posted 02-18-2004 05:18 AM         

Just my two cents on everything.

posted 02-18-2004 09:31 PM         

quote:

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Are most of these brands at the pet store or do you order it?

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There are several good brands that can be found at the larger chain pet stores such as Nutro, Natural Balance, and Royal Canin Natural Blend. Some of the other good brands can only be found at small feed stores. Most of the manufacturers websites have store locators on them so you can go to the websites of the brands that you are interested in and find out if they are available in your area. I can get many of the better brands close by in my area. Good luck.

posted 02-18-2004 10:25 PM         

And in response to the vet carrying science diet...the vet I worked at also carried science diet foods only. (I also saw him kick a cat in the month I worked there) Anyways...Hills (science diet owner) also produces a full line of products for specialized health problems including after surgery foods and more. Theres probably 15 different varieties. Since they have this full line of products that are probably very cheap just like their main product considering the ingredients...vets carry these and get a package deal. They order in bulk and probably makes the most sense financially to just go ahead and purchase all food from one company. This is why science diet is used. I dont know that any other major dog food companies have a line like hills does so they monopolize that part of the dog food business. Just because your dog eats it when he gets boarded at the vet...does NOT mean it is an okay product.

posted 02-20-2004 01:56 PM         

(Note: Some might say that of course they would recommend it b/c it is sold in their offices. No, I completely trust their honest opinion b/c for a couple of reasons. Number one, they are close friends and would not look me straight in the eye and upright lie if they knew a different brand was better. And number two, they are well aware that I don't by food from their offices; so in other words, they are not looking for a sale.) Studies have been conducted to show that such top of the line commercial foods are indeed safe and effective in promoting the health and well-being in the dogs that are fed such brands.

Bottom line, I have done the research, talked to professionals, and SD will continue to be one of the dog food brands that my pups are fed.

Every dog owner will have a different opinion on this issue, and there are rightfully so entitled to it. I guess it all comes down to this...feed your dog what YOU feel safe in feeding him/her based on your research.

[This message has been edited by MyBabyShihPoo (edited 02-20-2004).]

posted 02-20-2004 04:59 PM         

Since I know my vets on a personal level, I have been around them enough (in and out of the office) to know that they are unquestionably intelligent and genuinely caring people (caring for both humankind and the animal world). Therefore, I put a lot of stock into their opinions and trust what they say to be the sincere truth.

As far as your comments about the food itself, I can tell you this, I have heard everything you said and then some concerning it, therefore it does not bear repeating. (Your info. is great for someone who has NEVER researched the issue, and is looking for one side of the argument.) As a matter of fact, the only reason why I researched the matter is b/c I did hear about such concerns as the ones you are bringing up.

Now I am not quite sure if you fully read my post or not, but I will repeat myself for your sake. I DID talk to NUMEROUS vets who coincidentally came up with a general consensus that SD is most assuredly excellent. Vets surely aren't geniuses, but I can tell you this, *MOST* do indeed know significantly more about this issue than the "average Joe"! I will believe in what my vets have told me, and the studies which have been conducted that my vets base their opinion on. Take it or leave it...I take it, you obviously choose to leave it, and that is fine.

In your comment, "please do the research", again, let me say what I said in my previous post. I HAVE as a matter of fact done the research ON MY OWN! If you question the correctness of the research in which I have read, that is your prerogative, but please don't question whether I have done it, for that really is not part of your knowledge!

I feel confident that what I feed my dogs, especially SD, is safe and effective in promoting the wellness of their health. Thus, despite some criticism, I will continue to feed it to them. Feed your dogs what YOU feel is best, as I will with mine.

Thank You!

posted 02-20-2004 08:18 PM         

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Science Diet is an exceptional brand of dog food being one of the highest quality ones on the market.

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Please explain which ingredients in this food make it exceptional? The Corn? Salt? Chicken by products??

Lets look at the first half of their ingredients in one of their brands of food. I've bolded the ingredients that are ok for most dogs (the last line is debatable but not getting into that) -

Corn meal, chicken by-product meal, soybean meal, animal fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), flaxseed , chicken liver flavor, dried egg product, dried carrots , dried spinach , dried grape pomace, dried tomato pomace, dried citrus pulp, vegetable oil, oat fiber, taurine, L-carnitine, preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid, minerals (salt, potassium chloride, ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate, sodium selenite),

This one is Natures Best with Beef by science diet:

Brewers rice, ground wheat, turkey meal, corn gluten meal, soybean meal, animal fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), beef, vegetable oil, peas, carrots, chicken liver flavor, dried beet pulp, flaxseed, dried egg product, L-lysine, iron oxide, L-tryptophan, preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid, minerals (salt, potassium chloride, ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate, sodium selenite),

Notice how its a food called "with beef" but beef is 7th (!!!) on the list. This food should be called Science diet Rice & Wheat with Turkey Meal

IMO, this is not a quality food. I'm not saying don't feed it, but I would certainly question a food that is full of fillers and chemical preservatives. Sure a dog may be doing fine now but its the long run that counts, and by then the damage is done

posted 02-20-2004 08:20 PM         

Everyone has their own opinion about what food is best for THEIR dog. I personally feed California Natural (after going through several other premium foods). Science Diet cerainly isn't the worst food you can give your dogs; if it agrees with them, go for it. There are also a lot higher quality dog foods out there as well. I would just go by what suits your dog.

As far as Iams, I wouldn't feed that just because of the way they treat the animals in their labs. Vets prefer SD because of the marketing that goes into it; not the greatest food in the world, but like I said, if it works for your dog then use it.

posted 02-20-2004 09:23 PM         

As I have said, and will no longer repeat myself or further argue the topic after this post, SD is one of the brands that I will continue to feed my dogs without hesitation or fear that I am feeding them a "bad brand"! If SD was such a terrible brand we would have dogs dying left and right at a rapid rate, obviously that is not the case. Dog are living to record ages and the health of dogs is better now than ever!

As with almost every issue in life, there are two sides. Some choose take one side, other choose the other, and some are indifferent. I have chosen one side, pro SD, and I will forever stay there despite criticism from a select few!

You obviously strongly disapprove of the fact that I feed my pups SD, and that is fine, but it is not YOUR dog so LET IT BE...and for my, and everyone else's sakes, GIVE IT A REST ALREADY! Come on folks, there are truly more important things to worry about and argue over in life than what brand of food people feed their dog! Take that energy and time and use it toward the important issues of the world, this argument over dog food is surely NOT one of them!!!

Thank You!

To address those specifically:

MistressKela~
"If you truly did the research then you would have found the same things that I found. How can you tell me that it is okay to feed your dogs a food that contains the elements I stated?"

Your questioning of my research is senseless as you have no clue as to what I have researched and who I have spoken to. Listen, if you don't like the food I feed my dogs that is perfectly fine, I am not looking for your satisfaction nor approval!

"How do you sleep at night?"
Being so dramatic really isn't necessary...there are outlets for that, please!

Jas:

"Please explain which ingredients in this food make it exceptional? The Corn? Salt? Chicken by products??..." (I won't quote the rest in an effort not to make this post longer than need be)

I think I am beginning to sound like a broken record. I've read it, heard it, researched it, talked about it with vets, and I am fully aware of it. Having done all that, do I think it's a bad brand? Nope, and never will!

The issue of corn seems to be arising multiple times, and it, quite frankly, is overemphasized so I will address that particular one. This quote (from http://secondchanceranch.org/rawmeat_crane.html) just about says it all:
"The most commonly used grain in pet foods is corn. About 99% or the starch fraction of the grain is digested in dogs. This holds true of nearly all grains. The starch fraction of any grain contributes carbohydrates which are a source of rapidly available energy that does not require the kidneys to process it before it can be utilized. The protein fraction of corn, which is highly digestible in dogs, contributes valuable amino acid building blocks. Grains like corn also contribute high levels of naturally occurring Omega Fatty acids. 100,000 years of genetic mutation and natural selection made it possible for domestic dogs to derive a significant amount of value out of grains."

In conclusion everyone, YOU feed YOUR dog(s) what YOU want, as I will with MY dogs! Any questions or comments geared toward me are welcome, but do realize that I will not be looking at this particular thread again as I feel as though it has become quite ridiculous with all the arguing, and therefore will not add fuel to the fire. I think this particular subject is as dead as a doornail, so to speak! I think we are all mature adults here and have better things to do than argue over DOG FOOD...I know I do, so I will no longer debate such an insignificant issue.

