Recommend our spaniel a new food please

Twizzel

Twizzel

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Rosie was on fish4dogs working food which whilst it agreed with her and she looked ok on it, she wasn't overly fussed about eating it and would pick at it over the day. It was also expensive for the meat content...

I swapped her over to Applaws lamb and chicken, and she loves it! I thought we were onto a winner however since going onto it she has the worst farts ever (to the point where we have to leave the room!) and her poo has gone from being dark brown and firm to bright orange (!!) and a lot of it. She's been on it 2 weeks now and it doesn't seem to be getting any better...

So can anyone else recommend a good food but with not quite as much protein? Preferably with no rice. She's an active 2yr old dog bumbling about on the farm all day every day.
 
If fish for dogs suits why not feed 90% that with a bit of taster - a different flavor or texture to make it more interesting but I would take food up after ten minutes till the next meal.

Why no rice specifically? Dogs are designed to eat gut contents which are more likely to be a grain as some of the ingredients used so firms can put "cereal free" on the label. IME more dogs are intolerant of chicken than of rice . Wheat is another matter.
 
Raw, which does not make them hyper or crazy! If you don't want to go that route-it's not for everyone-then how about Wainwrights trays with their fishmongers biscuit?
 
H would eat fish4dogs, but wasn't that fussed with it. I changed to fishmongers when the recipe changed and he LOVES it!!
 
I've just bought a bag of nutrix fish for working dogs for my gsd. It hasn't got any gluten in, as my sis laughingly suggested the runny bum and smells might men he is intolerant of wheat (she is a human dietician). I had a think and considered that she may be right, but will report back when I've tried it! He will be coming off skinners field and trial which doesn't seem to suit any more than the million other foods we have tried!
 
Taste of the wild? - probably equally high in protein as Applaws, but I've been feeding it to my BT pup for a couple of months as an alternative to raw food, and find the effects very inoffensive...!
 
I have a Springer and I absolutely swear by Pedigree. I don't want to start a formulate feed vs raw debate and this is purely my experience, but she's been on it since she was a puppy and she looks absolutely incredible. I'm always getting compliments about how lovely her coat is and how great she looks (she also never trumps and her poos are completely normal). She has the adult dry food mixed with warm water and some chicken/sausage/something tasty on top as a treat. She's also the most chilled out and relaxed Springer I've ever me,t so it doesn't send her crazy either! I hope this helps :)
 
Please don't feed Pedigree! The ingredients are appalling and contain BHA/BHT, known carcinogens. Horrible, horrible stuff. Google the ingredients and avoid anything that says meat derivatives etc, floor sweepings basically. I recently emailed Pedigree to ask why they used these dangerous ingredients and received no reply. :(
 
cinnamontoast said:
Please don't feed Pedigree! The ingredients are appalling and contain BHA/BHT, known carcinogens. Horrible, horrible stuff. Google the ingredients and avoid anything that says meat derivatives etc, floor sweepings basically. I recently emailed Pedigree to ask why they used these dangerous ingredients and received no reply. :(
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^^ This 100000 x
 
cinnamontoast said:
Please don't feed Pedigree! The ingredients are appalling and contain BHA/BHT, known carcinogens. Horrible, horrible stuff. Google the ingredients and avoid anything that says meat derivatives etc, floor sweepings basically. I recently emailed Pedigree to ask why they used these dangerous ingredients and received no reply. :(
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As I said I don't want to get in a debate over feed because it doesn't answer the OPs question, but I know there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding this particular manufacturer and I do think it's important to separate fact from fiction.

Meat derivatives are not the 'floor sweepings' that you referred to, but is actually the name given to organs such as heart and lung, which are perfectly excellent for dogs and part of a balanced diet. Further, there is nothing on the ingredients list that you wouldn't find in human food.

It's also interesting to note that the pet food industry self-regulated where they sourced their ingredients from, even before this was regulated in the human food chain.

Pedigree conducts stringent nutritional research on all of their products prior to sale. I know this because I studied animal nutrition at University and one of my lecturers used to conduct such research.

