Grade Your Dog Food

Here is a great way for you to grade your own dog food.
Remember, this is a guidline to help you to choose the healthiest food that you can afford for your dog.

How to grade your dog's food:
Start with a grade of 100:

1) For every listing of "by-product", subtract 10 points

2) For every non-specific animal source ("meat" or "poultry", meat, meal or fat) reference, subtract 10 points

3) If the food contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, subtract 10 points

4) For every grain "mill run" or non-specific grain source,subtract 5 points

5) If the same grain ingredient is used 2 or more times in the first five ingredients (i.e. "ground brown rice", "brewer's rice", "rice flour" are all the same grain), subtract 5 points

6) If the protein sources are not meat meal and there are less than 2 meats in the top 3 ingredients, subtract 3 points

7) If it contains any artificial colorants, subtract 3 points

8 ) If it contains ground corn or whole grain corn, subtract 3points

9) If corn is listed in the top 5 ingredients, subtract 2 morepoints

10) If the food contains any animal fat other than fish oil,subtract 2 points

11) If lamb is the only animal protein source (unless your dog is allergic to other protein sources), subtract 2 points

12) If it contains soy or soybeans, subtract 2 points

13) If it contains wheat (unless you know that your dog isn't allergic to wheat), subtract 2 points

14) If it contains beef (unless you know that your dog isn't allergic to beef), subtract 1 point

15) If it contains salt, subtract 1 point

Extra Credit:

1) If any of the meat sources are organic, add 5 points

2) If the food is endorsed by any major breed group or
nutritionist, add 5 points

3) If the food is baked not extruded, add 5 points

4) If the food contains probiotics, add 3 points

5) If the food contains fruit, add 3 points

6) If the food contains vegetables (NOT corn or other grains), add 3 points

7) If the animal sources are hormone-free and antibiotic-free, add 2 points

8 ) If the food contains barley, add 2 points

9) If the food contains flax seed oil (not just the seeds), add 2 points

10) If the food contains oats or oatmeal, add 1 point

11) If the food contains sunflower oil, add 1 point

12) For every different specific animal protein source (other than
the first one; count "chicken" and "chicken meal" as only one protein source, but "chicken" and "" as 2 different sources), add 1 point

13) If it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, add 1 point

14) If the vegetables have been tested for pesticides and are pesticide-free, add 1 point

94-100+ = A
86-93 = B
78-85 = C
70-77 = D

69 = F

Respond to this topic here on forum.oes.org

Thanks for posting it! It takes a bit of time, but worth it....
My dogs are on Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach and Skin formula which is salmon and oatmeal based, and it scored 99.

That's a fantastic way to see what quality of food you are feeding the pooches, a real eye opener, I have seen this one before and think it is very worthwhile for all to look at the ingredients in their dry food. It really is an eye opener. :wink:

Stacey I am back onto the ProPlan again and yes the salmon one as that is available here now, gave up on the Eagle Pack, it was great, but just too hard to find when we ran out. Comes from the states and not always available so back to ProPlan for me

Cool - I didn't exactly know where to look for some of the info (like if it was baked or if veggies had been tested for pesticides but I still enjoyed this.

I'm curious, but I've been doing SO much math in statistics, I'm burned out! lol Besides...I threw away Jasper's food bag when I emptied it in his container, and today was trash day.

The ingredients for your dog's food should be on the applicable website. Most, if not all should be there.

Okay...Jasper is eating Nutro Ultra right now. I get it at a bargain rate from a former employer.

I got a score of 116, but I wasn't sure about some of the stuff. Here's the ing. list from the website:

3 animal proteins (chicken meal, salmon meal, lamb meal), garlic, flaxseed, chicken meal, poultry fat, sunflower oil, whole brown rice, salmon, cranberry powder, wholesome oatmeal, fish oil, kelp, tomato pomace, lamb meal, direct fed microbials, lamb meal, sun cured alfalfa meal, glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate, and taurine.

Doesn't sound too tasty, but Jasper loves it - lol

Out of curiosity I checked Pro Plan Large Breed adult formula, it only scored 68!!! That's a failing grade... wow....

I guess I'm bored...

Just checked Pro Plan Puppy and it got a 71, Iams puppy got an 89.

Nutro Natural Choice Puppy got 77

Eukanuba Medium Breed Puppy got 99

hey stac can you check Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Rice

Lol. If you're really bored, can you do all the better known ones? It would be a great resource to have on the forum for all the dog food questions we get. Don't forget Merrick.

Hey, you're the one who said you must be bored!

I second that nomination...

Dudster wrote:

hey stac can you check Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Rice

ButtersStotch wrote:

Lol. If you're really bored, can you do all the better known ones? It would be a great resource to have on the forum for all the dog food questions we get. Don't forget Merrick.

Hey, you're the one who said you must be bored!

These are the more well known ones LOL at least for me...lol....

Merrick has too many formluas...LOL but I checked the puppy formula and holy cow! It got 129....

I've never even seen it before.

How about this one:

http://www.championpetfoods.com/orijen/ ... ients.aspx

I fed the cats this one time, it a little pricey. They also have another line of food called Acana...made in a town near our city. They support the spca with proving food for them. Can't buy it at PetsMart or grocery stores..I have to go to speciality food stores. I am feeding the cats the Acana line.

Dogs are eating Precise Plus.

http://www.precisepet.com/pplus.asp

THANK YOU STACEY.. YOU ARE THE BESTEST bored person on a Friday...

Willowsprite wrote:

Merrick has too many formluas...LOL but I checked the puppy formula and holy cow! It got 129....

I've never even seen it before.

Lucy eats Merrick (canned). It was a little rich for the boys or I didn't transition them slow enough. Actually, it was only Clyde that seemed to have the problem. Bear could eat rocks and stomach it fine.

We use Iams Large Breed and I tried but I was confused with all the rules. I gues I don't know all that much about nutrition :oops:

Bailey actually does eat rocks so he says that Bear can come over and join him for a snack any time :wink:

How about Wellness Super 5 Mix Lamb?

Quote:

Ingredients
Lamb, Menhaden Fish Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Ground Brown Rice, Rice Bran (from brown rice), Rye Flour, Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols, a natural source of vitamin E), Salmon Meal, Tomatoes (natural source of lycopene), Ground Millet, Natural Lamb Flavor, Carrots, Apples, Spinach, Blueberries, Sweet Potatoes, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate.

Minerals
Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate (a chelated source of zinc), Iron Proteinate (a chelated source of iron), Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate (a chelated source of copper), Copper Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate (a chelated source of manganese), Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite.

Vitamins
Choline Chloride, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Pyrodoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin K Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Chicory Root Extract, Glucosamine-HCl, Chondroitin Sulfate, Garlic, Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Green Tea Extract, Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Old Mother Hubbard uses ethoxyquin-free meat sources.

Source: http://www.omhpet.com/dogs/wellness_det ... up5MixLamb

I don't feel like doing anymore just now...LOL....

Already scored:

Authority Harvest Baked / Score 116 A+

Bil-Jac Select / Score 68 F

Canidae / Score 112 A+

Chicken Soup Senior / Score 115 A+

Diamond Maintenance / Score 64 F

Diamond Lamb Meal & Rice / Score 92 B

Diamond Large Breed 60+ Formula / Score 99 A

Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Ultra Premium / Score 122 A+

Dick Van Patten's Duck and Potato / Score 106 A+

Foundations / Score 106 A+

Hund-n-Flocken Adult Dog (lamb) by Solid Gold / Score 93 D

Iams Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Premium / Score 73 D

Innova Dog / Score 114 A+

Innova Evo / Score 114 A+

Kirkland Signature Chicken, Rice, and Vegetables / Score 110 A+

Nutrisource Lamb and Rice / Score 87 B

Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy / Score 87 B

Pet Gold Adult with Lamb & Rice / Score 23 F

ProPlan Natural Turkey & Barley / Score 103 A+

Purina Beneful / Score 17 F

Purina Dog / Score 62 F

Purina Come-n-Get It / Score 16 F

Royal Canin Bulldog / Score 100 A+

Royal Canin Natural Blend Adult / Score 106 A+

Sensible Choice Chicken and Rice / Score 97 A

Science Diet Advanced Protein Senior 7+ / Score 63 F
Science Diet for Large Breed Puppies / Score 69 F

Wellness Super5 Mix Chicken / Score 110 A+

Wolfking Adult Dog (bison) by Solid Gold / Score 97 A

Interesting, I had fed the dog's the Authority baked right before the Precise.

