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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 387
 
| Im just wondering what you all feed your dogs??
Right now iv got my aussie on hills ideal balance chicken and potatoe recipe. Its 60 bucks for a big bag.
all of my other aussies iv fed wallmart brands. But When she was a pup 2 years ago I got some knowledge on dog food ingredients. I wanna feed her the best, but it can be a lil costly, is there any harm buying the hills, and buying another cheaper brand and mix the 2? or should i just buy the cheap stuff again.
My other dogs lived just fine on Purina. I think my biggest problem is I'm feeling guilty knowing. shes always been in great condition.
she loves her cow sh*t and afterbirth anyhow, why should I be concerned about ingredients right? lol
Hills Ingredients
Chicken, Potato, Yellow Peas, Pea Protein Concentrate, Potato Starch, Chicken Fat, Chicken Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Liver Flavor, Lactic Acid, Flaxseed, Vegetable & fruit blend (Green Peas, Apples, Cranberries, Carrots, Broccoli), Iodized Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Phosphoric Acid, Beta-Carotene, Natural Flavors
Edited by zansbeunogal_2268 2014-02-06 2:15 PM
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 Veteran
Posts: 224
Location: Southern OK aka God's Country | I've had mine on Eukanuba, Iams, Science Diet, Diamond, you name it. About 6 months ago I switched to Purina Pro Plan Select for Sensitive Skin and Stomach because my lab was getting really bad hot spots (my Aussie used to get them also). She hasn't had another hot spot since I've had her on that food. They really loved the Pro Plan Savor, but the Select has salmon in it (which you can smell blgh) to help with the skin issues.
I realize that there are probably some really terrible foods that you can feed, but my dogs eat crap, hoof clippings, dead anything (the deader the better) and God knows what else. I figure feeding them $80/bag food is probably a waste of money. |
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 Chatty Kathy
Posts: 6635
  
Location: In Ky following Barrel Races & Walker hounds. | 4Health Grain free |
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Location: Middle of No Where | We feed Taste of Wild. Our dogs LOVE it and the first ingredient is a meat. |
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 Can You Hear Me Now?
Location: When you hit the middle of nowhere .. Keep driving | If you have a costco near you they have good dog food in the Kirkland brand and a big bag runs a lot cheaper $32 Canadian . They now have a grain free version and it's amazing I believe they have salmon and rice and a turkey blend one. I think it's called Natures Domain and it runs about $38 a bag Canadian, likely a lot cheaper in the US. They also carry purina and such. I love the Kirkland brand and will likely switch to the grain free natures domain version soon. I spent $90 a bag on Nutrience holistic dog food for years and my guys love this food a lot more. I get 3 bags for the price of 1. |
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 Member
Posts: 28
Location: Pennsylvania | I feed 4health to my aussie and boxer. I used dogfoodadvisor.com to help me make my decision. The 4health is about $35 at tractor supply! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 738
Location: Anywhere my horses are ! Lost in Texas!!!!! | I feed Happy dog food by purina,all of mine do well on it. I have 10 dogs so cost of food is an issue.  |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | We feed Purina One lamb and rice... we have three (two are fairly big), so we try to keep the costs down. We fed Taste of the Wild, but it got to be too expensive for us... at the time we had four. |
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 California Cowgirl
Posts: 14973
Location: California | Costco carries a very high quality grain free food called "Natures Domain". They have it in salmon , beef or turkey. It.s $29.99 for a 35 lb bag.
I feed a raw diet now but if I were to go back to a food it would hands down be Natures Domain.
Edited by F Bar 2014-02-06 3:02 PM
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| I feed diamond to ours. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1857
| Diamond Naturals, 4 star food and I only spend $30 for 40# |
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Expert
Posts: 1857
| Wanted to add that this is a really good website for determining if your dog food is as good as they say:
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/ |
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 Stinky Cat Owner
Posts: 4097
Location: Oregon | Life's Abundance, almost 10 years. Tried the Taste of the Wild and it gave the little guy HORRIBLE gas, leave the room gas... |
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 Heeler Hoarder
Posts: 2067
| We feed Diamond we fed Blue Buffalo which is a TON of money and honestly they look better on the Diamond. Our dogs are pretty athletic/high energy and Diamond extreme athlete is the best we have found to keep weight on them without having to feed a ton. Our trainer feeds it to his bird dogs who are on a pretty intense training program and they all look great on it. |
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Regular
Posts: 91
Location: North Dakota | I feed my 2 year old lab Nutrisource Chicken and Rice. She LOVES it! and has the softest coat and extreme loads of energy! |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1078
Location: Salem Ky | Taste of the Wild. Have tried other brands. But keep coming back to it. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1066
| Well I feel like a bad mom now... my Heeler gets whatever is on sale at the grocery store, and an endless supply of horse poo. Ironically, he's super shiney, super healthy, and has more energy than he knows what to do with... must be all the flax and minerals the horses get. 