Best of luck to y'all with your dogs and I wish the best for both them and you!

posted 02-20-2004 09:40 PM         

Lamb Meal | Ground Millet | Ground Brown Rice | Ground Barley | Menhaden Fish Meal | Canola Oil | Flaxseed Oil | Rice Bran | Garlic | Amaranth | Blueberries | Yucca Schidigera Extract | Taurine | Carotene | Choline Chloride | Calcium Carbonate | Vitamin E Supplement | Iron Proteinate | Vitamin A Supplement | Zinc Proteinate | Niacin Supplement | Folic Acid | Thiamine | Pyridoxine Hydrochloride | Manganese Proteinate | Menadione Sodium Bisulfate Complex | Copper Proteinate | Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide |

and another
Wellness:
Deboned Chicken, Ground Barley, Oatmeal, Rye Flour, Menhaden Fishmeal, Whitefish, Ground Brown Rice, Ground Millet, Canola Oil (preserved with Rosemary, Vitamin C & E), Flax Seed, Amaranth, Dried Peas, Dried Carrots, Whole Sweet Potatoes, Whole Apples, Whole Blueberries, Whole Clove Garlic, Alfalfa Leaf, Yucca Schidigera, Probiotics (Lactobacillus Plantarum, Enterococcus Faecium, Lactobacillus Casei, Lactobacillus Acidophilus), Prebiotics (Inulin, Fructose), Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Beta-Carotene, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate (a chelated source of Zinc), Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate (a chelated source of Copper), Copper Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate ( a chelated source of Manganese), Sodium Selenite, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Riboflavin Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid.

Chicken soup for the dog lovers soul:

Fresh, Pure, Wholesome Ingredients Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, whole grain brown rice, whole grain white rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), oatmeal, potatoes, cracked pearled barley, millet, duck, salmon, egg product, flaxseed, natural chicken flavor, kelp, carrots, peas, apples, dried skim milk, cranberry powder, rosemary extract, parsley flake, potassium chloride, salt, choline chloride, dried chicory root, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite (source of vitamin K activity), riboflavin, vitamin D supplement, folic acid.

posted 02-20-2004 10:06 PM         

I feel its only fair that future viewers to this thread see all sides to a statement such as

quote:

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_______ is an exceptional brand of dog food being one of the highest quality ones on the market.

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I'd also like to point out (to no one in particular) that food alone isn't the sole factor that determines health and longevity. Exercise, environment & genetics are involved in that as well! For everyone one dog feed poor quality food that just happened to live to an old age - I'll bet there is one (or more) dog that didn't live long due to eating poor quality food. It goes both ways.

posted 02-20-2004 11:11 PM         

If I get rude it is only because I see people deliberately hurting their animals and I see enough animal cruelty in the world as it is every day. Would you eat a hot dog? Sure. They taste yummy too. Would you give your kid a hot dog? Sure...its okay. Would you feed your kid a hot dog every meal every day for the rest of their life? Didn't think so.

Dogs die all over the place..in what imaginary world do you live in? Work one week in a vet...you'll be astonished at the number of animals dying all the time. Of all ages. You know how people smoke? And how smoking is bad and can cause cancer? Do 100% of smokers die from cancer? No. Do you smoke?

Jas made some excellent posts. If everyone took the "Its not YOUR dog its someone elses dog..what does it matter to YOU?" There would still be tons of dogs being abused behind closed doors....animal control wouldnt exist...animal testing would be more rampant than it already is....god. Think before you say things like that. Of COURSE people who love animals are going to take the conditions of other animals into their hands.

ilovemaltipoos: http://www.iamscruelty.com/ Read and then come back.

posted 02-23-2004 02:11 PM         

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If I get rude it is only because I see people deliberately hurting their animals and I see enough animal cruelty in the world as it is every day.

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I think it is a stretch to call feeding a dog Science Diet animal cruelty. Not feeding a dog is cruelty. Feeding a dog something other than dog food is cruelty. Feeding a dog the cheapest crappy dog food you can find, not the best thing in the world. Feeding a dog Science Diet, NOT cruelty.

posted 02-23-2004 04:14 PM         

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Jas and Mistresscleo,
if your so 'against' all these recomended brands then wheat do you feed your dogs?

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I'm trying to find where I said I was against "all these recommened brands"???? FYI I am not 'against' any method of feeding. I posted the other brands - Wellness, Solid Gold and Chicken Soup for comparison sake to as they are known to be quality brands of kibble.

I feed all my dogs RAW, all raw, with the exception of an old and very sick girl. She refuses raw and I am adamantly against making her starve herself because of what *I* think is best for her. It's a miracle if I can get her to eat anything most days.

goofie_newfie686 You wrote :

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I feed Raw completely RAW

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Let me get this straight you feed all raw but also wrote:

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Science Diet is one of the best brands out there. most dogs REALLY like it and it also comes in small kibble for our little dogs.

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I'm confused?