Is that Hill's Science Diet? Ack if it is!! That is what I feed my girl, my vet that is the one that has been researched the most or something like that... Hmmm.... might have to change. :roll:

Science Diet has never been a good food, it's wayyyy down there in quality. Vet only recommend it because they make money selling it. Sad, but true.

Dixie is on First Mate Hypo-allergenic Potatoe and Fish---scored 97.5

http://www.firstmate.com/platinum/fishpotatonew.htm

Not widely available, yet, as it is fairly new, but they do ship. Petcetera carries it.

I know this is an old post, but are any of these dogs in Petland that is the nearest plae for me(2 hours) to get the dog food. I have ours on science diet the are doing ok o it these posting are making me change my mind on something else we do go to the city every month to ge a big bag will be ok Now what would people recommod for puppy food. I am getting him next Saturday

I know this is old, but I just figured the grades for two foods and thought I would share:

Iams Smart Puppy Large Breed: 87
Chicken Soup for the Puppy Lovers Soul: Large Breed Puppy: 118

I think I figured these correctly. They should at least be within a few points of correct.

I think this should be a sticky, I always go back to it.

There you go! A lot of people do ask about dog food so maybe having it at the top will make it easier to find for newcomers.

glad you posted i have derby on bill jac not so good

Nutro Ultra Puppy - 97 - A

I feed Obe Nature's Logic (lamb). Have not graded it yet. Seems to be a great dog food and he loves it. It is a new company that does all natural pet food products. Here is the web site if anyone is interested in checking out the products www.natureslogic.com

suzptcruise wrote:

glad you posted i have derby on bill jac not so good

Really? I fed BilJac for quite a while and both of mine loved it and did well on it. What problems are you having?

I went to the bill jac web site found their list of food for big breeds I got a score of 57 but i'm not sure if I didi it right. #4 is corn a grain if so - 5 points. And I did a -10 on a meat question to? So if I was wrong it could be 72. I just got mine on Acana and Orijen I am goig to check them and see what I get. You just do not know?

Well I now know that my dogs are eating better them me. :cry:

Acana puppy junior scored 105 and I was not sure on some of the positves and I scored 0. The orijen large breed puppy scored 119.

. I was suprised on that one.

We feed Blue Buffalo Lamb and Rice - Grade 113 - A+. I can't tell if it is baked or not and if the meats are organic.

Ann

I noticed that Kirkland's Chicken, Rice and Veggies is listed although I was always told that Lamb is usually best. I buy Kirkland Lamb and Rice. I though the score was about 94. Can someone look at it to let me know if I did my math right? I believe I found the ingredients listed online. If the chicken is rating higher, should I try to switch over?

Lamb, Lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, rice flour, white rice, egg product, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat (preserved witn mixed tocoperols and Vitamine E), beet pulp, potatoes, fishmeal, flaxseed, natural flavor, milet, brewers dried yest, carrots, peas, choline chloride, rosemary extract, parsley flake, dried chicory root, glucosamine hydrochloride, taurine, vitamin E suppliment, iron proteinate, copper proteninate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate, manganese proteniate, manganous oxide, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 supplement, menadione sodium bivulfite (source of vitamin K activity), riboflavin, vitamin D supplement, folic acid

Guaranteed Analysis:

Crude Protein 23% minimum
Crude Fat 14% minimum
Crude Fiber 4% maximum
Moisture 10% maximum
Zinc 200mg/kg minimum
Selenium 0.4 mg/kg minimum
Vitamin A 15000 IU/KG minimum
Omega-6 fatty acids 2.2% minimum
Omega-3 Fatty Acids 0.4 % minimum
Glucosamine HCl not less than 300 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate not less than 100 mg/kg

artabone I got 97 on yours. Just wondering if you know why #11 lost 2 points if lamb is the only protein source unless dog has allergies? So if your dog does not have allergies maybe that is why someone said chicken is better? But why not lamb?

I don't believe that Rheba is allergic to chicken or lamb. She hasn't ever shown any signs. I am assuming that this is still a good food for her. The Kirkland Chicken, Rice and Veggies seems to have quite a bit higher score than the Lamb. Should I change her food or leave the Lamb?

Angela

They both scored great. My quess is that people may put their dogs on lamb because of allergies.

Okay went to one of the many petsmarts in the area today. I asked for who ever they had that knew foods very well (I know I am rolling the dice here but I have met very well informed people at some of the pet stores- that said I have also met people who did not know an OES in full coat when they saw one)

Anyway I spoke to the store manger who suggested nutro natural choice large breed, this is what I have chewy on and told him I was looking for a change. He suggested several brands including eukanuba, royal canin, and blue buffalo.

I also spoke to the royal canin rep who of course said that royal canin was the best but she liked nutro and blue as well. (she had nothing good to say about eukanuba) I took a brochure for royal canin and may try this next time, I went with blue buffalo ( hope I made the right choice -did not find a rating and not sure if am getting my solution correctly, either way it seems high lol.)

Here is the interesting part. I spoke to these two separately and they both said that in general large breed dogs should remain on puppy food 18-24 months! now I have heard 6 months up to a year but never this long. Anyway I know there are lots of food post and I was not sure if I should put this one on a new one or not. I also found an interesting link.

http://www.dogaware.com/dogfeeding.html

they have even more links off of that page ....all very informative (I have not read it all yet)

this is all really helpful! I am picking up my two wonderful girls in 3 weeks, and was doing a TON ofresearch on food. But it can be very confusing. I had narrowed it down to Wellness ( yay for the high score) and Chicken Soup for the Dogs Lover's Soul (sounds silly but has some pretty good looking ingrediants, and my cats eat the feline version with great results). However a freind of mine that is a breeder (not of OESs) told me that large breed puppies shouldn't be on puppy food at all. That it causes uneven growth spurts, and that the adult versions of the foods have the same nutrients, just less fat and the result is a more evenly paced growth. The girl at our local holistic pet food store agreed. Goes completely against what was just posted about keeping your OES on puppy food fort he first 18 - 24 months. Has anyone else ever heard of this before?

Yes, I know I have heard that they should not be on puppy food as well. I also have heard to have them eat it anywhere from 6 months to a year. The one I hear the most is 6 months. Thats why I posted that. It took me quite off guard.

Darth Snuggle wrote:

Actually, that's not true, the adult versions of the foods have less protein, which a growing puppy needs more of than an adult. If you look at ratios in of a lot of puppy versus adult foods, the fat differences are nowhere near as different as the protein. In some, especially large breed dogs, too much protein can cause growth spurts and caused "growing pains" (the real name is Pano). Not all dogs that are on puppy food get it so it's not a fair blanket statement to say that if you do feed puppy food, you'll have problems.

I don't think any dog needs to be on puppy food for 24 months! I'd start on whatever your breeder is feeding them and then work with your vet to make a good decision when to make the switch. Some people switch very early, like 5 or 6 months, others wait longer, like from 10 months to a year. You could also talk to the breeder of your OESs and ask her what she does for her own dogs. That should give you a good idea of around when your dogs have gotten through some of their growth spurts.

Here's another really good website about dog food (choosing a good one, myths, etc.) http://www.dogfoodproject.com/

Good luck!

thanks for the feedback!