Oh, I forgot to add that he helps himself to the garbage about once a week, so who knows what he eats in there...
Edited by Tys-ol-lady 2014-02-06 4:08 PM
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 The BHW Book Worm
Posts: 1768
| My 3 get purina pro plan. I was feeding grain free nutra source at almost 60 for a 20 pound bag and it was just to expensive ..honestly they look alot better on the purina. ...All my dogs are very fit and I ration there food. |
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 Firecracker Dog Lover
Posts: 3175
| The GWP is on Diamond and the Border Collie is on Nutromax. Going to switch the BC over to Diamond. It's better and you get more dog food for the $$. A 50 lb. bag of Diamond for me is $36, compared to $38 for a 30 lb. bag of Nutromax. I'd caution changing up all of the time, it's hard on them to change - like a horse you have to gradually change it over a period of 2-3 weeks. Good luck. There are a lot of different kinds out there and you will likely get 50 different opinions. The Diamond is what has worked best for us so far and I used to be a huge Iams fan, also tried Purina Pro Plan, and the Nutro. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 387
| well after looking at that site, my dog food choices werent all that grand anyhow. She's been on so many different brands, shes a picky and very minimal eater.
I will say that her coat looked its best when I had her on a salmon and sweet potatoe by natural balance, but she didnt like it haha
I dont have a costco around me:( but they were feeding kirkland when I picked her up when she was just a lil thing.
I do most of my shopping at pet valu, Can you buy diamond there? I know iv seen taste of the wild there.
Edited by zansbeunogal_2268 2014-02-06 4:18 PM
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 Horsey Gene Carrier
Posts: 1888
Location: LaBelle, Florida | I feed my GSD raw.
My other two on a kibble that rates a 4 on dogfoodadvisor.
Having a crs moment and can't remember the name of the dog food. |
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  More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | Tys-ol-lady - 2014-02-06 4:07 PM Well I feel like a bad mom now... my Heeler gets whatever is on sale at the grocery store, and an endless supply of horse poo. Ironically, he's super shiney, super healthy, and has more energy than he knows what to do with... must be all the flax and minerals the horses get. Oh, I forgot to add that he helps himself to the garbage about once a week, so who knows what he eats in there...
Zoey gets Iams along with afterbirth, mice, horse poo....fresh, frozen or dried....season depending. Our Catahoulas get Pedigree in a huge yellow bag at Walmart because its pretty cheap and they eat like horses plus they also get an abundance of horse poo and whatever is dead that stinks. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1969
Location: Texas | 4Health grain free from Tractor Supply. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1056
| Loyal.................they love it |
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 Rebel Without a Cause
Posts: 2758
Location: Adopt a homeless pet - www.petfinder.com! | Taste of the Wild |
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 Crazy Doggy Mommy
Posts: 1419
Location: Where Governor's make the liscense plates | Royal canin |
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 You just got to get mean and mean it.
Location: Arkansas | CYA Ranch - 2014-02-06 4:17 PM Tys-ol-lady - 2014-02-06 4:07 PM Well I feel like a bad mom now... my Heeler gets whatever is on sale at the grocery store, and an endless supply of horse poo. Ironically, he's super shiney, super healthy, and has more energy than he knows what to do with... must be all the flax and minerals the horses get. Oh, I forgot to add that he helps himself to the garbage about once a week, so who knows what he eats in there...
My coming three year old lab that I dug out of a culvert as a skinny pup, eat's the same thing. Plus whatever left over's she can begs . Weighs 100 lbs and has grown into her feet!
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 675
Location: Iowa | We feed Purina One Lamb and Rice and our dogs love it. Get it at Sam's Club for about $38.00. Gets expensive when feedling 5 dogs but they love it and are all really healthy. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 210
| Pedigree!!
They all love it and look great. Plus my pocket likes it too |
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Veteran
Posts: 122
| Taste of the Wild...it's pricey yes but you don't have to feed a ton of it like other cheap brands. Everyone is always commenting on how shiney our GSD's coat is, and he gets no extra supplements |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | I switch back and forth between Diamond and Taste of the Wild. I've never had a problem with them swapping back and forth. They also get a limited amount of table scraps and horse poop. It's rare for either of them to be gassy or have an upset tummy. One is a German shepherd and the other one is some sort of beagle cross that's obsessed with swimming. |
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I Need a Xanax!
