Thinking on changing dog food

[Foxrider714]

So since day one of having Bruce and Brooke I been using Parina pro plan sport but for a month or 2 now Bruce just don’t eat it like he used to.. there is nothing wrong with the food or even him it’s just that I will put the food out first thing in the morning and he eats a little and it can be 5pm and his breakfast will be still be there.. so what I’m asking is what is some of the food your using? I can’t do raw

 

[strykerdobe]

Well we don't feed Kibble. We feed a Raw Diet! But there are lots of other Kibbles that are better than Purina!

With any food when you feed leave it down for no longer than 10-15min. If they don't eat it pick it up. NO free feeding!

i would also make sure there is nothing medically wrong with him.

I know everyone has a budget but look on www.dogfoodadvisor.com and look at 5 Star Foods.

 

[Foxrider714]

Ya I would like to do raw but I think it will be to much for me and to make sure they get enough lol.. I but the chicken and Turkey that come ground up and cook it all the time and put it in there dog food and I use stake and chicken for training

 

[Kaiser2016]

I but the chicken and Turkey that come ground up and cook it all the time and put it in there dog food and I use stake and chicken for training

Well that explains why Bruce isn't interested in his kibble! I don't know if it's a Doberman thing or just a dog thing, but if you give them any extra nice toppers or snacks, they start to turn their nose up at kibble.

I use premade raw so it takes the thinking out of it. There's a wide range of premade raws and the prices vary quite a bit.

 

[Foxrider714]

Lol ya I feel like that’s the real reason that’s why I know there is nothing wrong with him.. 2 or 3 days a week I put a nice topper on cause I have to leave the house at 6am so I feed them at 5am and wanna make sure they eat before I go.. I might look into the premade raw but do you think it’s the same as me taking a steak or chicken and putting it in there bowl?

 

[Kaiser2016]

do you think it’s the same as me taking a steak or chicken and putting it in there bowl?

Nutritionally, right now you are feeding these items as snacks. A full raw diet would not just be muscle meat, it would include bones and organs - the whole animal - so it would be balanced.

 

[Ravenbird]

If Bruce is not losing weight, then maybe he just has had all he wants/needs. I agree with statements above - what doesn't get eaten should be picked up, especially with another dog that could potentially eat it, adding unnecessary calories to her diet.

 

[Viemarangelrock]

We feed raw, too. Whether you DIY or purchase pre-made, the good news is that either option is decidedly more beneficial to your dog than feeding kibble. The health benefits are so noticeable and you’ll feel good about knowing what goes into your dog.
Better digestion, more manageable poos, shinier coat and healthier skin, stronger teeth and better dental hygiene.
Yes, pre-made can be pricier but remember it’s the food companies that are doing all the work of sourcing, grinding, mixing, forming, and packaging the food, it’s going to be more expensive than if you do all that yourself.
If Raw still isn’t for you then I would search for a good quality 4-5* kibble on the link suggested above.

 

[Ddski5]

@Kaiser2016

I thought you made your own raw meals?
So you order premade to your door?

Which company do you order from?

 

[Kaiser2016]

@Kaiser2016

I thought you made your own raw meals?
So you order premade to your door?

Which company do you order from?

I get premade raw from two companies:
Whole Animal Diets

Welcome to Artisan Raw Dog Food

They don’t deliver raw products so I use a local shop where I get a discount for cash deals Since the pandemic, I can’t browse the store like I used to, so I just call them with what I want and they load up my car. They also sell the 25 lb bulk boxes which is way more cost effective. Artisan Raw even has a 50lb box with several proteins premixed including garlic and turmeric! I serve up those meals only twice a week. My shop experiments with different suppliers too so I am able to try out various premade raw options. I just can’t beat the convenience of reaching into the freezer to load his food bowl.

 

[Foxrider714]

@Kaiser2016 thank you for telling me about the pre made frozen food I have been looking into that because that is the real deal breaker for me to have it ready and serve lol..

@Ravenbird Bruce is not loosen any weight at all he just wants wants better food in his bowl lol

 

[Foxrider714]

So been looking around for a ready to serve raw diet to start with for now that I can get local and I am going to do a bit more research but I think I’m goin for make the move

 

[Maze]

I have been using purina pro plan too and made a change yesterday to Canidae dry dog food. Its 50 dollars for a 25lb bag. The most expensive I have encountered, but I was recommended to it by someone who has used it and said great things in regards to coat. Purina has no negative effects from my experience but he said it isn't ideal for dobermanns and other top sensitive breeds...the person now used Raw diet for their dog but I believe that's too much space in the fridge to occupy or a messier option, I'll need to try it eventually.

 

[Foxrider714]

@Maze thanks for the info I’ll look into it but still might try raw.. just so many ways different companies here in NY to pick from

 

[Kaiser2016]

@Maze thanks for the info I’ll look into it but still might try raw.. just so many ways different companies here in NY to pick from

Once you start researching, it's a surprise to discover how many different companies there are. But beware, there are some that cut corners too. Here's how I learned that lesson: Mountain Dog Food brand - Total Fail

 

[C908]

I have been using purina pro plan too and made a change yesterday to Canidae dry dog food. Its 50 dollars for a 25lb bag. The most expensive I have encountered, but I was recommended to it by someone who has used it and said great things in regards to coat. Purina has no negative effects from my experience but he said it isn't ideal for dobermanns and other top sensitive breeds...the person now used Raw diet for their dog but I believe that's too much space in the fridge to occupy or a messier option, I'll need to try it eventually.

Another high quality kibble is Fromm, our breeder introduced it to us. The thing she doesnt like about Purina Pro Plan is it has by products included in the list of ingredients.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

I always do one day of fasting each week, usually a Sunday when feeding raw.
I get all my meats sourced from several farms in Homestead.
The meat shop butchers the animals and they set aside all the organ meat for me including tongue, eyeballs, brains.
I place my order and they will grind up all the different muscle meats for me. Then they give me a call that it’s ready and I drive up and get it.

It’s a family owned butcher shop and has been in business for 40+ yrs.
They treat me and my dobes so well. They will also get fresh vegetables from the farms and have them ready for me also.
I am going to miss them when we move.

 

[Foxrider714]

Once you start researching, it's a surprise to discover how many different companies there are. But beware, there are some that cut corners too. Here's how I learned that lesson: Mountain Dog Food brand - Total Fail

Lmao that green thing I was thinking it was poo

 

[Foxrider714]

Premium Mix - BJ's Raw Pet Food So been looking around and I still looking but I like that the food here is close to home.. have you guys heard about them
Before?

@Kaiser2016
@strykerdobe

 

[strykerdobe]

Premium Mix - BJ's Raw Pet Food So been looking around and I still looking but I like that the food here is close to home.. have you guys heard about them
Before?

@Kaiser2016
@strykerdobe

Haven't heard of them. I did take a quick look on their site. Looks like a lot of good ingredients.

On the mixes I would ask them the breakdown of % of Protein and Fat. Usually the Fat is about 1/2 of the Protein. Remember some of the other ingredients will boost the protein.