Formula Change? You Tell Me!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

So I bought a new bag of Jack's food and the minute I opened it, I thought it looked noticeably darker. The aroma was slightly different, too, and the texture seemed grittier, like it had a coating of some kind.

Called the company and asked if they had changed the formula, they said no. There can just be variations in the color. I knew better, but I was out of food, so I used it. Within a day or two, Jack got loose, very bulky stools and other digestive symptoms. I returned the food for another new bag, and this one looks dark and different too. The Best By date and lot number are different, but very close. I called the company again and told them there was definitely something wrong with the food. They said they would send me coupons and a prepaid envelope to send them some samples so they can see what is going on.

In the meantime, i had to go on a quest to find food for JD; my local store had a much larger bag than I normally buy with a slightly older date and lot number, and when I explained the situation to the store manager, she gave it to me. (Thank you, Pet Supplies Plus!)

Brought it home, opened it, and Eureka! It's the same color as it's always been, same texture, same smell.  

This newest bag will last us about a month. After that, I don't know what we'll do. if the company doesn't come back to me with a good explanation, I guess we'll have to find JD a new food, which with his issues is an extremely daunting prospect. 

Meanwhile, I put some of each food in a dish and took a photo. You tell me this is the same food: 

[Carolyn and Sadie]

Thanks Karen for all of this info. I was thinking of changing from Acana Wild Prairie to Wellness Core Original because the cost for the large bag is so much cheaper for the Wellness. But now it doesn't seem like a good idea if Wellness is going to develop some issues. Just wanted to get your opinion about how the two formulas compare nutritionally speaking?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

First, I would not say that Wellness is going to develop some issues. They're a good company and the level of communication I've experienced has been phenomenal. I think they got a strange batch of salmon meal and hopefully going forward there won't be any more issues. Rest assured that I will be keeping an eye on this, lol.

But...there is no pet food company in existence with better quality, better sourcing, or more integrity than Champion, makers of Orijen & Acana. It will always be my number one choice for any pet I own. And with the Acana Regionals, you have slightly more options for rotating formulas and protein sources than with Core. You're feeding an excellent quality food that agrees with your dog; I wouldn't change that. :)

[Carolyn and Sadie]

Thanks Karen!

[Abigail *George & Juno*]

I'm guessing you've probably already looked at natures variety LID? I know they have both a rabbit and duck formula? Petcurean GO has a venison LID formula? I hope you don't have to change at all, it's so nice to have a food that works well for our fur kids. :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Abigail. Yes, I looked at all of them. Too many ingredients and the macronutrient percentages are not right for him. Zignature actually comes closest but I'm still hoping I won't have to switch.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Karen, Have you ever tried the Whitefish & Potato by Fromm?  We use several of the Fromm products, but I have one little guy with a very sensitive stomach who only eats the Whitefish & Potato without any problems at all.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Joyce. It just has too many ingredients for him, plus it has a lot of grains. JD has Inflammatory Bowel Disease, which is a fairly serious immune-mediated disease, and he needs a really, really simple, limited ingredient, grain-free formula.