Posts: 2774
| I feed Taste of the Wild too but Walmart just came out with a new grain free dog food and my dogs LOVE it and do great on it! One of my chihuahuas is a picky little thing(3.5 lbs) and she holds her weight the best on the new Walmart grain free food. Its in a dark brown bag with maroon writing and says "Grain Free" on the bag. Seems to be great stuff and the kibble is really small and not too hard for tiny little dogs to crunch. |
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Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | Used2B - 2014-02-06 7:07 PM I feed Taste of the Wild too but Walmart just came out with a new grain free dog food and my dogs LOVE it and do great on it! One of my chihuahuas is a picky little thing(3.5 lbs) and she holds her weight the best on the new Walmart grain free food. Its in a dark brown bag with maroon writing and says "Grain Free" on the bag. Seems to be great stuff and the kibble is really small and not too hard for tiny little dogs to crunch.
Who is the maker? I used to feed a locally made food that was great, but another company bought them out, got a big contract with Wal mart, and quit distributing locally. I didn't really trust them to keep up the quality tho, because the new company made a lower end food already. |
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 A Big Ditto!
Posts: 3600
Location: Jasper, Tx | I feed my Working dogs Diamond Naturals Lamb and rice plus a supplement called Dinovite. For my outside mutts they get same Diamonds Lamb & rice mixed with pedigree. Plus all the horse poo, cow poo and other things I am sure I wouldn't want them to eat! they all seem healthy. |
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Blessed 
Location: Here | Natural Life. lamaderm available at walmart. Made in USA. grain free. and made by a barrel racing family in Kansas |
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Holy Fruit Loops!
Posts: 1708
Location: Colorado | You get what you pay for!! Those buying "Cheap" because you have multiple dogs. Do you understand that you feed less of a quality food without all the crap fillers. And that means less waste to pick up as well.
For those feeding Pedigree... please don't. It has Red Dye 40 in it which is a known canceragin which was outlawed in human food years ago. Also read the the panel..... Meat and Bone meal can mean euthanized dogs, road kill, etc.. At the very least a company should list the type of protein they are using.
For those feeding Kirkland / Costco brand. These are made by Diamond and labeled for Costco.
Purina is owned by Nestle, Science Diet is owned by Colgate, Iams/Eukanuba owned by Proctor and Gamble. If you believe for one minute the big corps are truly invested in making a good food your are fooling yourselves.
There are a lot of good foods out there that will cost your LESS per Serving. And they are owned by Americans using American products.
Feeding junk dog food is right up there with buying cheap hay and wondering why your horse has issues!
karen
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More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | Stitch4k9 - 2014-02-06 8:01 PM You get what you pay for!! Those buying "Cheap" because you have multiple dogs. Do you understand that you feed less of a quality food without all the crap fillers. And that means less waste to pick up as well.
For those feeding Pedigree... please don't. It has Red Dye 40 in it which is a known canceragin which was outlawed in human food years ago. Also read the the panel..... Meat and Bone meal can mean euthanized dogs, road kill, etc.. At the very least a company should list the type of protein they are using.
For those feeding Kirkland / Costco brand. These are made by Diamond and labeled for Costco.
Purina is owned by Nestle, Science Diet is owned by Colgate, Iams/Eukanuba owned by Proctor and Gamble. If you believe for one minute the big corps are truly invested in making a good food your are fooling yourselves.
There are a lot of good foods out there that will cost your LESS per Serving. And they are owned by Americans using American products.
Feeding junk dog food is right up there with buying cheap hay and wondering why your horse has issues!
karen
And you recommend feeding what? |
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A Big Ditto!
Posts: 3600
Location: Jasper, Tx | Stitch4k9 - 2014-02-06 8:01 PM
You get what you pay for!! Those buying "Cheap" because you have multiple dogs. Do you understand that you feed less of a quality food without all the crap fillers. And that means less waste to pick up as well.
For those feeding Pedigree... please don't. It has Red Dye 40 in it which is a known canceragin which was outlawed in human food years ago. Also read the the panel..... Meat and Bone meal can mean euthanized dogs, road kill, etc.. At the very least a company should list the type of protein they are using.
For those feeding Kirkland / Costco brand. These are made by Diamond and labeled for Costco.
Purina is owned by Nestle, Science Diet is owned by Colgate, Iams/Eukanuba owned by Proctor and Gamble. If you believe for one minute the big corps are truly invested in making a good food your are fooling yourselves.
There are a lot of good foods out there that will cost your LESS per Serving. And they are owned by Americans using American products.
