[Rhyno37]

Hey all, I'm new to the forums here. I currently have 2 dogs, DJ a 6 year old German Short Haired Pointer, and Annie a 3.5 month old red lab. Currently, I feed them both Science diet. Annie gets large breed puppy, DJ gets advanced fitness. I only feed them SD because it's what our vet recommended. Annie started out on Eukanuba from the breeder. Once we switched her to SD we noticed she started pooping considerably more. Any reason for this? She also starting passing gas occasionally. I've also noticed both dogs only eat when they are extremely hungry now. When Annie had Eukanuba she'd scarf it down, and DJ would steal some.

I'm looking to get the best pet food for my dogs. I don't want to spend much over $50 for a 30 pound bag. Also, the food must be easily available, able to get at petsmart. Should I switch back to Eukanuba? I have really looked into Blue Buffalo and read great things about it. It'd match my price range exactly.

 

[naql]

I think Blue or Wellness would fit in your price range. Both are excellent foods.

 

[saitenyo]

My understanding is that excess poop can mean the dog isn't actually utilizing everything in the food (more of it is going to waste) which can be a sign that the food may have too many filler ingredients. I frequently hear people say that when they switch to a better food, their dogs produce less waste (and often that it doesn't smell quite as bad). This happened with my cats as well.

I second naql's recommendations. I am especially fond of Wellness as an affordable good-quality food.

 

[georgiapeach]

I'm glad you're trying to get off SD. It's c*** in a bag - mostly corn and fillers. BB is good, especially the Wilderness formula (grainfree). They also have a newer grainfree formula that's a little lower in protein (can't remember the name of it). Wellness is good too, especially Wellness Core (but it's a little pricey). Whatever you switch to, don't to it too fast, or you'll cause stomach upset. I'd do it over at least a two week period, even longer, if your dog is sensitive.

 

[Rhyno37]

I'm glad you're trying to get off SD. It's c*** in a bag - mostly corn and fillers. BB is good, especially the Wilderness formula (grainfree). They also have a newer grainfree formula that's a little lower in protein (can't remember the name of it). Wellness is good too, especially Wellness Core (but it's a little pricey). Whatever you switch to, don't to it too fast, or you'll cause stomach upset. I'd do it over at least a two week period, even longer, if your dog is sensitive.

I think the new formula is 'Freedom.' Is there a big difference between BB or Wellness?

 

[hargyle]

There isn't much difference other than protein sources and how much of what -- check out http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/ . lots of great info there.

 

[Goldens&Labs4Me]

Personally, I would go back to Eukanuba if it was working for your dogs. Not all dogs can handle the "better quality" foods.

 

[Gally]

Personally, I would go back to Eukanuba if it was working for your dogs. Not all dogs can handle the "better quality" foods.

They haven't even tried a higher quality food yet. I think it would be best to try out a better food for at least a couple months, if that doesn't agree with them then try a different high quality food before thinking of going back to a lower quality one.

Wellness or BB or good choices.

 

[Goldens&Labs4Me]

They haven't even tried a higher quality food yet. I think it would be best to try out a better food for at least a couple months, if that doesn't agree with them then try a different high quality food before thinking of going back to a lower quality one.

Wellness or BB or good choices.

No, but sometimes there is no need in fixing what isn't broken either.

 

[NewLabDoodle]

I think the new formula is 'Freedom.' Is there a big difference between BB or Wellness?

I think both are top-rated food, for that price range. BB also has their "Wilderness" line, which is very good and the dog's stool will be less because the food is well-portioned to be higher protein and lower carb. It's a little more that $50 / 30lb, but worth it IMO. When we started that one for our pup, he immediately went from loose to solid in a day. Good thing about the high-protein/grain-free foods is you feed much less than a lower quality food that is full of filler your dog doesn't need. They get better nutrition from less kibble, so the higher price also is not as bad since a bag will last longer.

 

[InkedMarie]

Though I am not certain if it is sold at Pet Smart, what about Natures Variety? It is available at Pet Co. Why does it have to be Pet Smart? I get cheaper prices at some local stores than I do at a big box store.

 

[Amaryllis]

No, but sometimes there is no need in fixing what isn't broken either.

Actually, the OP is concerned about the excessive pooping, which switching to a filler free food would likely fix. I like Wellness Core a lot, and you do feed less of it than a filler filled food like SD/Eukanuba, so the higher price isn't that bad. Kabota goes once a day, and for dog poop, it isn't that bad.

 

[Abbylynn]

I have been doing some searching as two of my dogs are Schnauzer mixes and according to the vet are notorious for having issues with the pancreas ... Leeo died from pancreatic necrosis.

I am thinking of switching to Blue Life Protection ( in the yellow bag as it is low fat and good for the pancreas ) and was comparing ingredients to Eukanuba that you are feeding. The Blue is only $49.99 at Tractor Supply and approximately only $5 more than the Eukanuba for the same 30 pounds. Just a thought.

There are all types of Blue ...
If you have a Tractor Supply near you they carry some good foods at a good price compared to the higher dollar pet stores.

Eukanuba dry adult is rated 3.5 stars vs Blue is rated 4-5 stars depending on which one you are feeding on www.dogfoodadvisor.com. Just some information to think about.

I am switching as I bought a small bag of Blue Limited Ingredients and the dogs love it and I have had no issues with digestion or tons of poo ... although every dog is different.

 

[Goldens&Labs4Me]

Actually, the OP is concerned about the excessive pooping, which switching to a filler free food would likely fix. I like Wellness Core a lot, and you do feed less of it than a filler filled food like SD/Eukanuba, so the higher price isn't that bad. Kabota goes once a day, and for dog poop, it isn't that bad.

I agree with less filler, less poop...but she wasn't complaining about poop quantity on the Eukanuba--just on the Science Diet.

My dogs do not poop excessively on Eukanuba--and it's nice and firm.