Dog food.. which is best?

[Hormonal Filly]

Wheat versus maize (corn) Really sorry I can’t remember the source of this!
‘
‘Wheat has been shown to inhibit serotonin release in several animals including dogs and from a behavioural pov probably the single most beneficial to eradicate from the diet.
I also avoid barley & oats also as the gluten levels are quite high in these too and imo potentially very damaging to the gut wall.
Maize is not particularly harmful imo but some dogs can be intolerant..... is why some people say avoid and not others..... but it just depends on the dog.’

Thank you for that! It also seems like maize can make a dog ‘hot’ and don’t want my spaniel anymore than he currently is!
What do you feed @Cinnamontoast?

Arden Grange adult

This food doesn’t look to bad at all.. apart from some maize in it. It seems impossible to get a decent dog food which ‘isn’t’ grain free...

 

[Hormonal Filly]

One I’ve come across is Arden Grange performance. It has maize in but apart from that looks good and has added taurine.
https://www.ardengrange.com/products/arden-grange-performance-with-fresh-chicken-rice-ape68.html

 

[skinnydipper]

Wheat versus maize (corn) Really sorry I can’t remember the source of this!
‘
‘Wheat has been shown to inhibit serotonin release in several animals including dogs and from a behavioural pov probably the single most beneficial to eradicate from the diet.
I also avoid barley & oats also as the gluten levels are quite high in these too and imo potentially very damaging to the gut wall.
Maize is not particularly harmful imo but some dogs can be intolerant..... is why some people say avoid and not others..... but it just depends on the dog.’

I wasn't always aware of the "crap" in dog food but when I had a dog with lymphocytic plasmacytic IBD and multiple allergies, it was important for me to learn as much as I could about potentially harmful ingredients.

To add to the information provided by CT:

I don't feed gluten or white potato and also avoid foods with -

Soy, it is an endocrine disruptor and I believe contributed to him developing hypothyroidism. He was on a soy and corn veterinary diet for his IBD until I changed him to home cooked.

MSG in its various guises - there are many - https://www.truthinlabeling.org/names.html

Carrageenan and other emulsifiers https://truthaboutpetfood.com/why-carrageenan-can-be-dangerous-to-your-pet/

Vegetable glycerine, in many dog treats from China https://goodnessgracioustreats.word...sel-by-any-other-name-wouldnt-taste-as-sweet/

There will be better links than these but I didn't want to spend all day looking for them.

I sound like a bit of a fanatic but, when your dog's life depends on what you are feeding him, it sharpens the mind.

 

[Hormonal Filly]

Having already bought a small bag of Arden Grange Performance, the nutritionist has then just emailed back as did contact them for some advice.

I asked for their recommendation and their full ingredients list with the % of each, as they only disclose 31% chicken and 25% rice, non of the rest of the ingredients have percentages and wondered if they could provide that information.

"I am ever so sorry, but we are not allowed to disclose the exact percentages of every ingredient in a product because it is confidential information that could potentially leave our recipes open to competitors."

Never heard of that before.. Skinners, MWH, Eden, Autarky and nearly every brand I can find all provide a full list of ingredients with the % of each available. Why so secretive.. needless to say has completely put me off. Maybe I am being OTT..

 

[skinnydipper]

Having already bought a small bag of Arden Grange Performance, the nutritionist has then just emailed back as did contact them for some advice.

I asked for their recommendation and their full ingredients list with the % of each, as they only disclose 31% chicken and 25% rice, non of the rest of the ingredients have percentages and wondered if they could provide that information.

"I am ever so sorry, but we are not allowed to disclose the exact percentages of every ingredient in a product because it is confidential information that could potentially leave our recipes open to competitors."

Never heard of that before.. Skinners, MWH, Eden, Autarky and nearly every brand I can find all provide a full list of ingredients with the % of each available. Why so secretive.. needless to say has completely put me off. Maybe I am being OTT..

No, you are not being OTT. A perfectly reasonable question from somebody who wants to make an informed decision as to what to feed their dog.

I find manufacturers can be "tricky".

My dog was prescribed a supplement. I had to be extremely careful that I didn't give him anything he was allergic to so I questioned everything.

The sales pitch claims "The artificial chicken flavour ensures excellent palatability and ongoing owner compliance, without any concerns for animals with food allergies or intolerances". On the face of it then it seems okay for dogs with allergies. What they failed to say is that they used beef gelatin capsules, because they are cheaper than alternatives.

For anybody else tackling food allergies please be aware that many medications use meat derived flavouring and potato or corn excipients.