It saddens me therefore that myths, such as those you've mentioned, may be putting owners off purchasing this type of product. Instead, they risk formulating their own diets, when they may not have the necessary knowledge, and thus potentially inflicting nutritional imbalance on their pets and causing a whole host of unpleasant medical problems - particularly in puppies when correct nutrition is vital.

I personally prefer to put my trust in science and millions of pounds worth of research. As they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and my dog looks (and I'm sure feels!) fantastic.

I do however appreciate that each owner must do what they think is best for their pet, though I hope that this has helped ease any fears surrounding the quality of pedigree feed.

Finally, in case anyone was wondering I have absolutely no connections to Pedigree whatsoever - I am simply sharing my own experiences and knowledge. I also think it's very unfair that they seem to suffer under a cloud of misconceptions when there are actually providing some excellent, scientifically researched, products.
 
Pretty sure it had rice (not sure why you want to avoid) but my collie has a lot of intolerences - basically any animal protein and wheat. She can tolerate small amounts now (ie when she manages to steal something) after years with them out her diets but can't have large amounts and I have to be careful what she gets. Have used Wainwrights for years now and all of ours (including another with a wheat intolerance) do really well on it. Would definately recommend it for most dogs.
The other option is that is if the first food suited her but she was fussy give her that a little meat onto it to make it yummier. I use wainwrights pouches, they only get a half pouch per meal so doens't cost much but mixed in makes it yummier for her (also means I can hide all her meds in her dinner and I don't get very sticky salvia all over my hands - pain meds side effect)
 
My lad has been on wheat free nutrix for a few days now and early signs are good. Poop is a lot firmer, less trumps, he loves it and my other gsd is jealous. Will try the gluten free one next time but I think this stuff might just be the holy grail of food that we have been looking for! Hopefully he can put some weight on now.
 
toastymoose said:
As I said I don't want to get in a debate over feed because it doesn't answer the OPs question, but I know there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding this particular manufacturer and I do think it's important to separate fact from fiction.

Meat derivatives are not the 'floor sweepings' that you referred to, but is actually the name given to organs such as heart and lung, which are perfectly excellent for dogs and part of a balanced diet. Further, there is nothing on the ingredients list that you wouldn't find in human food.

It saddens me therefore that myths, such as those you've mentioned, may be putting owners off purchasing this type of product. Instead, they risk formulating their own diets, when they may not have the necessary knowledge, and thus potentially inflicting nutritional imbalance on their pets and causing a whole host of unpleasant medical problems - particularly in puppies when correct nutrition is vital.

I personally prefer to put my trust in science and millions of pounds worth of research. As they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and my dog looks (and I'm sure feels!) fantastic.

I do however appreciate that each owner must do what they think is best for their pet, though I hope that this has helped ease any fears surrounding the quality of pedigree feed.

Finally, in case anyone was wondering I have absolutely no connections to Pedigree whatsoever - I am simply sharing my own experiences and knowledge. I also think it's very unfair that they seem to suffer under a cloud of misconceptions when there are actually providing some excellent, scientifically researched, products.
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I'm afraid it's true that Pedigree contains BHT/BHA. If you think I'm telling untruths, please do contact the manufacturer. Perhaps read a bit more on this forum and conduct your own research about this, I have no reason to lie.

http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/showproduct.php?product=1886&cat=all

http://www.dogfoodinsider.com/pedigree-active-nutrition.html

I've put two bits of evidence so you don't think I've been swayed by one website.

Why don't you want to get into a debate? In all honesty, there's no debate to be had: here is a list of ingredients for Pedigree dry, I don't see any one ingredient that I'd want to give my dogs.

Ground whole corn, corn gluten meal, poultry by-product meal, meat and bone meal, animal fat (preserved with BHA and citric acid), chicken, brewers rice, peas, dried plain beet pulp, ground whole wheat, natural flavor, salt, potassium chloride, vegetable oil ([source of linoleic acid] preserved with BHA/BHT), carrots, vitamins (choline chloride, a-tocopherol acetate [source of vitamin E], niacin, biotin, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement [vitamin B2], pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin a supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate [vitamin B1], vitamin D3 supplement), minerals (zinc sulfate, zinc proteinate, copper sulfate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, potassium iodide), added FD & C colors (red 40, yellow 5, blue 2)

Saddens you?! It saddens me that the marketing and sponsorship still prevale and can make people think that it's a good food :( Bit like vets being sponsored to sell Hills, which is equally rubbish. I think many people on here will tell you that any dog food available from the supermarket is not of good quality.

