DOG FOOD DISCUSSIONS

[GBK]

I know we all want to feed the best to our dogs, and I found this really great website that lists all the dog foods and rates them from 1 to 6. I was surprised at the few that were in the 6 ratings and alot of the supposed BEST and most expensive actually fell in the 5 rating. Hope this helps people compare and decide on what works best for them.


http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/

I love to hear what people are feeding, and how it works for their dogs. I am one that changes it up every few months or so and always looking to add to my list :) Feel free to post what you are feeding and any questions we might be able to answer among our group!

[GBK]

I was thinking of doing the Evo red meat as their kibble treats. That way I am keeping more of the corn etc. out of their diet when we train and play. Most of the treats out there have such crap in them. Even the better ones will use cane sugar, WHY? The sugar contibutes to the ear infections and brown wax and itchiness. Glad yours are doing well on the Wellness Pat. Not fun to pick up those loose stooles :(

[GBK]

Rice Bran and Rye Flour are listed as filler for Wellness super5mix chicken, this could be why they are more waxy now.

I only clean their ears if I notice a build up, or if they have gotten their heads wet. I do not clean their ears eveyday. You have to make sure you use a gentle enough cleanser too, the Dr. gave me a perscription cleaner when Buddy had an ear infection last and I though he was getting worse instead of better. I was following the directions but it was too harsh a cleaner and he had horrible angry red ears when I took him back. He said to stop using that cleaner and gave me something gentler.

This is what I use:
http://health.petedge.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=43843

I buy a gallon and it lasts longer than a year. I love it and it smells nice too, my groomer suggested it.

Hope this helps, talk with you soon!

[GBK]

I just switched to Blue Buffalo Wilderness a couple of months ago, and have to say they are doing wonderful on it. I was happy to see it got a 6 rating also! Buddy has allergies, and can get that brown waxy build up in his ears, I have noticed such a great imporvement I will keep using this brand for a while. It is also grain free and more protein. I will be picking up Evangers canned too, the small ones to supplement, nothing in them but the meat and water :)

If anyone is interested I also found a fantastic all in one supplement, no more buying a jar of this and capsules of that. I had my trainer take a look at it, she shows and breeds Newfoundlands, and she asked me for the link. It has pre and pro biotics, MSM and Chondroiten, and also Flax seed and enouph fatty acids that I won't have to do the fish oils. If you get it delivered automatically there is no shipping charge. I use a tub a month for my two. Here is the link :

drandrewjones.php

[Sidra]

Oh no! I have been feeding Wrigley Iams Smart Puppy and it only got one star. My brother uses Wellness brand for his Golden Retriever; I may switch Wrigley to their puppy formula.

[Denice Caouette]

Wow...now I am really confused! After all of the information came out about the Nutro Naturals..I immediately changed Coco and Bri's food..we tried the Natures Variety Prairie/ Chicken, but they really did not like it. Then we tried the Fromm's Pork and Applesauce. They loved it and both of their coats really showed a change. Thought we had it nailed down, but were looking for a substitute just "in case"... I checked on the ingredients of the Avoderm Lamb and Rice and it appeared to be good ( it is in the #4 category on the above site) so I was mixing it with the Fromm's...THEN ..the pet food store close to me discontinued the Fromm's and the only other store that carries it is WAY up on the north side...I spoke to Renee and she said to try the Pet Food Store over on Val Verde ( I think)..so I did..I got a couple of flavors of the NVPrairie, one of them the Surf and Turf, which they were not thrilled with. ( I had also tried several flavors of the TOTW which they did not care for and gave them somewhat loose stools), The employee at the pet food store suggested trying Diamond Pet Foods Naturals..so I tried the Lamb Meal and Rice Formula...They absolutely LOVED it...now I find out it is like in the 3star rating group!! Help!! I also supplement with meat at dinner time, chicken, pork or beef.

[Denice Caouette]

I think at this point I am either going to order the Fromm's delivered to my house online, or drive to the north side of town to get it..I really am getting discouraged and want to do what is best for them. Coco has had problems with her right ear since she was a pup, but not from any buildup..I just have to be very careful to dry her ears when she swims..I have some very mild ear cleaner that the vet gave us and it works really well...we have had almost no problem this year since we do not have a pool at this time. Bri fortunately does not have ear problems. Any suggestions are welcome!! Thanks, Denice

[Sherri Lecky]

I'll have to keep trying the link - it's not working right now for some reason... Anyhow, I have been feeding Ginger the Blue Buffalo puppy (chicken and brown rice mix) for a while now and what a difference! She was very thin, and she's put on a lot more muscle and has a shiny, soft coat. When she's a little older, I'll start mixing in (same brand) a different flavor - they also have salmon / lamb, and other good stuff - no fillers. Just like my own food, I read the labels !! First ingredient should be something natural and wholesome!!

[GBK]

If the link doesn't work for you Sherri, try to copy and paste into your browser.