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by snajper69 on 23 September 2008 - 19:09
Some of us, including me, don't have time, money, or knowledge to go raw. Every time I though about it, I just decided against it. Simply because of my current location, it would be just too costly for me to feed raw, plus I don’t even cook for myself, so I don't want to torture my dogs with my cooking for them (hahahaha). It might be just safer to feed dry kibbles for me and them. My new pup came from the breeder with Martin K9 Formula (antioxidants & energol), and Vet choice Holistic kibbles. Since I never heard of the kibbles, or the supplement, I though right away of switching it over to Royal Canine, since this was what I was giving to my 2 year old female. (Yes I know it needs to be done slowly over time with pups). But since RAW was still an option I decided to do some homework. So I start to learn as much as I could about different foods, issues, etc. I am still convinced that I am not going RAW, simply it is not for me let’s leave it at that. Even though I still hope to be able to go RAW one beautiful day, but it wont happen any time soon. Well than I was looking for good quality dry kibble, and that's when I came against all the controversial fillers, recalls, and all the issues. Wow it was a scary trip. That was the time I found out how low quality RC really is. And how many other are either "what I believe to be to reach in protein, or have not enough of good quality protein" (personal choice and opinion based on my research). So after being disappointed with RC (this is coming from someone that been using it for last 2 years) I decided to look at other, and found out that many high quality are to rich in protein and consensus seems to be that too much protein is not good for growing puppies, or large breed dogs. Well than guess what? You right I went right back to the original food provided by the breeder. I start studying ingredients, and ask questions (Google everything and learn as much as you can about the ingredients),. Well and that’s when I came to conclusion that the food that breeder was using was the best option, especially for growing puppies and GSD's, just needs to add some vegetables and you all set. Final step was just to e-mail manufacture and make sure that ingredients don't come from china (all the recalls with china products lately I just don't want to touch anything from that country at this point especially food or kids related). They got back to me within few hours and confirm that most of their ingredients comes from USA and only lamb comes from New Zeeland. Relived. I am using Vetchoices Holistic food and I am happy with it, I add a bit of Energol and Antioxidants Martin K9 Formula, Olewo carrots, add some vegetables every now and than, and my pup is going of the walls she is happy, energetic, and looks lean and mean :). I highly recommend the mix for all of you that still do dry out there. Not a bad choice after all. It might not be perfect combination but good enough for me. If some of view would like to comment and give me any other suggestions please do, I would love to learn and I am already thankful, for what I learned, and I can be even happier with my breeder since this journey once again showed me how knowledgeable he is. Thanks guys and good luck on your quest.
by Sharon9624 on 23 September 2008 - 19:09
I have used Martin's K9 Formula since 1997, this is a wonderful dog food. During a time when I was not able to get it one of the dog foods I tried was Royal Canin. I no longer use this now that I can get Martin's. Martin's is a company that if you have any questions about the food you can talk directly to the owner who is also the formulator. When my dogs were on Royal Canin I had problems with the dogs wanting to eat and I also experienced problems with Pano with my puppies. This is because the puppy food is too high in protein. I have had my dogs back on Martin's for over month now and I no longer have problems with the dogs wanting to eat and their coats are starting to look fantastic. I highly suggest giving Martin a call and talk to him about his food, as it will be a very informative and interesting conversation. 1-516-671-9600
by snajper69 on 23 September 2008 - 20:09
Thanks Sharon at least I know I am not the only weired one :) you should see my vet's face when I told him what I am feeding lol. But he said it she looks good so I guess it works.
by Abhay on 23 September 2008 - 20:09
by OGBS on 23 September 2008 - 20:09
I looked up the info on the Vets Choice Holistic Food. That is one of the best formulas, if not the best, I have ever seen. Too bad it isn't available in Chicago.
by HighDesertGSD on 23 September 2008 - 20:09
As far as I know, the stuff from China is wheat glutin.
Well, you probably don't want wheat glutin anyhow.
I think chicken by product is so cheap that the shiping cost of importing it from afar is not justified. The great chicken states are also where the dog food industry is concentrated.
Consumer's preference in chicken parts has rendered (pun) many parts like skin and internal organs etc otherwise wastes if not for dogs and cats. Chicken gut also has to be pretty good for dogs.
Chicken fat and skin is next to wastes as well. Chicken fat is even an OK fat for human consumption, except for the cholesterol (?). It is very good for dogs, which don't live long enough to have vascular problems. Chicken fat has a rather acceptable polyunsaturated fats composition.
I think a lower protein and lower fat food can be quite OK if you supplement with good stuffs. If your familiy eat healthfully, a lot of the leftovers are actually very good for your GSD. The more fatty portion of chicken breast with rib attached is an example, when baked with no seasoning except some garlic perhaps. A family of four likely has enough to supplement one or two GSD's IMO.
by justcurious on 23 September 2008 - 21:09
if you want a raw type diet with kibble convenience you might want to check out:
orijen http://www.championpetfoods.com/orijen/orijen/
kiwipeak http://www.ziwipeak.com/
honest kitchen http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/
by snajper69 on 24 September 2008 - 00:09
Thanks all. I will stick to whaat I have very happy with all that I see.
by Bhaugh on 24 September 2008 - 01:09
Sorry I had to comment on this issue since I feed raw and have realized that its actually cheaper than buying bagged food. I also run a Neapolitan Mastiff rescue so I feed alot of food. I buy my meat by the roll at Walmart, add veggies and some suppliments and voila. I have no coat, teeth or stool problems. My dogs never get bored with what they are eating. And I can buy as little or as much as I want and specialize the diet based on what "that dog needs" Oh and best of all no farting. (And for anyone who has had mastiffs knows their farts are lethal). SO if you have thought about raw, please consider it. People make it out to be alot of work but I can tell you its not. Your dogs will love you for it.
by snajper69 on 24 September 2008 - 01:09
Thanks Bhaugh I will concider it. I am not excluding Raw just yet, but for now I am feeding VC kibbles as I found them to be of good quality. I will definetly reconsider raw in the future once again. Thanks for your input.
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