Pet Food

[CoffeeCanuck]

I was wondering. Do people put much thought into their pets diet? Do you research manufacturers, their ingredients, ethical treatment of animals etc? Over the past few years I've become more concerned about what I'm feeding my dogs. When I lived in Kelowna, I began to research different pet food manufacturers as I was on a quest to do the best by my dogs. I know I did not want to feed them a food that has 'by-products' in it as well as I wanted a brand that did not subject animals to cruel tests. I found a wonderful little store in the Mission, Bone Appetit. It's a hubby and wife team that run it and they are so knowlegable and helpful. I have a boxer with skin allergies, and he helped me choose a wonderful food for her, California Natural. Sadly, it's not available in my new home town. They also sell the frozen meat patties for a barf diet.

So, do you give your pet food any special thought? Does anyone have their dog or cat on the barf diet? Any other thoughts on your pets food?

~D

[Triple 6]

What's a barf diet?

We feed the dogs IAM's Puppy fpr large dogs up to 24 months!

[mekathy]

bones and raw food diet. Most large and extra large reputable breeders now have their pups on this diet. It seems to have increased the life span and reduced alot of cancers etc that were popping up in the various breeds. It does take alot of work and can be quite costly. You are also handling raw foods so you need to be meticulous with the preparation of the food. It has alot of great proven benefits.

[Triple 6]

bones and raw food diet. Most large and extra large reputable breeders now have their pups on this diet. It seems to have increased the life span and reduced alot of cancers etc that were popping up in the various breeds. It does take alot of work and can be quite costly. You are also handling raw foods so you need to be meticulous with the preparation of the food. It has alot of great proven benefits.

Thanks, I am, gonna have to google it.

[CoffeeCanuck]

http://www.barfworld.com/

I was seriously considering this diet for my dogs, but after researching it, I just knew I could not deal with the constant preparation, having the extra fridge/freezer needed, the mess, the cost etc. I do know there are many people who swear by this diet. I do like the fact that I have control over what is fed to my dog, ingredient wise. I'll admit to a certain level of laziness too...lol. It's just so convenient scooping a cup of kibble and putting it in my dogs bowl.

~D

[Fancy]

I researched the barf diet too and decided it was not for me lol or my dog. One family dog ate gainsburger (sp) and I remember thinking I'll not feed that to my pet as it was a soft food. My first dog ate dog chow - for over 16 years no problems. Next dog Nutrience and Iams. No issues. Treats have always been dog food of a different kind.

[CoffeeCanuck]

I researched the barf diet too and decided it was not for me lol or my dog. One family dog ate gainsburger (sp) and I remember thinking I'll not feed that to my pet as it was a soft food. My first dog ate dog chow - for over 16 years no problems. Next dog Nutrience and Iams. No issues. Treats have always been dog food of a different kind.

Gainsburgers...I remember those...lol. Came individually wrapped and looked like real beef burgers...well kinda. Man they stunk..lol.

~D

[Fancy]

That was the other reason I wouldn't feed them to my dog :) couldn't stand the smell

[Triple 6]

That was the other reason I wouldn't feed them to my dog :) couldn't stand the smell

At the beginning or the end?


We switched the babes to a new IAMS product on the weekend, and have the rankest farts!

No one wants to be in the living room!

[Fancy]

What is it with the beasts' beastly smell? Two different dogs, same food, one smelled so rank, the other no problem. Though the little guy was always good to blame if one let off a little rip :) There's a joke about that in laugh thread I think.

[mekathy]

I recently saw a documentary on what is going into the kibble that we feed our dogs. I have always gone the high end kibble route. The studies showed relatively no difference in what went into the low to high end brands and the stuff that they put in would make you cringe. Yes they use chicken but it was chicken from the neck up. It was one of those shows that I just happened on and started watching. My bernese mountain dog was on the BARF diet before we got him from the breeder. I stuck with it for about 6 months and then found it was too much work for my schedule. We lost him to cancer earlier this month as he was only 6. I know after watching the show I saw, my next dog will be fed much differently.

[Baba O'Riley]

Do people put much thought into their pets diet? Do you research manufacturers, their ingredients, ethical treatment of animals etc? Over the past few years I've become more concerned about what I'm feeding my dogs.

I feed my mutt "Nature's Variety" freeze-dried food. It's kinda like a raw food diet, but in a 'bio-coated' kibble form which is obviously much easier & cheaper than a 'real' raw food diet. It's apparently high quality protein, grain-free, potato-free, no corn, no wheat, no soy... She still has allergies at the moment though, so it's in the 'test' phase right now... :( Also give her raw bones as a treat 2-3 times a week.

And yes CC, 'Bone Appetit' is a great store - they sell this particular brand of food too, amongst others! :smt023

[Triple 6]

I recently saw a documentary on what is going into the kibble that we feed our dogs. I have always gone the high end kibble route. The studies showed relatively no difference in what went into the low to high end brands and the stuff that they put in would make you cringe. Yes they use chicken but it was chicken from the neck up. It was one of those shows that I just happened on and started watching. My bernese mountain dog was on the BARF diet before we got him from the breeder. I stuck with it for about 6 months and then found it was too much work for my schedule. We lost him to cancer earlier this month as he was only 6. I know after watching the show I saw, my next dog will be fed much differently.

I saw a documentary last week, was on CBC. Really interesting. The high end was fish head, chicken beaks, wings etc...

B fed his last dog IAMS and swears buy it, At 40 bucks a bag it is rather pricey, and feeding two Rotties, it does not last long.

I'd be interested in hearing from others that purchase lower priced foods.

[Fancy]

Yes they use chicken but it was chicken from the neck up.

After watching cats eat mice starting at the head, I' guess they like it. Sorry you lost your dog so early mekathy - that's tough. I found this info:

In the GUARANTEED ANALYSIS look for the Protein content to be at least 30 percent, the Fat to be at least 18 percent, preservatives to be via Vitamin E and/or C and look for Omega Fatty Acid to be present.

and checked with the brand of dog food I use and I'm satisfied my dog is getting good nutrition and the vets say the skin and hair is in great shape. After years of Purina Dog Chow I thought I'd try something different with the next one - so far so good. My goal was to be able to free feed dogs and I always found it interesting they eat (past and present) when we're home and generally right after our dinner (once we're finished, they know no more treats heading their way).

[ferri]

just read through this, it reminded me that during the trouble with pet food we started really checking the labels on rabbit food. we actually returned a bag to Wal Mart because it had wheat gluten in it and we didn't know if it was from China. we buy our rabbit food from Buckerfields now. much cheaper and they like it! other than that, the little darlings always have carrots and sliced apple handy, sometimes lettuce too. raw. LOL