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| This topic is available here on forum.oes.org | Here is a great way for you to grade your own dog food.
Remember, this is a guidline to help you to choose the healthiest food that you can afford for your dog.
How to grade your dog's food:
Start with a grade of 100:
1) For every listing of "by-product", subtract 10 points
2) For every non-specific animal source ("meat" or "poultry", meat, meal or fat) reference, subtract 10 points
3) If the food contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, subtract 10 points
4) For every grain "mill run" or non-specific grain source,subtract 5 points
5) If the same grain ingredient is used 2 or more times in the first five ingredients (i.e. "ground brown rice", "brewer's rice", "rice flour" are all the same grain), subtract 5 points
6) If the protein sources are not meat meal and there are less than 2 meats in the top 3 ingredients, subtract 3 points
7) If it contains any artificial colorants, subtract 3 points
8 ) If it contains ground corn or whole grain corn, subtract 3points
9) If corn is listed in the top 5 ingredients, subtract 2 morepoints
10) If the food contains any animal fat other than fish oil,subtract 2 points
11) If lamb is the only animal protein source (unless your dog is allergic to other protein sources), subtract 2 points
12) If it contains soy or soybeans, subtract 2 points
13) If it contains wheat (unless you know that your dog isn't allergic to wheat), subtract 2 points
14) If it contains beef (unless you know that your dog isn't allergic to beef), subtract 1 point
15) If it contains salt, subtract 1 point
Extra Credit:
1) If any of the meat sources are organic, add 5 points
2) If the food is endorsed by any major breed group or
nutritionist, add 5 points
3) If the food is baked not extruded, add 5 points
4) If the food contains probiotics, add 3 points
5) If the food contains fruit, add 3 points
6) If the food contains vegetables (NOT corn or other grains), add 3 points
7) If the animal sources are hormone-free and antibiotic-free, add 2 points
8 ) If the food contains barley, add 2 points
9) If the food contains flax seed oil (not just the seeds), add 2 points
10) If the food contains oats or oatmeal, add 1 point
11) If the food contains sunflower oil, add 1 point
12) For every different specific animal protein source (other than
the first one; count "chicken" and "chicken meal" as only one protein source, but "chicken" and "" as 2 different sources), add 1 point
13) If it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, add 1 point
14) If the vegetables have been tested for pesticides and are pesticide-free, add 1 point
94-100+ = A
86-93 = B
78-85 = C
70-77 = D
69 = F | |
| Thanks for posting it! It takes a bit of time, but worth it....
My dogs are on Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach and Skin formula which is salmon and oatmeal based, and it scored 99. | That's a fantastic way to see what quality of food you are feeding the pooches, a real eye opener, I have seen this one before and think it is very worthwhile for all to look at the ingredients in their dry food. It really is an eye opener. 
Stacey I am back onto the ProPlan again and yes the salmon one as that is available here now, gave up on the Eagle Pack, it was great, but just too hard to find when we ran out. Comes from the states and not always available so back to ProPlan for me  | | Cool - I didn't exactly know where to look for some of the info (like if it was baked or if veggies had been tested for pesticides but I still enjoyed this. | | I'm curious, but I've been doing SO much math in statistics, I'm burned out! lol Besides...I threw away Jasper's food bag when I emptied it in his container, and today was trash day. | | The ingredients for your dog's food should be on the applicable website. Most, if not all should be there. | Okay...Jasper is eating Nutro Ultra right now. I get it at a bargain rate from a former employer. 
I got a score of 116, but I wasn't sure about some of the stuff. Here's the ing. list from the website:
3 animal proteins (chicken meal, salmon meal, lamb meal), garlic, flaxseed, chicken meal, poultry fat, sunflower oil, whole brown rice, salmon, cranberry powder, wholesome oatmeal, fish oil, kelp, tomato pomace, lamb meal, direct fed microbials, lamb meal, sun cured alfalfa meal, glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate, and taurine.
Doesn't sound too tasty, but Jasper loves it - lol | | Out of curiosity I checked Pro Plan Large Breed adult formula, it only scored 68!!! That's a failing grade... wow.... | I guess I'm bored...
Just checked Pro Plan Puppy and it got a 71, Iams puppy got an 89. | | Nutro Natural Choice Puppy got 77 | | Eukanuba Medium Breed Puppy got 99 | | hey stac can you check Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Rice | Lol. If you're really bored, can you do all the better known ones? It would be a great resource to have on the forum for all the dog food questions we get. Don't forget Merrick.
Hey, you're the one who said you must be bored! | | I second that nomination... |
Dudster wrote:
hey stac can you check Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Rice |
90 |
ButtersStotch wrote:
Lol. If you're really bored, can you do all the better known ones? It would be a great resource to have on the forum for all the dog food questions we get. Don't forget Merrick.
