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2013-01-26 7:22 AM

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Subject: What do you feed your dogs?
I go to PetSmart and the dog food isle is very confusing. There are so many different brands and some are very expensive! I have a 9 week old pup and he loves to eat.

I started him on Science Diet for puppies which he likes but I ran out yesterday. I live in a rural area and the local town I was in did not sell Science Diet anywhere so I went home with Pedigree. I've been paying $20 for a small bag of the S.D., the Pedigree was only $6! But he had smelly gas last night and he was not excited about his food this morning. He walked away from his bowl two times and then sat and looked at me like WTH are you feeding me before he ate.

I'm going to go into town (a different town but still not the town with PetSmart store as that is a 40 min drive and I'm only in that town on T/Th) today and see what I can find that might be a little higher quality. So BT friends what do you like to feed your dogs?

My old dog just ate Kibbles N Bits which she loved but looking back she did not have the greatest energy level in her later years and I wonder if a higher quality food would have made a difference.



2013-01-26 7:29 AM
in reply to: #4595421

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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?

Just did a comparison and the first few ingredients of the S.D and Pedigree are the same so now I don't think S.D. is worth paying that much more per bag!

2013-01-26 7:34 AM
in reply to: #4595421

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Veteran
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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?
Nature's Recipe (regular ole lamb and rice). It's not the cheapest brand in the store, but you get what you pay for. My thought is, I don't eat low-end processed food, why would I feed it to one of my beloved family members. This is a good link for what to look for in a pet food. http://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Healthy-Dog-Food
2013-01-26 7:38 AM
in reply to: #4595421

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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?
Walter gets a grain free food, mainly because I think that his Lab genes would turn him in to a bit of a porker, plus there's some who say that the sugar breakdown in grain food can make dogs hyper, especially high-energy ones (see also: Lab/G Schnauzer mixes).

So he gets Taste of the Wild. We've tried Nature's Holistic (?) but it messed with his stomach, so back to Taste of the Wild.
2013-01-26 7:41 AM
in reply to: #4595437

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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?

Purina Dog Chow

2013-01-26 7:46 AM
in reply to: #4595421

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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?

Thanks for all the replies so far! I'm going to have to find a balance between quality and cost because my husbands vote is "that dog will be fine with the cheap stuff".

But I'm the shopper.....



2013-01-26 7:46 AM
in reply to: #4595421

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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?
Satiety mixed with blue buffalo 50/50 mix.

Peanut butter for his occasional treat...oh how Bailey loves his peanut butter....cracks me up.

Edited by skipg 2013-01-26 8:01 AM
2013-01-26 7:52 AM
in reply to: #4595441

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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?
trigal38 - 2013-01-26 8:46 AM

Thanks for all the replies so far! I'm going to have to find a balance between quality and cost because my husbands vote is "that dog will be fine with the cheap stuff".

But I'm the shopper.....



We looked at it this way: We really don't spend that much on Walt in a normal month. If the $40-45 we spend on good quality food for an entire month (with a grain free food you generally feed them less than with a grained food) keep him from getting overweight, joint problems, stomach problems, etc., then we've saved money on vet bills.
2013-01-26 8:01 AM
in reply to: #4595421

Master
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Houston, TX
Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?

We used to feed Wheezer (standard poodle) Taste of the Wild and never had any issues,but they've had so many recalls due to salmonella issues that we just stopped messing with it. We switched her to Acana about a year ago and no issues with this either.
It's is the site we use for reference: http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/


I'd say your feelings on SD are correct, IMO.

ETA: fixed formatting screwed up by iPad post



Edited by jgaither 2013-01-26 8:11 AM
2013-01-26 8:06 AM
in reply to: #4595421

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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?

Kibbles and Bits for our three dogs ages 6 through 12; 40# for $22 at the WallsMart. None of the dogs are overweight, none have joint or stomach problems, or low energy levels, or vet bills other than routine shots and check ups. Fed K&B to our previous dogs as well, some that lived to be >20yo.

At least to a certain degree, I think the higher priced stuff is for the owners more than the dogs.

