question about food...

Kelly (sooner) is great with those links, so I'll wait for her to provide them. 

Most everyone will naturally recommend Canidae and Innova ...

I think they're top-notch foods in terms of quality, but it all depends on whether or not your dog will accept them.  Mine refused them both, so she's on Nutro Ultra, which is, as you'll soon find out, labeled as a mid-grade food.  It works great for her, though, so I don't care what anyone thinks about it.  

Finding the food that works with your dog is a huge battle; I know this myself.  Good luck!

This should help you with the 'why':

[linkhttp://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=labelinfo101]Label Information 101[/link]

[linkhttp://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=badingredients]Ingredients to avoid[/link]

[linkhttp://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=betterproducts]Identifying better products[/link]

[linkhttp://www.dogaware.com/dogfeeding.html#TopDry]Some good dry foods[/link]

I'd be scared about changing too, if my dog had been having runny, bloody poops. Which S/D vet formula is he on? Does he have a diagnosed condition that you are working with, or just a sensitive tummy?

Callaway. . .your pup is beautiful![]
 
Read sooners suggeted websites and that will help you. There are TONS of previous posts on i-dog to help you as well. You will see varied opinions on the following items:
*grain versus no grain 
*feeding Raw
*super premium foods versus less than super premium.
 
Many months ago after reading all the recommended sights that sooner gave and a ton of other ones I have personally chosen to not include foods that have:
*corn (in any form)
*by-products
*"meat" not listed by its type of meat
* anything presevered with BHA or BHT or ethoxyquin
* soy
* gluten
*artifical colors, salts or sugar
 
Those are the biggies I look for and I also look to see if it has omega 3 &6 or achidophilus or any proboitics.
 
The foods I have either used or have consider using are:
Canidae
Innova EVO
Nature's Variety
Natural Balance
Pinnacle
Eagles Pack (HOLISTIC FORMULA'S ONLY)
Avoderm
Solid Gold
 
Most forum members will agree that the above produts have good quality ingredients and would recommend them. Everyone's dog does different on each food so they may not all work for your pup. My boy has food allergies so I am using the Pinnacle right now.
 
Good luck to you on yoru food quest!  [] 
 
   

The best food is the food that your dog does best on, the only reason you might consider switching, is if it is a prescription food and too expensive, if so you might be able to find a non prescription food that works, perhaps since Science Diet is working, you could try there Sensitive Stomach formula.  Opinions on dog food are a dime a dozen, and they are just that, someones opinions.

[sm=clapping%20hands%20smiley.gif]

Since your dog has had major digestive problems (bloody stools) talk to your vet before any change!  Don't change just because someone says "oh, thats a terrible food!"  In the end, their opinion isn't what counts, but the health of your dog.  Now, if he hadn't had those major problems before, it might be different.  However, he has, and you don't want to make him sick.  If you do decide to change, talk to your vet.

If you do decide to change, talk to your vet.

 
 Excellent advice.

I'm just guessing but Willow is on i/d, is that what you're using too?? I use the canned version, no chemical preservatives or by-products.  I've gradually cut her back in the amount that she gets.  A year ago, she was getting mainly that with just enough meat or whatever to get her to eat.  Now, she's up to one full meal without it and then two smaller meals with it.  She still needs a certain amount every day or we have a mess.  And, if she's having soft/loose poop, I go back to all i/d until it clears.  But, I have to say I haven't had much trouble. 

I stand behind the i/d in that it really works.  I would never completely take her off it.  You have to do what works for you as others have said. 

If it were me (and it has been me, I've been in your position, feeling the way you do), I'd leave his food alone.  Your going to end up back on it if you don't anyway.  Willow always did. 
 

thanks for all the advice and opinions. i'm not going to stress. he's in amazing shape, and has absolutely nothing wrong with him so i dont see why i should even change anything. i'm just going to inquite and find out info. here and there.

Since your dog has had major digestive problems (bloody stools) talk to your vet before any change! Don't change just because someone says "oh, thats a terrible food!" In the end, their opinion isn't what counts, but the health of your dog. Now, if he hadn't had those major problems before, it might be different. However, he has, and you don't want to make him sick. If you do decide to change, talk to your vet.

 
 
I agree with this 100%.  When my golden retreiver KayCee had bad knees, two knee operations, recovery times, etc, she put on a lot of weight and nothing seemed to take it off her--I even feared i was gonna starve the poor girl.  Then my vet said put her on the Science Diet r/d and that got the 15 extra pounds off her.
 
Now my 11 1/2 year old golden is on the Science Diet k/d for kidney infection he had diagnosed back the end of May.  My vet wanted to keep him on it for 3 months and then do another urinalysis (he was put on a 2 weeks antibiotics when diagnosed)  His uninrlysis showed some "trash" and that is why he has been kept on it for the 3 months. 
 
What works for one dog will not work for another.  I feed my girls Purina Fit and Trim (vet's suggest) and the old man gets the Purina Dog Chow (except for now) and they are all healthy, active, great physicals/bloodwork, beautiful coats, pink skin, etc, etc.  HOWEVER I do have to add I feed them fish and veggies 4 mights a week, boiled meat and veggies the other 3 along with some dry food.  BUT my Dad feed Dog Chow alone and our hunting dogs (as far back as i can remember in late 50's) lived long, healthy lives many beyond life expectancy for setters and pointers.
 
When I have been told Purina is lousy food, I just look at my dogs and their medical records, thought of my Dad's dogs in the past, and know they do just great on it.  The one time I tried something better for Buck, he threw up after each meal for 4 days and that was the end of that.  Back to what I knew worked for him despite all i read about it being no good.  Feeding dogs does not go by the old saying , what is good for the goose is good for the gander.  Not always true.

The food I use and have great results from is Blue Buffalo.  It is an all natural food that contains no by-products, corn, wheat or soy.  I have a pug and they have a tendancy to get fat.  My pug is very muscular and the vet says he is "perfect".  Blue Buffalo is available at all Petsmart stores and is more priced right.  You can visit their website at [linkhttp://www.bluebuff.com]www.bluebuff.com[/link]      

I have come across many a senior dog, up to  20 who did very well on Purina Dog Chow, and Walmart brand dog food.    One only recently she is  15, survived heartworm treatment, she was owned by a very old woman who lived on a farm, and, she was forgetful and did not keep  Allie up on heartworm medication.  Allie is doing so well, her new family tried higher end foods, but, she got sick, so back to Purina
 
Sandi
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