Hey, you're the one who said you must be bored! |
These are the more well known ones LOL at least for me...lol.... | Merrick has too many formluas...LOL but I checked the puppy formula and holy cow! It got 129....
I've never even seen it before. | How about this one:
http://www.championpetfoods.com/orijen/about/freshRegionalIngredients.aspx
I fed the cats this one time, it a little pricey. They also have another line of food called Acana...made in a town near our city. They support the spca with proving food for them. Can't buy it at PetsMart or grocery stores..I have to go to speciality food stores. I am feeding the cats the Acana line.
Dogs are eating Precise Plus.
http://www.precisepet.com/pplus.asp | | THANK YOU STACEY.. YOU ARE THE BESTEST bored person on a Friday... |
Willowsprite wrote:
Merrick has too many formluas...LOL but I checked the puppy formula and holy cow! It got 129....
I've never even seen it before. |
Lucy eats Merrick (canned). It was a little rich for the boys or I didn't transition them slow enough. Actually, it was only Clyde that seemed to have the problem. Bear could eat rocks and stomach it fine. | We use Iams Large Breed and I tried but I was confused with all the rules. I gues I don't know all that much about nutrition 
Bailey actually does eat rocks so he says that Bear can come over and join him for a snack any time | How about Wellness Super 5 Mix Lamb?
Quote:
Ingredients
Lamb, Menhaden Fish Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Ground Brown Rice, Rice Bran (from brown rice), Rye Flour, Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols, a natural source of vitamin E), Salmon Meal, Tomatoes (natural source of lycopene), Ground Millet, Natural Lamb Flavor, Carrots, Apples, Spinach, Blueberries, Sweet Potatoes, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate.
Minerals
Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate (a chelated source of zinc), Iron Proteinate (a chelated source of iron), Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate (a chelated source of copper), Copper Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate (a chelated source of manganese), Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite.
Vitamins
Choline Chloride, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Pyrodoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin K Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Chicory Root Extract, Glucosamine-HCl, Chondroitin Sulfate, Garlic, Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Green Tea Extract, Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Old Mother Hubbard uses ethoxyquin-free meat sources. |
Source: http://www.omhpet.com/dogs/wellness_detail.asp?pCode=dryDogSup5MixLamb | | I don't feel like doing anymore just now...LOL.... | Already scored:
Authority Harvest Baked / Score 116 A+
Bil-Jac Select / Score 68 F
Canidae / Score 112 A+
Chicken Soup Senior / Score 115 A+
Diamond Maintenance / Score 64 F
Diamond Lamb Meal & Rice / Score 92 B
Diamond Large Breed 60+ Formula / Score 99 A
Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Ultra Premium / Score 122 A+
Dick Van Patten's Duck and Potato / Score 106 A+
Foundations / Score 106 A+
Hund-n-Flocken Adult Dog (lamb) by Solid Gold / Score 93 D
Iams Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Premium / Score 73 D
Innova Dog / Score 114 A+
Innova Evo / Score 114 A+
Kirkland Signature Chicken, Rice, and Vegetables / Score 110 A+
Nutrisource Lamb and Rice / Score 87 B
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy / Score 87 B
Pet Gold Adult with Lamb & Rice / Score 23 F
ProPlan Natural Turkey & Barley / Score 103 A+
Purina Beneful / Score 17 F
Purina Dog / Score 62 F
Purina Come-n-Get It / Score 16 F
Royal Canin Bulldog / Score 100 A+
Royal Canin Natural Blend Adult / Score 106 A+
Sensible Choice Chicken and Rice / Score 97 A
Science Diet Advanced Protein Senior 7+ / Score 63 F
Science Diet for Large Breed Puppies / Score 69 F
Wellness Super5 Mix Chicken / Score 110 A+
Wolfking Adult Dog (bison) by Solid Gold / Score 97 A | | Interesting, I had fed the dog's the Authority baked right before the Precise. | Is that Hill's Science Diet? Ack if it is!! That is what I feed my girl, my vet that is the one that has been researched the most or something like that... Hmmm.... might have to change.  | | Science Diet has never been a good food, it's wayyyy down there in quality. Vet only recommend it because they make money selling it. Sad, but true. | Dixie is on First Mate Hypo-allergenic Potatoe and Fish---scored 97.5
http://www.firstmate.com/platinum/fishpotatonew.htm
Not widely available, yet, as it is fairly new, but they do ship. Petcetera carries it. | | I know this is an old post, but are any of these dogs in Petland that is the nearest plae for me(2 hours) to get the dog food. I have ours on science diet the are doing ok o it these posting are making me change my mind on something else we do go to the city every month to ge a big bag will be ok Now what would people recommod for puppy food. I am getting him next Saturday | I know this is old, but I just figured the grades for two foods and thought I would share:
Iams Smart Puppy Large Breed: 87
Chicken Soup for the Puppy Lovers Soul: Large Breed Puppy: 118
I think I figured these correctly. They should at least be within a few points of correct. | | I think this should be a sticky, I always go back to it. | | There you go! A lot of people do ask about dog food so maybe having it at the top will make it easier to find for newcomers. | | glad you posted i have derby on bill jac not so good | | Nutro Ultra Puppy - 97 - A | | I feed Obe Nature's Logic (lamb). Have not graded it yet. Seems to be a great dog food and he loves it. It is a new company that does all natural pet food products. Here is the web site if anyone is interested in checking out the products www.natureslogic.com |
suzptcruise wrote:
glad you posted i have derby on bill jac not so good |
Really? I fed BilJac for quite a while and both of mine loved it and did well on it. What problems are you having?  | | I went to the bill jac web site found their list of food for big breeds I got a score of 57 but i'm not sure if I didi it right. #4 is corn a grain if so - 5 points. And I did a -10 on a meat question to? So if I was wrong it could be 72. I just got mine on Acana and Orijen I am goig to check them and see what I get. You just do not know? | Well I now know that my dogs are eating better them me.  Acana puppy junior scored 105 and I was not sure on some of the positves and I scored 0. The orijen large breed puppy scored 119.  . I was suprised on that one. | We feed Blue Buffalo Lamb and Rice - Grade 113 - A+. I can't tell if it is baked or not and if the meats are organic.
