Okay guys... honest opinons needed.

OK now you want to feed your dog a cheap food.. As I said I feed my dogs Holistic Select my dogs weigh average about 65lbs they eat 1 cup food each, each morning 1 cup each , each nite. They keep thier weight up no problems they will not eat any more than 1 cup when they do want extra food they get it but not very often. Cheap foods have alot of fillers and sugars takes more to feed your dog the dog will get fatter will have gas issues may even have heath issues. Yes paying for a better food IF you can aford to is better for your dog. But cheap food will keep a poor dog from starving. I woud rather see a poor person feed a dog cheep food and give a dog love than the dog be in a shelter.

Chris the Poodle daddy All dogs go to Heaven.

Mehpenn--

It's understandable that you are on a budget--the key is to find the best food within your budget.  We must also take into consideration where you do your doggy shopping, as that will limit the choices.  If you can provide a list of food options that fit these criteria, we can help you make the best choice for both you and your dog. 

I broke down and called the vet about it yesterday afternoon. He's familiar with her and explained the issues she's having.

He recommended Pro Plan Lamb and Rice for sensitive digestion. fed according to label directions, adjusted as needed... and two tablespoons of yogurt... feeding in the morning instead of at night and making sure she gets exercise daily (which she does), to help with her digestion and prescribed her an herbal gas rememdy called Gas B Gone Advanced.

He said labs are notorious for having gas and was understanding about the budget issue and had some great suggestions.

So I went to PetsMart and got a bag of food, very economical, $19 for a 20# bag (on sale), the gas tabs were $9 for a 60 day supply, and the yogurt was $2 for a large container.

I fed her as soon as I got home, about 3:30... and no gas all night. Not even a little bit.

And get this... she ate like she was starving... the whole bowl, about 2 cups... I even walked off and she didn't even notice.

I fed her this morning before I left, put her food bowl in the laundry room, she ran in, started eating and didn't even notice when I left.

mehpenn

He recommended Pro Plan Lamb and Rice for sensitive digestion.

• causes cytotoxicity in liver cells
• causes formation of radicals from enzymes of leucocytes, with the consequence of cytotoxic reactions
• considerably weakens the immune system
• possible mutagenic effects

and I found this particularly odd, that they added it to a Sensitive Skin and Stomach formula:

• causes irritation of skin and mucous membranes
• causes allergic reactions and eczema 

I guess any commercial dog food is going to include something that's not great for them... every diet has it's pros and cons.... I just have to choose the best of the bad....

Maybe, but knowledge will help you work to counteract these effects if you want to.

It isn't the shredded blends.... I'm pretty sure it's Pro Plan.. but I went by the pic he sent me of the bag, so I'll have to double check to make sure.  It may be Pruina ONE.....  I showed my phone to the clerk and he got it for me.

they are all Purina.  There is no lamb formula in their Selects variety. 

I looked last night... it's Purina One.. lamb and rice... not pro plan, sorry.

But she's doing great on it. No gas at all. Eating like she's never eaten before, she loves it. Her stools are good, formed, not stinky, not producing as much... it's working great.

I'm very happy with her new diet.

Glad that you found something that works for her!   Purina isn't the worst thing you could be feeding, so if it meets your budget and she does well, great! :)

shamrockmommy

Glad that you found something that works for her!   Purina isn't the worst thing you could be feeding, so if it meets your budget and she does well, great! :)

 

Ditto ^^.   You know.....sometimes I consider myself a food snob...but people really should be careful not to rudely pose their beliefs on others (Dawnben).   Most of us do the best we can to keep our dogs happy healthy and safe within our means. 

Besides that...sometimes a corn based food is recommended by our vets, i.e., Hills JD.  I recently had to put my elder on this food to help with his mobility issues.  I've been an advocate for grain free for some time....but his current health condition warrants this particular food.

Sorry...but Dawnben, your post rubbed me the wrong way.  Bedside manners please. 

Dawnben

I know we all try to do what is best for our dogs. My point was the dog food companies don't.

Best is a relative statement. What works well for your dog, may not work well for mine. What is best for me, is probably no where near what is best for you.

OP - I hope this food works for you. If not - you've been given a lot of other options to explore!