[escapeny]

I've owned an Akita for 11 years and now a Doberman for the last five years. I must say that both were full-bred from top kennels, which may be the reason they have been blessed with good health. My Akita ate Solid Gold Millenium and my Dobe eats EVO (Innova). Both were given joint supplements when they reached 8 years old to prevent arthritis and my Dobe also gets a Fish Oil Supplement. I've only used canned food by Merrick and only as an occasional treat. Both dogs had/have beautiful coats, no skin problems, ear problems or even bad breath. I feel that the extra money I spend on dog food is better spent than frequent visits to the vet for one ailment or another. My roommate jokes that I'm eating PB&J while my Dobe is eating steak! I have a book, "The Holistic Dog Book" by Denise Flaim and when you find out what really goes into commercial dog food, you will want to run the other way!

In response to the person who mentioned a dog who died from salmonella poisoning, this book says that dogs are not susceptible to the E-coli virus or salmonella which is why it is alright to feed dogs raw food.

Anyway, I would be glad to talk about this further. I'm a new member.

[poodleholic]

Originally Posted by Dave|Xoxide

What do you guys think is the best dog food? Typically I stick with the big name brand stuff, Iams and Purina One Lamb and Rice. Those of you that have experimented with the natural / organic stuff, can you really see a difference in your dog(s), would you recommend it. Hopefully we can spark some good debate. If we come up with handful of really popular ones we can put together a poll as well.

Let's here everyone's recommendations for the Best Dog Food!

Uh oh, Iams and Purina are two (of many) that I avoid! (Sorry)

I feed Innova EVO and Natural Balance Venison. In addition, I poach fresh, ground meats (buffalo, lamb, sirloin), which I add to brown rice, and provide spinach, kale, green beans, asparagus, sweet potato. They also get live cutured yogurt, hard boiled eggs (an omlette with cheese on the weekend), cottage cheese, apple, pear, other fruits in season (they love watermelon), in moderation, of course. They also are given green tripe (yuk).

For treats, their favorite is dehydrated lamb lung.

I keep the phone book hidden because for sure they'd be calling for PIZZA! <BG>

[Captbob]

__________________________
This is a dog food rating system created to help people find a quality food. This is not concrete but to be used as a guide. This was created by Fredalina of the GDR.


Giving Dry Dog Food a Grade:
Start with a grade of 100:

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


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

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

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

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


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

If it contains any artificial colorants, subtract 3 points

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

If corn is listed in the top 5 ingredients, subtract 2 more points

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

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

If it contains soy or soybeans, subtract 2 points

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

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

If it contains salt, subtract 1 point

Extra Credit:

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


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

If the food is baked not extruded, add 5 points

If the food contains probiotics, add 3 points

If the food contains fruit, add 3 points

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

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

If the food contains barley, add 2 points

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

If the food contains oats or oatmeal, add 1 point

If the food contains sunflower oil, add 1 point

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 "turkey" as 2 different sources), add 1 point


If it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, add 1 point

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
<70 = F

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

Natural Balance Ultra Premium / Score 122 A+

Natural Balance Duck and Potato / Score 106 A+

Hund-n-Flocken Adult Pet (lamb) by Solid Gold / Score 93 B

Iams Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Premium / Score 73 D

Innova Pet / Score 114 A+

Innova Evo / Score 114 A+

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

Merrick Grammy Pot Pie/ Score 118 A+

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 Pet / Score 62 F

Purina Come-n-Get It / Score 16 F

Royal Canin BullPet / 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

[luvntzus]

I've researched foods for a few years and tried a lot of different ones. I like the ingredients and have had the best results with Eagle Pack Holistic and Timberwolf Organics.

I believe in rotating foods so the dog isn't continually exposed to the same food- especially the protein source. I also think it's important to add some canned or fresh meat with the kibble- it makes it more palatable and is closer to what a dog should really be eating. Feeding kibble mixed with some canned seems to be the best balance between cost effectiveness and good nutrition. So right now I'm feeding Eagle Pack Holistic Chicken Meal & Rice kibble with Innova EVO chicken + turkey canned. After that I'm going to switch over to Timberwolf Organics Wild and Natural kibble (chicken based, grain free) with Innova EVO canned and rotate that with Timberwolf Organics Wilderness Elk and Innova EVO venison canned.

[MelissaDiscerningDog]

Originally Posted by Alpha

Also, I'm sure, if I fed them just canned, they would have tummy problems from eating too fast. The kibble does slow them down tremendously.

I'm surprised you haven't tried all natural dog food if your concerned about your pet's tummy. It's very hard for me to get Dog food across the border but if your local to my area I highly suggest you give this food a try...

http://www.thediscerningdog.ca/GO!_Dog_Food.php

Heavily processed food is no good for humans... imo... why should it be any different for anybody else.

[Elijah]

Originally Posted by luvntzus

I've researched foods for a few years and tried a lot of different ones. I like the ingredients and have had the best results with Eagle Pack Holistic and Timberwolf Organics.

I believe in rotating foods so the dog isn't continually exposed to the same food- especially the protein source. I also think it's important to add some canned or fresh meat with the kibble- it makes it more palatable and is closer to what a dog should really be eating. Feeding kibble mixed with some canned seems to be the best balance between cost effectiveness and good nutrition. So right now I'm feeding Eagle Pack Holistic Chicken Meal & Rice kibble with Innova EVO chicken + turkey canned. After that I'm going to switch over to Timberwolf Organics Wild and Natural kibble (chicken based, grain free) with Innova EVO canned and rotate that with Timberwolf Organics Wilderness Elk and Innova EVO venison canned.

Through in some sweet 'taters, yogurt and cottage cheese now and then and he'll be grinning like a mule eating briars.

[luvntzus]

Originally Posted by Elijah

Through in some sweet 'taters, yogurt and cottage cheese now and then and he'll be grinning like a mule eating briars.

Well I didn't include everything I feed. I was trying to keep it to the brands that people can buy. But yeah, when I eat healthy I make a miniature little dinner for Gingerbread. Sometimes he has chicken, sweet potatoes, and green beans. Other times it's ground beef and peas... you get the idea. He does seem to be lactose intolerant though, so he gets his probiotics from food other than dairy.

[arielmonzon]

Hey guys, new to the forum.
I started giving my dog Pedigree. He liked it as far as not starving to death.
Then when I went to the trainers, the other guys told me about Nutro.
Since I stated giving him Nutro, his stools have been about 75% smaller, he is happier and eats less. I did notice that he drinks less water too. It has been about 9 months since he started nutro and he looks great.
I should mention that I give him left over meat as a treat. Not bowls of it, but If my son doesn't want all of his food, I will give my dog a peice of steak or chicken. He loves it.
I was told that raw food i better, I preffer Nutro kibble because it's cheap and easier to give. I thought my dog was to fat, but turns out it's all muscle. He is a little bigger than the average boxer. Vet says it's Okay.
I do get the cheaper of the Butro brands. Sometimes the regular on is on sale and sometimes the puppy one is on sal. Vet says the puppy one is just smaller. Lucas "my dog" like my to switch up his food anyway.
I would stick to the brand though.

[Elijah]

Originally Posted by luvntzus

Well I didn't include everything I feed. I was trying to keep it to the brands that people can buy. But yeah, when I eat healthy I make a miniature little dinner for Gingerbread. Sometimes he has chicken, sweet potatoes, and green beans. Other times it's ground beef and peas... you get the idea. He does seem to be lactose intolerant though, so he gets his probiotics from food other than dairy.

Mmmmm...if you can throw in a glass of ice tea and a piece of apple pie, I'll catch a plane and help him out!

[Ginny01OT]

Originally Posted by Elijah

Mmmmm...if you can throw in a glass of ice tea and a piece of apple pie, I'll catch a plane and help him out!

How about a glass of chardonney with some cheese and crackers--

[Elijah]

Oh-you really know how to hurt a guy, mon chere!! I'll bring some candles and a CD of Barry White or KennyG. and some extra Harvey's Bristol just in case the wine runs out.

[crickette]

Have you looked at the list of ingredients on your dog food label lately? Are you aware that many dog foods - including many nationally advertised "name brands" - are actually made from... garbage? Jane Baetz wrote an informative article in the current issue of Spaniel Journal that helps dog owners to understand what makes a quality dog food stand apart from the crowd.