Ann | I noticed that Kirkland's Chicken, Rice and Veggies is listed although I was always told that Lamb is usually best. I buy Kirkland Lamb and Rice. I though the score was about 94. Can someone look at it to let me know if I did my math right? I believe I found the ingredients listed online. If the chicken is rating higher, should I try to switch over?
Lamb, Lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, rice flour, white rice, egg product, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat (preserved witn mixed tocoperols and Vitamine E), beet pulp, potatoes, fishmeal, flaxseed, natural flavor, milet, brewers dried yest, carrots, peas, choline chloride, rosemary extract, parsley flake, dried chicory root, glucosamine hydrochloride, taurine, vitamin E suppliment, iron proteinate, copper proteninate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate, manganese proteniate, manganous oxide, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 supplement, menadione sodium bivulfite (source of vitamin K activity), riboflavin, vitamin D supplement, folic acid
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein 23% minimum
Crude Fat 14% minimum
Crude Fiber 4% maximum
Moisture 10% maximum
Zinc 200mg/kg minimum
Selenium 0.4 mg/kg minimum
Vitamin A 15000 IU/KG minimum
Omega-6 fatty acids 2.2% minimum
Omega-3 Fatty Acids 0.4 % minimum
Glucosamine HCl not less than 300 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate not less than 100 mg/kg | | artabone I got 97 on yours. Just wondering if you know why #11 lost 2 points if lamb is the only protein source unless dog has allergies? So if your dog does not have allergies maybe that is why someone said chicken is better? But why not lamb? | I don't believe that Rheba is allergic to chicken or lamb. She hasn't ever shown any signs. I am assuming that this is still a good food for her. The Kirkland Chicken, Rice and Veggies seems to have quite a bit higher score than the Lamb. Should I change her food or leave the Lamb?
Angela | | They both scored great. My quess is that people may put their dogs on lamb because of allergies. | Okay went to one of the many petsmarts in the area today. I asked for who ever they had that knew foods very well (I know I am rolling the dice here but I have met very well informed people at some of the pet stores- that said I have also met people who did not know an OES in full coat when they saw one)
Anyway I spoke to the store manger who suggested nutro natural choice large breed, this is what I have chewy on and told him I was looking for a change. He suggested several brands including eukanuba, royal canin, and blue buffalo.
I also spoke to the royal canin rep who of course said that royal canin was the best but she liked nutro and blue as well. (she had nothing good to say about eukanuba) I took a brochure for royal canin and may try this next time, I went with blue buffalo ( hope I made the right choice -did not find a rating and not sure if am getting my solution correctly, either way it seems high lol.)
Here is the interesting part. I spoke to these two separately and they both said that in general large breed dogs should remain on puppy food 18-24 months! now I have heard 6 months up to a year but never this long. Anyway I know there are lots of food post and I was not sure if I should put this one on a new one or not. I also found an interesting link.
