? for DogDoc

[colorado bob]

Just asking about dog food. I'm seeing lots of ads for dog food-------talking about the ones for Science Diet, Iams, and a few others that trying market a dog food that days it's of a higher quality than most everyday brands. I think they are trying to make you feel a little guilty for not spending big $ on dog food.

I was telling my wife that Purina has been feeding dogs for a long time. Everyone I know that uses it has a healthy pet & most live a normal life span. We use Purina One-----just wanting re-assurance that I'm not off base on my thinking. CB

[Jeramie]

CB, read the ingredients. The first item listed makes up the bulk of the food. If it starts out "Corn" then you know its not as good for the dog.

Look for foods with meats listed first and look for a shiny coat on the dog.

[PremiumBeef]

Hey Colorado,

In my opinion no one diet is perfect for every dog. I will say though that you generally get what you pay for in pet foods (feeding your dog Ole' Roy is about the same as you eating a diet of doughnuts and fried chicken every day). There are several dog food manufacturers which make high quality foods. I would stick with Science Diet, Purina (the Pro-plan diets), or Iams/Eukanuba. I know it costs alot to feed a dog these days, but you can tell a difference in the dogs that come in my clinic that are on better foods. The biggest difference that i notice is in the skin/coat of the dogs. The dogs on the better diets typically do not suffer issues with dry skin and or a dull coat. There is alot of research being done on proper diets for dogs, especially sporting dogs by these companies and the ones who are doing the research do charge a bit more for their food.

[Alisha]

I know I'm not dogdoc (I'm always chiming in on your threads, sorry!)

but... I have to put my two cents in here.

First and foremost - buy the best dog food you can afford.

When you go looking at dog food, check out the ingredients list. If ground yellow corn, by-products (which are feet, heads, bones, blood), or wheat are listed as any of the first 10 ingredients, I avoid it. Yes, dogs can and do good on it, but I steer clear of them.

Purina, Eukanuba, Iams, Pedigree, Science Diet - all the big names include the ingredients I listed above as their main ingredients. These companies use their fancy commercials to trick you into believing that their food is good, and in actuality it isn't at all.

If you have a pet store near you, I would check into a food other than the "big" names. Such as Blue Buffalo, Taste of the Wild, Innova, Evo, Chicken Noodle Soup (which is fairly inexpensive), etc. Someone at the store should be able to point you in the right direction.

What people don't realize is that if you spend a little more on a better food, you are getting a better deal in the long run because you have to FEED LESS of it than you would of the big name brands like Euk. Iams, etc.. Food guidelines on dog food bags are also grossly overstated. For example, our chocolate lab is 13 months old and only eats 1 1/4 cups of food twice a day which keeps her at a healthy looking slim and trim 63 pounds.

Lastly, I'm not trying to say you should buy the best of the best by any means, but trying to enlighten and educate! All of this coming from someone who grew up in a family where we fed our Beagles, 'Ol Roy!

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

[c_lou]

If you have a pet store near you, I would check into a food other than the "big" names. Such as Blue Buffalo, Taste of the Wild, Innova, Evo, Chicken Noodle Soup (which is fairly inexpensive), etc. Someone at the store should be able to point you in the right direction..

Those are all pretty decent foods. If you can find it near you California Natural is another top shelf food.

Better food = Less Poop also Better Food = Less Feeding. That is what I used to tell people when I worked for a Pet store. Your dog will need to eat less since there are better ingredients for your dog.

[Alisha]

Those are all pretty decent foods. If you can find it near you California Natural is another top shelf food.

Better food = Less Poop also Better Food = Less Feeding. That is what I used to tell people when I worked for a Pet store. Your dog will need to eat less since there are better ingredients for your dog.

GREAT advice!

We just started April on California Natural about 2 weeks ago since she has pretty severe allergies and are already noticing a slight decrease in her symptoms. :clap: