Best Dog Food

[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!

[jzrith]

Some people say that giving dogs regular food is the best for them. I think that's, in some ways, wrong. It depends on what you give for them and what breed the dog is. I personally just feed my dog whatever my dad gives it.

[Curbside Prophet]

Well, Elsa initially started out with Nutro Ultra, but then I read an article about Nutro Ultra contained menadione, so I decided Elsa deserved better. Having spoken with numerous mini schnauzer owners and breeders, I developed a consensus opinion that Eagle Pack was best for Elsa's energy and activity levels. What I also like about Eagle Pack, is that if you go to their website, they will mail you recommendations for the Eagle Pack product that is best for your dog. Furthermore, I do feel that it's important to consider how all the contents in the food are processed and that supplementation be a component in the product. Eagle Pack does both these things. I'm sure there are other great products out there that do the same thing or more, but Eagle Pack just happened to be the product that satisfied all my needs, and it seems to make Elsa happy too...as evidence in her spirited and bouncy attitude. I hope I didn't sound like a commercial.

[Alpha]

*gasp* Iams and Purina are just about the worst foods out there! Maybe Kibbles and Bits is worse, but they're all near the end of the road!



I think the best food for dogs, is homemade meals. A proper variety, of organs, muscle, fat, bone, vegetables etc, is what's best for dogs.

But for many of us, including me , homemade is to time consuming. I barely cook for myself.

Canned is much better than kibble as well. Kibble is obviously dry, and a dog must drink much more water to digest it. The kibble absorbs all of the water in their stomach, and three small kibble can turn into a handful once it's absorbed to it's full capacity.

I'm with Prophet, I love Eagle Pack.

I've fed:

Iams- A few years ago. Didn't know than, but the reasons for my dogs shiny coat and firm poops were because there are chemicals put directly into the food for those exact purposes. Most people will look at a dogs coat, and stools to determine if a food is good. Iams people know this, and there's a chemical in the foods for that exact reason. I've heard people say, "I've been feeding my dog, so and so, then we switched to Iams and they firmed right up!"... There is a reason and it's NOT because Iams is a good food. It's one of the worst out there.

Eukanuba- I saw a commercial, saying that it contained a chemical called DHB, which enhances brain growth. It's true, but I'd rather my dog be all around healthy, than just have a big brain My girl was overweight, even though she was eating less than the required amounts.

Wellness- A higher end brand, when I became more educated about dog food. Although with it's factories changes to go maintstream, to grocery stores and enhance their profit, their formula has suffered.

So I switched to Eagle Pack, I'd prefer to feed Solid Gold or Innova, but neither are available to me. But Eagle Pack is a top of the line food as well.

I really like the fact that their customer service is great. Before switching I spoke to a nutrionist to decide what forumal to feed, and asked what the benefits of feeding canned to kibble were.

So now my guys are on a mixed diet, of canned, for the moisture, and raw protein and the kibble for their teeth.

Dave- Iams and Purina are horrible dog foods. Full of fillers and chemicals and a few months ago a few loads were recalled in my town because a dog died of salmonella poisoning. There are plenty more brands that aren't too expensive and you'll see a great change in your dogs health

[tirluc]

*gasp* Iams and Purina are just about the worst foods out there! Maybe Kibbles and Bits is worse, but they're all near the end of the road!

Canned is much better than kibble as well. Kibble is obviously dry, and a dog must drink much more water to digest it. The kibble absorbs all of the water in their stomach, and three small kibble can turn into a handful once it's absorbed to it's full capacity.

Dave- Iams and Purina are horrible dog foods. Full of fillers and chemicals and a few months ago a few loads were recalled in my town because a dog died of salmonella poisoning. There are plenty more brands that aren't too expensive and you'll see a great change in your dogs health

ok, this is the main reason i joined this forum at this time.....i totally disagree on the Purina aspect.......i have owned dogs for about 30 yrs now and have tried many different dog foods (Iams, Eukanuba, SD, Canidae) and i have always come back to the Purina products.....a GSD i once owned was on some of your "top foods" and i could never get him to gain/maintain weight, coats looked like crap, stools were never consistant (one day soft/mushy, next day could hardly poop); switched him to Pur Pro Plan and never had a problem w/ him again.....the 3 i have now were on Canidae for about 4-5 mo and their coats went to hell, pooping 3-5 times a day, couldn't keep weight on w/out doubling/tripling their intake....and even my vet said they looked like crap.....put them back over to P.O. and they are back to normal again.....
but not all foods work for all dogs....and sometimes the "best" just don't do

also, straight canned is NOT better than kibble.....i have never known a vet to recommend (under normal circumstances) straight canned over kibble.....and i have never had a problem w/ my dogs digestion of kibble

[sheplovr]

I agree some of Purina like Pro Plan is basically good. I also like Bil Jac frozen and Innova. Eagle Pack is good, Canidae, Nutro Ultra, there is good and bad in all feed. None are perfect. With 8 Shepherds I will not cook and make the meals I would live in the kitchen and I do not like feeding RAW as u must add so much more to it. Veggies purreed, vitamins, etc. Pick what fits the dog and does well on it and be happy.