http://www.dogaware.com/dogfeeding.html
they have even more links off of that page ....all very informative (I have not read it all yet) | | this is all really helpful! I am picking up my two wonderful girls in 3 weeks, and was doing a TON ofresearch on food. But it can be very confusing. I had narrowed it down to Wellness ( yay for the high score) and Chicken Soup for the Dogs Lover's Soul (sounds silly but has some pretty good looking ingrediants, and my cats eat the feline version with great results). However a freind of mine that is a breeder (not of OESs) told me that large breed puppies shouldn't be on puppy food at all. That it causes uneven growth spurts, and that the adult versions of the foods have the same nutrients, just less fat and the result is a more evenly paced growth. The girl at our local holistic pet food store agreed. Goes completely against what was just posted about keeping your OES on puppy food fort he first 18 - 24 months. Has anyone else ever heard of this before? | | Yes, I know I have heard that they should not be on puppy food as well. I also have heard to have them eat it anywhere from 6 months to a year. The one I hear the most is 6 months. Thats why I posted that. It took me quite off guard. |
Darth Snuggle wrote:
this is all really helpful! I am picking up my two wonderful girls in 3 weeks, and was doing a TON ofresearch on food. But it can be very confusing. I had narrowed it down to Wellness ( yay for the high score) and Chicken Soup for the Dogs Lover's Soul (sounds silly but has some pretty good looking ingrediants, and my cats eat the feline version with great results). However a freind of mine that is a breeder (not of OESs) told me that large breed puppies shouldn't be on puppy food at all. That it causes uneven growth spurts, and that the adult versions of the foods have the same nutrients, just less fat and the result is a more evenly paced growth. The girl at our local holistic pet food store agreed. Goes completely against what was just posted about keeping your OES on puppy food fort he first 18 - 24 months. Has anyone else ever heard of this before? |
Actually, that's not true, the adult versions of the foods have less protein, which a growing puppy needs more of than an adult. If you look at ratios in of a lot of puppy versus adult foods, the fat differences are nowhere near as different as the protein. In some, especially large breed dogs, too much protein can cause growth spurts and caused "growing pains" (the real name is Pano). Not all dogs that are on puppy food get it so it's not a fair blanket statement to say that if you do feed puppy food, you'll have problems.
I don't think any dog needs to be on puppy food for 24 months! I'd start on whatever your breeder is feeding them and then work with your vet to make a good decision when to make the switch. Some people switch very early, like 5 or 6 months, others wait longer, like from 10 months to a year. You could also talk to the breeder of your OESs and ask her what she does for her own dogs. That should give you a good idea of around when your dogs have gotten through some of their growth spurts.
Here's another really good website about dog food (choosing a good one, myths, etc.) http://www.dogfoodproject.com/
Good luck! | | thanks for the feedback! | | I like t read this thread but I just get confused. my almost 6 month Summer is on Nutro large breed puppy and also Beta large breed puppy, as my shop had run out of the nutro last time. The yorkie is on Burns puppy which she adores! | | just re-reading this thread and saw that someone DID rate the Chicken Soup puppy varitey; it got a 118! I think I have my puppy food! I've also done the math for the Wellness "Just for Puppy"; it also got a 118, A+! | | I graded the Iams Senior our dog eats. I came up with 85 points, C+. | | can someone help me do the Taste of the Wild food ( shes eating the fowl version right now) I cant tell if the food is baked, and on some of the pts im confused. If someone can help me would be great. I want to make sure she has a good enough score | | Iams isn't great; its alot of corn and grain; things dogs don't really need. My pups were on Iams at the breeders, so changing them over to the better quality food has been a challenge. Thier little tummies are a bit troubled, but they are getting along. | | my dog was on Iams too at the breeders, but as soon as I got her we changed and we were not able to do it gradual becuase the lady didnt give me any Iams and I didnt want to purchase a bag of it. She did her switch really easily without any runs or any problems. What food did you decide to switch too? We are on taste of the wild. | I also didn't do the gradual switch, as recommended. Thier little dog brains stop growing at 12 weeks, so I figured I had 4 weeks to get something good into thier systems.
I'm feeding a mix of Chicken Soup for the Dog Lovers Soul (puppy variety) and Wellness Puppy. Both rated a 118 (an A+). A friend of mine is a breeder of Silken Windhounds and she recommended a few other foods. I tried the Solid Gold Wolf Cub for large breed puppies, and it gave my guys the WORST gas ever. Alot of the books say to judge your food by the dog's response; that gas or diarrhea are signs that the pup's system isn't happy. But I'm giving the mix of Chicken Soup and Wellness a bit of a chance; they are both brands I have had great results with in my cats, and I would like to stick with them.
I've also tried mixing in the Prairie Lamb wet food and the Lamb Homestyle stew (which they love) the Chicken Soup wet food (they are so - so on it) the Wellness Puppy wet food ( again, they love it). My vet wanted them eating Science Diet wet; a variety for diarrhea. But I decided against it; Science Diet is mostly grain and chemicals. The table spoon of pumpkin I feed them has done wonders, and is all natural. | | Chauncey was on Royal Canin Lg. breed puppy for 6 mos, then gradually weened to the Royal Canin Lg Breed. For a treat 2-3 times a week he gets a can of merick. We've been very happy, and so far healthy. | | Has anyone seen the new dog food at Sam's Wholesale? Gold N Paws or something like that. The lable looked pretty good, but I don't remember the details and only got to glance at it anyway. | I am currently trying Wellness and Canidae mixing it with our old foods, Billjack and Iams. Both look promising but geez, the gas they all have now. With seven at different ages, they can make the place smell like an outhouse.
