[Wlfdg]

Originally Posted by Labsnothers

If you read your precious ingredient lists, you will fine them all rather different.

If the show dogs are all eating better foods, why aren't they obviously better looking than my dogs? Perhaps they conform more closely to standards, but as far as energy, coat, eyes, etc., I see little difference.

With an obviously biased eye.

[Willowy]

Originally Posted by Labsnothers

If the show dogs are all eating better foods, why aren't they obviously better looking than my dogs? Perhaps they conform more closely to standards, but as far as energy, coat, eyes, etc., I see little difference.

Actually, I'm told many show kennels feed Pro Plan, Pedigree, Eukanuba, etc. I believe Iams has a breeder incentive program.

[DobManiac]

Originally Posted by Willowy

Actually, I'm told many show kennels feed Pro Plan, Pedigree, Eukanuba, etc. I believe Iams has a breeder incentive program.

Most doberman breeders feed Pro Plan for the life of their animals. And I have noticed that the boxer brand of Eukanuba is popular with that breed. And it seems the Pro Plan sensitive skin and stomach is the mostly widely used by handlers. I think they have a Eukanuba version of that as well.

But honestly I don’t know why people judge show dogs above all others just because they look healthy. Believe me show handlers and breeders know every trick of the trade to cover up anything that food is lacking. Steroids, antihistamines, and antibiotics are used regularly and without any regard for the consequences. Plus these dogs are often on a strict exercise regime. You are defiantly seeing more work put into these dogs than a bag of dog food.

That is why it is so important for me to see my dogs as pets first, and show dogs second. I refuse to damage there long term health for a short term achievement.

[arcturus]

I'm a newbie to this forum, but a long time German Shepherd breeder of over 25 years. Many breeds of dogs have sensitive stomachs, and of course, individuals of any breed can. In my experience most dogs do better on a "good quality, but middle of the road kind of food". Some foods come to mind such as " Chicken Soup varieties", Canidae, Kirkland, ect. If extra protien is needed adding a 1/2 can of pure meat such as Evanger's, Neura, Wellness, ofrcooked hamburger ( such as the 5 lb roll of hamburger you can buy at Wal Mart). Some dogs do need pro-biotics. Adding Wal Mart brand acidolphlus can work just as well as the expensive kinds like Fast Track.
Too rich a food can cause growth problems and bloat.
I've also noticed dogs that cannot tolerate soybeans usually cannot tolerate peas.
Puppy foods are a problem. There does not seem to be a good selection of puppy food, especially the large breed kind. The no grain type food is just too high in protien for a growing puppy. I have fed raw, with sucess, but it is a hassle. We are currently using Eagle Pack Lg. and Giant Breed, but I understand Eagle was bought out by Wellness and we shall see what happens next. My dogs never liked the Wellness brand. Just would not eat it.

[Labsnothers]

The show world would be a far better place with more people like you. Too bad you must compete with the win at any cost people.

[bully]

Originally Posted by arcturus

Puppy foods are a problem. There does not seem to be a good selection of puppy food, especially the large breed kind. The no grain type food is just too high in protien for a growing puppy. I have fed raw, with sucess, but it is a hassle.

How high in protein do you think RAW is? Let's not start this high protein - bad for puppy thing Try reading about phosphorus and Calcium and how they relate to bone development.