Should I change puppy food? - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

BudnHouston · 02-14-2013, 11:27 AM

Uno is almost 14 weeks old. The breeder told us to feed him Pro Plan Large breed puppy food. He seems to do well, his stools are firm, he eats good. I'm just concerned about the negative reviews i see for PP large breed puppy food. The breeder, Cambria, has many champions, and knows way more than i do from reading. I live in Houston, and would like to buy his food close by at either PetCo or Pet Smart.

Suggestions?

jdd · 02-14-2013, 11:44 AM

Lots of show people feed Pro Plan. I have for years. If the puppy does well in it I would continue feeding it. Lost people I know feed Pro Plan and have for years. I'm sure others will disagree.

brw1982 · 02-14-2013, 11:45 AM

If your pup does well on it, I see no reason to change it but that's just me.

After having raised a puppy who didn't have a decent poop before a year old, I won't fix something that's not broken, and there are way worse foods out there than Pro Plan!

ACarrigDobermans · 02-14-2013, 12:08 PM

My dogs dog wonderful on Pro Plan. I feed Performance all life stages which I think is now Sport all life stages. Black, Grey and Purple bag with a pointer head on it. I starting using it a few years ago and I have no intentions of changing. My puppies do great on it from weaning to adulthood.

BudnHouston · 02-14-2013, 02:04 PM

Thanks. I feel better knowing others are using it and happy with the results. I guess it's another case of "don't fix it if it isn't broken."

avianantics · 02-14-2013, 03:39 PM

I agree, don't change if it is working for you. I know lots and lots of people that feed Purina Pro Plan with great results. In fact, I feed a raw diet, but my boy was with Ann & Jim for 6 weeks a couple of years ago, and we just switched him over to Pro Plan for convenience, before we dropped him off, and he did just fine on it, was happy, healthy and looked great when I picked him up.

I switched back to raw and continue to feed raw, however, would have no qualms with Pro Plan if for any reason I needed to feed commercial dog food.

the_discowhore · 02-14-2013, 04:03 PM

I fed Pro Plan before I fed raw, and Elsie did great on it.

Paw Spa · 02-14-2013, 04:46 PM

I'm of the opinion, that just because an animal can survive on a certain food, doesn't mean it's healthy for them. Here is the link to a list of ingredients in your food:

Puppy Large Breed Formula - Dry Dog Food - FOCUS - Purina® Pro Plan®

First of all, the corn gluten meal is a huge no no. After having two pets in my family die of cancer-both of which were on Purina-I firmly believe that the GMOs from the corn played a major role. Secondly, I try to avoid food formulas containing wheat or wheat products. As a groomer, I see all kinds of skin conditions and allergies. And with 90% of my clients, I have seen a change of diet to a grain free formula vastly improve or 100% heal the skin issues.

While Pro Plan is not the worst food out there, here are some other, better options:

My first choice is premade frozen raw. Vital essentials is my personal preference as it is strictly meat, organ meat, ground bone, and trace vitamins and minerals.

Some other dry foods I like are:

Earthborn (grain free)
Wellness (grain free)--available at Petco
Innova (grain free formula)
Orijen-available at Petsmart and Petco
Evo
Solid Gold (grain free) available at Petco

I am not a fan of Blue Buffalo as I don't care for how they cook the different kibbles differently.

Just my two cents! You puppy is absolutely stunning by the way!

wolfgirl1987 · 02-14-2013, 04:46 PM

I tried several different foods for my boy, in the 4 and 5 star rating on dog food adviser and he rarely had a firm poop. I went with Nutro's Natural Choice, which is rated 3 star, and hes doing great on it. good formed poops twice a day.

the_discowhore · 02-14-2013, 04:49 PM

I tried Orijen and acana (none of the other high rated dog foods are available in my country) and Elsie always had soft stool all the time. I don't think food is as clear cut as some people try to make it

I feed raw now because it isn't expensive and I like knowing exactly what my dog is eating. I don't think feeding dogs should be rocket science, it's really not that difficult.

Beaumont67 · 02-14-2013, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beaumont67

Top Rated Organic Dog Treats Best Organic Dog Treats 2013
The Castor & Pollux Organix Dog Cookies, Peanut Butter Flavor are the top rated organic dog treats on the market.
The ingredients are 95% organic and contain no wheat or corn. They are small drumstick shaped and low-calorie at only 9 calories each.
- I also buy the peanut butter flavor, for a YorkiePoo and Dobe...4.8 out of 5 star review
Also available is Organic Chicken Flavor and Organic Cheddar Cheese Flavor.