I think what looks like the best I recently found for my older oes and that I am going to try is Natura Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food. On paper it looks like it has it all. Has anyone had expeience with this food?
Zach | the Solid Gold Wolf Cub gave my two TERRIBLE, foul gas. So even though it came highly recommended, and it has a great ingrediants list, I've had to stop using it.
My guys have adjusted nicely to the Wellness Puppy mixed with Chicken Soup Puppy. |
Darth Snuggle wrote:
the Solid Gold Wolf Cub gave my two TERRIBLE, foul gas. So even though it came highly recommended, and it has a great ingrediants list, I've had to stop using it. |
We had that experience too. I had to stop using Solid Gold though because they have distributer issues and its never in stock when I need it. | | I rencently had to take my dog off Taste of the Wild, vet says the protein is so to high and will cause more long term problems than good so u guys were right. I just wish there was a grain free for her cause of her itching issues that wasnt so high sure stinks, so were using Wellness lamb and rice now hopeing to stay on Wellness but so far we got the runs and were back to the itching but its only been 2 weeks, I may have to deal with the itching but the runs is a problem. I was considering raw too but it would be to hard with the way I travel so decided to opt out of it. |
eiramnosila wrote:
I know this is old, but I just figured the grades for two foods and thought I would share:
Iams Smart Puppy Large Breed: 87
Chicken Soup for the Puppy Lovers Soul: Large Breed Puppy: 118
I think I figured these correctly. They should at least be within a few points of correct. |
Has anyone done the Chicken soup for the dog lovers soul
Puppy
&
Adult.
Im guessing they are going to be pretty high. I treid doing it but its to darn confusing. |
Darth Snuggle wrote:
just re-reading this thread and saw that someone DID rate the Chicken Soup puppy varitey; it got a 118! I think I have my puppy food! I've also done the math for the Wellness "Just for Puppy"; it also got a 118, A+! |
Here is the Chicken Soup Puppy. They no longer make the wet food variety, it seems. | I would just caution that if you use these high grade puppy foods that you make sure that they are for large breed. Richer may not be better. Steady and not fast enhanced bone growth on oes is very important so that they don't develope Pano, etc.
Zach | thats true some of these score real high, but they also have very high protein. I found a site once that had protein to be no more the 26%, fat 5-12 % and fiber around 10% if 12-30 % can cause flatulence and more pooh. I stick to that and it workss great for me.
ej | | i put my dog on Canidae ( chicken is all she likes) its working out great although i will admit i dont like this white rice in it, but her poos are solid small not much and they turn to chalk white yay! were happy on our food finally. Im curious is it okay for her to eat chicken all her life or do i need to mix it up with another brand, cause we have tried a lot and this is all this girl does well with she cant eat lamb, and thats is the only other flavor they got she can eat venision though but they dont make it, im sorta scared to switch to another brand just for a different protein source cause she has a bad stomach? I mean is it a true must that a dog must have other protein sources? |
zach wrote:
I am currently trying Wellness and Canidae mixing it with our old foods, Billjack and Iams. Both look promising but geez, the gas they all have now. With seven at different ages, they can make the place smell like an outhouse.
I think what looks like the best I recently found for my older oes and that I am going to try is Natura Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food. On paper it looks like it has it all. Has anyone had expeience with this food?
Zach |
Hey Zach;
with my girls nearly at 7 months, and now spayed, I'm looking to transition out of Puppy food and into the adult stuff. They gobbled up a sample of the Canidae I got, and I liked that its was an "all stages" food. We also tried a sample of Innova which they devoured like it was a bowl of treats!
Are you still doing the Chicken Soup/Canidae mix? If so; how is it going? If not, why did yo stop?
~Allison | okay; so I might not be using Canidae. In doing some preliminary research I came across this:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/canidae.html |
Hi, my girl is also 7 month and spayed and I'm also looking to change her food, she's been on Nutros large breed puppy, but Nutros has apparently been taken over now and they are having some stock issue and are not going to be proucing some of their lines :-s and restricting the bag sizes avaliable.
Can you let me know what food you decided to go with??
Thanks | well I talked to my vet, and she suggested that I hold off until they were 9 months old. That although they ahve been spayed, they are still doing alot of growing at this point, and cutting them off on puppy food this early wasn't a great idea.
I'm doing really well with them on Wellness Puppy, so I might consider moving onto Wellness adult foods | Sophies breeder recommended BIl-Jac and even sent her home with a big bag full. I thought it horrible smelly stuff, even thought it made her smell like it. YUK. No wonder it has such a low rating.
