Finding a backup food for Pepper? (due to Champion issue)

[Hannah & Pepper]

Hi All,

A little background: Pepper was on Orijen Puppy and then Orijen adult but then had a bunch of issues, so we switched her to Acana Meadowlands due to Karen's great advice and switching her to that plus giving her a probiotic for a while lead to the best digestive state we've had with her.  She's had solid, consistent A+ poops for months now, so we're thrilled!

And of course, now that we are happy with Acana Meadowlands, this Champion lawsuit comes out.  I am not ready to switch her off of it, since she is doing so well (and the primary complaint seems to be about fish? and potentially nefarious group who started it), but I do think Karen's point about having a back up food is wise.  

So, if I wanted to have a food ready in my back pocket in case we need to switch of Acana Meadowlands, any idea of a good option?  We are definitely sticking to grain free.  Cost isn't an issue, since we are already in the pricey food realm.

Thanks!!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I've been absent for awhile. I'll watch this post to see the suggestions since we have fed Acana for years.  I actually came to see what the latest posts are about this issue with Champion.

I'm sure there is already something out there in the FG... going to look now 

[Hannah & Pepper]

Yeah, I'm thinking Zignature might be a good backup but interested to see what people think.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Replacement options for Acana Meadowland (which is chicken, turkey and fish based) might include Wellness CORE Original, Earthborn Primitive Natural, or Horizon Legacy formula. All have similar proteins and all match up well in terms of the nutritional profiles. The Horiazon formula especially compares very well. 

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

Dang, I switched to Orijen Fit and Trim about a year ago. Now I will have to search for an alternative.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You don't have to switch; it's just a good idea to have another option in mind just in case. That's always a good idea anyway, no matter what you're feeding.

Over the years, there have been so many brands that have been sold, had shortages, had major formula changes, or gone out of business completely, that you always want to have an idea of where you're going if you have to change. 

[Sherry Butler]

So, is there a reason to be concerned about the champion issue?  I just saw info about the lawsuit last night and panicked because Reggie has been on Orijen  Red since he was a puppy & we got off of the breeders food (Iam’s). If we switch to the Wellness brand or Fromm is there a weening off process like when he was a puppy?  Thank you for any reassurance or info regarding this!!! 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here's all the info we have at the present time, and my opinion about the whole thing: http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/champion-foods-orijen-and-...

I can't tell anyone not to switch foods; if I were feeding a Champion product, I don't think I would be switching immediately. JD ate Orijen for years and his bloodwork never showed any problems. But each of us has to do what seems right to them. 

Assuming that you do switch, and you switch to a food with the same proteins and a similar macronutrient profile, it should not be necessary to draw out the transition. 3-4 days should be fine.