Organic Peanut Butter Flavor Castor Pollux Organix Cookies Dog Treats
Ingredients - Organic Chicken, Organic Peas, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Oats, Organic Barley, Organic Chicken Fat naturally preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), Natural Chicken Liver Flavor, Organic Natural Peanut Butter Flavor, Organic Flaxseed, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) 15.0%
Crude Fat (min) 14.0%
Crude Fiber (max) 5.0%
Moisture (max) 10.0%

+1 Paw Spa

I only feed 4 or 5 star dog foods, nothing less and treats have to be real healthy too.
Dog Food Reviews and Ratings | Dog Food Advisor
I feed Holistic Blend lamb & rice and tried their grain free chicken/salmon formuls (no difference seen).
Holistic Blend Dog Food Formulas, All Life Stages Lamb and Rice Formula - Holistic Blend

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfgirl1987

I tried several different foods for my boy, in the 4 and 5 star rating on dog food adviser and he rarely had a firm poop. I went with Nutro's Natural Choice, which is rated 3 star, and hes doing great on it. good formed poops twice a day.

^^^^ I won't feed kibble with Beep Pulp, it is added to be a cheap filler for stool stablizer, in dry food lacking some in healthy source ingredients.
Danger in your dog food: Beet pulp http://www.examiner.com/article/dang...food-beet-pulp
Quote:
Beet pulp is a controversial filler. It is a by-product, being dried residue from sugar beets which has been cleaned and extracted in the process of manufacturing sugar. It is a controversial ingredient in dog food, claimed by some manufacturers to be a good source of fibre, and derided by others as an ingredient added to slow down the transition of rancid animal fats and causing stress to kidney and liver in the process. We note that beet pulp is an ingredient that commonly causes problems for dogs, including allergies and ear infections, and prefer not to see it used in dog food. There are less controversial products around if additional fibre is required.

This list is how I tend to judge kibble:
Can NOT contain: Animal By-Products, Poultry Fat, BHT, BHA, Ethoxyquin, Corn, Wheat, Soya, Sugar, Salt, Brewers Rice or Beet Pulp

Paw Spa · 02-14-2013, 07:10 PM

Amen Beumont!! Well said!

Beaumont67 · 02-14-2013, 07:15 PM

Forgot to add - I don't feed puppy food, only "all life stages" (ALS).
Must read, posted by LindaH: Why "Overgrowing" Your Large Breed Puppy is Dangerous

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beaumont67

I have had a side business selling only higher end pet food, for 12 years now.
11 years ago, I stoped stocking puppy food and switched my puppy customers over to all life stages (ALS).
- in the wild, a fox or wolf feeds its litter part of the daily kill, no special baby food formula
- puppy food is also higher priced per pound, good marketing "BS"

Our Vet is respected in the race horse group (w/35 years experience) and he also told me a slow & controlled growth (in both horses and dogs) avoids many health problems later...and the animal does eventually end up its god given size & weight...just over a few extra months.

Great info. sticky LindaH...thks. for sharing.

stryker2 · 02-14-2013, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paw Spa

I'm of the opinion, that just because an animal can survive on a certain food, doesn't mean it's healthy for them. Here is the link to a list of ingredients in your food:

Puppy Large Breed Formula - Dry Dog Food - FOCUS - Purina® Pro Plan®

Very handsome boy!
First of all, the corn gluten meal is a huge no no. After having two pets in my family die of cancer-both of which were on Purina-I firmly believe that the GMOs from the corn played a major role. Secondly, I try to avoid food formulas containing wheat or wheat products. As a groomer, I see all kinds of skin conditions and allergies. And with 90% of my clients, I have seen a change of diet to a grain free formula vastly improve or 100% heal the skin issues.

While Pro Plan is not the worst food out there, here are some other, better options:

My first choice is premade frozen raw. Vital essentials is my personal preference as it is strictly meat, organ meat, ground bone, and trace vitamins and minerals.

Some other dry foods I like are:

Earthborn (grain free)
Wellness (grain free)--available at Petco
Innova (grain free formula)
Orijen-available at Petsmart and Petco
Evo
Solid Gold (grain free) available at Petco

I am not a fan of Blue Buffalo as I don't care for how they cook the different kibbles differently.

Just my two cents! You puppy is absolutely stunning by the way!

