Safe foods? Opinions!

scootersmom · April 20, 2007, 04:00:24 PM

I thought I was feeding Scooter safely with Nutro Senior Lamb and Brown Rice. Now I find out that there has been contaminated rice protein found in some food...which gives me some serious concerns about his current food.

I talked to Sue (Scooter's foster mom) today and she feeds Natural Balance with potato instead of grain in it. I also remember that some of the WW people used to feed Flint River Ranch or Solid Gold brand foods.

I have NO problem buying Scooter the expensive stuff off the 'Net. But I am curious...do any of you use any of these three brands? And if so, what do you recommend?

Thanks!

Valerie · April 20, 2007, 04:27:00 PM

I ddon't have specific info on those 3 brands, but can share my experience in looking for new food! (who knew dog food choices could be so overwhelming!)

I went to small boutique pet store here called Pet People- they specialize in more "natural" dog foods and treats. In fact, Nutro was the only food they had to pull for the recall. They gave me some good advice, and I thought I would pass onto you.

For a middle aged doxie that tends to have weight issues (like mine), they advised the Solid Gold may be too much protein and calories (but its a great food otherwise). Honest Kitchen makes a dehydrated food that follows the RAW diet, but again, may be too many calories.
The 2 foods they recommended I feed my chunky little weiner was California Natural or Wellness Super 5. I chose Wellness Super 5 Weight Management food - its protein source is chicken and it has no rice or wheat in it.

For both weight management foods, they did recommend a glucosamine supplement (not sure how old your dog is) as that is missing from the foods. Its good for their joints and backs.

I have been very happy with the Wellness foods- in fact I just bought some canned foods for Cookie to eat until she recovers from her dental work.

Hope that helps a little- it really helped me to go to a small pet store with a knowledgeable staff. Hopefully some others here can give you more advice. Good Luck!

doxielady5569128 · April 20, 2007, 04:32:15 PM

I'm in the same boat as you. Completely clueless. Porky's food was recalled and now I find myself searching for something new. With him I have to watch out for milk in the food as he has an allergy to milk. So, that really limits my options. Any ideas?? He can have food with very small amounts of milk, but not much at all or he explosions from both ends ( if you know what I mean.) Eeww!!!

I hope that you are able to find a good food for Scooter.

Mike · April 20, 2007, 07:00:07 PM

Hi Noel. I briefly fed Clifford Flint River Ranch when I switched him from Science diet 7 years ago. He gobbled it down just fine. After a couple of bags I switched to Solid Gold because I could get it locally and not have to plan ahead like with FRR. SG has several mixes and I will rotate around them to give him some variety. I was very pleased with the improvement in his coat and increased energy level, not to mention the reduction in his waste output. To find a store that carries SG, go to the store finder on their website.

www.solidgoldhealth.com

Merion · April 20, 2007, 08:57:17 PM

I am sticking with the Nutro. I don't normally use the canned. So the recall didn't affect me. The grains in the dry food are all from US sources. They do not import any grain from china for the dry foods and they make it at their own plants in TN and CA. I have been feeding it for 18 years and have been happy so I will stick with it. I was also told this is the first time in 80 years of making foods that they have had a recall. They are not happy with menu foods right now.
I am very happy with coats on this food. I had 3 people ask me what I was putting on Zena's coat at the show in Eau Claire. I told them nothing - it was the food that I use.
Merion & the ZZ's

papbouv · April 20, 2007, 10:21:29 PM

I was feeding Canidae to Buddy & Patches Gizmo was eating Parrie Rice & Chicken mostly eats people food now heck she is 14 so if I get anything into her its great. Changeed Patches over to the Wellness weight reduction food to see if I can get a little more weight off her just started it so time will tell.Buddy is doing well on the Canidae no grains in it does have white & brown rice in it though made in USA checked on the Web site.
Papbouv

Barb · April 22, 2007, 10:46:20 AM

When I first got Rudy and started learning about food - I started him off on Flint River Ranch. It was good, but had to order by mail order. I did some research on Solid Gold and found there were several distributors close to my work so I could pick up food at lunchtime. Rudy eats the Hudenflocken kibble and Brandy eats the canned food - usually the Chicken. Both still love it and it has been 5 yrs. They have a couple types of treats which are good - Turkey jerky and Tiny Tots.

Each time a new recall is announced - I quickly make sure Solid Gold isn't affected - so far so good !!! Check out their site and you can search to see if there are any distributors close to you !

MindyKay · April 23, 2007, 07:52:13 AM

I've gone to feeding Ozzy Castor and Pollux Organic food. No fillers whatsoever. It is expensive, at aboug $3.00 per can.

April · April 23, 2007, 10:49:40 AM

I've tried Wellness with mine, but had to stop because they contain tomato and Cajsa is VERY allergic to tomato. Otherwise they were really good - Gretchen did well on them. I've fed Solid Gold to the girls and had great success. Currently they are on the small breed formula. I can't remember the name, but it's in a pink bag and is tiny bites, it also smells like fish. For a while they were eating Newman's Own Chicken and Rice formula, but I changed it after feeding the same thing for over a year. The store I buy it from was out and the girls were out of food as well so I had to get something else - that's how I switched back to Solid Gold. I liked both the Newman's Own and the Solid Gold for the girls and I don't think either of them has had a recall. The girls did well on both of them and seem happy. They are 11.5-12 pounds and get about 1/2-2/3 cup of food a day to maintain their weight.

scootersmom · April 26, 2007, 10:38:37 AM

THANK YOU to everyone for your input! I've done some looking around, and have found two "Pet Food Boutiques" in the area which sell most of the foods you've recommended. I'm going to head out there this weekend and talk to the folks who work there, maybe pick up a couple smallish bags of food, and see what Scooter likes.

(besides a diet comprised solely of ham, bacon, and cupcakes, that is)

You all are the BEST!