[LaRogue]

now that hes 8.5wks im wondering whats the best portioning with canidae? it seems like its recommended to reduce their meals as they get older?? Is this true?

I agree with the other members, your puppy is growing quickly and he's too young to cut back on his food. In addition to the other great suggestions for determining when to start cutting back on the amount of food, I'd like to add that it's been my experience that a puppy will "tell" you when it's time. When a healthy puppy (or adult!) starts getting picky about eating meals, I will cut back a 1/4 of a cup and adjust the amount from there for the next few feedings to see how that works.

while the nurses at my local Banfield lectured me on getting a puppy food, the vet thinks highly of Canidae and recommends I stay on it. im not sure if their ties to petsmart requires them to recommend the food they sell...which in our case is all crap. it seems like their top brands are royal canine and nutro foods.

I think Canidae is one of the good quality foods. As long as your puppy does well on it and likes it he will do well. I would stick with it!

Also I have not heard of the PAWS canidae? Is it new?

I think this refers to the PAWS message printed vertically on the front of the bag, referring to all life stages.
Puppies
Adults
Working
Seniors
I believe the only Canidae formula that does NOT meet AAFCO requirements for all life stages is the platinum (senior/weight management).