Feeding junk dog food is right up there with buying cheap hay and wondering why your horse has issues!
karen
Wow! did not know that about pedigree!!! Looks like I wont be feeding Pedigree anymore. Thank you stitch4k9 for educating us.  |
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 Veteran
Posts: 151
| I did feed Pedigree to my Boston for many years. I will tell you I never stopped getting compliments on how great he looked. BUT...last year he started getting horrible mouth ulcers. Every three months he was in terrible pain, back to the the vet, more teeth removed. He now is eight years old and has only 4 teeth left! Was this a result of Pedigree? I don't know, but I was ignorant and in the dark about dog food. This dog is my life, and I feel like I really let him down.
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Expert
Posts: 1336
Location: Central Arkansas | I feed Fromm dog food. It was recommended by the lady that babysits our dogs when we
are out of town. She also trains dogs and shows them. I was feeding Blue until she told
me about the Fromm. They are family owned and based in Wisconsin. |
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Holy Fruit Loops!
Posts: 1708
Location: Colorado | CYA Ranch - 2014-02-06 8:28 PM Stitch4k9 - 2014-02-06 8:01 PM You get what you pay for!! Those buying "Cheap" because you have multiple dogs. Do you understand that you feed less of a quality food without all the crap fillers. And that means less waste to pick up as well.
For those feeding Pedigree... please don't. It has Red Dye 40 in it which is a known canceragin which was outlawed in human food years ago. Also read the the panel..... Meat and Bone meal can mean euthanized dogs, road kill, etc.. At the very least a company should list the type of protein they are using.
For those feeding Kirkland / Costco brand. These are made by Diamond and labeled for Costco.
Purina is owned by Nestle, Science Diet is owned by Colgate, Iams/Eukanuba owned by Proctor and Gamble. If you believe for one minute the big corps are truly invested in making a good food your are fooling yourselves.
There are a lot of good foods out there that will cost your LESS per Serving. And they are owned by Americans using American products.
Feeding junk dog food is right up there with buying cheap hay and wondering why your horse has issues!
karen
And you recommend feeding what?
Fromm Classic, Canidae, Hi Tek, Breakaway (if you can find it, very new) Victor Grain Free, Pulsar, Nutri Source. These all have frequent feeder programs if you purchase at an independant store. Diamond Nat and TOTW are decent foods but no frequent feeder programs.
My BC and Aussies are getting Hi Tek GF. Lamb and Sweet Potato. But I would be comfortable feeding any of the foods listed.
Keep in mind if your local feed store carries any dog food chances are they can get one of the above for you to try. And by buying at a locally owned store you are supporting your local Economy!
karen
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A Big Ditto!
Posts: 3600
Location: Jasper, Tx | Stitch4k9 - 2014-02-06 8:57 PM
CYA Ranch - 2014-02-06 8:28 PM Stitch4k9 - 2014-02-06 8:01 PM You get what you pay for!! Those buying "Cheap" because you have multiple dogs. Do you understand that you feed less of a quality food without all the crap fillers. And that means less waste to pick up as well.
For those feeding Pedigree... please don't. It has Red Dye 40 in it which is a known canceragin which was outlawed in human food years ago. Also read the the panel..... Meat and Bone meal can mean euthanized dogs, road kill, etc.. At the very least a company should list the type of protein they are using.
For those feeding Kirkland / Costco brand. These are made by Diamond and labeled for Costco.
Purina is owned by Nestle, Science Diet is owned by Colgate, Iams/Eukanuba owned by Proctor and Gamble. If you believe for one minute the big corps are truly invested in making a good food your are fooling yourselves.
There are a lot of good foods out there that will cost your LESS per Serving. And they are owned by Americans using American products.
Feeding junk dog food is right up there with buying cheap hay and wondering why your horse has issues!
karen
And you recommend feeding what?
My BC and Aussies are getting Hi Tek GF. Lamb and Sweet Potato. But I would be comfortable feeding any of the foods listed.
Keep in mind if your local feed store carries any dog food chances are they can get one of the above for you to try. And by buying at a locally owned store you are supporting your local Economy!
karen
Ok got a question? What do you mean by frequent feeder programs? Would like to feed Victor but nobody carries it in my area.
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 Banjo and Baby
Posts: 7259
Location: South of Canada and North of Mexico | Stitch4k9 - 2014-02-06 8:57 PM
CYA Ranch - 2014-02-06 8:28 PM Stitch4k9 - 2014-02-06 8:01 PM You get what you pay for!! Those buying "Cheap" because you have multiple dogs. Do you understand that you feed less of a quality food without all the crap fillers. And that means less waste to pick up as well.
For those feeding Pedigree... please don't. It has Red Dye 40 in it which is a known canceragin which was outlawed in human food years ago. Also read the the panel..... Meat and Bone meal can mean euthanized dogs, road kill, etc.. At the very least a company should list the type of protein they are using.
