I want to switch to better dog food? Any recommendations?

Question

I need new diet ideas for two dogs. While it is preferred to stick with one dog food, I don't think I'll be able to, given the current needs.

Dog A-Shepherd---Currently on Iams Lamb and Rice (red bag)

She is almost two years old, very energetic, and has digestive and anxiety problems. This food has been acceptable, but I wish to switch her to a better grade food.

Dog B--collie, maybe gsh mix? Newly adopted--extremely underweight.

We just got her last night. You can see her ribs. I was told she was rescued (assuming she was dumped, and found on the road) about a month ago and she has been gaining weight steadily. She was on Pedigree (all they told me was green bag). Last night and this morning I have been feeding 2 cups (per feeding, four cups a day) of Iams Lamb and Rice, plus a protein supplement from when I rescued my other dog a year ago. She has a vet appointment Friday.

Any recommendations on food? Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Check out this group on yahoo.com:  RAWFEEDING

You might be pleasantly surprised!

Answer 2

Iams is really not a good dog food at all. If you're looking for something like that that's affordable but also much better for your dog, try Nutro. It's a little more expensive but it's much better for them and because it has more nutrients and vitamins, your dog will not need to eat quite as much as Iams... therefore you'll be paying about the same really. Nutro also has different formulas like sensitive stomach, high energy, large breed, ect. Even you're new pup if not sensitive like your other can have the sensitive stomach formulated dog food. I would really try this food. My dogs have been on it since puppies (they are now 3.5 and 4.5 yrs) and  have never had any kind of digestive problems. I also have a Chinese Shar Pei and they usually have some type of skin problem because that's how their breed is and mine has perfect skin. I think the Nutro is great for all dogs.

Answer 3

I'd recommend Wellness Core- Original formula. That's a great one for Shepherds and it has had no recalls. It's a well balanced food for a large breed dog.

If you've noticed that the dog tends to have sensitive skin, then this is a variation you could try:

Super5Mix Whitefish & Sweet Potato Recipe

Whatever you do, pick a great quality food and gradually switch to the new food.  Stomach upset/diarrhea is common if switching a dog suddenly from one dog food to another.

Kudos to you for rescuing and taking such good care of  this dog!

http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/dog_welln...

Answer 4

I feed my puppy Orijen. He loves it, it's well balanced and has all natural ingredients with no preservatives or fillers! Very healthy!

Answer 5

iams are very good for dogs.

Answer 6

Eagle Pack holistic!

I just bought it 4 days ago but my 4 month old puppy love it!

they have many different kidns but for the underweight maybe a puppy food  

Answer 7

2 brands that are much better than Iams for a reasonable price are National and Blackwood.  Both were developed for working dogs and are high in nutritional density which will help your new dog gain weight. Check their web sites,  especially the parts about their low temperature manufacturing processes.   A lot of people will recommend Canidae but it doesn't have enough protein and fat for active or underweight dogs.  

Answer 8

Canidea is good for any dog :D

Answer 9

All your dog's needs should be met easily through their dog food.

Unfortunately, the majority of dog food out there is really just junk with flavor spray so your dog will eat it. Mainly, the animal should have a diet that is consistent to the one they should biologically have.

There is one diet that is great for putting on weight and really giving puppies a head start. This is the BARF diet. Biologically appropriate raw food.  This diet strengthens the dog's system, and also nourishes deeply the development of your baby. Providing them with stronger immunity and a faster heal time.

As regular maintenance, you need to make sure that you STAY AWAY from ALL prepackaged food that contains corn or corn gluten. It is not only just filler, but it is actually what may cause cancer, stink, heavy waste loads, and shorter life spans in our dogs.

My dogs, have never eaten corn or anything that is processed with gluten. Don't get me wrong, carbs are needed for the dog, but just switch to rice or barley.

The regular dog food that my dogs eat (5 pitties) is a newer brand called LASSIE, great price and accessible usually at the local grocer, nature's way (farm select) petsmart, diamond (no corn) feed stores.

Their skin looks great, smells good, eyes bright, healthy beautiful teeth, maintained weight, and also if they get hurt or sick - their down time is minimal.

Answer 10

Get rid of both foods, you can already see that there are problems. Check into something like Wellness or Canidae.

Answer 11

We use 3 different types of food in our house but a lot depends on what you can afford and just because one food works well with one of your dogs doesn't mean it will work with the other. You may have to find different foods that met the needs of each of your pets.

We feed Canidae (L&R) to one of my females with allergies. Raw to my show female and and Kirkland Signature Chicken and Rice to my 2 big males.

Raw is always my food of choice but sometimes isn't possible due to cost or storage limitations but my next choice would be Canidae.

Answer 12

We feed Eagle Pack Holistic lamb for our lab mix who also has yeast allergies and digestive problems.  It took about a month or so and we have been problem free for 18 months, well worth it.  Maybe you could feed the pup a little more than recommended every day to bring her up to proper weight.  You should be able to feel a dogs ribs but not see them.  Sounds like you are off to a great start, good luck and enjoy!!

Answer 13

For what it's worth I feed my 5 dogs the nutro but I boil chicken livers with rice and mixed frozen vegetables.  It lasts for four days and I mix it with there dry food each night.  They all loveeeee it and are all healthy and happy.  Dogs seem to like there food warm.  Good luck

Answer 14

As you are wishing to switch off of Iams you obviously have some knowledge of what is going in there - congrats!

Now I would stay away from any commercial brands - Iams, Eukanuba, Science Diet, Ol-Roy, Beneful, Pedigree etc. They are all gross!

Some brands to consider are: Wellness, Innova EVO, Eagle Pack Holistic Select (make sure it's not just regular Eagle Pack), Orijen, or Oven Baked if you are on a budget.

I know Oven Baked has a lamb and rice formula so maybe you could consider that one. Eagle Pack has a duck and potato formula that could work also but it is fairly expensive - worth it, but expensive with 2 big dogs.  

Answer 15

I have two greyhounds who weight 64 and 61 and I feed them Nutro Nature's Choice.  It costs about $39.99 for 40 lbs.  I belong to a greyhound rescue group and that's what they recommend.  I only give them 1-1/2 cups two times a day but would give them more if they needed to gain weight.

Answer 16

I'd consider natural dog supplements. No matter how high-end the dog food, they still don't contain all the nutritional needs for your dog. I (and my dog) are fans of Dinovite. It's an all-natural powder that you mix in with your dog's food. My dog had a really finicky digestive system, and this helped calm her digestive track. You can read more about it at http://k9healthsolutions.com/product.htm... It also helps a dog's immune system.

As far as the anxiety problem, that should begin to dissipate as your dog becomes more comfortable around you.

Answer 17

i use nutra max its at pet smart it cost $30 for  40lb bag and it lasts they eat less and its easier to digest so less mess to clean.