The Noble Quest for Kinder and Gentler "Nutrition" Postings

    • Gold Top Dog

    The Noble Quest for Kinder and Gentler "Nutrition" Postings

    I don't know why I'm doing this.  I know it is a waste of my time to write and of your time to read, but I just can't help myself.
     
    Far too often, IMHO, nutrition threads turn borderline abusive.  I am not impressed.  I think intelligent people should be capable of much better.  Keep in mind that I am one who loves a good debate, but what goes on, many times, is simply not an example of good debate.  It is more like grade school playground bullying.
     
    The very fact that people come here looking for advice and guidance indicates, to me, that they are better than the "average" dog owner.  People care about their dogs or they wouldn't come to forums like this.  That is a given.  Everyone here should be treated with a degree of respect.  Even people who feed their dog Purina.
     
    When we express an opinion that one food is "better" than another, it is just that.  An opinion.  It is not a fact, for example, that Timberwolf Organics is a better product than Kibbles-n-Bits.  We think TO is better.  We really want TO to be better.  The ingredients may look better, but there is no way we can state, as a fact, that Timberwolf is better.  We can't state it as a fact because, as far as I am aware, there is no peer reviewed scientific study that proves it.  Absent scientific evidence, the best we can do is to form an opinion.
     
    Are dogs fed Kibble-n-Bits dropping like flies?  Are dogs being fed Evo living forever?  Is there even any evidence whatsoever that one group of dogs is healthier than the other?  Any at all?  Please?  Anything other than someone's hunch?  Please?
     
    In my rotation, I feed TO, Canidae and Evo.  Why?  Because I THINK they are good foods.  There is no way I can know for certain that they are better than anything else, but I think they are.  I also think raw would be a better choice yet, but again, I have no proof, only my opinion.
     
    I am not sure why some people on this board express their opinion as if it were a well documented scientific fact, but when it comes to dog food quality, an opinion is all we really have.  Perhaps we should keep that in mind and make sure the tone of our posts reflects it.
     
    Thank you for your time.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Billy, I completely agree that the nutrition threads tend to get ugly.
     
    IN MY OPINION dogs need meat and the protein that comes from meat, not the protein that comes from corn.  I personally will not feed a food that has a ton of grains and especially grain fragments.  That said, I do try to phrase my opinions in a not condescending manner, but I'm sure I fail sometimes.
     
    I'll second your vote for kinder and gentler nutrition threads and will do my best to follow your lead.
    • Gold Top Dog
    ORIGINAL: glenmar

    Billy, I completely agree that the nutrition threads tend to get ugly.



    I'll second your vote for kinder and gentler nutrition threads and will do my best to follow your lead.

     
    Glenda, I appreciate that.  Really, I do.  But, believe it or not, it wasn't EXACTLY you I was speaking to.  [;)]
    • Gold Top Dog
    Billy, Fair enough...  People do tend to get a little crazy about nutrition - they're *passionate*!!  
    In regard to our opinions as to which food is better than another, when quibbling about premium brands, I agree - just opinions.  BUT - there are plenty of FACTS ;posted as well.  FACTS about the ingredients in the Kibbles-n-Bits/Iams/Old Roy type products.  FACTS about rendering.  FACTS about contamination and pets dying..   Some of these facts are so incredibly shocking - it does make posters a bit desperate to "spread the word", if you will.  I believe the intent is good, but you're right - maybe we could all just settle down a bit.  Okay, I'm getting "passionate" sorry!!  haha.
     
    Anyway - I agree 100% that the very fact that someone is even lurking here, makes them an above average pet owner.  Respect should be given and received. 
    • Gold Top Dog
    Oh, yeah, Billy, I have  a pretty good idea who you ARE talking too, but perhaps I can also set a good example and slap my own fingers now and again.....
    • Gold Top Dog
    ORIGINAL: glenmar

    Oh, yeah, Billy, I have  a pretty good idea who you ARE talking too, but perhaps I can also set a good example and slap my own fingers now and again.....

     
    Maybe us old farts outta slap each other's fingers, when the need arises.  These damned kids around here might hit too hard.  [:D]
    • Gold Top Dog
    Oh, yeah, Billy, I have a pretty good idea who you ARE talking too, but perhaps I can also set a good example and slap my own fingers now and again.....

     
    Don't worry, I'll do that for you
     
     

    • Gold Top Dog
    Ruh ro.....that vicious doggie is after me again!  Yikes![:(]
    • Gold Top Dog
    See Glenda.  There you've done gone and riled up the BIG dog again.  Will you never learn?  LOL.
    • Gold Top Dog
    I'm soooo ashammed!  (hanging head in shame)
     
    Guess I'll just have to go back to playing in the boxes.....
    • Gold Top Dog
    I am kind of new to forum world, but I am so glad you guys have posted this thread.
    So many times I have questions or comments, but dont dare say them in ;print for fear of being slammed...........
     
    I have been amazed at some of the words people can throw around without a second thought.
     
    I often wonder, would you say the same things to one anothers face, or is it too easy not to be accountable when we all havent actually met?
     
    Anyway not trying to add to the war, I just felt safe enough to put in my two cents.
     
    Peace be with us all, and give those dogs a well deserved smooch.
     
    • Gold Top Dog
    Darci, you, as is anyone else, are always welcome to PM me.  I promise I won't bite...sometimes I raise a lip a little, and I absolutely WILL try to help you understand what better nutrition can do for your dog, but I won't tear flesh!
    • Gold Top Dog
    [:)]
    Thanks so much Glenda.........
     
     
    • Puppy
    Good post, guys!!!
    Glenda and I do thinks a bit different, but we're still buds to the end!! :)
    (and at our age, that could come sooner than later!!! hehehe....just kidding) LOL
    • Gold Top Dog
    If anyone wants to PM me to bounce ideas off of, I'm here.  I've been around the block a few times with Willow and foods and I'm really open minded as a result.