What dry kibble do you perfer?

Question

Angel is turning six next month,

Shes a Border collie Lab Cross.

This summer, as well as last summer, she gets hot spots, and I know that corn in dog food isn't good for them, so after I read all the ingredients in the food I couldn't be more surprised of how much junk its in there.

I was thinking on feeding Nature Variety's Instinct.

But you know, holistic dog foods and the good ones are so expensive.

What dry kibble do your dogs prefer?

And Which brand of holistic dog foods are the best, which are cheaper, Which do you use?!.

I know they will all be pretty expensive still.

Answer 1

I use Merrick and Canidae for my dog. (I alternate between the two foods whenever a bag runs out.)

As for price, I believe Canidae and Chicken Soup are the cheapest priced. About $1 per pound.

There is no food that is the *best*, different individual dog may thrive on different foods.

What you want to find is the HIGH-QUALITY food that *your dog* does best on.

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Here is what I look for in dog food ingredients:

1) When I chose a dog food, I chose one high meat content. I want to see preferably at least 2-3 out of the top 5 ingredients be meat or meat meal (first ingredient must be!). Meal is simply the meat with the moisture removed.

2) I want to see higher quality grains, such as barley, brown rice, and oatmeal, instead of seeing wheat and corn. Or an alternative starch/carbohydrate such as potatoes or sweet potatoes.

3) I don't want to see any byproducts.

4) I don't want to see a lot of fillers.

5) I don't want to see preservatives that are believed to be carcinogens (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin).

6) I don't want to see artificial colorings such as the Red, Blue, and Yellow dyes.

7) I don't want to see added sugars (sugar, corn syrup).

8) I don't want to see mystery meats (meats identified only as "meat" or "poultry".)

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Here are some examples of GOOD dog foods:

* Artemis Fresh Mix

* Blue Buffalo

* California Natural

* Canidae

* Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul

* Eagle Pack Holistic Selects

* EVO

* Fromm Four Star

* Innova

* Merrick

* Nature's Variety

* Orijen

* Solid Gold

* Taste of the Wild

* Wellness

* ZiwiPeak

Or check this website; the 4, 5, or 6 star rated foods are all good foods. http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_...

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Answer 2

I use Go Natural.  Natural food is a bit more expensive, but they eat less of it.. even though it doesn't completely balance out in price, it helps even the price playing field.

Answer 3

I use James Wellbeloved for my 2 Labradors and although it seems expensive it goes further as you give less than with other dry kibble. If you are in the USA then there is a lot of choice but I'd advise to go with the most expensive you can afford and keep an eye on the ingredients. The first item should be either meat or protein. It shouldn't be cereal as that means it has less protein in the mix.I personally use a senior one for my almost 10 year old and a sensitive hypo-allergenic one for my 4 year old with sensitive tummy. Good luck with your choice. Cathy

Answer 4

Which brand of food is best depends on the individual dog and what they do best on.  Some dogs don't do well on a particular food even if it is an excellent food.  I use Canidae.  It has no corn, wheat, or soy and my dogs do very well on it.  And it isn't really any more expensive than most of the "premium" brands that do have corn and other common allergens.  Even if you do end up choosing a food that is "pretty expensive," keep in mind that dogs don't have to eat as much of the good stuff as they do of the cheap stuff AND you will save money by not having to go to the vet as often.

I would also like to add that while corn isn't really very good for dogs, your dogs hot spots might also be caused by seasonal allergies if she only gets them in the summer.  Upgrading the food will probably help because higher quality food supports the immune system better, but keep an eye out for hot spots at this time of year anyway since some dogs will have seasonal allergies regardless of what food they are on. Just something to think about.

Answer 5

I feed my dog either Pedigree or Banfield. Sometimes I alternate so that he won't get tired of his food. Both brands are cheap too. Since you have a Collie you might want to buy a food thats good for his fur, that makes it shiny. I have a pomeranian and he fur looks smooth and shiny and he doesn't have any problems either. Good Luck.

Answer 6

Burn's Adult Dog Food is Good, my dog LOVES it!!  Also Iams but Burn's is better!

Answer 7

We use Canidae, Kirkland Signature and a Raw Diet (several dogs and it would be nice to be able to feed everyone the same food but they all have different requirements.)

Answer 8

We feed our dogs Canidae All Life Stages. It is fairly expensive compared to the "grocery store brands", but much, much better for your dog. It has no fillers, artificial preservatives or by-products.

Answer 9

i feed all my dogs Canidae, its a very high quality food, and is some what cheap on price.

Answer 10

It depends on where you live,we give our dalmatians "BURNS" dog food as this a natural as it can be & is suited to dogs with allergys (Dalmatians are allergic to wheat products or red meat) Or there Is " JAMES WELLBELOVED" This is basically the same as the "Burns" dog food just a different make,here are their websites.:

http://www.burns-pet-nutrition.co.uk/

                      

                   And

http://www.wellbeloved.com/

Hope this helps.x*x

P.S TO BETH, "IAMS" PET FEEDS ARE CRUEL, THIS SITE SHOULD MAKE YOU THINK. (Just thought i would let you know!)x*x

http://www.iamscruelty.com/

Answer 11

Are you in the UK? If so James Wellbeloved is good .

Its all natural ingredients and no known allergens (such as beef, dogs shouldn't eat beef apparently) You can get a few flavours. My dog loves it mixed with a bit of veg.

Its about £6 for 3kg but you can get bigger bags that are better value. Pets at Home sell it.

Answer 12

I use Canidae All Stages for my 3 dogs they love it and look great.