[CurlyDog]

Foods

I noticed that a lot of people feed Evo. Right now Max is on Veterinarian Formula Holistic and I'm still searching for what might be best. What I don't like about this one is that it isn't listed on the ratings sites that I've seen. Evo was listed in the highest category. I think Taste of the Wild was as well. Vets always preach no people food but I imagine that is to avoid junk. Does anyone out there feed a homemade raw diet? I doubt I'd have the time. I've tried to get Max to eat raw veggies but no luck.

 

[CurlyDog]

It's called VF Complete Holistic Adult Formula, and made by Arkat. I tried it because the kennel/training center we use sells it. I figured that would be a good place to start while I consider others.

http://www.arkat.com/VFcomplete.html

 

[CurlyDog]

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

This is a good site. I recently found that the food we're using is NOT recommended despite the fact that it is considered to be a premium brand. I'm thinking of switching to Orijen. Still reading up on these... It seems to be that grain free is considered best.

 

[CurlyDog]

Just bought some Orijen today. I am so impressed with the ingredients. I would probably do better on this diet! It is quite a bit more expensive but you get what you pay for I suppose. I will only have one dog on it so it won't be too bad. Abbie is 11 and has always had a sensitive system so we'll leave her on the Iams. Max likes it so far. I just gave him a taste and added a bit to his food. I found on the website http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/ that the one we were using (VF Holistic) was not even recommended by them.

I'm learning more and more this time around that dogs should have a more varied diet, changing foods periodically is good, and that grain free foods are better. I guess if I get him used to changing food he won't be so sensitive and will be better off.

 

[CurlyDog]

When I was feeding Taste of the Wild, the Wild Prairie gave one of the dogs terrible gas. The others were ok.

I feed mostly raw now and switch kibble constantly to keep Raleigh used to a variety. For example: The breeder sent him with what she was feeding him. After a few days, I started to blend in Fromm's Surf & Turf. When the breeder's food was gone, I bought a bag of Orijen and started to feed that as treats. When the Fromm's got low, I transitioned to Orijen... and so on.

I did notice something interesting. When we were getting ready to go visit family (including older immunocompromised parents) we phased out the raw for the trip. Raleigh's stools loosened and he started scooting. I took him to the vet and his anal glands needed to be expressed but were not infected. When we came home and started back with mainly raw (kibble for training) the stools firmed up.