 

[planete]

Having already bought a small bag of Arden Grange Performance, the nutritionist has then just emailed back as did contact them for some advice.

I asked for their recommendation and their full ingredients list with the % of each, as they only disclose 31% chicken and 25% rice, non of the rest of the ingredients have percentages and wondered if they could provide that information.

"I am ever so sorry, but we are not allowed to disclose the exact percentages of every ingredient in a product because it is confidential information that could potentially leave our recipes open to competitors."

Never heard of that before.. Skinners, MWH, Eden, Autarky and nearly every brand I can find all provide a full list of ingredients with the % of each available. Why so secretive.. needless to say has completely put me off. Maybe I am being OTT..

Did you ask the other brands then? Because I cannot find percentages for things like sweet potatoes, pea and pea fibre for instance in Skinners or MWH or Autarky and or lucerne in Eden. I am curious as I try and avoid pea products.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

My lot are on raw @ForbiddenHorse. I use a supplier who gets a lot of wild rabbit/venison. We used Pets at Home trays with the big dog, who didn’t like raw much. We still use them occasionally-standard for breakfast and if I haven’t defrosted enough raw. It’s tricky to trace back for additives and drugs, but I’m happier being able to see-mostly-what they’re getting.

 

[Hormonal Filly]

Did you ask the other brands then? Because I cannot find percentages for things like sweet potatoes, pea and pea fibre for instance in Skinners or MWH or Autarky and or lucerne in Eden. I am curious as I try and avoid pea products.

Yes I did for certain recipes and they were happy to share. I wouldn’t touch Autarky with a bard pole after reading how high the pea products are in their recipes. Skinners weren't to bad, Lamb & Superior were the best I could see. MWH has pea products in them all.

After speaking to @druid it seems even the brands that have done feeding trials currently with the DCM issues still have peas in them.. I honestly don't think any dry food is perfect.

My lot are on raw @ForbiddenHorse. I use a supplier who gets a lot of wild rabbit/venison. We used Pets at Home trays with the big dog, who didn’t like raw much. We still use them occasionally-standard for breakfast and if I haven’t defrosted enough raw. It’s tricky to trace back for additives and drugs, but I’m happier being able to see-mostly-what they’re getting.

I keep weighing up the cost of raw, and honestly do think its one of the best diets but I just can't justify the cost. With both the dogs the cheapest it would cost £2 a day to feed raw, which is about £730 a year. I currently spend around £400 a year on kibble.
I did think about doing half and half, raw in the morning say and dry in the evening as my vet said before thats completely safe but all the raw suppliers local to me want a minimum delivery of £40 plus delivery charge on top (and don't allow collection). I simply can't fit £40 of raw in the freezer, the local pet shops charge £3.50 per kg which is completely over budget for me.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Dunno where you are, but the Dog Food Company (prices in pic) deliver from Ipswich to Dover, I think. I get frozen chicken for £1.60 a kg at the supermarket.

 

[Hormonal Filly]

Dunno where you are, but the Dog Food Company (prices in pic) deliver from Ipswich to Dover, I think. I get frozen chicken for £1.60 a kg at the supermarket.

Thank you for that! I live in Somerset, cheapest I've found in my area is £2 per kg, which would be £2 a day unless I buy 40kg but just can't fit that in. I've emailed a few local butchers we have bought raw bones off before/been given so wondering if they can help in anyway.

I have 2kg of frozen chicken thighs (assume they're ok for the dogs?) in the freezer so might try raw one meal, dry the next and see how we get on...

 

[Clodagh]

Dare you feed game? A friend feeds her dogs whole chickens and they don't eat chickens when alive? I don't know if it is a risk too far. You could skin the pheasants, if you were feeling really committed!?

 

[Hormonal Filly]

Dare you feed game? A friend feeds her dogs whole chickens and they don't eat chickens when alive? I don't know if it is a risk too far. You could skin the pheasants, if you were feeling really committed!?

It doesn't take to long to skin them or pull the body through itself which removes the breasts within minutes.. might be worth it as they're free? is it 3 weeks they're to be frozen for? I can also get venison occasionally. Wouldn't feed them with fur or feather on just in case! There is a large abattoir only a mile away from my work which has a page on their website about buying meat direct from them, heart, liver, all different raw so have emailed for prices!

 

[Moobli]

I feed either Simpsons Premium (worth a look and I would be interested to know what you think) or Arden Grange Premium. I also feed some raw meals each week - usually wild rabbit, hare (road kill), lamb from our freezer or chicken/mince/chunks from the supermarket. I also use DAF for bones.
My lot also get raw egg, sardines, mackerel, Butchers tripe and other bits and pieces at various times.

