Need to switch foods....

[Tracey]

Hi all!

We've had Seamus on Innova Puppy (he's 6 mos., and this is what the breeder gave them so we just kept with it). Problem is he has consistently loose stools, and after narrowing things down, we're thinking it's the food. Based on the effect that pumpkin, etc. has on him, we know fiber is good ;). Any recs for which brand we might switch to? My vet rec'd Solid Gold or Wellness as possibilities....

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

My store doesn't have a frequent buyer program, but Jack does also eat the regular adult formula Orijen. I alternate them.
With all I'm spending and doing to fight these d*** allergies, I figure I might as well spend the extra to give him what he likes; plus, his specialist wants him on the Orijen not just for the protein levels, but also for those air-tight vacuum bags...guaranteed no storage mites! And I'm only feeding one. :-)

[fergie11]

I buy 40# bags of Fromm for $55. A pet groomer by me gets Fromm in 40# because she sells so much of it - They're pretty plain bags but who cares about that. I do know though that Fromm's grain-free is more expensive and it does not come in the 40# bag. Fergie and Lucy are doing really good on the Fromm but I think Fergie only eats it because I put so much homemade on it. Lucy would eat xoxox.

[Dianne Carter ~ Trinity Doodles]

Tracey ~ I wondered whether you had tried the California Natural line also by Natura (innova and innova EVO)? It is a much simpler formula. I think you *may* want to reserve a decision on the two recommendations from your vet, though it is refreshing to see a recommendation that is not Hills or Royal Canin. If I recall correctly one of those brands was on Susan Thixton's list that they changed their story on the ethoxyquin situation, they other *may* be experiencing some formula changes and they are not required by law to list it on the label for up to 6 months after it happens.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

In California, anyway, EVO costs $56 for 30 pounds. I am doing it but for three dogs, and 2 kids in college, it is getting pretty pricey. I am thinking of mixing it with something cheaper but not "bad" like the Kirkland's I used to use. What is your opinion about doing that?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Whoops, just saw that Kirkland's is made by Diamond. I didn't know that. Guess I won't be mixing it with EVO. Any cost cutting suggestions????

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Nancy, if Acana is available in your area, that's made by the same company as Orijen. Very good ingredients, nothing imported, and the price is pretty good.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Will check at my local feed store. Thanks bunches.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Oops...just looked at the prices. Sorry, it is as much as the EVO or worse. Maybe Fromm's?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks, I will check it out. I heard about Evangers (?) but.... I wish I could find something between the cheap kirklands (which was well rated) and something much better but reasonable. That was when I got the idea of just mixing it a bit just to stretch the EVO. But it would have to be good quality in itself.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Evangers makes some good foods; I have used their "Pheasant & brown rice" kibble. They also have some really good canned foods that Dianne has recommended.
I wish I had more info on prices. it seems that the really good stuff is also really expensive. There is one called Blue Buffalo that looks pretty good to me, but i have no idea how much it is. The Fromm's, we know is good, and it is less expensive than the EVO, although I haven't priced the grain-free formulas.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I thought I just read something not good about Blue Buffalo here on DK. I will have to see if I can find it. I guess I really need to formally price check Evangers, Fromms, etc. but my kinda sorta memory says they are relatively the same with one of them in the $70 dollar range. ARHG! The one who just went off to college, got all of these loans and still it isn't enough to pay for food, housing, books and cover his motorcycle payment. You get the loans but you can't access more than the tuition for a couple of weeks! They give them a $300 chit for books (and one costs $200 by itself)!!! Boy, have I forgotten how expensive this education stuff is!!! We don't help the other one with actual college expenses but living expenses = yes.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I know Janie was considering Blue Buffalo, I don't remember hearing anything bad about it. I just saw it at my pet supply store, the label says Made in the U.S. by the Blue Buffalo Co., but I don't know much else about it.
If you look on the previous page, I listed the price comparison for the Fromm's Salmon a la veg against Orijen Fish...the salmon is always more expensive than the chicken, lamb, etc., so you can get an idea price-wise on the Fromm's from that, at least here in Chicago. The Orijen is in the 70's. :-(