Picklenash said:
That is a really interesting post Toastymoose :)
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I'll say!
 
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Picklenash said:
Please don't use my comments out of context CT, if I have a comment to make then I will make it, I am not interested in being dragged in to the zealotry that exists about feeding/breeding/dog ownership within AAD
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Don't understand? I genuinely think she made an interesting post? :confused3:

Zealotry? Because I've pointed out that a food contains carcinogenic ingredients? Really?
 
We feed our working collie and JRT working dog food from Cornwall Country Supplies, about £10 for a big bag, do I know what is in it, No, but they look good on it and have no problems with energy. Shoot me now!
 
cinnamontoast said:
Don't understand? I genuinely think she made an interesting post? :confused3:

Zealotry? Because I've pointed out that a food contains carcinogenic ingredients? Really?
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In that case I apologise, your comment appeared to be sarcastic to me (due to the exclamation mark afterwards) whereas my comment was intended to be taken as read.

And yes, zealotry, not just from you and from this thread but generally within AAD. I happen to feed my dogs on a raw diet, abhor breeding as being completely unnecessary and will always have rescues, but I don't jump down people's throats every time they suggest anything different as tends to happen on here. It is why I don't post as much in here any more.
 
Don't think I was jumping down the throat of the person recommending Pedigree in my response to her (post 9). I just think people should research ingredients, but ultimately, no-one is going to have their mind changed by me banging on about the dodgy stuff in the supermarket feeds, are they? I would be happy if they didn't start using something because they'd seen the ingredients, maybe.

I know you feed raw, you know I do probably from posts on here. My only 'zealotry' about food comes from sheer guilt: one of my dogs died of cancer and the oncologist said it was highly likely related to nutrition. I had no idea until then what was in the supermarket foods, fooled by advertising. :(

People on here are very against random breeding and certain foods and tbh, I think that's a good thing (although I've carefully avoided a certain recent thread where there are some seriously unpleasant comments) but I do think it's important for those asking about issues to see some comments from some of the more outspoken posters. There are other very fluffy forums where every new litter is cooed over even when the breeder is a back yard in it for the money type. I think that's a bit sad.
 
I apologise for being such a miserable idiot CT, I agree that other thread is very unpleasant, on this thread I took your comments the wrong way and reacted badly/wrongly. I'm sorry.

And I apologise to the OP for completely hi-jacking your thread!

I'll get me coat now.....
 
Picklenash said:
I apologise for being such a miserable idiot CT, I agree that other thread is very unpleasant, on this thread I took your comments the wrong way and reacted badly/wrongly. I'm sorry.

And I apologise to the OP for completely hi-jacking your thread!

I'll get me coat now.....
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Don't be daft, girl, you're not miserable or an idiot. I'm cursing cos now I can't find the website I used for the ingredients :frown3:
 
cinnamontoast said:
I'm afraid it's true that Pedigree contains BHT/BHA. If you think I'm telling untruths, please do contact the manufacturer. Perhaps read a bit more on this forum and conduct your own research about this, I have no reason to lie.

http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/showproduct.php?product=1886&cat=all

http://www.dogfoodinsider.com/pedigree-active-nutrition.html

I've put two bits of evidence so you don't think I've been swayed by one website.

Why don't you want to get into a debate? In all honesty, there's no debate to be had: here is a list of ingredients for Pedigree dry, I don't see any one ingredient that I'd want to give my dogs.