I like t read this thread but I just get confused. my almost 6 month Summer is on Nutro large breed puppy and also Beta large breed puppy, as my shop had run out of the nutro last time. The yorkie is on Burns puppy which she adores!

just re-reading this thread and saw that someone DID rate the Chicken Soup puppy varitey; it got a 118! I think I have my puppy food! I've also done the math for the Wellness "Just for Puppy"; it also got a 118, A+!

I graded the Iams Senior our dog eats. I came up with 85 points, C+.

can someone help me do the Taste of the Wild food ( shes eating the fowl version right now) I cant tell if the food is baked, and on some of the pts im confused. If someone can help me would be great. I want to make sure she has a good enough score

Iams isn't great; its alot of corn and grain; things dogs don't really need. My pups were on Iams at the breeders, so changing them over to the better quality food has been a challenge. Thier little tummies are a bit troubled, but they are getting along.

my dog was on Iams too at the breeders, but as soon as I got her we changed and we were not able to do it gradual becuase the lady didnt give me any Iams and I didnt want to purchase a bag of it. She did her switch really easily without any runs or any problems. What food did you decide to switch too? We are on taste of the wild.

I also didn't do the gradual switch, as recommended. Thier little dog brains stop growing at 12 weeks, so I figured I had 4 weeks to get something good into thier systems.

I'm feeding a mix of Chicken Soup for the Dog Lovers Soul (puppy variety) and Wellness Puppy. Both rated a 118 (an A+). A friend of mine is a breeder of Silken Windhounds and she recommended a few other foods. I tried the Solid Gold Wolf Cub for large breed puppies, and it gave my guys the WORST gas ever. Alot of the books say to judge your food by the dog's response; that gas or diarrhea are signs that the pup's system isn't happy. But I'm giving the mix of Chicken Soup and Wellness a bit of a chance; they are both brands I have had great results with in my cats, and I would like to stick with them.

I've also tried mixing in the Prairie Lamb wet food and the Lamb Homestyle stew (which they love) the Chicken Soup wet food (they are so - so on it) the Wellness Puppy wet food ( again, they love it). My vet wanted them eating Science Diet wet; a variety for diarrhea. But I decided against it; Science Diet is mostly grain and chemicals. The table spoon of pumpkin I feed them has done wonders, and is all natural.

Chauncey was on Royal Canin Lg. breed puppy for 6 mos, then gradually weened to the Royal Canin Lg Breed. For a treat 2-3 times a week he gets a can of merick. We've been very happy, and so far healthy.

Has anyone seen the new dog food at Sam's Wholesale? Gold N Paws or something like that. The lable looked pretty good, but I don't remember the details and only got to glance at it anyway.

I am currently trying Wellness and Canidae mixing it with our old foods, Billjack and Iams. Both look promising but geez, the gas they all have now. With seven at different ages, they can make the place smell like an outhouse.

I think what looks like the best I recently found for my older oes and that I am going to try is Natura Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food. On paper it looks like it has it all. Has anyone had expeience with this food?

Zach

the Solid Gold Wolf Cub gave my two TERRIBLE, foul gas. So even though it came highly recommended, and it has a great ingrediants list, I've had to stop using it.

My guys have adjusted nicely to the Wellness Puppy mixed with Chicken Soup Puppy.

Darth Snuggle wrote:

the Solid Gold Wolf Cub gave my two TERRIBLE, foul gas. So even though it came highly recommended, and it has a great ingrediants list, I've had to stop using it.

We had that experience too. I had to stop using Solid Gold though because they have distributer issues and its never in stock when I need it.

I rencently had to take my dog off Taste of the Wild, vet says the protein is so to high and will cause more long term problems than good so u guys were right. I just wish there was a grain free for her cause of her itching issues that wasnt so high sure stinks, so were using Wellness lamb and rice now hopeing to stay on Wellness but so far we got the runs and were back to the itching but its only been 2 weeks, I may have to deal with the itching but the runs is a problem. I was considering raw too but it would be to hard with the way I travel so decided to opt out of it.

eiramnosila wrote:

Has anyone done the Chicken soup for the dog lovers soul

Puppy
&
Adult.

Im guessing they are going to be pretty high. I treid doing it but its to darn confusing.

Darth Snuggle wrote:

Here is the Chicken Soup Puppy. They no longer make the wet food variety, it seems.

I would just caution that if you use these high grade puppy foods that you make sure that they are for large breed. Richer may not be better. Steady and not fast enhanced bone growth on oes is very important so that they don't develope Pano, etc.

Zach

thats true some of these score real high, but they also have very high protein. I found a site once that had protein to be no more the 26%, fat 5-12 % and fiber around 10% if 12-30 % can cause flatulence and more pooh. I stick to that and it workss great for me.
ej

i put my dog on Canidae ( chicken is all she likes) its working out great although i will admit i dont like this white rice in it, but her poos are solid small not much and they turn to chalk white yay!

were happy on our food finally. Im curious is it okay for her to eat chicken all her life or do i need to mix it up with another brand, cause we have tried a lot and this is all this girl does well with she cant eat lamb, and thats is the only other flavor they got she can eat venision though but they dont make it, im sorta scared to switch to another brand just for a different protein source cause she has a bad stomach? I mean is it a true must that a dog must have other protein sources?

zach wrote:

Hey Zach;

with my girls nearly at 7 months, and now spayed, I'm looking to transition out of Puppy food and into the adult stuff. They gobbled up a sample of the Canidae I got, and I liked that its was an "all stages" food. We also tried a sample of Innova which they devoured like it was a bowl of treats!

Are you still doing the Chicken Soup/Canidae mix? If so; how is it going? If not, why did yo stop?

~Allison

okay; so I might not be using Canidae. In doing some preliminary research I came across this:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/canidae.html

Darth Snuggle wrote:

okay; so I might not be using Canidae. In doing some preliminary research I came across this:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/canidae.html

Hi, my girl is also 7 month and spayed and I'm also looking to change her food, she's been on Nutros large breed puppy, but Nutros has apparently been taken over now and they are having some stock issue and are not going to be proucing some of their lines :-s and restricting the bag sizes avaliable.
Can you let me know what food you decided to go with??

Thanks

well I talked to my vet, and she suggested that I hold off until they were 9 months old. That although they ahve been spayed, they are still doing alot of growing at this point, and cutting them off on puppy food this early wasn't a great idea.

I'm doing really well with them on Wellness Puppy, so I might consider moving onto Wellness adult foods

Sophies breeder recommended BIl-Jac and even sent her home with a big bag full. I thought it horrible smelly stuff, even thought it made her smell like it. YUK. No wonder it has such a low rating.

Anyway what I really wanted to say is today we were in a hurry and were out of dog food, didnt have time to go to our usual store for food. We were at Walmart and me an avid label reader started reading all the dog food labels YUK and double YUK all of them had corn as the first ingredient. With the exception of one, Maxxium lamb and rice. Grabbed a small bag to last until tomorrow when I can stop at my usual place to shop. I was doing the grading system thing and came up with 103 pretty good for walmart brand. Has anyone used this?? If so what's your opinion?

Wellness has added a "Large Breed Puppy" dry food as well as a "Large Breed Adult" to their line. Anyone try these yet?

Pedigree Puppy has only 66! Ewww! And I just bought a whole bag!

thewatergirl wrote:

Pedigree Puppy has only 66! Ewww! And I just bought a whole bag!

Return it!

:lol:

Seriously.

got sheep is right. Alot of places have a return policy, even if you dog "just doesn't like it".

I feed Skye Avoderm Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Oven-Baked Formula Adult Dog Food. I struggled with many different foods until I found Avoderm. She loves it and I can trust what is in it!

my boys have been on science diet id for years.
I do think the vet gets a kickback.
what could or should I switch to for guys w/ sensitive stomachs?

thx

Sue I have kown a number of people including myself that has had great results on "Eagle Pack Holisitic". There is a few varieties init, pick something they have not had beforehand in the variety, the only thing I would probably stay away from is the "Duck" one as that can be a bit too fatty for their systems to handle.