Anyway what I really wanted to say is today we were in a hurry and were out of dog food, didnt have time to go to our usual store for food. We were at Walmart and me an avid label reader started reading all the dog food labels YUK and double YUK all of them had corn as the first ingredient. With the exception of one, Maxxium lamb and rice. Grabbed a small bag to last until tomorrow when I can stop at my usual place to shop. I was doing the grading system thing and came up with 103 pretty good for walmart brand. Has anyone used this?? If so what's your opinion? | | Wellness has added a "Large Breed Puppy" dry food as well as a "Large Breed Adult" to their line. Anyone try these yet? | | Pedigree Puppy has only 66! Ewww! And I just bought a whole bag! |
thewatergirl wrote:
Pedigree Puppy has only 66! Ewww! And I just bought a whole bag! |
Return it!
Seriously. | | got sheep is right. Alot of places have a return policy, even if you dog "just doesn't like it". | | I feed Skye Avoderm Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Oven-Baked Formula Adult Dog Food. I struggled with many different foods until I found Avoderm. She loves it and I can trust what is in it! | my boys have been on science diet id for years.
I do think the vet gets a kickback.
what could or should I switch to for guys w/ sensitive stomachs?
thx | Sue I have kown a number of people including myself that has had great results on "Eagle Pack Holisitic". There is a few varieties init, pick something they have not had beforehand in the variety, the only thing I would probably stay away from is the "Duck" one as that can be a bit too fatty for their systems to handle.
Also the mix has pre & pro Biotics init.
Another one is "ProPlan" Turkey and Barley, wonderfull also for sensitive OES. | Buffy eats this and shes very happy
Merrick Puppy Plate canned food
http://www.merrickpetcare.com/store/detail.php?c=15&s=20292
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (Min.) 10.00%
Crude Fat (Min.) 6.00%
Crude Fiber (Max.) 1.00%
Moisture (Max.) 81.00%
Calorie Content:
1031 kcal/kg - A 13.2 oz. can provides 389 kcal of metabolizable energy, calculated value.
Merrick Puppy Plate Dry food
http://www.merrickpetcare.com/store/detail.php?c=14&s=20281
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (Not Less Than) 28.0%
Crude Fat (Not Less Than) 14.0%
Crude Fiber (Not More Than) 3.5%
Moisture (Not More Than) 10.0%
Calorie Content:
3480 kcal/kg (calculated) – One pound provides 1579 kcal of metabolizable energy (calculated). One cup (100 grams) provides 362 calories (Caloric content calculated using Modified Atwater Method)
I mix it for her for dinner and breakfast just a little bit of wet food mixed with dry food sometimes just dry food for breakfast | | Our little Fuzzy Friend Bailee has been eating Innova Puppy Formula since we brought him home. Not only does he love, but he seems to be thriving on it. Our Vet suggested 1 cup 3 times a day and he has had excellent weight gain and is full of energy. It scored in excess of 100 on the chart. A little pricey but it seems more than worth it. |
shelby,corky,fergus wrote:
my boys have been on science diet id for years.
I do think the vet gets a kickback.
what could or should I switch to for guys w/ sensitive stomachs?
thx |
Well if they do well on SD ...I'd try Science Diet z/d. It's different from normal SD, and made for allergy sufferers. Actually the only food that Yuki had 0 side effects from, and I have tried EVERYTHING! Okay, I say everything but I have not tried the one lisa recommended and would if I was looking again. I have tried everything you can get locally at any store though.
With that said....
Darth Snuggle wrote:
Wellness has added a "Large Breed Puppy" dry food as well as a "Large Breed Adult" to their line. Anyone try these yet? |
Yes, and my dog who has a sensitive stomach switched from SD to this ...and does VERY well on it minus a lot of gas. We switched b/c we wanted something ALL the dogs can be on and needed something HIGHER in fat b/c yuki needed more weight. | http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/
This is a really great site that has most well know dog foods. I myself feed a 5 star food to my OES and wouldn't think of feeding my precious Quercus anything but quality while still keeping the wallet intact. | | MY ROSA IS 2 YEARS OLD AND THE LAST 3 MONTHS OR SO SHE HAS BEEN SCRATCHING HERSELF LIKE CRAZY. SHE HAS BEEN ON CANADAE ALL LIFE STAGES SINCE SHE STARTED EATING DRY FOOD. I JUST HAD HER BATHED AND MENTIONED THIS TO MY GROOMER, THINKING THAT MAYBE IT WAS SOMETHING IN THE SHAMPOO. NOW I REALISE THAT CANADAE CHANGE THE FORMULA AND JUST READ ON CONSUMER AFFAIRS THAT OTHER DOGS OWNERS ARE HAVING SIMULAR PROBLEMS WITH THEIR PETS AND SOME MORE SERIOUS THAN JUST SCRATCHING. MY BELLA, WHO IS 5 HAS BEEN ON CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE DOG LOVERS SOUL, LARGE BREED AND HAS DONE WELL WITH THIS. I AM THINKING I WILL TRY TO SWITCH ROSA TO THIS AS WELL. JUST A HEADS UP FOR EVERYONE. ANYONE ELSE HAVING ANY PROBLEMS?? | | I did not know that Canade they changed their formula....I will be watching for changes...especially since that is the reason we switched her to the All Stages formula in the first place! | I have fed Canidae ALS as part of my rotation for years - and been through at least one formulary change with no troubles, even when others have had issues.
