Recommended Brands Discussion -Archived

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

 Please, note we have a new Recommended Brands list posted , here's a link:

RECOMMENDED BRANDS DEC 2011

 

I'm closing this one to replies, to avoid confusion.  

 

A HUGE THANK YOU TO FG ADMINISTRATOR ALLYSON, (BETTER KNOWN AS TAQUITO AND PERI'S MOM) FOR PROVIDING THE FORMULA & WEBSITE INFO ON ALL OF THESE BRANDS. ALLY, YOU ROCK!!!!

This list is a work in progress and will be updated as products/evaluations change.

 

THANKS AGAIN, ALLYSON, YOU ARE THE BEST!

 

 

 

 

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Some of us follow a rotation diet. We rotate formulas within one brand. Many of the lines are designed for that.
Others switch brands from bag to bag. Once your dog is accustomed to eating a variety of foods, it's not a problem.
Current veterinary thinking is that rotating protein sources helps to prevent the development of food allergies. Switching foods also helps ensure that if there should be a shortage or a recall, you will have something else to go to.
Many of us also incorporate fresh foods into their dogs' diets.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. It's not only helpful to the new members, but to all of us!

[Mrs. K]

One other thing I wanted to mention: Merrick does have a grain-free line called Before Grain. There are chicken, buffalo, and salmon flavors. The ingredients list is pretty short (except for the vitamins and minerals). Might be worth a look.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Marcie. I'll make the correction. We are not thrilled with Merrick right now, because of all the recalls the company has had this year, but as noted, much better than something like Beneful, lol..

[Frannie & Callie]

Karen - quick question. My folks actually feed their dog Beneful and they are open to change. I'm trying to guide them in a cost effective way (they're retired and strictly budgeted and I don't want to "make" them get a food that is super expensive). Shaggy doesn't seem to have any food intolerances and is a happy, adorable, energetic boy (he's a tibetian terrier). Do you have any suggestions?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I would suggest they look at the Blue Buffalo line; Petsmart carries it. The pricing isn't bad. I am not really sure about the prices of many of these, but I think Chicken Soup for the Dog Lovers Soul is reasonable, too, as well as some of Canidae's formulas. Eagle Pack is also an acceptable food that's not on our recommended list but is far superior to Beneful or anything in the grocery store.

[Frannie & Callie]

Thanks!!!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Taquito was on blue buf. at one point and loved it - this was before Nashville started getting quite a few locally owned pet supply stores that carried Fromm, Orijen, TOTW, etc....
I would go back to it if I ever got in a bind or moved, etc...

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Great job ...... lots of work I know, so please know it is really appreciated.

[Frannie & Callie]

Such a helpful list! Callie eats Orijen, but I really like knowing some of the other grain free foods so I can periodically change it up for her. Thanks so much! I have to say that before I joined the food group and started to REALLY pay attention I was feeding Callie something I now think is "gross" and having her on this grain free food has helped her bowels AND given her a super soft and beautiful coat!

[Maxwell & Lilly's Page]

Thanks, this is really helpful! I have heard Fromm recommended a few times, so I may try that.

[Anna and Achilles]

Karen as always you are the best!!! Thank you!