Also the mix has pre & pro Biotics init. :wink:

Another one is "ProPlan" Turkey and Barley, wonderfull also for sensitive OES.

Buffy eats this and shes very happy

Merrick Puppy Plate canned food
http://www.merrickpetcare.com/store/detail.php?c=15&s=20292

Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (Min.) 10.00%
Crude Fat (Min.) 6.00%
Crude Fiber (Max.) 1.00%
Moisture (Max.) 81.00%

Calorie Content:
1031 kcal/kg - A 13.2 oz. can provides 389 kcal of metabolizable energy, calculated value.

Merrick Puppy Plate Dry food
http://www.merrickpetcare.com/store/detail.php?c=14&s=20281

Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (Not Less Than) 28.0%
Crude Fat (Not Less Than) 14.0%
Crude Fiber (Not More Than) 3.5%
Moisture (Not More Than) 10.0%

Calorie Content:
3480 kcal/kg (calculated) – One pound provides 1579 kcal of metabolizable energy (calculated). One cup (100 grams) provides 362 calories (Caloric content calculated using Modified Atwater Method)

I mix it for her for dinner and breakfast just a little bit of wet food mixed with dry food sometimes just dry food for breakfast

Our little Fuzzy Friend Bailee has been eating Innova Puppy Formula since we brought him home. Not only does he love, but he seems to be thriving on it. Our Vet suggested 1 cup 3 times a day and he has had excellent weight gain and is full of energy. It scored in excess of 100 on the chart. A little pricey but it seems more than worth it.

shelby,corky,fergus wrote:

my boys have been on science diet id for years.
I do think the vet gets a kickback.
what could or should I switch to for guys w/ sensitive stomachs?

thx

Well if they do well on SD ...I'd try Science Diet z/d. It's different from normal SD, and made for allergy sufferers. Actually the only food that Yuki had 0 side effects from, and I have tried EVERYTHING! Okay, I say everything but I have not tried the one lisa recommended and would if I was looking again. I have tried everything you can get locally at any store though.

With that said....

Darth Snuggle wrote:

Wellness has added a "Large Breed Puppy" dry food as well as a "Large Breed Adult" to their line. Anyone try these yet?

Yes, and my dog who has a sensitive stomach switched from SD to this ...and does VERY well on it minus a lot of gas. We switched b/c we wanted something ALL the dogs can be on and needed something HIGHER in fat b/c yuki needed more weight.

http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/
This is a really great site that has most well know dog foods. I myself feed a 5 star food to my OES and wouldn't think of feeding my precious Quercus anything but quality while still keeping the wallet intact.

MY ROSA IS 2 YEARS OLD AND THE LAST 3 MONTHS OR SO SHE HAS BEEN SCRATCHING HERSELF LIKE CRAZY. SHE HAS BEEN ON CANADAE ALL LIFE STAGES SINCE SHE STARTED EATING DRY FOOD. I JUST HAD HER BATHED AND MENTIONED THIS TO MY GROOMER, THINKING THAT MAYBE IT WAS SOMETHING IN THE SHAMPOO. NOW I REALISE THAT CANADAE CHANGE THE FORMULA AND JUST READ ON CONSUMER AFFAIRS THAT OTHER DOGS OWNERS ARE HAVING SIMULAR PROBLEMS WITH THEIR PETS AND SOME MORE SERIOUS THAN JUST SCRATCHING. MY BELLA, WHO IS 5 HAS BEEN ON CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE DOG LOVERS SOUL, LARGE BREED AND HAS DONE WELL WITH THIS. I AM THINKING I WILL TRY TO SWITCH ROSA TO THIS AS WELL. JUST A HEADS UP FOR EVERYONE. ANYONE ELSE HAVING ANY PROBLEMS??

I did not know that Canade they changed their formula....I will be watching for changes...especially since that is the reason we switched her to the All Stages formula in the first place!

I have fed Canidae ALS as part of my rotation for years - and been through at least one formulary change with no troubles, even when others have had issues.

But this last time (a month ago thereabouts) when I rotated to it, I had several (Chewie included) with loose to diarrhea stools. And some days a couple of the dogs didn't want to eat it. I tried it for 3 bags (feeding 6 dogs), but it never got better.

So I switched (to Fromm's regular adult) cold turkey and all are doing fine again. So I knew it had to be the food. Makes me sad, because we always have had such good results with it.

We switched our Pei and cat to Blue Buffalo last year after finding that Wellness had changed and made our dog so so sick.

Including only the extra credit that was obvious (I'm not sure if it's endorsed by anyone or whether it's baked and not extruded, or if it's been tested for pesticides), it scored a 113, so I'm pleased to know I wasn't insane when I researched and chose it. I now see that there is an organic version, which I think deserves an extra look! Hooray!

Dog and cat both on Blue Buffalo, and I've been so pleased with it.
Edit: Organic version is at least 119 if I did this correctly.

My Shaggy was on Canidae for several years however, we switched thanks to the lady with whom I board my dog. She suggested Taste of The Wild as Shaggy (and my Malinois) were having problems with skin issues and my friend suggested that the change in formula by Canidae may have something to do with it. My Sheepie loves TOTW and his skin issues disappeared shortly after switching to this brand. Additionally, his digestive system was not bothered at all by the switch (and my Sheepie is rather sensitive in this regard eg when I give him a piece of people food such as cooked hamburger, he has bowel issues the next day). TOTW rates a 6 on the Dog Food Reviews
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food ... 1287&cat=8

My only drawback is that there are only three variants of the brand: Pacific Salmon, Wetlands Canine Formula (with quail and duck), and High Prairie Formula (with bison and roasted venison). I have suggested a "Cheeseburger in Paradise" in addition to a "Lasagna Feast" variant to no avail.

I switch the variants about every two months to provide variety and Shaggy seems to enjoy the difference (Imagine eating the same thing every day) and is still quite lean and full of energy. The protein content is a little high for me (32% in the wetlands and prairie formula, 18 in the salmon) still, the Shaggy likes the food and is quite healthy. My Malinois would bring her bowl to me and drop it at my feet (before she passed away): Of course, Malinois will eat or devour (better term) anything ie couches, bedding, azalea bushes and especially running shoes. Silly Mali shoes are for feet!

Well that is my story.

We use Fromm dry dog food, 4 star, and it is working very well for our 1 year old. We rotate monthly between Salmon and Vegatables, Chicago and Vegatables, Duck and Sweet Potato.

The ingredients are very good, and it gets a 4 star rating on dogfoodanalysis.com

Does anyone know what grade/score these two foods are? My girl is on ProPlan Selects Turkey & Barley formula which I believe scored a 104 A+, but if this food scores higher, we would like to switch. Thanks in advance!

Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix Large Breed Adult Dog Formula

http://www.petco.com/product/104885/Cas ... SiteSearch

Holistic food for the discriminating pet owner. Natural Ultramix offers only the best nutrition for your large breed adult dog. No artificial preservatives, colors or flavors and with natural chicken as the #1 ingredient you know it tastes great. Wholesome fruits and veggies add vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Flaxseed, Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Omega Fatty Acids help keep joints healthy and strong.

Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Oat Groats, Turkey Meal, Chcien Fat Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (from Vitamin E), Dried Bananas, Dried Apples, Fish Meal, Dried Egg Product, Brewers Yeast, Natural Chicken Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Cultured Whey, Monocalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Chicken Cartilage, Dried Papayas, Dried Blueberries, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate. L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Zinc Oxide, Choline Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, L-Carnitine, Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganous Oxide. Thiamine Monoitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin K1 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Cobalt Carbonate, Yeast Culture (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae), Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilius Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentaion Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract and Fermentation Solubles

Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix Puppy Formula

http://www.petco.com/product/100263/Cas ... SiteSearch

Superior Protein Sources
The first year of your puppy's life he or she needs all the love you can provide along with an optimal balance of nutrients for a healthy start. Natural chicken and turkey head our ingredient list along with four additional highly bioavailable proteins for outstanding digestibility and great taste. Essential proteins promote wellness and support the growth of strong muscles as your puppy grows. Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids provide support for a healthy skin and coat.
Natural Fruits & Veggies
Pure, wholesome fruits and vegetables provide valuable nutrients, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants for your dog. We simply dry the carrots, bananas, papaya, apples and blueberries and then blend with the Ultramix kibble. Don't be fooled by other diets that feature fruits and veggies in the ingredients list - you can't even see them in the kibble! And because they're usually processed under high heat they retain only minimal nutritional value...not so with NATURAL ULTRAMIX!

Rich Sources of Carbohydrates
Potatoes combined with whole grains provide essential vitamins and minerals as well as a balanced source of sustainable energy. Dried beet pulp also provides an important and safe source of dietary fiber to help promote a healthy intestinal tract. Contrary to popular belief, beet pulp does not contain sugar and has not been proven to affect coat color or cause bloat.

Essential Vitamins & Minerals –
Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals (including Calcium and Phosphorous) and balanced to meet the needs of your puppy.

Additional Benefits
Formulated with DHA, a nutrient found in mother's milk, to help support brain and vision development. Ultramix Puppy Formula utilizes a natural source of DHA for a Firm Foundation.

No By-Products
No Fillers
No Wheat
No Corn
No Growth Hormones
No Artificial Preservatives, Colors or Flavors
Ultramix Puppy Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Oat Groats, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Chicken Fat preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), Dried Beet Pulp, Rice Protein Concentrate, Dried Carrots, Dried Bananas, Dried Apples, Natural Chicken Flavor, Salmon Meal, Ground Flaxseed, Cultured Whey, Dried Potatoes, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Brewers Dried Yeast, Choline Chloride, Dried Egg Product, Dried Blueberries, Dried Papaya, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganous Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin K1 Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Cobalt Carbonate, Yeast Culture (Saccharomyes Cerevisiae), Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longbrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract and Fermentation Solubles.

kbrown wrote:

What a great site! I liked it, and it had the food we use (wellness as 5*) Wellness Core was 6*.

I'm so glad I found this site. Lucky has been on IAMS puppy but just bought a bag of the Merricks chicken pot pie dry food. They lady at the store told me that it is just as good for large breed PUPPIES as it is for grown DOGS. After reading all these posts, I wonder if I made the wrong decision...any ideas?

Cathy227 wrote:

I haven't read this particular food's (the pot pie version) ingredient label, but Merricks diets in general have a real good reputation and it is one of the few foods I would have no hesitation feeding to my puppy.

I just did a search for Merrick Dog foods and found some rather scary and negative comments about the brand. Some articles centered on lawsuits against the company for having caused death in one instance. If I were you I would do a search and really check into the brand.

Do you have a link or a website that has the negative information? Wow that is scary!! The exact label I use is..Grammys Pot Pie...
I'll begin my search.

I was not sure if I was allowed to post a web site name since it is somewhat negative about a product, but the health of our dogs is more important. Here is the link I went to and just read the thread from various users. It is somewhat scarey.

http://www.topix.com/forum/city/merrick ... OEB9FKP/p2

baileesdad wrote:

That link is actually to a forum about issues in Merrick, NY, not the dog food. The story that it links from isn't about a pet dying from Merrick food, it was part of all the recalls from 2 years ago and the Merrick paper picked up the story. Someone kicked in with some bad experiences that they had in 2007 with some Merrick food to confuse everything-- which doesn't sound like there was anything wrong with the food, just that it didn't agree with the dogs in question. Only one person claimed that his dog had to be hospitalized because of the food and who knows if that was the reason?

Merrick's a pretty high quality, American made food with no history of issues. Whole Dog Journal still highly recommends it and they're usually pretty picky about who they put on their food list since all the recalls. If you're having good results on Merrick, I would continue feeding it.

Well as I started the switch to Merricks Grammys PotPie..Lucky had terrible diarrhea. He absolutely can't tolerate even just a little of it. Strange I can switch my Bichons food with out doing it gradually and he never ever had any problems. So now we are back with the IAMS Smart Puppy Large Breed that someone posted only got a score of 87. Not sure what to do now :roll:

Has anyone tried the Kirkland Signature Rice & Vegetable food for their dogs? I noticed that it has a very high rating. I'm currently feeding Daphne the Nutro lamb and rice which she has been fine on. I'm thinking of switching to the Kirkland brand now. I just switched my cats to the Kirkland brand and they love it!

crazylaplap wrote:

We;re feeding the Kirkland Chicken Rice and Veg right now. All is going fine and everyone seems to like it.

I am going to try Lucky on that too. I've been on the fence about what to do. the Merricks doesn't agree with him at all and so he is back on the IAMS right now. I'm thinking of buying a bag of the Kirklands after the holidays and slowly switching him to that.
If you try it before then, please relay your experience, pos or neg.
thanks

I am planning on heading to Costco in a few days to buy the Chicken Rice Formula. Daphne steals the Kirkland kitty food whenever I forget to put it where she cannot get to it! I have a feeling that I will also have a positive report to give about it. Thanks again for everyone's input. :roll:

OOPS! I forgot to log in on my last post. I'm new at this! I will learn. :oops:

ha ha love the pic's of crazy lap lap. I thought that was a person sitting there!!!! :lol:

Does anyone have info on the Royal Canin Large Breed food? Chauncey has been on a verision of Royal Canin since he was 8 weeks. He seems to like it, is a perfect weight, and for a large dog has relatively small stools. I take this to mean there's a lower amount of filler in the food.
He also gets Merrick canned food at least twice a week and and whatever we let him con us into giving him :roll:

ButtersStotch wrote:

crazylaplap wrote:

We;re feeding the Kirkland Chicken Rice and Veg right now. All is going fine and everyone seems to like it.

We have been feeding the Kirklands Lamb and Rice (I was just finishing a chicken based one, so needed the different meat and veg combo for this rotation) for the last couple months with no trouble. I will try a different recipe the next time around as we rotate ingredients again. I buy it 4 bags at a time, just on the 1st bag of this shopping trip....

got sheep wrote:

ButtersStotch wrote:

crazylaplap wrote:

We;re feeding the Kirkland Chicken Rice and Veg right now. All is going fine and everyone seems to like it.

That's my favorite part: they're 40 pound bags and only $21 apiece. I bought four our last trip, too.

The only noticeable issue with them is they do have a bit more gas and it is definitely more potent. It's not so bad that I'd stop feeding it to them, though, just an observation in comparison to their old food.

Yep, gassy here too. Mine all toot, the potency just increased a few notches.
Although with it being winter and the house closed up, maybe I just am around it more??! :roll:

Well, I bought the Kirkland Chicken, Rice & Vegetable flavor dog food and so far so good! Daphne has been on it for 5 days. I'm mixing it w/her Nutro Lamb & Rice food. She loves it and everything seems fine. I have not noticed a gas problem w/her but she is very lady like! She would blame it on a cat if something slipped out anyway! :roll:

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!! :rimshot:

Everyone that fails to investigate this information is guilty of neglect !!!
Thanks so much for the help, info, and for this sight
"YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT" !!Molly's diet just changed.............thanks again

Hund-n-Flocken Adult Dog (lamb) by Solid Gold / Score 93 D but your rating scale says it should be an A, I just rated it myslef but I may have missed something, I came up with an 81. I also rated a brand that my vet MADE me buy and pushed it on me........Hills p/d and I got a 45 for that, the first ingredients were corn! I was just wondering if I got the correct number and also if your D was meant to be an A rating for the solid gold. Thanks , this is a great informative site!