But this last time (a month ago thereabouts) when I rotated to it, I had several (Chewie included) with loose to diarrhea stools. And some days a couple of the dogs didn't want to eat it. I tried it for 3 bags (feeding 6 dogs), but it never got better.
So I switched (to Fromm's regular adult) cold turkey and all are doing fine again. So I knew it had to be the food. Makes me sad, because we always have had such good results with it. | We switched our Pei and cat to Blue Buffalo last year after finding that Wellness had changed and made our dog so so sick.
Including only the extra credit that was obvious (I'm not sure if it's endorsed by anyone or whether it's baked and not extruded, or if it's been tested for pesticides), it scored a 113, so I'm pleased to know I wasn't insane when I researched and chose it. I now see that there is an organic version, which I think deserves an extra look! Hooray!
Dog and cat both on Blue Buffalo, and I've been so pleased with it.
Edit: Organic version is at least 119 if I did this correctly. | My Shaggy was on Canidae for several years however, we switched thanks to the lady with whom I board my dog. She suggested Taste of The Wild as Shaggy (and my Malinois) were having problems with skin issues and my friend suggested that the change in formula by Canidae may have something to do with it. My Sheepie loves TOTW and his skin issues disappeared shortly after switching to this brand. Additionally, his digestive system was not bothered at all by the switch (and my Sheepie is rather sensitive in this regard eg when I give him a piece of people food such as cooked hamburger, he has bowel issues the next day). TOTW rates a 6 on the Dog Food Reviews
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/showproduct.php?product=1287&cat=8
My only drawback is that there are only three variants of the brand: Pacific Salmon, Wetlands Canine Formula (with quail and duck), and High Prairie Formula (with bison and roasted venison). I have suggested a "Cheeseburger in Paradise" in addition to a "Lasagna Feast" variant to no avail.
I switch the variants about every two months to provide variety and Shaggy seems to enjoy the difference (Imagine eating the same thing every day) and is still quite lean and full of energy. The protein content is a little high for me (32% in the wetlands and prairie formula, 18 in the salmon) still, the Shaggy likes the food and is quite healthy. My Malinois would bring her bowl to me and drop it at my feet (before she passed away): Of course, Malinois will eat or devour (better term) anything ie couches, bedding, azalea bushes and especially running shoes. Silly Mali shoes are for feet!
Well that is my story. | We use Fromm dry dog food, 4 star, and it is working very well for our 1 year old. We rotate monthly between Salmon and Vegatables, Chicago and Vegatables, Duck and Sweet Potato.
The ingredients are very good, and it gets a 4 star rating on dogfoodanalysis.com | Does anyone know what grade/score these two foods are? My girl is on ProPlan Selects Turkey & Barley formula which I believe scored a 104 A+, but if this food scores higher, we would like to switch. Thanks in advance!
Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix Large Breed Adult Dog Formula
http://www.petco.com/product/104885/Castor-and-Pollux-Natural-Ultramix-Large-Breed-Adult-Dog-Food.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch
Holistic food for the discriminating pet owner. Natural Ultramix offers only the best nutrition for your large breed adult dog. No artificial preservatives, colors or flavors and with natural chicken as the #1 ingredient you know it tastes great. Wholesome fruits and veggies add vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Flaxseed, Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Omega Fatty Acids help keep joints healthy and strong.
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Oat Groats, Turkey Meal, Chcien Fat Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (from Vitamin E), Dried Bananas, Dried Apples, Fish Meal, Dried Egg Product, Brewers Yeast, Natural Chicken Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Cultured Whey, Monocalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Chicken Cartilage, Dried Papayas, Dried Blueberries, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate. L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Zinc Oxide, Choline Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, L-Carnitine, Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganous Oxide. Thiamine Monoitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin K1 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Cobalt Carbonate, Yeast Culture (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae), Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilius Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentaion Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract and Fermentation Solubles
Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix Puppy Formula
http://www.petco.com/product/100263/Castor-and-Pollux-Natural-Ultramix-Puppy-Formula.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch
Superior Protein Sources
The first year of your puppy's life he or she needs all the love you can provide along with an optimal balance of nutrients for a healthy start. Natural chicken and turkey head our ingredient list along with four additional highly bioavailable proteins for outstanding digestibility and great taste. Essential proteins promote wellness and support the growth of strong muscles as your puppy grows. Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids provide support for a healthy skin and coat.