Cool

2013-01-26 8:06 AM
in reply to: #4595459

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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?

jgaither - 2013-01-26 8:01 AM We used to feed Wheezer (standard poodle) Call of the Wild and never had any issues,but they've had so many recalls due to salmonella issues that we just stopped messing with it. We switched her to Acana about a year ago and no issues with this either.
It's is the site we use for reference: http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com//>I'd say your feelings on SD are correct, IMO.

We feed Call of the Wild.  I only remember one recall, and it was before Call of the Wild was developed if I remember correctly.  I know I haven't seen a recall in the 2 years we've been feeding our dog with it.  I like that I can get different flavors while not having to worry about her system getting used to different food.  We rotate flavor with every bag but she REALLY likes the salmon.

 

ETA - I have no idea why that post is underlined.



Edited by Left Brain 2013-01-26 8:07 AM


2013-01-26 8:16 AM
in reply to: #4595464

Master
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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?

yeah, I don't know what was up with that formatting.

Anyway, May of 2012 was their last recall.  Either way it's not a big deal, all dog foods have them.  I'd still feed it to her.  It just ran us out once so we had to switch her and I didn't like dealing with the "system issues".

2013-01-26 8:21 AM
in reply to: #4595447

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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?
phoenixazul - 2013-01-26 8:52 AM
trigal38 - 2013-01-26 8:46 AM

Thanks for all the replies so far! I'm going to have to find a balance between quality and cost because my husbands vote is "that dog will be fine with the cheap stuff".

But I'm the shopper.....

We looked at it this way: We really don't spend that much on Walt in a normal month. If the $40-45 we spend on good quality food for an entire month (with a grain free food you generally feed them less than with a grained food) keep him from getting overweight, joint problems, stomach problems, etc., then we've saved money on vet bills.

 

Very true.  Read the labels, do the research, and you'll have a healthier dog.  The better foods don't require feeding your dog as much...the dog is healthier for it...overall you'll save money.  We have faithfully used Canidae for our doggy with great results.   

2013-01-26 8:26 AM
in reply to: #4595441

Master
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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?
trigal38 - 2013-01-26 7:46 AM

Thanks for all the replies so far! I'm going to have to find a balance between quality and cost because my husbands vote is "that dog will be fine with the cheap stuff".

But I'm the shopper.....

By the way, I don't know if you travel with your dog or not, but you may want to take into account availability of the food when doing that.  We have access to her food here where we live, but most times I have trouble finding it in the places we travel (yes, I used to call around ahead of time, but have since given up).  When we fed her Taste of the Wild I could usually find a place, but with Acana, it's decidedly more difficult.  We have to take her food with us.  Diarrhea with a dog is a pain on vacation.



Edited by jgaither 2013-01-26 8:27 AM
2013-01-26 8:28 AM
in reply to: #4595421

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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?
Just take a look at the protein % when feeding a puppy.  They need a higher %, but larger breeds do better with slower growth and some of the puppy food not meant for larger breeds will put stress on their joints etc.  I just got a pup yesterday (Rhodesian Ridgeback) and starting him on Eukenuba (sp)?  It is the large breed puppy formula.  $40 a bag, but it will last a while.  I think cheaper foods are fine, but may want a supplement vitamin which to me just makes sense to pay up a bit more for regular food. 
2013-01-26 8:37 AM
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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?
Iams large breed for our Lab. Plus whatever ha cleans up from under the high chair.


2013-01-26 8:45 AM
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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?
the bear - 2013-01-26 9:06 AM

Kibbles and Bits for our three dogs ages 6 through 12; 40# for $22 at the WallsMart. None of the dogs are overweight, none have joint or stomach problems, or low energy levels, or vet bills other than routine shots and check ups. Fed K&B to our previous dogs as well, some that lived to be >20yo.

At least to a certain degree, I think the higher priced stuff is for the owners more than the dogs.

Cool

may be some truth to this but for whatever reason after eating higher priced stuff and you put a bowl of cheaper stuff in front of our dog, he lets you know that he's not happy about it.

