types of food

[Maxy24]

So i just found out that what I'm feeding my dog (Pedigree) is horrible for him so i want to change foods. I am still unable to convince my parents to switch him. They figure since he's been on pedigree his whole life that there is no reason to switch him. Mom is worried that if we switch him he will start getting health problems, since he has never had any serious ones (i guess they don't see his horrible teeth, lack of energy and stench as a problem). So i want to get all my facts before i start to beg. I've posted before about switching his foods and i there seems to be a lot of people with there dogs on Natural Balance. I like there venison and brown rice so i was wondering if that came in a senior formula. Also does anyone seem to think any food is better for dogs (in general). Also is this food considered expensive if it is, then are there any other high quality foods that are less expensive but that i can find at either my grocery store (stop & shop) or at Petco/Petsmart. Do you think he will become more energetic, and what else can i expect to change in him? Also if you have any tips on convincing my parents to switch him i would be very grateful.

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

I would look up dental disease in dogs and show them what that can lead to. Switching him to a better food won't help completely (you'll still need to give him daily dental care), but it may help somewhat.

A lot of people think that dogs just slow down as they age...I do see plenty of overweight dogs, eating crappy foods who can barely move, but then I see the ancient dogs who are lean and eat great foods and act like 2-year-old dogs.

What kind of health problems DOES he have? Arthritis? Stuff like that? Feeding a better food will also help with that.

Most senior formulas aren't really very good for senior dogs...they tend to be very low in protein and fat...dogs are carnivores, and there's proof that feeding high protein in senior years is actually much healthier. If he has specific problems that need to be treated, such as arthritis, don't rely on the food for that. Add glucosamine or something similar to his meals.

 

[dogstarsleddogs]

Have them read www.dogfoodproject.com. That will explain why pedigree is so bad, and why it is a good idea to switch. It is an excellent resource.
As for the senior formulas, I really dont believe they are needed. I have dogs of really, all life stages, on well, and all life stage food. Pups do just as well as seniors on it, the only difference is in the amount they get.
And everyone thinks one food is better then another for some reason. No one food is best. Dogs respond differently to different foods, and what might work great for one dog, might not work at all for another.
As for where to find foods, you probably arent going to find any good ones at the grocery store. If its sold in a grocery store, or advertised on tv, you probably shouldnt feed it.
I'm not sure about any Petco/Petsmart foods. If you have feed stores around you, check them. Around here, thats where you go to get the good foods, and again, atleast around here, they are usually the cheapest.
Food quality is usually determined by price, but not always. This is where you need to shop around, and do your research.
As for changes, his energy will be up, it might not be like what it was when he was a pup, but it will still be higher. His coat condition will improve. It will become softer, and the smell probably will go away. He will poop less, and his poops will be smaller. As for his teeth, from what I've read from your other posts, he will just need a vet to clean them. Kibble doesnt clean teeth that well. It will probably also extend his life out a bit. Babylon is 11.5, and he still acts like he's still in his prime. He hasnt slowed down, but he has days where he doesnt feel like running.
Hope this helps you some. You've found a great place for dog food education!

 

[Buddy'sParents]

The thing when changing to a higher qualitty food is that yes-its more expensive, but you feed less in the long run and it really isn't all that expensive when you look at the bigger picture.

For example, Banzai is on Innova Puppy, one bag of that last approx. a month and a half, give or take a few days as his daily diet sometimes changes on his activity level. Same with Buddy, he's on California Natural L&R and one bag lasts him approximaltey the same, with the same guidelines as Banzai. Both boys are going to be switched to Innova soon.

Natural Balance is a good food (that's for you, Bob) but it's not as high in protein as other foods. I find that many people who feed it also supplement to make up for the amount of protein. I don't know how active your dog is, but many people want a diet high in protein for their dogs.. this is something else to consider.

When changing from a not-so-good food to a higher quality food, I suspect you would find changes in his/her coat, overall appearance, and well, a happy, healthier, thriving dog.

I understand your parents qualms about switching.. why switch when your dog has been perfectly healthy on a grocery brand food? The thing is, you won't notice the difference unless you try. There are so many people on here that I am sure can give happy tails about switching thier dogs food to a higher quality and how their dog has become a new creature...

Banzai, for example, came to us as a five month puppy on Wellness puppy food. We switched him to Innova.. his coat is gorgeous, he's filled out and his teeth are great.On Wellness, I admit he was okay (by the way, Wellness horribly overpriced for the lack of quality, I was terribly disappointed) on the Wellness, but I wanted better for him.

Other things you may want to consider are supplmenting your dogs diet, but I won't bog you down with that unless you want that opinion.

What I did, when I decided to start feeding Innova was I searched for the lowest price and I found a place about 45 mins away that sells it for way cheaper than I can find in my area. So we go every few months and buy in bulk.

I also suggest a visit to Mordy's site, www.petfoodproject.com. She details foods, their ingredients and has a list of ingredients to avoid which could help sway your parents.

Good luck to you.

 

[Maxy24]

He has some minor arthritis but more exercise and massages actually helped a lot. I know he needs to have his teeth cleaned the vet said he does, but once again, it's not my money it's my parents, It's frustrating not being able to take care of him because I'm 14 and can't have any good paying job. other than that he has no health problems, although the prospect of a less smelly dog will somewhat sway my parents.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

Would they rather you eat McDonalds every day for the rest of your life or would ttey like you have to a better, higher quality meal? (Purina vs. Innova) I think we all know the answer to that... so, show them Mordy's site and go from there!

 

[Maxy24]

Thanks guys, they said that they will change! I still have not decided what food to switch to yet. You guys said that NB does not have the proper amount of protein. Which foods do you recommend that don't NEED supplements. Although i know it's always beneficial to add them i was just wondering which ones don't really need them. I need to go to the store with my dad to find one. I went on Petco's web site and they don't have Innova but they do have Eagle pack, although not a great variety. Go to the Petco website and see if they have any of the foods you recommend. They also have solid gold. In Eagle pack there is ground corn, is that ok i thought the food should not have corn in them. Also there are lots of kinds of solid gold, which one should i go with.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

Natural Balance is an okay food.. it just depends on your dogs needs-that's all.

I forget, did you say how old your dog was? I don't recall...

In all honesty, if I absolutely had to get a food from Petco, it would be Natural Balance or Eagle Pack. I'd stay away from Bil Jac, Nutro, Eukanuba, all those others they sell.

If you want me PM me your zip code, I would be happy to help you search for the best price in your area.

I'm glad you got your parents to agree. Good for you-and your dog.

 

[Maxy24]

My dog is ten and weighs 65 pounds (half lab half shar pei) I'm planning on getting one of the foods that people on this site have recommended to me like the Eagle pack, Natural Balance, Solid gold or Innova. I will not just buy anything from Petco, don't worry I'm just worried that on NB he will not be getting enough protein and i don't want to switch him again if it can be avoided.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

NB is a good, basic food. No extra, especially good for those pups with sensitive stomachs.

I'll see what I can find and I'll let you know.

-Nicole

 

[Maxy24]

well now my concern is the price. The price of Pedigree (40 pounds) is 18.99
the price of Natural balance is 38.99-45.99 (35 pounds) on the petco website. Unless that is the wrong price i don't know if my dad will get it once he sees the price.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

As I've said before... you will feed less of the higher quality product.

Do you know how much your dog gets on the Pedigree per day?

 

[Maxy24]

I'm not 100% sure of the exact amount i use one of those coffee mugs (not the huge ones) and i give him two scoops with that, so i'd say about three cups a day.