Very handsome boy!
Totally agree with Paw Spa and Beaumont67. corn gluten meal (Crap), whole grain wheat (Crap), animal fat preserved (For sure Crap What kind of animal?),
menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity) Crap BAD stuff) Also need to feed good treats. Nothing made in China.
We feed Acana mixed with a little bit of Orijen and then RAW 3 days a week.
Also to keep him healthy is not to over vaccinate (core vaccines and 1 yr booster then Titer) and do not Neuter until 18-24mo.

Sam1491 · 02-14-2013, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BudnHouston

Thanks. I feel better knowing others are using it and happy with the results. I guess it's another case of "don't fix it if it isn't broken."

Exactly,

BUT it's also one of those things where if you want to try something better for him and it works or even if it doesn't you have the peace of mine you're feeding him the best you can. I was on PurinaOne, tried rich foods like Acana and Natures Variety and she can't tolerate them, so I went down level by level in quality to the best she can stand which is fromm and american natural premium both by the Burlo pet food company. My wallet doesn't hate the cost of ANP either!

Don't forget gas is also a sign of how well the food is working for the dog as well as quantity of stools, it should be relative to meals and not seem overly sized for the dog and quantity taken in.
I love mabel's farts now lol...weird I know but for the first time in my dog history, they don't stink stink. It's so easily tolerable, I don't even clear the room lol

Not saying you aren't by feeding pro plan, as stated by others many people do and I'm not at all against that compared to far worse foods!

ACarrigDobermans · 02-15-2013, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paw Spa

I'm of the opinion, that just because an animal can survive on a certain food, doesn't mean it's healthy for them. Here is the link to a list of ingredients in your food:

Puppy Large Breed Formula - Dry Dog Food - FOCUS - Purina® Pro Plan®

First of all, the corn gluten meal is a huge no no. After having two pets in my family die of cancer-both of which were on Purina-I firmly believe that the GMOs from the corn played a major role. Secondly, I try to avoid food formulas containing wheat or wheat products. As a groomer, I see all kinds of skin conditions and allergies. And with 90% of my clients, I have seen a change of diet to a grain free formula vastly improve or 100% heal the skin issues.

While Pro Plan is not the worst food out there, here are some other, better options:

My first choice is premade frozen raw. Vital essentials is my personal preference as it is strictly meat, organ meat, ground bone, and trace vitamins and minerals.

Some other dry foods I like are:

Earthborn (grain free)
Wellness (grain free)--available at Petco
Innova (grain free formula)
Orijen-available at Petsmart and Petco
Evo
Solid Gold (grain free) available at Petco

I am not a fan of Blue Buffalo as I don't care for how they cook the different kibbles differently.

Just my two cents! You puppy is absolutely stunning by the way!

I personally have tried ALL OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED FOODS and then some. My dogs STILL look their best on pro plan. Hands Down. The proof is in my dogs. I do know others have had good luck with the above mentioned foods. I can personally say my dogs have not.

Sam1491 · 02-15-2013, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACarrigDobermans

I personally have tried ALL OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED FOODS and then some. My dogs STILL look their best on pro plan. Hands Down. The proof is in my dogs. I do know others have had good luck with the above mentioned foods. I can personally say my dogs have not.

Same here!

You can talk top quality all day, but some dogs just physically don't do as well on it as an apparently "crap food"..idk about everyone else but I'd sure as heck pick purinaONE or proplan over beneful, ole roy, pedigree, and true crap foods.

Mabel cannot handle most of the high quality foods mentioned, and hannah especially cannot!

BudnHouston, do you have a petsuppliesplus nearby? depending on location they can carry a large variety of variably priced higher quality foods IF you want to switch.

Rosemary · 02-15-2013, 02:43 PM

I always say that the "right" food is one your dog likes, does well on and that you can afford. No point in sacrificing on something else to buy $70 a bag super-premium food if your dog doesn't do well on it or hates it.

I tried Innova (two different formulas), and all three dogs had horrible loose, icky, runny poops, and the world's stinkiest farts. Right now, they are on Tractor Suppy's 4Health Salmon and Potato, and are doing great. They have shiny coats and Ilka and Leo have almost entirely quit licking and scratching. My only complaint would be that their poops are a bit larger and more often than I'd really like, but they are not runny, and the farts are much less numerous, and not as stinky as on other brands. And I really appreciate the price.

ACarrigDobermans · 02-15-2013, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosemary

I always say that the "right" food is one your dog likes, does well on and that you can afford. No point in sacrificing on something else to buy $70 a bag super-premium food if your dog doesn't do well on it or hates it.