[labloverX3]

I have my labs on Nature'sVariety Raw Instinct, 25% raw frozen and 75% raw kibble. I had them on Innova and they too had issues with a dull coat and major poops but I will never feed anything but Nature's Variety Raw Instinct now. They are super shiney, no yeasty ears, teeny poops, twice a day that will totally disintergrate after 3 days if not picked up...although I generally do pick it up on a daily basis.

[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.

[opokki]

Alpha: I agree with you on the canned food.
There are several reasons that I think canned food is better than dry....
- fewer grains/fillers
- more moisture
- doesn't require preservatives (although some formulas add them anyway)
- more fresh, whole ingredients

Having said that, I only feed canned food occasionally because it is too expensive for me to feed more frequently at this time. My poodle was on canned food exclusively for about a year and did fabulous on it. One vet told me that you are paying for mostly water but if you think about it you are paying for mostly water everytime you buy fresh food at the store for yourself as well.... Chicken is about 70% water. The other vet didn't seem to have a preference between canned or dry but did feed her own dogs canned food.

I have been really impressed with Timberwolf Organics dry food and have used it for almost 4yrs now. Other than difficulties in getting responses to my questions from the manufacturer, I have been very happy with it.

I have also used Innova and was very happy with it and with the quick replies to all of my questions from the manufacturer.

Eagle Pack is one brand that I continuously hear great things about. I've used it temporarily in the past but it just wasn't suitable for Natalie's anal gland issues.

[Alpha]

LOl, Opokki, I should mention as well that I don't feed just canned myself either. ROFL

I should practice what I preach eh? But I do have my reasons.

I spoke with an Eagle Pack nutrionist about the benefits of both, and have since decided a mix is what is best for my dogs. All of which reasons are connected:

The first being I pay $2.50/can, with Roxy's weight she should be eating 6 cans a day! She would put on weight, guarenteed and with her abnormal hips, she is to be a lean as can be. The second is, Eagle Pack has a great dry food forumula that I am happy so far with, and the dry food does help to a small percentage with the build up of plaque. The few pieces of kibble that my dogs actual chew as oppose to just swallow.

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.

Since feeding a mix of wet and canned, I've noticed they eat less often a day, but Hades is gaining weight (he's only a year) and Roxy has lost a few pounds, which she needed too

[kellymac]

The only thing that we have ever fed any of our dog's is Purina. My boyfriend has some Plot Hounds and then we have Daisy (our little cow dog), so we have joined that program that Purina has. They send us coupons for dog food. Even the cat gets Purina. Their coats stay so shiny and soft and they are all very healthy.

[Danielle5247]

My Zoe had previously been on Purina ONE until just a week ago when i realized how awful the ingredients were. I then started her on Wellness which is soo wonderful. It has made her coat look great and she absolutly loves it. I even switched my cat to Wellness! All the premium brands seem like they are really good, like Innova and Eagle Pack. But Zoe really loves the Wellness so I plan on keeping her on that for a while!

[Bonnie]

A few years back someone recommended Canidae becuase my Husky was getting older and having a few issues. I could not believe the change in her in just a couple weeks she was like a puppy again. I swear Canidae gave her 3 extra years! Now its all I feed my 6 Yorkies, its good for all stages of a dogs life. I even feed it to my litters!
Bonnie

[Chrissie]

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.

Trye about the vet quote. Many vets do not have a clue about what to feed a dog..I would never ask a vet what brand of dry dog food to feed my dogs!

Science Diet, Alpo, Bil Jac, Purina, Iams, Eukanuba,and most of the dog foods you can find at your local store are trash! I am digusted and saddened when I hear this is what people are feeding their dogs. They say "well my dogs been on it for years and shes doing fine" They just dont get it. There is a science behind it, and really just do some simple research.

Many of these foods contain corn in the top ingrediants, and corn should NOT be in a dogs diet! It leads too many different problems, such as hair/skin/coat problems...to name a few. If you look on your dogs bag and check out the ingrediants if it says corn, soy,no wheat, ..do NOT feed to your dog.

Also these foods say they have meat in them. LOL..there is no good nutritious meat at all, but nasty byproducts and the trash leftover that they pawn off as meat. There are articles showing that the meat that is in our dogs foods if any really is the spoiled, ooooold, rotten meat that has expired from our local supermarkets..and they get thrown into huge vats that make the dog food...plastic wrapper and all..its true. I didnt know any of this untill I giot my 2nd dog a year ago, and started researching dog foods.