Edited by skipg 2013-01-26 8:55 AM
2013-01-26 8:57 AM
in reply to: #4595499

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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?
skipg - 2013-01-26 8:45 AM
the bear - 2013-01-26 9:06 AM

Kibbles and Bits for our three dogs ages 6 through 12; 40# for $22 at the WallsMart. None of the dogs are overweight, none have joint or stomach problems, or low energy levels, or vet bills other than routine shots and check ups. Fed K&B to our previous dogs as well, some that lived to be >20yo.

At least to a certain degree, I think the higher priced stuff is for the owners more than the dogs.

Cool

may be some truth to this but for whatever reason after eating higher priced stuff and you put a bowl of cheaper stuff in front of our dog, he lets you know that he's not happy about it.

And ours, who have not been spoiled for the higher priced stuff, who have eaten nothing but the "cheaper stuff" since they were off of puppy chow, eat with relish and gratitude.

2013-01-26 9:07 AM
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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?

I'm not sure it's the best or most cost-effective choice, be we've always fed our lab Science Diet.  However, I've started thinking it would be better to feed her something that is less processed. 

As a side note, when switching food I would suggest not quitting one food "cold turkey" and then starting a new one.  It's best to mix new food with old food, little by little until you work up to all new food.  I am by no means a vet, but that might explain why your pup got an upset stomach and wasn't interested in the new food after one bowl.  Of course, I could be wrong and he just doesn't like that type of food.  Anyway, just my two cents worth.  Hope you find something that works. 

2013-01-26 9:13 AM
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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?

We fed our Lab/Pyrenese Mix a really high quality/expensive food that we decided to change for economical reasons. Shortly thereafter our dog got 'swollen anal glands' ......

 

Yes this is very unpleasant for the dog as well as us, due the strong fishy odour that she was emitting. A few smelly weeks and a trip to the vet later we switched back to the expensive stuff.

2013-01-26 9:23 AM
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Melon Presser
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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?

My dogs have their own personal chef ... (running and ducking)

That said, they eat whatever we damn well give them and they will LIKE IT.

I think a young puppy might be worth buying better-quality food for (but yes, read the ingredient list and know how it's manufactured, because some of the pricier foods are really only pricier, not actually better-quality). Where are the proteins and fats coming from, and what are the fats? Additives/preservatives (all commercial dog foods have them, but what kind and how much?)

Once they're past teething (5-6 months) it doesn't matter much, and there isn't any solid, unbiased science to demonstrate otherwise. Exercising your dog's mind and body is going to matter as much as it does for humans in terms of quality of life.



2013-01-26 9:26 AM
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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?
Afterburners engaged - 2013-01-26 11:07 PM

I'm not sure it's the best or most cost-effective choice, be we've always fed our lab Science Diet.  However, I've started thinking it would be better to feed her something that is less processed. 

As a side note, when switching food I would suggest not quitting one food "cold turkey" and then starting a new one.  It's best to mix new food with old food, little by little until you work up to all new food.  I am by no means a vet, but that might explain why your pup got an upset stomach and wasn't interested in the new food after one bowl.  Of course, I could be wrong and he just doesn't like that type of food.  Anyway, just my two cents worth.  Hope you find something that works. 

This is commonly accepted practice and generally a good idea.

That said, some dogs do fine with immediate big switches in diet.

2013-01-26 9:28 AM
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Alpharetta, Georgia
Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?

Purina One Healthy Weight formula (cheap stuff).

Happy, healthy (and healthy weight) 8.5-year-old dachshund. He is a low-energy, lazy dog - but that's been his personality since Day 1, not the result of his food (IMO).

2013-01-26 9:28 AM
in reply to: #4595517

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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?
I used to always feed mine Canidae.  There is a website out there called dogfoodscoop, or something like that, that rates most of the foods on the market based upon their ingredients.  Further, you can pick a food based on protein content and calorie density; more active dogs should have higher values... bloodhounds, probably not so much.  Too high of a value for an inactive dog means that they either pack on weight, or you have to underfeed them to give them the right amount of nutrition and they are always hungry.
2013-01-26 9:39 AM
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Subject: RE: What do you feed your dogs?

My dog eats like a queen: Raw venison for every meal. It's primarily organ meat, like livers or hearts. She has a very shiny coat, good skin and white teeth. Her poop is also miniscule (even for her breed). I'm not sure if that's related. Maybe because she's not eating any fillers?

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