What type of dog food should I use?

Alexander_The_Great · 08-20-2008, 03:57 PM

I have an 11 month old Chihuahua (he has all of his adult teeth) and I've been feeding him Science Diet. That's what they gave us at the shelter, and I know nothing about dog food, but after reading a little bit it looks like maybe Science Diet isn't the best. He seems to be fine on it; he poops around 3 times a day (which the vet said was normal; again I have no idea

) and he seems to like the taste of it, but now I'm worried because other people have said it's no good. I asked my vet and she said to give him any name brand food (she said Purina, Beneful

- glad I didn't listen to her! lol) for small breeds, but again, after reading, I see that she was wrong. I asked the people at PetSmart and they suggested Science Diet or Nutro, but like I said the things that I've read online say that Science Diet is bad but none of them have said why it's bad so I'm very confused! (If you couldn't tell

) Do you have any suggestions? Why is Science Diet bad? What should I feed him? Also, any tips for switching him from one food to another would be great. Thank you!

CinnamintStick · 08-20-2008, 04:09 PM

My daughters Chi gets low blood sugar if we don't watch the carbs. Is your Chi small? Right now he is getting Blue Wilderness twice a day.

briteday · 08-20-2008, 05:53 PM

Many dog foods have grains as the primary protein sources. Dogs have little ability to digest plant products (they lack the digestive enzyme to break down plant cell walls) so the protein that is in the grains is not digestable and serves little nutritional value...but it's a great filler product, makes manufacturing the kibble bits easier.

Some of us would also say that for pretty much the same price you can find dog foods that have a higher digestibility factor, less grain, more meat protein.

There are some good sites to do research on dog foods...dogfoodanalysis.com and I think the other one is called dogaware.com

Alexander_The_Great · 08-20-2008, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CinnamintStick

My daughters Chi gets low blood sugar if we don't watch the carbs. Is your Chi small? Right now he is getting Blue Wilderness twice a day.

He is 9.5 lbs, so he's small to me but big for a Chi lol

Patt · 08-20-2008, 10:35 PM

Cute pup. I have a 7# Chi and I feed him (and my other dogs) Innova Adult food and/or Wellness Super5Mix. They are all doing well.

Briteday gave you good suggestions on a couple of food sites. I personally like www.dogaware.com but there are many others. I'm not one that is down on Sci Diet, I fed it for many years b/c at that time is was the best available. However, now days there are many different foods to choose from... When you are switching foods you do it gradually, over a week or two this way it won't upset his stomach.

rosemaryninja · 08-21-2008, 12:24 AM

This thread will tell you more about Science Diet:

http://www.dogforums.com/5-dog-food-...on-please.html (need opinion please)