sprayed-on fat

Hmmm, that's really interesting that your dogs weren't that interested in the TO either Monzie. My guess is that it's so healthy that it's not as appetizing. Kind of like a kid going for the happy meal instead of his carrots and broccoli....
 
I'm not entirely comfortable with Royal Canin's ingredients either. Not just the corn gluten, but also the fact that the formulas (that I saw anyway) are chicken, then white rice, brown rice and then chicken meal. So that basically means that rice is the frist ingredient. I also don't like the beet pulp, soya oil, dried egg powder and citric acid. I've heard that dogs manufacture all the vitamin c that they need and any extra is actually bad for their health. I really like these ingredients:
 
dried apples, dried sweet potato, green tea extract, dried blueberries, garlic, ginger. But those are dead LAST on the list....
 
Hmmm, this is a real rock and a hard place trying to get Gingerbread to eat something that's also good for him! [&:]

ok, I understand, but aren't dogs with stomach issues supposed to stay away from glutens? Or is this a different gluten? Like barley, rye and oatmeal are glutens, but this is the gluten from corn for conditioning so I guess there's less chance of stomach problems unless there's an issue with corn, right? Do I get it?

Luvntzus....I know exactly how you feel! But sometimes you have to remember that eating anything is more healthy than eating nothing or too little.  

Also, beet pulp is not a bad thing...it is a GREAT source of fiber which highly aids in digestion.  The dried egg powder is also a great source of highly digestible protein.

Also, the recall was on the RC veterinary canned food (kidney one I think) because it had excess vitamin D3 in it. No dogs were harmed and the company found out after they tested their food and the food was in the process of being distributed (not many were sold). Royal Canin has been known to have awesome quality control (the only company in Europe to be approved by their equivalent of AAFCO for testing EVERY batch of food!) Hope this helps

 
 Thanks for clarifying the recall, I appreciate it and feel a whole lot better! I know I'm a pain, this is like a hobby or part time job this dog food stuff!
 

ok, I understand, but aren't dogs with stomach issues supposed to stay away from glutens? Or is this a different gluten? Like barley, rye and oatmeal are glutens, but this is the gluten from corn for conditioning so I guess there's less chance of stomach problems unless there's an issue with corn, right? Do I get it?

Corn is the only gluten that contains linoleic acid, so that is most likely true.  . 

ok, thanks!

ORIGINAL: papillon806

Luvntzus....I know exactly how you feel! But sometimes you have to remember that eating anything is more healthy than eating nothing or too little.  

Also, beet pulp is not a bad thing...it is a GREAT source of fiber which highly aids in digestion.  The dried egg powder is also a great source of highly digestible protein.

 
True enough. Right now he's eating, but not enough. I can feel his ribs and backbone way too easily and I hate it.
 
Thanks for elaborating on those ingredients! I was just looking at the Shih Tzu formula and it's one of the only ones that has wheat. Arrrgh! I'm not positive that Gingerbread is allergic to it, but when I was giving him Old Mother Hubbard treats his ears seemed to flare up more. Although, now I think it may be dust related and this is was in the Shih Tzu formula description:
 
 














SENSITIVE SKIN CONDITION
Your Shih Tzu may have especially sensitive skin. This sensitivity is explained by the sometimes excessive reaction of the immune system to the presence of allergens such as dust mites and pollen in the environment.
 
 
Ugggh, trying to make sense of it all.[&:]
 

If I were you I would just try it....no harm in giving it a try, right?   I think it would work well for your pup, especially since palatability is one of your main concerns.

Yup, I'm thinking of just trying it. I might do something where I mix canned food in with the TO to get him to eat the whole thing and then overnight leaving out dry Royal Canin to entice him to eat. It's usually in the morning when he throws up. Yesssss, it just might be crazy enough to work. lol []
 
Thanks Papillon for shedding some light on the questionable ingredients!!

You're welcom []

Have any of you tried puppy 33 ? My friend had an extremely fussy peke.She tried most of the RC varieties and the 33 was eaten with the most gutso.If i had a fussy dog,this is the one i would try first.
Protein 33%
Fat     20%

The fat/protein amounts should not be an issue with small dogs. Considering food such as EVO have alot more than RC.

Hmmm, that's a good idea. I just looked at the Puppy 33 ingredients and it seems to have the highest meat content of all the foods. The first two ingredients were chicken meal and chicken. Also, the dried apples, dried blueberries, etc. are way higher on the list.
 
The biggest concern for me is that the fat is 20%. I'm not sure that it wouldn't cause pancreatitis...

I'm not sure that it wouldn't cause pancreatitis...

May i ask where the sudden fascination/paranoia of your dog contracting pancreatitis came from,and what makes you think your dog will get it? [sm=happy.gif]

Pancreatitis isnt really a common condition,and shihtzu's,i believe, are not prone to it????

IMHO most commercial dog foods are to low in fat and protein,rather than too high. 20% fat isnt enough IMO,personally i would be adding slightly fatty cuts of meat along with the RC ,especially for a coated,fussy breed such as yours.

I know this is going to make me sound like I spoil my dog but...I always take my guys food add about 1 tablespoon of water and microwave it for about 5-8 seconds.  He gets a warm meal with gravy every night.  And he'll dig in.  He still comes to check in with me before he finishes though.  Just to make sure it's fine.

I too do not see the concern for pancreatitis....it is very rare and takes ALOT more than 20% fat (plus genetics) to cause it.

Xerxes--I tried the microwaving with water, chicken broth, canned, etc etc and if he didn't like the kibble, he wouldn't eat it no matter what (determined to stress me out LOL)