Rice-based versus Grain-free

juls · 05-08-2008, 03:21 PM

Hi, it has been a while since I have posted but I have an important question. Yesterday, I opened my dog's brand new bag of food (Science Diet... I know, I know) and it was filled with maggots. After getting a refund, I am done with that brand. I have been wanting to switch and that is making me (finally) make the transition. I spoke with the owner of a local, independent pet store. And she recommended either rice-based or grain free. I was wondering what your opinions/ experiences with either were? I have three samples of grain-free food and she has gone to Orijen first every time I have set them in front of her so if I were to go that route, I would use orijen (just read the other post warning about it though...)

My dog is a 2 year old, 20 lb puggle. My two concerns are:
a.) Something that won't cause her to chunk up. I know with grain-free, it has more protein and less carbs. I don't know about rice-based.
b.) She has a relatively sensitive stomach. When I introduce her to a new treat, it takes her about a week to get used to it. She also digests pretty slowly. I have gotten her checked out for this and she is okay. I know rice-based is recommended for this but know nothing about grain-free in this case. Oh, and I realize I will have to slowly introduce her to whatever new food I choose.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

briteday · 05-08-2008, 03:48 PM

Rice is still a grain.

juls · 05-08-2008, 04:38 PM

I know. I am asking advice on two different options: rice-based OR grain free.

Pai · 05-08-2008, 06:03 PM

You don't have to worry about wight gain if you adjust her portions accordingly. If she isn't sensitive to rice, it shouldn't hurt her to be on that instead of grain-free.

Willowy · 05-08-2008, 06:10 PM

Most dogs are not allergic to rice, which is probably why the vet said that. It's up to you which one you go for. Grain-free doesn't work for every dog, but you won't know unless you try

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guy0677 · 05-13-2008, 08:09 AM

We switched our dog from Iams to Orijen a month ago and it went very well. We gradually moved her over two weeks. I wanted to take extra time to do so because I was concerned about some of the reviews that I read that suggested it could result in digestive problems and loose bowel movements. Our Lab had no problems whatsoever. Communitypetsupply.com sent us some samples and then we went to a 5 lb bag just to be extra safe. She is eating it all now. Her coat is softer...she seems to have more energy...and she has definitely improved her muscle tone. We are very happy with it. I hope that helps!

cshellenberger · 05-15-2008, 01:29 AM

I've had my guys (dogs and cat) on EVO for about six weeks, they're doing GREAT! I've seen the most improvement in my cat who has finally put on some weight, is shedding less and his coat is downright beautiful, I think he could probably go back into the show ring and win to his Grand Championship if he weren't nuetered.

Of course the main reason I went grain free was Angels Demodex. the reduced carbs helped her beat the problem faster and now you can barely tell she was nearly bald a month agao.