I realize this email has a gruesome subject but
knowing this stuff is better than remaining unaware
I'm going to reveal to you statistics about
canine death rates & then show you how they
link to the food
may be eating.

But before I do, its important you see
our video here, now viewed by 1,102,546 shocked
dog owners:

AND

read our disturbing report here, read by over 5,354,931
shocked dog owners

Mike, 3 leading causes of death in Old English Sheepdogs
Thu, December 31, 2009 11:50:49 AMFrom: Andy L {Dog Food Advice} <secrets>Add to Contacts

CHECK OUT THIS SIGHT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND ALL THE MORE REASON TO QUESTION THE FOOD YOUR OES IS EATING.......

secrets@thedogfoodconspiracy.com CHECK IT OUT

This is the food Molly's groomer is carrying, It scored a 103. Molly's now enjoying all natural quality food.

DOG LOVERS GOLD.............good stuff

Back in December, my boyfriend and I gradually switched our then six-month OES Virgil from Puppy Chow, which his breeder fed him, to Blue Buffalo's Large Breed Puppy formula.

With the Puppy Chow, he used to race to the food bowl to eat, but after we got him completely switched over to the BB, we noticed that he stopped being excited about his food and would take a long time to finish a bowl. Now he won't even finish a bowl at all; in fact, last night he took two bites and walked away, and when my bf picked up the bowl and held it in front of his nose, he turned and walked away from it.

Has anyone had a similar experience? I understand that this food gets rave reviews, and it is very expensive. I don't mind spending the money, but I'd rather feed him something that he enjoys eating.

(Before anyone asks about the dog's health: He's perfectly healthy. Lots of energy, and always good reports from the vets, who frequently give him a hearty pat on his backside and say "that's a good-lookin' dog!")

Has anyone ever mentioned going to wwwdogfoodanalysis.com?
Its a great website, almost all the different kinds of dog foods are list in a system that lists the food in six groups from best to worst. List whatever dog food you are using andan analysis of that brand comes up explaining what's in the kibble and why it's good or bad.
Its a real eye opener. Very easy site to use and lots of good info.
We use TASTE OF THE WILD-PACIFIC STREAM My OES, Shiloh Shepherd, and Golden all love it.
My suggestion, try any of the 6 star brands on the dog analysis website till you find one your sheppie likes. Just like humans, dogs do have different tastes.

leahtard79 wrote:

Has anyone had a similar experience? I understand that this food gets rave reviews, and it is very expensive. I don't mind spending the money, but I'd rather feed him something that he enjoys eating.

(Before anyone asks about the dog's health: He's perfectly healthy. Lots of energy, and always good reports from the vets, who frequently give him a hearty pat on his backside and say "that's a good-lookin' dog!")

Exact same here! Dignan is slowly going back to eating more of it, so maybe it was a case of "you were giving me junk food and now it's all good for me, blech!"

I mentioned it to the vet, and she advised me to look for a statement on the packaging that this food had been fed to dogs for several years to determine it's long term use, but I could not find that statement. It worries me, but every review I read raves about the food.

Anyone else know anything else about Blue? Those that have said they have been feeding it to their dog for a while have any complaints?

My OES is allergic to chicken,lamb,turkey,white potatos,brewers yeast,egg,fish ok but not alot of it,midway on allergy list. I have food under control, he can have beef and wheat,barley,brown rice,sweet potato(which he loves), have to be careful with treats so many contain chicken etc, most GOOD companies do not make a beef,brown rice, barley, I cook with alot of vegetables and fresh lean beef.

I recently switched Chloe from her long diet of Nutro to Blue Buff lg breed chicken/rice. She liked it at first, but same here. Slowly, she has backed off, and won't touch it, even with meat

additives. I am now using a Paul Newmans organic and definitely, her interest is back at meals(and every 2 hrs thereafter :lol:

). I like Newmans, no wheat or corn, and has probiotics as well. If I scored correctly :?:

, it rated over 100%. Her BB is going to the no kill shelter.

OKAY, I Checked out the dog food conspiracy secrets website. He said their were 9 commercial foods packaged in the US that met his standards but wont tell you which they are (gotta buy the info, understandably as he is making a living). I just am curious if I'm using one of them. I am very interested in homemade food for my dogs in an addition to kibble. I give them Wellness food and it came very highly recommended by my vet. Does anyone know anything about which commercial food is good for your dog?

Lisa&Brian wrote:

Over the years now, I've come to this decision about dog food: First, pick a dog food that has the best top ingredients that you can afford (meat at the top, no corn). It doesn't have to be the most expensive food available, just quality ingredients. Second, ask yourself, how is your dog doing on it? Is your dog a good weight? Are the poops few and solid? Is gas at a minimum? If you've answered yes to all those things, the food you picked is fine for your dog. Unless your dogs have allergies or are actively having issues with a certain brand, I've come to the realization that there's no reason to continuously keep searching for the "perfect" food. Just the fact that you're concerned means that you're doing your research so you know enough to make an educated decision.

The last time I switched foods was to find the absolute lowest calorie, good quality kibble for my fattest dog. If anyone's interested in that, Chicken Soup for the Fat Dog's Soul (Also known as Adult Dog Light) is a very well balanced food but has a lot fewer calories per cup than any other food in its class (at least that I found 2 years ago). Clyde hasn't lost weight, but he gets to eat as much as the other guys without getting even fatter. When we restrict, he steals so this has worked out very well.

Thank you! I have to agree. Our vet tech said we should take Bentley off pro plan but he seems to tolerate it well. Then my vet said her dogs have been on pro plan without a problem. We are sticking with it!!

I have always fed my dog Iams with good results I thought. He has a beautiful caot and is healthy looking, but he is a bit over wieght. He started limping so I took him in to get an x-ray to see what is wrong. That meant bloodwork had to be done first. We found out his enzyme level in his liver is 987 should be 5-84. We did alot of research and came to the conclusion it was the dog food was the problem. We have started feeding him food prepared by us only and his count has dropped 300 points so far (its been 4 weeks). I just wanted to post this so other animals don't suffer the same unintentional damage that I put my hairy friend through. Do some research.

I'm glad you caught the problem and though I don't feed Iams and have no stake in the company ;-)

I do know that you can't assume it's the food - dogs who have liver problems for whatever reason are often fed a home cooked diet so you can concentrate on feeding more easily digestible proteins, primarily, if memory serves, to ensure the compromised liver doesn't have to work as hard.

Translation: it's very unlikely the food itself caused the problem - either with the liver or the limping - the underlying liver (or other) condition may have made the dog not able to tolerate the food as well as previously. You could probably feed him any number of similar commercially prepared dog foods and have the same results. Exception being when there are a number of dogs who have presented with the same symptoms, we've seen a few dog food recalls over recent years, indicating contaminated food - is there a recall in the works?

Otherwise, if nothing showed up on x-rays, did you rule out tick borne diseases?

Kristine

This is very interesting to me because I currently use the premium version of Iams for Winston... while we have tried other dog foods such as Nutro, Eukanuba, Royal Canin... Winston will barely eat those, so between all of the "junk" dog foods, this Iams bag is similar in ingredients but he really seems to enjoy it. (While i wish he would eat the better stuff ... their is no point in buying them if it just sits in his bowl all day) I'd like to know a little bit more about this situation because if Iam's can cause this, I will move onto a different brand.......

On that same note, if I feed him say Nutro or something he doesn't much care for. Is their a good way to get him to eat it?! or if we just leave it out long enough and don't give him a choice .... is that the right thing to do? I really would like to get him on a healthy brand of dry food. I am just not sure the best way to go about it because he is so reluctant to switch.

Try putting a sprinkling of cheddar or parmesan cheese on the food. Or a tablespoon or two of plain yogurt. We could feed sawdust here and the dogs would still go for it.

It is amazing what an every so tiny amount of grated cheese can do to perk up tired boring old kibble!

