German Shepherd dog

I switched Dante a few months ago to Wellness Core (From Timberwolf Elk) and he's doing very well on it.  A bit more gas but not room clearing and it is diminishing.  I chose Core over Evo or some of the others because the protein level isn't quite as high.  I'm not 100% convinced that the high protein levels in a dry food aren't going to turn out to be harder on the renal system than we think.  (I know about the difference in quality protein etc)

Before Grain is Merrick's answer to the grain free food market, it looks like it's going to be another good one with moderate protein levels.

Here's a website that actually has information on Before Grain

http://www.chowfoods.net/Merrick-Before-Grain-Dry-Dog-Food_p_224-9921.html

I have spent a great deal of time over the last year researching dog food.  The best grain free dog food I have been able to come up with is Orijen   www.championpetfoods.com.    There are quite a few members of this forum who swear by this food.

The Whole Dog Journal has a complete section thier yearly rating of grain free dog food in their March issue.  It costs $20.00 for an on-line subscription for a year or you can buy a single issue.    www.whole-dog-journal.com.    Their February issue rates regular dog food with grain.   For the first time ever they have finally listened to one of my major rants.  They won't rate a dog food unless the company tells them who manufactures that dog food.      In my mind who manufactures the food is as important as what is in that food.  Orijen is one of the very few premium kibbles that manufactures their own dog food.  Now finally someone agrees with me none other than The Whole Dog Journal.  Hat's off to them.

The time you spend now researching the best food for your dog will pay life long dividends for both you and your GSD

Best of luck

Thanks, I have most of these on my list as possibles.  I'm currently feeding the Natural Balance Duck and Potatoe but it's just not quite the one.  I fed Orijen to a female when she had puppies and it was okay.  I'm hoping to find a single kibble that agrees with all the dogs.  I'll try a couple listed.

Okay...I'm a little confused and need help.  Just put down a 9 year old bi-color in January (cancer) and used to feed him "traditional" grain type dog foods.  Didn't know any better and would like to try to make a difference in this aspect with two new GSD's acquired recently.  Based on a recommendation I am feeding a mixture of Abady Raw and Abady All Star (beef & tripe based) kibble.  Any thoughts?  One dog is six-month female and the other is a 2 year old male.  This is all new to me.

All input appreciated.  Thank you in advance...

Dan

Falcon - Paying someone to create a "blend" or "mix" just does not make sense.  Here's why:

-  You have no idea what they've actually put in the food (like kibble);

-  You don't know the quality of meat that is in the food (like kibble);

-  There are probably veggies or fruits or other unnecessary fillers included (like kibble);

-  You're paying for someone else to mix/blend/grind food for you;

-  Cooking takes out necessary nutrients (like kibble);

Here is a list of recipes that will suit you just fine:  http://rawfeddogs.net/Recipes.

It's unfortunate that owner convenience is a determining factor in not feeding a dog properly.  I'm not trying to be insulting, but I hear it all of the time and it's frustrating.  People so often feed kibble because opening a bag of dog food is perceived to be easier than opening a store bought chicken package, for example.  There are no recipes in feeding appropriately.

More important than which kibble is best, please understand what is in kibble:  http://www.healthyhappydogs.com/APIarticle.

When traveling the dog's food can be prepackage in zip bags and placed in a cooler.  Or, grocery stores are all over.  It's very easy to simply purchase the necessary foods daily or for the time that you have to be there.  If storage is a problem, go daily.  Also, remember, or know, the food does not have be stored cold all day if you need to set a time to buy the food. 

There should be no problem finding a spot to feed the dog.  In a hotel all you need is a towel.  Or use a patch of concrete or grass.  Ensure no spillage on the concrete and no chemicals on the grass.

Getting proper percentages of food.  Don't worry about it.  Percentages are "over time," so if you can't feed organ for a few days or a week, don't worry about it.

Afraid of what other might think.  Don't worry.  You're feeding appropriately.

If someone else has to watch the dog(s) then simply prepare the food as needed and store in a zip bag and a plastic shoe box.  This works great for me.  The baggie has exactly what I want the dog to eat and all the person has to do is open the bag and pour it out.

As far as using a grain does anyone use oats, oat meal, rolled oats?

Gunnar, for somebody trying not to insult a dog owner you did a find job.

Gunnar, this is your quote I was referencing, not your comment to Two Moons about feeding a horse a roast.    "It's unfortunate that owner convenience is a determining factor in not feeding a dog properly.  I'm not trying to be insulting, but I hear it all of the time and it's frustrating."

Just because I feed predominately kibble, does not mean I don't take time to research it and get a premium, grain free product.  Yes, convenience is important, especially when I take a couple dogs traveling with me and need somebody to come in a take care of the ones left at home.  And as far as putting a towel down on the motel room floor and using prepacked raw from a cooler, or finding a store, I do quite a bit way off grid camping with my trail mules.  There is often no way to carry an extra cooler for prepackaged raw dog food and having the closest store over an hour away is not unheard of.  Heck, having a paved road within 30 minutes of camp is not unheard of.  So yes, I need some convenience and do feel I can also feed my dogs properly. 

animules - I apologize.  "Traveling" was not defined as camping, which does put a different spin on things.  In this case, have you looked at dehydrated foods?  Dehydrated is not cooked, so nutrients aren't lost like in kibble.  Honest Kitchen comes to mind.

If I recall, this product has vegetables in it, which aren't appropriate, but if you are only going to be camping for a few nights it should be OK.  If you're gone for weeks or months then there would have to be other solutions.