For those feeding Kirkland / Costco brand. These are made by Diamond and labeled for Costco.
Purina is owned by Nestle, Science Diet is owned by Colgate, Iams/Eukanuba owned by Proctor and Gamble. If you believe for one minute the big corps are truly invested in making a good food your are fooling yourselves.
There are a lot of good foods out there that will cost your LESS per Serving. And they are owned by Americans using American products.
Feeding junk dog food is right up there with buying cheap hay and wondering why your horse has issues!
karen
And you recommend feeding what?
My BC and Aussies are getting Hi Tek GF. Lamb and Sweet Potato. But I would be comfortable feeding any of the foods listed.
Keep in mind if your local feed store carries any dog food chances are they can get one of the above for you to try. And by buying at a locally owned store you are supporting your local Economy!
karen
Excellent post! I feed and love Fromm, great quality and price and made in Wisconsin. I've fed Premium Edge by Diamobd, Taste of the Wild, Nutri Source (another fav), Soild Gold, Nutro, Exclusive, ProPlan and a few others. I love Fromm and currently have been trying out a new one called Northstar Premium dog food that my local pet food place had made for them. All made in the USA including the bags. I pay $35 for 40lbs, no corn, wheat, soy or by products or fillers, has fruit and vegetables and prebiotics. Pretty happy with it as well. |
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Expert
Posts: 1336
Location: Central Arkansas | I had never heard of Fromm until the doggie babysitter told me about it. I have been feeding it for a year now. We have to go to Little Rock to get it but it is not to far. |
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Rebel Without a Cause
Posts: 2758
Location: Adopt a homeless pet - www.petfinder.com! | My dogs love their occasional snacks of fresh carrots, green beans and sweet potato. I try to do that rather than commercial dog treats. They are veggie junkies, you'd think I was feedling them filet mignon!
Edited to add: I always try to remember - and not judge - that some people simply can't afford the higher quality foods. One day when shopping at Wal-Mart I saw someone with a big bag of Ol' Roy in their cart and commented to my hubby about it, he reminded me that at the least they dog is eating! After volunteering in rescue for a few years, I totally appreciate that. If you can't afford high quality food (and yes, I know they eat less of it, but that doesn't make enough of a difference for some people's budgets) just educate yourself and get the best you can afford. And don't forget that those fresh snacks are cheap and good for their heatlh
Edited by Calangelo 2014-02-06 10:51 PM
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Chatty Kathy
Posts: 6635
Location: In Ky following Barrel Races & Walker hounds. | Calangelo - 2014-02-06 10:46 PM
My dogs love their occasional snacks of fresh carrots, green beans and sweet potato. I try to do that rather than commercial dog treats. They are veggie junkies, you'd think I was feedling them filet mignon!
Edited to add: I always try to remember - and not judge - that some people simply can't afford the higher quality foods. One day when shopping at Wal-Mart I saw someone with a big bag of Ol' Roy in their cart and commented to my hubby about it, he reminded me that at the least they dog is eating! After volunteering in rescue for a few years, I totally appreciate that. If you can't afford high quality food (and yes, I know they eat less of it, but that doesn't make enough of a difference for some people's budgets) just educate yourself and get the best you can afford. And don't forget that those fresh snacks are cheap and good for their heatlh
Ditto. I have way more respect for someone who may not be able to afford the best food, but loves the dog unconditionally. Than I do someone who just flat wont feed one.
Mine love raw veggies too!!! My husbands lab is still trying to figure them out, and the 2 coondogs dont care for them, but the Doberman and Beagle LOVE them! |
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 Maine-iac
Posts: 3334
Location: Got Lobsta? | We feed our dogs Origin dog food. I read an article on it in the Dog Journal and did the reseach. We have Alaskan Malamutes that seemed to have stomach and skin issues. When we made the switch we have had no problems. Its pricy but you don' thave to feed a lot of it. We mix it with Taste of the Wild wet dog food. We order ours online, dogs LOVE the 6 Fish formula. |
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I Need a Xanax!
Posts: 2774
| Three 4 Luck - 2014-02-06 7:43 PM
Used2B - 2014-02-06 7:07 PM I feed Taste of the Wild too but Walmart just came out with a new grain free dog food and my dogs LOVE it and do great on it! One of my chihuahuas is a picky little thing(3.5 lbs) and she holds her weight the best on the new Walmart grain free food. Its in a dark brown bag with maroon writing and says "Grain Free" on the bag. Seems to be great stuff and the kibble is really small and not too hard for tiny little dogs to crunch.