I've been feeding Teddy "Born Free" chicken & turkey formula. He loves it and does great on it. About a month ago, I also started adding the Grizzly Fish Oil on his food.

Cindy

Carley is starting to get dry flaky skin. I am looking into what other foods might work well for her. Our Vet put her on a lorge chunk Science Diet because she does not chew her food.
Has anyone else had the dry skin problem?

Why don't you try adding some coconut oil? It's splendind for skin, coat, healthy fats and blood sugar levels.

Add a small amount coconut oil to the kibble, mix all with a very small amount of warm/hot water and then gently stir to form a broth. Let it stew for a few seconds.

You could also massage coconut oil into the skin. Little bit, though, or else the coat will get greasy.

We were feeding Kenny Iams Large Breed puppy but he didn't seem to enjoy it much. Just got some Fromms large breed puppy so we'll see. Any ratings on that done?

Willowsprite wrote:

Out of curiosity I checked Pro Plan Large Breed adult formula, it only scored 68!!! That's a failing grade... wow....

thats because pro plan is crap! I liked this except for the is it endorsed by a breed group part and the add points for this and this type of grain, my pup is allergic to ALL Grains, and grains are not essential to a dogs diet.. The AKC supports Eukenuba and Pedigree, Pedigree esp. is one of the worst foods out there!!! Where I work we arrange our foods so that the closer to the front of the store you are the less grain/bad grains there are and higher quality ingredients. The farther from the front the lower the quality the more grain, and more bad yucky things in the food.

Hello dog feeders,

I have fed Eukenuba since about 1990 when I got my first Airedale terrier; Ch Brigsdales Ramrod (RIP). I had the opportunity to do a non -scientific test, involving several different maker's product. For about two weeks I fed specific maker's dog food and then do an evaluation. Then; another slow mix of yet another product for another two weeks. The doggie was NOT fed any supplements, cept Milkbones. The test went on for months.

Based on gasses and 'clean up'. Eukenuba was by far the best food.

My current OES is much the same. If I can avoid his eating anything else besides Eukie and Milkbones we do not have 'the squirts and/or toxic air'. But he is a stray and cannot pass up an opportunity for a handout. Also: Trist is a jailbird. This OES will eat ANYTHING, FROM ANYONE, whereas the two of the three Dales were more selective. Beilka (Russian for crazy) was very agressive and could live off things she would find in the woods, beside the road or (?). When we lived in rural Colorado Bielka once came home with an ex-large man's boot!!! Someone (not me) remarked, "perhaps next time a wallet".

Lastly, the Airedales could tolerate an ocassional Pig Ear, but poor Tristen cannot.

Art

Ummm, Non-scientific? How do you conduct a non-scientific test? Milk bones are nothing but corn and dead shelter pets!!! Eukanuba is full of corn too. if a food is not corn wheat or soy free I will NOT even consider it as something to feed my dogs. I am not opposed to grains except corn, wheat and soy. Do a little research on what is in commercial dog food, you would be shocked!!!

Sometimes the best food is just the food that works. If your dog is healthy, coat looks and feels good, poops are few and solid, then you're in good shape. Is it better to avoid foods with corn and junk? Sure. But, at the same time, there's no reason to damn anyone for using those foods unless the dog is obviously not thriving because of poor nutrition. Every dog is different and may do better on different foods. Sometimes the "best" foods are too rich and give dogs crazy gas and poops so you just have to figure out what works best for your dog. On the other hand, when you have someone approach you and wonder why their dog's coat is dull, they have constant runny poop and they feed Science Diet, than it's a good time to suggest upping the quality to see if that helps.

As an aside, although we can all agree Milkbones are not exactly nutrient rich, and should in no way constitute a major part of a dog's diet, they are neither made from corn or dead shelter pets (unless they're cows

).

Ingredients: Wheat flour, beef meal and beef bone meal, milk, wheat bran, beef fat preserved with tocopherols, salt, dicalcium phosphate, wheat germ, natural flavor, calcium carbonate, brewers dried yeast, malted barley flour, vitamins (choline chloride, dl-alpha tocopheryl ecetate [vitamin e], vitamin a acetate, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, vitamin b12 supplement, d-activated animal sterol [source of vitamin d3]), sodium metabisulfite (dough conditioner), minerals (zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, ethylenediamine dihydriodide [source of iodine]).

Thank you for the intelligent post. We argue so much about what we feed our dogs yet I'm sure most of the people out there eat junk food, fake sugars, corn, etc. I feed Kenny Fromm GOLD because it's natural and he likes it and it doesn't have all the stuff but he had serious issues with eating before and now loves it so I'm sticking with it.

I'm all for eating healthy, both animal and human alike

I believe in moderation for all things.

Ok so there s no corn but there is dead shelter pets!
Wheat Flour, Wheat Bran, Meat and Bone Meal, Milk, Wheat Germ, Beef Fat (Preserved with Tocopherols), Salt, Natural Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Brewers Dried Yeast, Malted Barley Flour, Sodium Metabisulfite (Used as a Preservative), Choline Chloride, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin
According to the AAFCO president Meat and bone meal is basically euthanized animals left unclaimed or from shelters. You can find the video on youtube and lots of articles about it on the web.

No, actually that says meat and bone meal. NOT
dead shelter pets. Wow.

Shellie

Like I said Dead shelter pets. I am not trying to be a bitch just make people aware what really is in dog food. Just do a few internet searches.

Is this what you were talking about?
http://www.bornfreeusa.org/facts.php?more=1&p=359
I believe it talks about this halfway down in the "Pet Food Ingredients-Animal Protein" section,... in the last paragraph of that section. It clearly states no feline or canine DNA was found in meat and bone meal.

Unfortunately I also found this:
http://www2.citypaper.com/about/vansmith.asp

Not sure what to think. Glad I feed a good quality food, but....what about treats? :lmt:

Alex, I could find "proof" on the internet of ANYTHING.
Doesn't mean it's true - but I guess there are people who
will believe anything if it's in writing. (clearly... :roll:

)
You might want to continue your "research" and don't believe
everything you read. Seriously. :cow:

Shellie

If you have been on the fence about whether to continue feeding a food containing generic ingredients like "animal fat," "animal by-product" or "meat" instead of named sources, this statement contained in a report issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should cause your eyebrows to raise:

"Meat rendering plants process animal by-product materials for the production of tallow, grease, and high-protein meat and bone meal. Plants that operate in conjunction with animal slaughterhouses or poultry processing plants are called integrated rendering plants. Plants that collect their raw materials from a variety of offsite sources are called independent rendering plants. Independent plants obtain animal by-product materials, including grease, blood, feathers, offal, and entire animal
carcasses, from the following sources: butcher shops, supermarkets, restaurants, fast-food chains, poultry processors, slaughterhouses, farms, ranches, feedlots, and animal shelters. "

That's right. That unnamed meat in dog foods like Pedigree (animal fat), Science Diet (animal fat), Purina One (meat by-products), and Purina Dog Chow (animal fat, meat meal, animal digest) includes euthanized dogs and cats from animal shelters! And there is no way that these manufacturers can guarantee that it doesn't if they are obtaining these ingredients from independent rendering plants, no matter what they may try to say.

The above EPA citation comes from their document titled "Emission Factor Documentation for AP-42, Section 9.5.3, Meat Rendering Plants, Final Report". Look it up for yourself if you don't believe me.

Maybe if you re-read it you'll understand it.
BTW, that link is for an article from 1995... :wink:

In a study conducted by the FDA, they tested samples of pet food bought in retail outlets (specifically those that contained the generic meat ingredients animal fat and/or animal digest). Pentobarbital was found in all samples and in 60% of the samples the amount of pentobarbital was greater than 1 part per billion.

In addition to be using to euthanize animals, the Texas Correctional Department uses it to kill deathrow inmates (granted at doses higher than found in the rendering plant outputs).