There are many great dog foods out there that have real nutritional value, and are filled with what a dog needs. Remember, dogs are omnivores, and cats are carnivores. Dogs NEED to eat vegetables and fruits, and meat. The dog foods should include tomatoes, blueberries, carrots, kelp, bananas, cranberries, sweet potatos, and more, I could go on and on.

Raw is awesome for the dogs, and if you cant do raw, which I personally do both..I use a great brand of ready made raw food by Aunt Jenis...its great. I also feed my dogs kibble, by the name of Timberwolf Organics. The problem with many of the crappy dog brands, are also that they have all this added "stuf" in the them, to extend their shelf life..there is just so much I could add, I just cant stand these dog food brands that people swear by. By feeding actual good food, it does and will make a difference in the long turn. Yes, you still have to find which "good" dog food suits your particular breed and its needs....and when switching over it does take some adjustments. If your dog is pooping too much, you maybe feeding too much food, or the wrong particular type of food..there is such a thing as too much protein for your canine companion.

Also if you dont want too, you dont understand it, orcant do it, though if you do it right, it really doesnt take too much time in the kitchjen...it really doesnt (it can be overwhelming for newbies), and if doen right and smart it wont hurt your wallets. But a noice and very healthy simple thing you can do, is to give your dog a tablespoon or two of plain yogurt, or cottage cheese,and even an egg...also if they will eat it just by giving it to them..tyr giving them veggies and fruits! Just never feed them..onions, raisins, grapes, and never salt. If you give them an apple, core it..my dogs love apples and bananas.

Good brands are: Timberwolf Organics, Natures Variety, Merrick, Great Life, Eagle,Innova Evo, Blackwood, Chicken Soup for the dog/puppy, these are a few of excellent choices for your 4 legged friend.

Other good choices: Wellness, I love wellness treats, and Innova treats..only treats I feed my dogs. Do NOT feed treats such as pups in a blanket, or any of those treats made by Alpo, or Purina...just read the ingrdients,..and remember No, corn,soy or wheat!

Allso when feeding your dogs treatsand snacks..same rules..make sure their is NO corn, NO soy, and NO wheat!!!! NO byproducts!!

[DFrost]

Arguments about what to feed have gone on for years. I feed 42 working dogs, they all get Nutro. We don't have skin problems, the dogs have all then energy they need to have. The coats look great and the dogs have better than average life spans. These are all working dogs, Labs, GSD's, Mals, Goldens etc. I've been feeding the same food for at leat the past 15 years and we just don't have any problems. There are always those that say the dogs could be healthier, I have to ask, healthier than what?

DFrost

[Chrissie]

You are doing well by your dogs..Nutro is a pretty good food, especially Nutro Ultra, and Hollistic..and hey we could all behealthier, right?! LOL

[Pitbull]

If you need some more info on which dog food to choose, here's a good place to start:

The Dog Food Project - How does your Dog Food Brand compare?

Here are my personal choices for good quality dog kibble:
- Timberwolf Organics: Timberwolf Organics - Herbal Natural Pet Food
- Merrick: Merrick Pet Foods
- Nature's Variety: Nature’s Variety
- Wellness: Old Mother Hubbard
- Innova: http://www.naturapet.com
- Canidae: All Natural, Human Grade, Holistic Pet Foods. Dog Food, Cat Food, Kitten Food, Dog Biscuits, & Canidae Platinum Diet

The foods I would definately avoid:
- Pedigree
- Iams
- Purina
- Eukaneuba
- Science Diet
- Ol Roy

Here are some non-kibble foods that I personally like:
- Healthy Paws: Healthy Paws Incorporated - Fresh to Frozen pet food supplier
- Urban Wolf: All Natural Grain-Free Pre-mix for Raw Homemade Dog Foods - Mix With Raw or Cooked Meat & serve. raw holistic dog foods, raw barf, raw barf homemade dog foods, natural pet foods, natural barf dog foods

[Pitbull]

Hey...by the way, does anybody know why the links are automatically changed? I never put all that stuff down lol.

[all4thedogs]

I know what works for my dogs, so IMO is the best food (for MY dogs).

My dogs get raw in the AM (Chicken, turkey, beef, pork, venison, eggs, tripe, sweetbreads etc)

They get Canidae for dinner

I suppliment with Solid Gold SeaMeal.

My dogs have never looked better. They are a healthy weight, no skin issues, and their stools are small and turn white in a day or so (this is great since my dogs are a Great Dane and a GSD).

I know this diet doesnt work for all dogs, but it has made such a change in my dogs lives. My GSD has always had trouble holding weight, and finally he looks great. My Great Dane had skin issues and horrible gas/stools. His coat looks great and his stool is much smaller then my parents lab.

[toniaxp]

Well my parents fed their dog generic food from co-op and that dog never had any health problems and lived to be 16 years old and died from old age.....Beat that Purina lol