Natural Fruits & Veggies
Pure, wholesome fruits and vegetables provide valuable nutrients, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants for your dog. We simply dry the carrots, bananas, papaya, apples and blueberries and then blend with the Ultramix kibble. Don't be fooled by other diets that feature fruits and veggies in the ingredients list - you can't even see them in the kibble! And because they're usually processed under high heat they retain only minimal nutritional value...not so with NATURAL ULTRAMIX!
Rich Sources of Carbohydrates
Potatoes combined with whole grains provide essential vitamins and minerals as well as a balanced source of sustainable energy. Dried beet pulp also provides an important and safe source of dietary fiber to help promote a healthy intestinal tract. Contrary to popular belief, beet pulp does not contain sugar and has not been proven to affect coat color or cause bloat.
Essential Vitamins & Minerals –
Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals (including Calcium and Phosphorous) and balanced to meet the needs of your puppy.
Additional Benefits
Formulated with DHA, a nutrient found in mother's milk, to help support brain and vision development. Ultramix Puppy Formula utilizes a natural source of DHA for a Firm Foundation.
No By-Products
No Fillers
No Wheat
No Corn
No Growth Hormones
No Artificial Preservatives, Colors or Flavors
Ultramix Puppy Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Oat Groats, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Chicken Fat preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), Dried Beet Pulp, Rice Protein Concentrate, Dried Carrots, Dried Bananas, Dried Apples, Natural Chicken Flavor, Salmon Meal, Ground Flaxseed, Cultured Whey, Dried Potatoes, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Brewers Dried Yeast, Choline Chloride, Dried Egg Product, Dried Blueberries, Dried Papaya, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganous Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin K1 Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Cobalt Carbonate, Yeast Culture (Saccharomyes Cerevisiae), Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longbrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract and Fermentation Solubles. |
kbrown wrote:
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/
This is a really great site that has most well know dog foods. I myself feed a 5 star food to my OES and wouldn't think of feeding my precious Quercus anything but quality while still keeping the wallet intact. |
What a great site! I liked it, and it had the food we use (wellness as 5*) Wellness Core was 6*. | | I'm so glad I found this site. Lucky has been on IAMS puppy but just bought a bag of the Merricks chicken pot pie dry food. They lady at the store told me that it is just as good for large breed PUPPIES as it is for grown DOGS. After reading all these posts, I wonder if I made the wrong decision...any ideas? |
Cathy227 wrote:
I'm so glad I found this site. Lucky has been on IAMS puppy but just bought a bag of the Merricks chicken pot pie dry food. They lady at the store told me that it is just as good for large breed PUPPIES as it is for grown DOGS. After reading all these posts, I wonder if I made the wrong decision...any ideas? |
I haven't read this particular food's (the pot pie version) ingredient label, but Merricks diets in general have a real good reputation and it is one of the few foods I would have no hesitation feeding to my puppy. | | I just did a search for Merrick Dog foods and found some rather scary and negative comments about the brand. Some articles centered on lawsuits against the company for having caused death in one instance. If I were you I would do a search and really check into the brand. | Do you have a link or a website that has the negative information? Wow that is scary!! The exact label I use is..Grammys Pot Pie...
I'll begin my search. | I was not sure if I was allowed to post a web site name since it is somewhat negative about a product, but the health of our dogs is more important. Here is the link I went to and just read the thread from various users. It is somewhat scarey.
http://www.topix.com/forum/city/merrick-ny/T58EI5N4QJOEB9FKP/p2 |
baileesdad wrote:
I was not sure if I was allowed to post a web site name since it is somewhat negative about a product, but the health of our dogs is more important. Here is the link I went to and just read the thread from various users. It is somewhat scarey.
http://www.topix.com/forum/city/merrick-ny/T58EI5N4QJOEB9FKP/p2 |
That link is actually to a forum about issues in Merrick, NY, not the dog food. The story that it links from isn't about a pet dying from Merrick food, it was part of all the recalls from 2 years ago and the Merrick paper picked up the story. Someone kicked in with some bad experiences that they had in 2007 with some Merrick food to confuse everything-- which doesn't sound like there was anything wrong with the food, just that it didn't agree with the dogs in question. Only one person claimed that his dog had to be hospitalized because of the food and who knows if that was the reason?
Merrick's a pretty high quality, American made food with no history of issues. Whole Dog Journal still highly recommends it and they're usually pretty picky about who they put on their food list since all the recalls. If you're having good results on Merrick, I would continue feeding it. |
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