At a dose of 1 part per billion or higher, over a period of just eight weeks it leads to increased production of cytochrome P450 enzymes by the liver (per 2002 study by FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine). This enzyme can significantly impact various medications, including Benadryl, NSAIDs, codeine, Valium, and many, many more. The impact is either an intensification of the medication's impact or the exact opposite - a lessening of the drug's efficacy. Also, pentobarbital depresses the system so long term exposure could impact an animal's vitality.

In any event, would anyone really want to feed a food that contains euthanized dogs and cats, or a food that contains chemicals?

Guest wrote:

In any event, would anyone really want to feed a food that contains euthanized dogs and cats, or a food that contains chemicals?

Of course not.

Some of the studies on human food ingredients is equally disturbing. The same sort of accusations have been made about the manufacture of foods for human consumption and some have also been proven to be true.

There has to be some degree of trust in the things we buy and where they are made and blanket statements saying that dog food in general is made from euthanized shelter pets, roadkill or prison inmates just is not true. We just try to make the best choices for our families, whether two or four legged.

Maybe it is a good thing to be reminded that some horrible incidents have been uncovered but no reason to get people upset and convinced that this happens with all manufacturers of pet foods. If we knew half of the crap we were eating and the conditions things were prepared in we'd all be ill. :cow:

Ok if you want to even rule out meat and bone meal as a controversial ingredient, you cannot argue with the amount of grain and corn foods contain. 90% of dogs who come into the store I work at and complain about dry skin on their dogs are feeding their dogs something that contains way too much grain and esp. corn. I get them to switch to a food (maybe not even a grain free food) like blue buffalo or Wellness, their dogs skin condition clears up with in a few weeks. Quality cannot be there if the price is soo low they couldn't afford to put quality into the food.

Like I said....

and unless we are willing to grow all our own food we will
never really know what's in the foods we buy. We all do
what we can and trust someone else for the rest.
As for the cut and paste parts, I think it's mostly nonsense.
JMO

Shellie wrote:

As for the cut and paste parts, I think it's mostly nonsense.
JMO

What cut and paste parts are you referring to?

ok, im preparing for Rufus to come home in 2 weeks. I have been in several pet stores using this mathamatical equation, I have found orijin puppy food scored 118. if i did the math correct. according to the web site, the meat is suitable for human consumption. Has anyone tried it or is using it now? Here are the ingredents:

INGREDIENTS
Fresh boneless chicken*, chicken meal, fresh boneless salmon*, turkey meal, herring meal, russet potato, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), sweet potato, peas, fresh boneless turkey*, fresh whole eggs*, fresh chicken liver*, fresh boneless lake whitefish*, fresh boneless walleye*, sun-cured alfalfa, pea fiber, fresh boneless herring*, organic kelp, pumpkin, chicory root, carrots, spinach, turnip greens, apples, cranberries, blueberries, licorice root, angelica root, fenugreek, marigold flowers, sweet fennel, peppermint leaf, chamomile, dandelion, summer savory, rosemary, vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, selenium yeast, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium.

* DELIVERED FRESH, preservative-free and never frozen.

No dry dog food on earth can match the quality, quantity and freshness of ORIJEN's fresh regional poultry, fish and meat ingredients.

JMHO, but I'd first ask your breeder. The breeder should always give
you some information about the food they are feeding-and I guess
I'm assuming you are bringing home a puppy? Either way, you should
always start with what they are currently eating and S L O W L Y ease
them into another food if you feel you have to switch. Especially with
OES, if they have trouble switching it can be really really bad -skitters and
vomits. Beyond what the breeder recommends, there are many on this
group who have been using kibble that doesn't rate very well, but their
dogs do very well on it. So ymmv, use whatever works well for your dogs.

Shellie

Quote:

90% of dogs who come into the store I work at and complain about dry skin on their dogs are feeding their dogs something that contains way too much grain and esp. corn.

Just throwing this out there... adding olive oil worked for one of mine when I noticed dry flaky skin. The dog was already
on Blue Buffalo- http://www.vetinfo.com/treating-dogs-dr ... e-oil.html But of course, ask your vet before trying it.

Did you just mix the olive oil in with the food? I haven't noticed any problems with Mady, but I know that I am achingly dry here in Ottawa in the winter, so she might be too.

Yes, I mixed it with food. I wasn't sure how well it would work but within a week
there was a noted improvement... less flaky. I was later able to taper it off all
together. I asked Jim if he remembered when we did this... he thought it was
in the winter here too. Adjust the kibble a bit so you don't later post under, "So
Why Did My Dog Get Fat?".

Run it past your vet/breeder first to be sure it's
appropriate for your particular dog.

Orijen is the best dog food on the market! Period! Make sure you are feeding the large breed puppy and you're good to go!

6Girls wrote:

Run it past your vet/breeder first to be sure it's
appropriate for your particular dog.

Hi All

I was advise to put olive oil in our Lincoln's food as he is such a fussey eater and was under weight plus to help with his skin and coat.

plus his skin does not smell as it did when trying codliver oil for skin and bones.
once a week he goes off his food he will just walk away, and let Esher/Tia eat his meal

years ago many breeders/owners would not feed there dogs on one day of the week just gave water they say this was to rest there tummys

Feeding has changed so much over the years one book I have which was wrote in the 1960s says to feed dogs with hamburgs, biscuit meal ,vitamin-mineral supplement ,bonemeal. (hamburgs made with 100% mince beef).

:wag:

Love Val xxx

40 years ago when you had a puppy the diet sort of went, weetabix with warm milk for breakfast...lunch cooked shredded chicken and rice with seaweed powder, suet, and vitamin drops. Teatime, saucer of warm milk with baked brown bread soaked in, and then chicken and rice again for dinner, warm milk before bedtime! like feeding a baby. Now it is dry complete puppy, followed by junior followed by adult followed by senior!
ps mine are fed on Green Dog turkey and rice(an holistic food with vegetables and herbs) and it is only sold in one pet shop! but it suits Summers sensitive tummy x :wag:

KTB wrote:

Yes all puppy diets had weetabix for breakfast not now tho :-(

so miss that puppy smell of them eating weetabix.

i still like to put something on there meals eg: mince,cheese,tuna,chicken,scrap meat .
but so many foods on the market now :roll:

Being as old as i am I still fed Oscar (now 16 weeks) weekabix in the morning untill recently. I also fed the brown bread in milk as we had done years ago with our first OES. Now at 16 weeks he has moved on to more grown up food :-)

We have done that with all our pups-weetabix etc- and graduly added whatever kibble they would be on.Rice pud was a favourite for "tea time".x

So I've been researching a lot of websites and ran across one where the Dr said we should feed our oes real food, chicken , beef., vegetables and fruit what do u think

Yes, home cooking is great if you can manage to do that. Chicken and veggies. Many of us have done that. I found I could do it for a while and then gradually introduce dry food. I have my dogs on Natural Balance dry mixed with the meaty log they also make. It has gotten high ratings and works well with my sheepies.

Would anybody mind looking up Large Breed Adult Purina Dog Chow?
Also, could you give me a list of your dog's personal human food likes, dislikes and poisonous? I'm trying to gather ingredients so I can get the dog's off of the dog chow and onto fresh foods. I'm worried that the dog food isn't giving them what they need and I want to make sure they're getting everything they need to live healthy and naturally.
Thank you!

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food- ... -dog-chow/

one of the worst dog foods to feed..

Thank you so much for getting this for me! I am now definitely moving them off of dog chow! Its slow going, since my male Golden has a sensitive stomach, but I'm only going to be giving them the foods I have already deemed they like, so it shouldn't be an issue. Thank you so much, again, for getting me that link. I will never buy dog food again!

Hi Everyone
Wilderness Duck and Sweet potatoe . One of my sheepies has a very
sensative somach , thankfully this agrees with everyone in the herd.

The new addition is a teddy bear doodle. she is sweet and my
other 2 girls still just love her.

I an so lucky

joanne :cheer:

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