Spaniel Journal ~ www.spanieljournal.com

[siberian husky lover12]

Originally Posted by Dave|Xoxide

What do you guys think is the best dog food? Typically I stick with the big name brand stuff, Iams and Purina One Lamb and Rice. Those of you that have experimented with the natural / organic stuff, can you really see a difference in your dog(s), would you recommend it. Hopefully we can spark some good debate. If we come up with handful of really popular ones we can put together a poll as well.

Let's here everyone's recommendations for the Best Dog Food!

Well I just feed mine cheap, Kibbles N Bits. They love it and i can save money on vaccines and stuff.

[Elijah]

Well I just feed mine cheap, Kibbles N Bits. They love it and i can save money on vaccines and stuff.

You'll be cheating them out of a long and healthy life, too, little one. They probably like the smell because it stinks. Dogs don't have the same smeller we do. To them, Channel #5 may smell like poop. The money you save will go to your local friendly vet sooner or later.

[siberian husky lover12]

Well i can aford the name brands like Eukanuba and purina...

[arielmonzon]

Originally Posted by siberian husky lover12

Well i can aford the name brands like Eukanuba and purina...

It really not about what you can afford. It's whats better for you dog.
I am paying 20.00 for 35 lbs of Nutro which in my opinion way better than Iam or any other brand that is not made in store. There are some pet shops out here that make their own food but it is expensive. My boxer is now about 65 pounds and the 35 lbs bag last 2-3 weeks. Maybe 4. I haven't really counted, I just buy it when he is low. I can also say his crap sh!t don't stink as much as it did when he was eating cheaper food. I used to get this big bag from Costco for about 15.00 Now I get a almost half that for about 20.00. He loves it, and it last longer
Besides that, why get a dog who is going to be your best friend when you can't spring an extra couple bucks on his food to make him happy.

[siberian husky lover12]

No we really cant afford it its not funy. We are tied in debt right now...

[jesseandstar]

Has anyone ever heard of Abady dog food? Any knowledge and experience with it? I currently feed my dog Nutro Ultra and Ultra Dental mixed. Am thinking of changing but not until I find something better.

[Captbob]

Originally Posted by siberian husky lover12

Well i can aford the name brands like Eukanuba and purina...

The cost per meak from a totally garbage dog food like Kibbles and bits to a one of the much better foods that is pennies per mel. The vet bills for the diseases that they probably will get from the horrible diet, wil be much more than that... Incidentally Eukanuba and Purina are not good foods either.

Check out Kirkland Signature Dog Food at Costco. Thousand times better than the dog junk foods for not much more money.

[shtihl]

Originally Posted by Alpha

I won't argue with you tirluc, I've spoken to many nutrionists, and other than homemade meals, canned is always mentioned as the way to go.

To be honest, vet's are known for having horrible nutrtion ideas, they are NOT dog nutrionists.

Many of the brands such as Techni-Cal (made by Royal Canin) that are sold in vet's offices are mere middle of the road foads.

Many people complain about higher end foods giving their dog the runs... it's a richer, higher quality food. Purina and Iams have specific chemicals in those foods to firm your dog up. Most of the higher end foods do not.

So, when you switch from a crap food, to a good food, it's like with people:

You eat crappy Mcdonalds hamburgers everyday. Than one day you eat a real steak. Your gonna get the runs! Your body is not used to those nutrients and needs to begin figuring out what to do with them.

And may I ask why those "vets" said that kibble is better than canned?

From every nutritionist I've spoken too, ALL have stated that canned is better than kibble. They have also given me all of the reasons and scientific explanations as to why.

ok lets get something straight. yes some canned foods are good and some dry foods are good but it depends on the dog mostly and as far as that bit about eating McDonalds for weeks and then having steak and getting the runs? what kind of steak did you eat? it will usually have the opposite effect and back up the plumbing. i feed my dogs pedigree dry and as a treat i get an occasional can of iams lamb/rice to mix with it. they love it and pedigree donates $1 from every sale to help rescue animals