Ground whole corn, corn gluten meal, poultry by-product meal, meat and bone meal, animal fat (preserved with BHA and citric acid), chicken, brewers rice, peas, dried plain beet pulp, ground whole wheat, natural flavor, salt, potassium chloride, vegetable oil ([source of linoleic acid] preserved with BHA/BHT), carrots, vitamins (choline chloride, a-tocopherol acetate [source of vitamin E], niacin, biotin, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement [vitamin B2], pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin a supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate [vitamin B1], vitamin D3 supplement), minerals (zinc sulfate, zinc proteinate, copper sulfate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, potassium iodide), added FD & C colors (red 40, yellow 5, blue 2)

Saddens you?! It saddens me that the marketing and sponsorship still prevale and can make people think that it's a good food :( Bit like vets being sponsored to sell Hills, which is equally rubbish. I think many people on here will tell you that any dog food available from the supermarket is not of good quality.



I'll say!
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I don't want to get into a debate purely because it's not fair on the OP - that is not why they started this thread.

I would like to take the time to analyse your resources though. I don't for a second think that you are telling untruths. You are perfectly correct in pointing out that in the ingredients you've listed for that product, there is BHA and BHT.

However it is crucial to note the source of your information. These are American websites analysing an American version of the product where the regulation of feed additives is very different our own (they allow growth hormones to be fed to beef cattle etc. etc) One source is also 5 years out of date and the other appears undated so we also can not be certain they are even included any more. For the purposes of our discussion however, this is irrelevant as we are concerned with the UK version of the product.

In the UK, additives in animal feed are regulated by the EU which does not allow the addition of these substances (BHA/BHT) in dog food as documented in the Register of Feed Additives:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/animalnutrition/feedadditives/comm_register_feed_additives_1831-03.pdf

We can therefore conclude that although perhaps in the past these ingredients may have been included (I'm afraid I have no knowledge of previous versions of the product) - the current purchasable version of these products, do not contain the harmful additives you are concerned about. I feel this therefore justifies my previous comments with regards to the quality this feed and the vast amounts of nutritional research that goes into creating them.

Again, I hope this has changed your opinion of Pedigree and eases any fears that you had. Just because they're a big brand, doesn't mean they're evil.

In fact in the wrong, inexperienced, hands, raw feeding can cause far more nutritional damage to a dog than a complete dry formulated feed ever could, even though the owner has the best intentions at heart.

Personally I feel that as long as a diet is nutritionally balanced to the needs of the dog, it doesn't matter which type of food is fed, it's just down to personal preference.
 
I hate to tell you but the ingredient list is from the Pedigree Dog food site, spanking up to date and I'm afraid BHA and BHT are found in Pedigree currently. They are heavily used as preservatives in dog food in the UK and can also be found in Chappie and Bakers dried food, as well as Wagg.

I don't know why you're advertising this particular food or defending it. It is of poor quality, very low meat content and contains as its first ingredients cereals. Nutritionally, it is not fit, in my opinion, to feed to a dog. It certainly isn't balanced with cereal being the main ingredient.

You can try to justify it being a decent food, it's not. So many people can't be wrong in avoiding it and I don't think this website is lying, do you?
http://www.whichdogfood.co.uk/dog-food-reviews/0053/pedigree-complete-adult-healthy-vitality

Ignoring the issue of BHA/BHT (which, by the way, are EU permitted antioxidants), this American website gives more detail on percentages and I don't think you can dispute that the basic ingredients are much different over here:
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/pedigree-dog-food-dry/

I emailed the British Food Standards Agency lasted to ask why they were using BHA/BHT in human food, they gave me a bog standard reply of how it is still permitted for people, let alone dogs.

P.S. Plenty of us on here feed raw. As far as I know, no-one has experienced issues with it.
 
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EC permitted additives

The EU has listed over 4000 artificial additives which may be added to foods and 'EU permitted additives' covers them all. Although many are harmless or even beneficial, it also includes chemical flavourings and colourings (many of which have been linked to behavioural problems and other health concerns) and artificial preservatives like BHA and BHT which have been identified as possible causes of cancer. For many nutritionists, 'EU permitted additives' is the number one ingredient to avoid.

From this up to date UK website: http://www.whichdogfood.co.uk/dog-food-ingredient-glossary.php
 
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