I tried Innova (two different formulas), and all three dogs had horrible loose, icky, runny poops, and the world's stinkiest farts. Right now, they are on Tractor Suppy's 4Health Salmon and Potato, and are doing great. They have shiny coats and Ilka and Leo have almost entirely quit licking and scratching. My only complaint would be that their poops are a bit larger and more often than I'd really like, but they are not runny, and the farts are much less numerous, and not as stinky as on other brands. And I really appreciate the price.

LUCKY I so wanted the 4Health to work for my dogs but they all ended up with dry coats.

SO back to the Pro Plan we went.

Rosemary · 02-15-2013, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACarrigDobermans

LUCKY I so wanted the 4Health to work for my dogs but they all ended up with dry coats.

SO back to the Pro Plan we went.

No proof, but I suspect some allergies/sensitivities in both girls, and am trying to eliminate corn, wheat, and chicken from their diet. Ilka was always licking her feet and under/around her tail, and Leo always seemed to be scratching. Now, it's not nearly as bad in either girl. I tried a different brand of salmon based food, and they went right back to scratching and licking. My only real complaint is that the only TSC in the area is literally on the exact opposite end of town from me.

ZeldaRules · 02-15-2013, 04:02 PM

Prime was on pro plan but I switched to a higher quality when I brought him home. What part of Houston? There are Natural Pawz all around the city. There are also random pet supply stores around town that carry great brands. Raw or high quality kibble is going to be the best nutritionally wise, more nutrients are retained, but through breeding and breeding and breeding I think we've kind of destroyed the Dog's ability to handle what they should be able to naturally.

Beaumont67 · 02-15-2013, 06:28 PM

YOU MAY SAY & anyone else, for that matter !!
You can talk top quality all day:
----->> so I will personally, and share a real life example !!

Our $300 puppy (equals 3/4 month, take home pay), born in 1977 was fed SH*t brand kibble nutrition (by us), at the advice of our respected breeder...that HELP start the Canadian Pinscher club in 1955...so no BYB here.
(Father FANDANGO was apprased @ 4,000 Canadian dollars, before he was even proven (with 1st litter mating).
- this Stud Boy was most regal & majestic
- awesome perfect head and color markings(that stood out to me)...IMO....and my wife and I had FM pick of the litter

In loving memory...Tanya (1977-1986) ==>> dead of cancer @ 9-1/2 y/o:...daily diet consisted of low end nutrition, only available at the time.

Now beloved Amy dead @ 11.7 y/o, and only feed a combination of expensive kibble and daily home cooked meals of meat/rice/veggies.

^^^^ First dobe was terminal sick ($750 Vet bill in 1986 terms) and passed at the breed average life expctancy.
While our 2nd girl lived 2.2 years longer or 25% more...NOT kibble poisened daily, like the 1st one was IOP now.
You be the judge // and my mind is already made up, saving $25 on a large bag of dog food, is no longer a concern of mine !!
- and 14 idle years (without a new dober) between dog #1 and dog #2...the morning was 2-5 years for mom & dad...and quilty of not knowing better
(shortened it's life, was probably 100% food related ... dobe #1 experience & a lesson learned) <<--- never to be repeated, in our life time

Rouleaux · 02-15-2013, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paw Spa

Orijen-available at Petsmart and Petco

I am not a fan of Blue Buffalo as I don't care for how they cook the different kibbles differently.

I don't think Champion Pet Foods sells to big chain pet stores such as Petco or Petsmart... Just "Mom n' Pop" shops... There are only 2 stores in my area that carry it.

Cambria makes some stunning dogs

Sam1491 · 02-15-2013, 10:40 PM

beaumont

I'm not disputing qualties advantages, but sometimes dogs plain and simple don't do as well.
Mabel on Natures Variety for instance, did a number on her kidneys...
Things like Acana give her a bad coat and gas and hannah gets the squirts.

I got a dobe friend of mine to switch of beneful to ANP, fromm gave them diahrrea and gas...

Quality food that supports your dog and extends their life is the food that the dog does the best on and that doesn't put you into unnecessary debt...plain and simple.

JNKHANGMAN · 02-16-2013, 05:20 PM

Late on this post but agree that you should stay with a brand that works for your pup.
We are using the Blue Buffalo LB and Gracie is doing great on it. Her coat is jet black shiny and tight stool. She eats it well, better that the Innova LB.

Cambria is just around the corner from us. I inquired about one of there pups and they were spoken for from November litter. How did you come about one of theirs? Sounds like the December litter they had. They have very good dobermans I hear.

John/Indiana