What to feed?

[Jessica]

I saw a programme on T.V the other day and it basically said that since many high end dog foods are owned by the same companies that sell the cheapest, there's not much difference between them in terms of content. I'm surprised. I've been feeding my Labradoodle what I thought was one of the best products. Am I mis-guided and wasting my money?

[Jessica]

What exactly are jerkies? We only have cows in England...

[Jessica]

Grass produces nasty results doesn't it - Urrrrgh! Right, the Greenies are going out then...

[Jessica]

Yes, Finn does that. Positively projectile. And I'm standing there playing with my doggy-do-do bag waiting, smiling sweetly at passers-by or nodding with a chirpy 'morning'...
I like the idea of 'calming 'erbal chamomile'. Finn could do with that to calm his nerves around big dogs. I wonder if it comes in a spray form for instant impact.

[Jessica]

Hi Rachel, did you see the comment from Lynne? Definitely worth reading. I'm off to look at the food blog now...

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Jessica, As someone who lost a dog to the dog to the dog food recall of March of last year, all I can say is READ EVERY LABEL. And even that isn't enough sometimes. Check out the "Dog Food" blog running on Doodle Kisses. There is a lot of good advice. Do research. I now feed Innova Evo and add my own chicken and veggies. I was feeding Iams and Nutro which were on the recall of last year and they were made by Menu Foods as are many, many brands then supplied to the various feed companies. I try to balance over time rather than giving the same thing every day and my dogs are healthy and no vet visits since.

[Jessica]

Thank-you for taking the time to respond, and I will check out the food blog.
I was so sorry to learn of the loss of your poor dog. What a truly awful, awful experience.
I can imagine these days you are well researched and super cautious about what you feed your dogs. So it was reassuring to learn you feed Evo and supplement with home-cooked chicken and vegatables. That is exactly what I started feeding Finn following the programme, then I had second thoughts. I worried I'd upset his balance of nutrients or make him fat, or encourage him to beg for human food, etc. With your encouragement I will go back to my original plan. Thanks for sharing so Finn can benefit. Great news too that your remaining dogs are happy and healthy.

[Jessica]

I'm glad you read the comment Rachel, and that the brand you are using is okay. Isn't it great to have like-minded people to bounce ideas etc off? Have you checked out the food forum? I've not had a chance yet. I'm definitely going to check out the 'Sniffer Treats'. All my good food intentions fall apart in that area! Thanks for taking the time to check and forward the products/ingredients you use, and for your ideas etc.