 

[Stiff Knees]

So I currently feed our lab and spaniel Eden working dog food. They love it, look great but it is pricey. Costs me £50 per sack for 15kg. Its rated 92% on allaboutdogfood.co.uk

Friends always say I'm stupid buying such pricey dog food, they feed much cheaper foods and their dogs look as great as mine so have started to wonder if other brands are about.

I have a Amazon account so came across Autarky Grain Free which is rated 80% on allaboutdogfood. Its £20 less per sack than what I currently spend as its on Amazon for £24 for 12kg but it doesn't disclose the percentage of 'pea starch' and 'peas' so I've emailed asking for it.

I'm not to fussed on grain free. They don't have any allergies to food that I'm aware of.. but just want the best quality food I can afford.

Any recommendations? If nothing can be found I'll stick to Eden as they love it and its brilliant but just thought I'd ask the question..

When did you last order FH because Eden have recently really hiked up their prices!! ?

 

[Hormonal Filly]

When did you last order FH because Eden have recently really hiked up their prices!! ?

I have always had breeder prices for years since they first opened when one of ours had a litter. It’s now £50 from them on breeders discount or you can get it for £54 from other food suppliers online!

 

[Cinnamontoast]

I have 2kg of frozen chicken thighs (assume they're ok for the dogs?) in the freezer so might try raw one meal, dry the next and see how we get on...

Chicken thighs are perfect, just supervise and don’t be too horrified at bits of bone come out the first few days.?

It doesn't take to long to skin them or pull the body through itself which removes the breasts within minutes.. might be worth it as they're free? is it 3 weeks they're to be frozen for? I can also get venison occasionally. Wouldn't feed them with fur or feather on just in case! There is a large abattoir only a mile away from my work which has a page on their website about buying meat direct from them, heart, liver, all different raw so have emailed for prices!

God, I wish I lived near you! When we were given 20 brace of pheasant, the OH did the stand on wings, yank up the breast thing. Most ended up going to the dogs. Still got some partridge left.

I feed whole rabbits, jacket on. Even Zak, who has a little head, manages fine.

 

[Stiff Knees]

I have always had breeder prices for years since they first opened when one of ours had a litter. It’s now £50 from them on breeders discount or you can get it for £54 from other food suppliers online!

Every day is an education. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Hormonal Filly]

Chicken thighs are perfect, just supervise and don’t be too horrified at bits of bone come out the first few days.?



God, I wish I lived near you! When we were given 20 brace of pheasant, the OH did the stand on wings, yank up the breast thing. Most ended up going to the dogs. Still got some partridge left.

I feed whole rabbits, jacket on. Even Zak, who has a little head, manages fine.
View attachment 40448

Wow, he eats them whole like that? do you work him?
I just couldn’t risk it and then expect them to retrieve a rabbit if I was giving them as their dinner - ha!

They are enjoying their raw breakfast currently and turns out a local butcher sell 1kg of meat minced for £1.57!

 

[Goldenstar]

I feed mine Canagan with suitable table scraps and some raw meat (but not every day ).
Dram was a slightly picky fussy puppy until I tried this and he settled on it straight away .
My mums dog was fed bakers she’s a 13 yo Lurcher when she arrived here we put her on Canagan the difference is astonishing she’s like a younger dog .

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Wow, he eats them whole like that? do you work him?
I just couldn’t risk it and then expect them to retrieve a rabbit if I was giving them as their dinner - ha!

They are enjoying their raw breakfast currently and turns out a local butcher sell 1kg of meat minced for £1.57!

They eat them whole, yeah, but it’s so disgusting I can hardly bear to do it! They retrieve during cold game training with no issue, although Brig was a swine for catching and eating birds. They’re not worked. They were trained with a gun dog trainer and we train them most days.

I‘ve recently stopped feeding pig trotters, they’ve both lost a tooth ? which horrified me.

 

[yhanni]

Mastiff & ancient Rottie get Arden Grange Adult and look really well on it. They don't smell at all .. from any angle! English Bull Terrier has Orijen which is eye wateringly expensive but it's the only food I've tried that doesn't make her itch. No evil farts when she's on that. I mix their grub with sardines, minced tripe, Butcher's tripe mix etc. They also have added salmon oil and a dollop of full fat yoghurt.

