Replacing Canidae?

I have been very happy with Canidae but am also in the process of replacing it for several reasons: the formula change, the price of all kibbles is going up and Canidae is no longer cheaper than others, and my dogs have been on it for months so I'd like to rotate again.  Coke gets diarrhea on the ALS (possibly turkey?) so we have been using the Lamb and Rice.  I went to the pet store and got the first thing I saw at a similar price - Natural Balance Lamb and Rice kibble.  They actually like this better than Canidae.  I started with a 2/3 1/3 mix and now am at 1/2 1/2.   There have been zero problems and I could probably do a full switch over, but I want to finish off the 40lb bag of Canidae first.  The only change in poop is the color.  Someone told me the protein and fat in NB is slightly less, so I may have to feed a little more than the Canidae.  They have not been on it long enough to evaluate their coats.

 Can you get Blackwood - or rather can she get Blackwood?  They make a Trout and Potato that's high quality and gluten free.

I think Pinnacle may make a low-gluten formula.  It's got grain but maybe rice and quinoa only?  I can't remember.

And, I'll be stoned for this I'm sure, but Diamond Naturals makes reasonably priced fill-in-the-blank and rice formulas, that are comparable to Canidae (that's why I can hardly believe that Canidae is making the change).

and there's the ProPlan sensitive formulas - I forget how they are on the high gluten grains. 

How about Healthwise Chicken and Oatmeal?

My lab does very well on this Natura's product whenever I feed him this product.  His coat is very shiny and he hardly sheds whenever I feed him this product....and SMALL, FIRM POOPS!!  It is very reasonably price (at this time, a 35lb bag is about $33 in Phoenix, AZ...it may go up given the gas and rice prices).

I know folks don't think much about this Natura's line of products but, gosh, given the ingredients and amounts of Omega 3 and Omega 6, it is a high quality food at lower price.

I wish they make the lamb and oatmeal without barley.  The chicken and oatmeal has oatmeal and brown rice.

P.S. http://www.naturapet.com/  I love their new marketing slogan....I wonder if this is in response to a number of companies changing their formulas... but, I hope Natura does not change their formulas for Healthwise.

 She actually uses some of Natura's products for her small dogs, and was saying the other day that she'd love to feed them all Innova, but the cost is too much (that's what she had me feeding Ena....). I'll send ya'll's suggestions on to her. Thanks, so much!!!

Becca, I already showed her the Diamond foods, but she is nervous of Diamond. They're shockingly good, and incredibly priced.

I'm researching Canidae alternatives for my sister, and I've got it narrowed down to California Natural, Innova, or Eagle Pack Holistic Chicken.

Artemis Fresh Mix Adult is quite similar to Canidae. It's what I'm currently feeding Roxy & Porche, I love it! It's quit cheap for what you get, as well. I'd highly suggest her checking it out.

Diamond does quite a few of the more respected foods including Natural Balance no? I think they also do Artemis...according to WDJ anyhow..I understand her being leery...but....IMO the place least likely to have another issue...is Diamond...LOL. Their co simply couldn't take it...and they won't let it happen, IMO.

I agree their prices are good, too. My hounds didn't get along with the beet pulp in the formula I tried a while back...haven't re looked since.

Has she looked into PetGuard Lifespan?  They removed the corn and menadione from it and now it "reads" excellent and still performs as great as the old formula.  I've had my guys back on PG now for a week and doing well.  But if it helps, I fed it for a year straight and dogs were in great condition.

www.petguard.com

I know I talk a lot about it now and again, but I'm really happy w/it and love the customer service.  The food smells great too, like a roasted chicken.

The canned varieties are super too!

I agree that they are worth a second look.  I have been feeding Mosby Taste of the Wild and have been really happy with it.  And when I have called their customer service line with questions, they have been very helpful. 

DanielleNY

I'm researching Canidae alternatives for my sister, and I've got it narrowed down to California Natural, Innova, or Eagle Pack Holistic Chicken.

How about canine caviar?  I tried a mid-size bag for my lab.  He does well on it....very high content of omega 3 and omega 6, very good ingredients, and no fruits/veggies (I prefer to give him fresh fruits and veggies).  I actually fed him the puppy formula (chicken based) because I want higher protein contents and lower carbs. 

What is bad about the canidae formula change? I've been so happy with it, i'd hate to change. Is it just gluten, if so, why is gluten bad for dogs?

sorry if this is a stupid question.

RidgebackGermansShep

What is bad about the canidae formula change? I've been so happy with it, i'd hate to change. Is it just gluten, if so, why is gluten bad for dogs?

Have you looked the new formulas?  The various grains (and grain fraction like rice bran...which Canidae previously claimed not to use) added now are not necessarily great for some dogs due to allergies to various grains.  I am not thrilled because of the barley added.  My lab itches whenever he eats barley. 

Rigth now you probably still have the old formula of Canidae.  When you do try the new one, you should probably transition it slowly.

Another reason I am thrilled, is the manufacturer Canidae uses for the new formulas, Diamond.  Personally, I prefer not to use products made by Diamond (for Diamond and for other companies).  Again, that is just my preference.