more conclusive that whey protein is better for furred animals: http://www.atlargenutrition.com/wheyprotein.php
Calcium/Phosphorous ratio — the formula should have an appropriate ratio for a growing mammal. The ratio in the formula is probably better regulated than that of any pet food.
Iron toxicity or effect on phosphorous uptake – Advice from Drs. Foster & Smith is against human supplements that contain iron for dogs because of potential iron toxicity: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+1411&aid=2244
However, if you read their article on iron requirements — http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1659+1662&aid=676 — they admit that "Iron toxicity, itself, is extremely rare; however, too much iron in the diet can interfere with the absorption of phosphorous" Since the formula contains phosphorous, it should have minimal effect. Going back to the calcium/phosphorous issue already visited, I am not concerned about a calcium excess because my dog is not allowed to overeat. Even though he is a large breed dog and still growing, his growth rate is kept slower because I don’t overfeed him. Drs. Foster & Smith don’t support the claims of lower-calcium large breed puppy formula makers.
High protein. My dog’s diet is already high protein: about 47% or more. But Champion Pet Foods, who make kibbles with over 40% protein like "Orijen" brand, has a number of studies published about the myths against high protein diets, including a study on large breeds in particular: http://files.championpetfoods.com/High_Protein_and_Large%20Breed_Study.pdf The conclusion is that there’s nothing wrong with it. Yes my dog pees a lot of nitrogen and my lawn suffers terrible burns but it doesn’t hurt his kidneys and it doesn’t cause bad bone growth. The extra protein from the formula won’t hurt.
Upset of my dog’s "Balanced" diet — my dog’s diet isn’t balanced at every meal, neither is mine, and I doubt yours is either. I balance my dog’s diet over time, not in every bowel. Although I don’t see any imbalances the formula would create that I haven’t already addressed.
Looks like you already did the research…I think that you should stick with dog food.