Who is the maker? I used to feed a locally made food that was great, but another company bought them out, got a big contract with Wal mart, and quit distributing locally. I didn't really trust them to keep up the quality tho, because the new company made a lower end food already.
Hmm....I really don't know the maker and I don't have an empty bag here to look it up. As soon as I buy a bag I store it in an airtight, mouse proof container and my Chihuahuas don't eat much so I don't buy it often. If you find out please let me know. Sometimes I have some Taste of the Wild left over in my container and when I scoop it out in their bowls they will pick out and eat every single Walmart Grain Free kibble before eating the Taste of the Wild. |
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 IMA No Hair Style Gal
Posts: 2594
| I used to have everything on Blue Buffalo...
Cats...Dogs....
THEN....husband lost his job and having five dogs and six cats feeding this type of food we had to cut back this expense.
Working at a feed store I do know what a good quality bag of dog or cat food looks like on the ingredients list, and I know what foods provide more bang for their buck.
And I am ashamed to admit all my dogs and cats are eating crap food (minus the horses).
They get the southern states cat food and dog food. The funny thing is-I have no issues with any of them and my one heeler got really fat on this dog food too.
I would have probably changed back if I had any issues, but I don't-so they are still on crap.
Edited by magic gunsmoke 2014-02-07 8:53 AM
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | magic gunsmoke - 2014-02-07 8:49 AM
I used to have everything on Blue Buffalo...
Cats...Dogs....
THEN....husband lost his job and having five dogs and six cats feeding this type of food we had to cut back this expense.
Working at a feed store I do know what a good quality bag of dog or cat food looks like on the ingredients list, and I know what foods provide more bang for their buck.
And I am ashamed to admit all my dogs and cats are eating crap food (minus the horses).
They get the southern states cat food and dog food. The funny thing is-I have no issues with any of them and my one heeler got really fat on this dog food too.
I would have probably changed back if I had any issues, but I don't-so they are still on crap.
exactly.
Sorry, but I'm not about to spend a boatload of money on cat or dog food. All of ours are rescues. If Purina One isn't better than NOTHING, I suppose they were better off on the street or headed for a shelter.
For the record, my cat gets friskies canned food too. The horrors! lol My mom's cat lived to 17 or 18 on the stuff so I am guessing he will survive.
None of these animals are having any health or skin issues, ironically they had more gastric issues on TOTW. Which is approx twice the cost.
My horse still gets his Triple Crown...guess he is the favorite. lol |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 993
Location: Northern California | We feed Fromm's to all five of ours. I have a friend who had a Jack from the same litter as our's. Our guy is 14 this year and going strong. He has always been fed grain-free and the best food I could buy for him. Our friend lost their Jack last year and I can't help but wonder what she fed him. Our dogs are our children. . . I want to keep them for as long as I possibly can!!  |
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Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | Used2B - 2014-02-07 8:47 AM Three 4 Luck - 2014-02-06 7:43 PM Used2B - 2014-02-06 7:07 PM I feed Taste of the Wild too but Walmart just came out with a new grain free dog food and my dogs LOVE it and do great on it! One of my chihuahuas is a picky little thing(3.5 lbs) and she holds her weight the best on the new Walmart grain free food. Its in a dark brown bag with maroon writing and says "Grain Free" on the bag. Seems to be great stuff and the kibble is really small and not too hard for tiny little dogs to crunch. Who is the maker? I used to feed a locally made food that was great, but another company bought them out, got a big contract with Wal mart, and quit distributing locally. I didn't really trust them to keep up the quality tho, because the new company made a lower end food already. Hmm....I really don't know the maker and I don't have an empty bag here to look it up. As soon as I buy a bag I store it in an airtight, mouse proof container and my Chihuahuas don't eat much so I don't buy it often. If you find out please let me know. Sometimes I have some Taste of the Wild left over in my container and when I scoop it out in their bowls they will pick out and eat every single Walmart Grain Free kibble before eating the Taste of the Wild.
It's Pure Balance that they're making for Wal mart. They also make Source and Back to Basics food. When Dad's bought the plant, they changed the name to Ainsworth Pet Nutrition. We used to be able to buy locally from distributors or straight from the plant, but they cut us off. They also used to make a wonderful ration balancer for horses made from locally grown stuff until Dad's bought them, and they phased out the horse feed. I had some heartburn over that deal because we had no warning and I had to change my program suddenly. |
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 Ms. Poutability
Posts: 2362
Location: In my own world | Deedoe - 2014-02-06 8:38 PM Stitch4k9 - 2014-02-06 8:01 PM You get what you pay for!! Those buying "Cheap" because you have multiple dogs. Do you understand that you feed less of a quality food without all the crap fillers. And that means less waste to pick up as well.