 

[meredith5]

I read about raw dog food, that its much better to feed my dog in this way.
I Also found this typo of food: Dehydrated raw dog food from this company: https://gorocketo.com/
Have anybody of you guys try this out? Maybe know difference between it or any recommendations?
P.s my dog is French bulldog

 

[skinnydipper]

I read about raw dog food, that its much better to feed my dog in this way.
I Also found this typo of food: Dehydrated raw dog food from this company: https://gorocketo.com/
Have anybody of you guys try this out? Maybe know difference between it or any recommendations?
P.s my dog is French bulldog

Rocketo didn't pass the taste test in this house.

My dog is now completely raw fed. I bought some Rocketo to keep as a standby, in case I forgot to defrost the raw. I think they only had one flavour at that time which was beef. She is not a fussy dog but she refused to eat that stuff.

She didn't think much of the treats either which were "cod rocks", tiny hard cubes.

It all went in the bin.

If you are going to feed raw I would recommend buying FEDIAF compliant raw complete.

 

[CorvusCorax]

I've just changed all mine over to Markus Mühle NaturNah, which I refer to as 'Doggy Cocaine'. My young female will literally leave me and run over to my mate to get some off him....her whole attitude to food has changed, which is great, because chopping up hotdogs was getting time consuming.

 

[Parrotperson]

ok. this is really interesting. Dogless at present (although hopefully only for another couple of months)

What about all these firms who "make up the food to suit your dog"? I mean too good to be true? Too expensive? Or just plain lying?

 

[skinnydipper]

ok. this is really interesting. Dogless at present (although hopefully only for another couple of months)

What about all these firms who "make up the food to suit your dog"? I mean too good to be true? Too expensive? Or just plain lying?

I don't believe for a minute that they formulate a dog food to suit your dog. If it is the company I am thinking of, I rang to see if they could formulate a food for my dog with allergies and they couldn't.

They gave me a list of available kibble which sounded remarkably like those supplied by Golden Acres. Golden Acres is a large pet food company who supply other businesses with private label dog food.

 

[Parrotperson]

I don't believe for a minute that they formulate a dog food to suit your dog. If it is the company I am thinking of, I rang to see if they could formulate a food for my dog with allergies and they couldn't.

They gave me a list of available kibble which sounded remarkably like those supplied by Golden Acres. Golden Acres is a large pet food company who supply other businesses with private label dog food.

yes this is exactly what I assumed. Honestly. ?‍

 

[Odyssey]

I think Nourish is the same product as Natural Choice, but is a lot cheaper. On investigation, I found there are many companies that sell exactly the same kibbles under different brand names, and the prices vary quite a lot. Nourish offer a 15% discount on your first order, and the salmon, trout and sweet potato kibble for example then works out at £40 for 15kg, including delivery. I can't find this kibble (or anything comparable) cheaper anywhere else.

 

[Odyssey]

Skinners and Burns just list "antioxidants" and "preservatives"...both of which cover BHA/BHT. Labels are so much smoke screen, massage of figures it's frustrating

I totally agree. I've recently been feeding Dr John's lamb and rice hypoallergenic kibble which is the best I could find for the price, as Skinner's lamb, duck etc with rice has gone up by about £10 a sack in the last year or so. Skinner's had always been my affordable favourite "go to" kibble for my "sensitive digestion" greyhounds that isn't chicken meat based, which often doesn't agree with them. For some reason I thought it didn't contain artificial preservatives. I recently contacted the manufacturer of Dr John's to ask if there are artificial preservatives in it, and unfortunately there are so I've stopped buying it. There's no mention of them on the label.

It's so annoying too when they don't state the exact proportion of dried meat to fresh, so you have no idea of the actual proportion of meat compared to the cheap fillers. If the label isn't clear, I don't buy the product, but instead buy one that is clearly labelled.

The companies obviously know that a large proportion of their customers have no idea about their smokescreens, or don't research their dogs food. When you're talking about known carcinogenic compounds, this is unacceptable. ? They should be banned, anyway, they have no place in dog food, and there are safe alternatives.

 

[Odyssey]

I've just changed all mine over to Markus Mühle NaturNah, which I refer to as 'Doggy Cocaine'. My young female will literally leave me and run over to my mate to get some off him....her whole attitude to food has changed, which is great, because chopping up hotdogs was getting time consuming.

From my research, Markus Muhle chicken is the highest meat content (about 40%) and best quality kibble you can find for such an incredibly reasonable price, it's a steal. I think the packaging and name don't do it any favours, it's not visually appealing to those who buy what looks good on the packaging and marketing blurb rather than buy purely for the ingredients. I notice that the lamb one is a lot lower in meat unfortunately, as that would suit my dog who's somewhat sensitive to chicken.