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Originally Posted by Britster  Yeah, definitely. I have no qualms about staying on the RX food for a while if needed.
He basically gave me the quick shpeel about allergies to food, particularly grain, are really low, around 2-3% or something. Which I did know. I didn't argue w/ him at all because I agree with him but I still have a belief that dogs don't need grains. It wasn't about me thinking he was allergic. But I no longer have a totally "healthy" dog either so I am totally willing to do whatever is best for him.
I am curious what these types of diets are considered (RX, SD, Iams, etc) if they aren't "natural". I mean, that word is thrown around a lot, lol, but I was always brought up that natural is better in general. So is the RX diet considered... "non-natural" LOL? I just found that funny.
I think you are right in that he recommended what he simply knows and is comfortable with and didn't want me going out and buying him a bag of Orijen or something. I am sure he sees a lot of idiots who go out and buy the highest protein/fat food there is and overfeed their dog or something and they end up in the hospital with him. So maybe if I show him the ingredients to NB, he will tell me his thoughts. Should I print out a page for our visit on Thursday... I don't ever wanna come across as "know-it-all" or too snobby or anything, like I am not listening to his advice. Just want to know his thoughts. But I am not good with confrontation, either, lol and am very quick to say "okay" and just do what they say. |
About your belief: For the sake of argument consider the wolf in the wild who hunts a rabbit and eats the whole thing. Are we agreed that this happens?
Exactly though what did he eat? If the rabbit just had a meal of grasses, berries seeds and whatever rabbits eat in the wild, and has a full stomach, then in fact the wolf has ingested this and the rabbit's intestines, so predigested non meat foods. On TV the wildlife programs show the order in which an animal is consumed after it is killed... I believe the guts is in the top 3. Also may be given to wild pups as that is where the digestive enzymes and bacteria are, and would be easier for the youngsters to digest. ... just something to think about....
As for your vet visit: call in advance and let the vet know that you want to discuss some specific dog foods and nutrition with him in more detail. Let him know you would be willing to pay for an extended office visit, to accomodate for the extra time this may involve. This tells them that you are serious and willing to pay for his expertise on the subject. He will appreciate your consideration that his time is important and that his knowledge is valued. It also allows the office to accomodate your request and will allow him to adjust his scheduling accordingly.
'Natural' vs 'Rx' diets: "Natural' diets are just that, or supposed to be all natural, or ingredients found in nature. Organic? IDK, and I am not sure if the FDA backs these claims, as they are getting involved with the same battle with food labeling in the grocery stores. So, if these foods are not regulated, then I am guessing here, but there may be issues with consistency, which would not affect a 'healthy' dog per se, but may not be the best choice for a dog that may now be prone to pancreatitis.
Prescription diets are scientifically developed and manufactured within specific guidelines to be beneficial for specific disorders in pets. Any deviation in the process could cause illness and/or unbalanced nutritional disorders in the pets being fed the diets. Natural? Maybe not, but a consistant, proven recipe for specific ailments, and may be considered 'supportive medical care'.
Two ingredients in the foods you are looking at have raised some concern with me. One is Bison. This, I believe, would be considered an 'exotic' protein source. Is Bison regulated so that you're feeding the same, consistant quality of food with each bag your open to feed your dog?
Lamb has become a popular ingredient in pet foods recently, and is often used as an alternative protein when dealing with protein allergies. Some dogs do well on it, others cannot tolerate it.
Your vet recommended the foods he did from his prior experience and education in the field. He has confidence that these foods will not hamper Jackson's recovery in any way, and are balanced and safe to sustain growth and maintenance of the canine body.
Also, watch the oils. Canola oil may not be the best, as it is a by-product of a manufacturing process of something else, corn I think. It used to be discarded, till some genius decided we could eat it and he could make money selling it. In some conditions, salmon oil may not be recommended.
As for my nickel's worth, lol... I'd ask him about Coconut oil. But that's just me. You may want to ask him for a better quality, okay if it's more expensive diet that would be good for Jackson and that you would personally feel better about feeding him. Sometimes vet's choices involve what the 'average' dog owner is willing to do for their pet, and how much the 'average' dog owner is willing to spend on food.
I'd print out anything you want to talk about, maybe leave it with him if he agrees to do futher research on a food for Jackson. Make a list of your questions and concerns too, and a copy for him that will jog his memory after a busy day... also tell him that Jackson is a 'performace' dog.... you need recommendations on exercise and training, makes sense that you're seeking a better grade food...