For those feeding Pedigree... please don't. It has Red Dye 40 in it which is a known canceragin which was outlawed in human food years ago. Also read the the panel..... Meat and Bone meal can mean euthanized dogs, road kill, etc.. At the very least a company should list the type of protein they are using.
For those feeding Kirkland / Costco brand. These are made by Diamond and labeled for Costco.
Purina is owned by Nestle, Science Diet is owned by Colgate, Iams/Eukanuba owned by Proctor and Gamble. If you believe for one minute the big corps are truly invested in making a good food your are fooling yourselves.
There are a lot of good foods out there that will cost your LESS per Serving. And they are owned by Americans using American products.
Feeding junk dog food is right up there with buying cheap hay and wondering why your horse has issues!
karen
Wow! did not know that about pedigree!!! Looks like I wont be feeding Pedigree anymore. Thank you stitch4k9 for educating us.
I had a doberman that ate Purina dog chow and pedigree all her life. No fancy food, dad couldn't afford it and honestly we didn't know better. We thought the name brand stuff was better than the always save brand. She lived to a ripe age of 13,which is dang old for a doberman. She didn't die of cancer, she had a stroke and I put her down. Not going to say that there isn't better food out there....I'm sure there is, just like horse feed. I feed my current 3 Pedigree. One of them is going on 9 yrs of age. I have researched some of the foods here and might try one of the more economical ones |
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Holy Fruit Loops!
Posts: 1708
Location: Colorado | Deedoe - 2014-02-06 9:01 PM Stitch4k9 - 2014-02-06 8:57 PM Ok got a question? What do you mean by frequent feeder programs? Would like to feed Victor but nobody carries it in my area.
Frequent Buyer programs...... Buy 10 or 12 get one free. Either you keep the UPC's or the store will. When you have purchased your 10th or 12th bag the next is free.
Send Victor an email and tell them where you are and what you want. Hopefully they will fallow up and try to get a store in your area to pick up their food. They are pretty cool folks!
karen |
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 Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | My girl had allergys .. I switched to grain free merritt.. (chicken) still had issues bad
vet said sometimes its not the grains but the high level of proteins.. so I switched to all beef and no more issues.. |
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 Good Grief!
Posts: 6343
Location: Cap'n Joan Rotgut.....alberta | mine get harringtons..turkey and veg (i think)
they seem to like it
m |
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Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | Bibliafarm - 2014-02-07 10:14 AM My girl had allergys .. I switched to grain free merritt.. (chicken) still had issues bad
vet said sometimes its not the grains but the high level of proteins.. so I switched to all beef and no more issues..
My sister's terrier has a meat protein allergy, of all crazy things. His food looks like corn pops, but he finally got healthy after switching him. |
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Holy Fruit Loops!
Posts: 1708
Location: Colorado | livinonlove&horses - 2014-02-07 9:27 AM I had a doberman that ate Purina dog chow and pedigree all her life. No fancy food, dad couldn't afford it and honestly we didn't know better. We thought the name brand stuff was better than the always save brand. She lived to a ripe age of 13,which is dang old for a doberman. She didn't die of cancer, she had a stroke and I put her down. Not going to say that there isn't better food out there....I'm sure there is, just like horse feed. I feed my current 3 Pedigree. One of them is going on 9 yrs of age. I have researched some of the foods here and might try one of the more economical ones
I understand that a lot of dogs have done okay on the cheaper foods. Years ago my dad and I raised and trained stock dogs. There were very few choices of kibble. Dog nutrition has come a long way in the last 15 years. The only reason for Red Dye 40 is to make those cute, pretty pieces for us the human buyer. Most of the lesser foods also spray on a flavoring. In the industry it is ref. to as "kitty crack". Sort of like the surgary cereals marketed to kids.
At the end of the day you (collective you) will spend less because you will be able to feed less. Higher nutrition value means the animal absorbs more. Less poop means the dog/cat is absorbing more. Cat litter boxes smell better, etc.
If you decide to try another food email the company. Tell them you would like to try their food but the price differance makes it difficult. Most will send you coupons. With the exception of Diamond. They just don't do coupons. Fromm runs coupons on their face book page monthly. Call Canidae and they will send you coupons.
The insanely high rate of Cancer in dogs is frightening. And approx. 30% of small dogs die of heart disease. CSU is studying both of these issues now and hopefully will have a break through soon.
karen
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Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | I agree about some cant afford high quality feed so no judging here.. i am happy animals are fed and have homes. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1066
| barrelracr131 - 2014-02-07 7:58 AM magic gunsmoke - 2014-02-07 8:49 AM I used to have everything on Blue Buffalo...
Cats...Dogs....
THEN....husband lost his job and having five dogs and six cats feeding this type of food we had to cut back this expense.
Working at a feed store I do know what a good quality bag of dog or cat food looks like on the ingredients list, and I know what foods provide more bang for their buck.
And I am ashamed to admit all my dogs and cats are eating crap food (minus the horses).
They get the southern states cat food and dog food. The funny thing is-I have no issues with any of them and my one heeler got really fat on this dog food too.
I would have probably changed back if I had any issues, but I don't-so they are still on crap.
exactly. Sorry, but I'm not about to spend a boatload of money on cat or dog food. All of ours are rescues. If Purina One isn't better than NOTHING, I suppose they were better off on the street or headed for a shelter. For the record, my cat gets friskies canned food too. The horrors! lol My mom's cat lived to 17 or 18 on the stuff so I am guessing he will survive. None of these animals are having any health or skin issues, ironically they had more gastric issues on TOTW. Which is approx twice the cost. My horse still gets his Triple Crown...guess he is the favorite. lol
Im with you 100%. Our Heeler who gets "whatever's on sale" is super healthy... no skin issues, no bowel problems, no behavioral issues (aside from hating anyone who's not us as he gets older, but lets be real, he's a heeler)... if he started having issues I'd get him on more of a program, but he doesn't seem to care what you put in front of him, and he's in great health!
My old Border Collie was the same way and she lived to be 16. As she got older we put her on higher quality food, but from day one everytime we went to the vet (which was just for routine stuff) she was complimented on how healthy she was. The vet (my brother's best friend) used to ask what we fed her, and I'd tell him "whatever brand she was on at the time, horse poo, and whatever she found in the dead pile at the feedlot" and he'd just shake his head and say "well it must be working for her because she looks half her age!".
Thinking back, I seriously wonder if the flax I feed the horses is why my dogs are always so shiney and healthy looking... lol
My barn cats eat mice, and get the cheapest food that can be bought and it doesn't seem to bother them one bit. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 387
| Stitch4k9 - 2014-02-07 10:33 AM
livinonlove&horses - 2014-02-07 9:27 AM I had a doberman that ate Purina dog chow and pedigree all her life. No fancy food, dad couldn't afford it and honestly we didn't know better. We thought the name brand stuff was better than the always save brand. She lived to a ripe age of 13,which is dang old for a doberman. She didn't die of cancer, she had a stroke and I put her down. Not going to say that there isn't better food out there....I'm sure there is, just like horse feed. I feed my current 3 Pedigree. One of them is going on 9 yrs of age. I have researched some of the foods here and might try one of the more economical ones
I understand that a lot of dogs have done okay on the cheaper foods. Years ago my dad and I raised and trained stock dogs. There were very few choices of kibble. Dog nutrition has come a long way in the last 15 years. The only reason for Red Dye 40 is to make those cute, pretty pieces for us the human buyer. Most of the lesser foods also spray on a flavoring. In the industry it is ref. to as "kitty crack". Sort of like the surgary cereals marketed to kids.
At the end of the day you (collective you) will spend less because you will be able to feed less. Higher nutrition value means the animal absorbs more. Less poop means the dog/cat is absorbing more. Cat litter boxes smell better, etc.
If you decide to try another food email the company. Tell them you would like to try their food but the price differance makes it difficult. Most will send you coupons. With the exception of Diamond. They just don't do coupons. Fromm runs coupons on their face book page monthly. Call Canidae and they will send you coupons.
The insanely high rate of Cancer in dogs is frightening. And approx. 30% of small dogs die of heart disease. CSU is studying both of these issues now and hopefully will have a break through soon.
karen
Thank you for your posts! I have really learnt alot! Thinking back, my parents always fed all of our dogs the cheap stuff, 2 of them past away from brain cancer... They all lived a long life, but I wonder if they could of lived longer.
I am going to take my dog off of the hills and try something all of you guys have reccomened. She is a picky eater, and eats very minimal, maybe once a day if that. But maybe thats because she is getting her fill? I let her out to the bathroom 2 a day and thats all she needs to go and wants to go.
Her coat was the Shiniest when I had her on natural balance grain free salmon and sweet poatoe. her coat is still in good condition, just not as shiney and lil more coarse.
I live in Canada, And tsc, doesnt carry all the brands you have down there. and the nearest costco is about 3 and a half hours away. So I do all my shopping at pet valu, I know they carry TOTW, but I will have to check about Diamond and other brands
Edited by zansbeunogal_2268 2014-02-07 11:37 AM
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OT - What do you feed your dogs?