[R-Teddy]

Originally Posted by Britster

Hey, no worries at all. Food is a sensitive issue. And it wasn't too long ago that I was spouting the same thing I've learned a lot thru the years, and while the internet can be a great source for information, it can also lead to lots of confusion, and misunderstandings. When I first got Jackson in 2008, the "in foods" seemed to be Wellness, Nature's Variety, EVO, Orijen, etc. Most of these foods I'd never feed now (I learned about companies, quality control, ingredient splitting, ash content - many of which are extremely high in these foods listed above). It's VERY confusing, but ya get the hang of it. Ultimately, just feed what your dog does best on!

Jackson has eaten Acana the most consistently in his life, but we've switched around/rotated a bit. For example, Fromm is/was a popular brand around here for Yorkies and most do really well, but Jackson did not. Otherwise, he's never had any MAJOR issues with food (minus little things that I notice, more or less stool, softer/harder, eye tearing, hair texture, etc).

Even though I currently feed Acana as his primary diet, I recently had a 2.5lb bag of the Royal Canin YT formula with no ill effects, he really really likes the flavor, so I use it for interactive toys/etc. I was considering feeding it more consistently but the price really stinks when you have a 17lb dog. A 2.5lb bag wouldn't last him too long, and 10lbs really is just too much for my one dog for my own preference. It's just very pricey for a larger Yorkie, but I do trust the company.

I actually even *gulp* picked up a bag of Purina One Beyond the other day at the grocery store. No corn, no soy, no wheat, it's actually a pretty darn decent food. I wanted to have extra food because of the snow storm and didn't feel like going to the pet store where they sell Acana. His poop was better than ever yesterday and today, and the price was super cheap (it was like $7 for 3.5lbs). Who woulda thought.

I have raised dogs all my life. Mostly mutts. I always fed the grocery store brand food, Purina One was one of my favorites and a dog trainer friend of mine swears by it. but she has 4 really large dogs and can not afford to feed the high priced stuff at the pet store.

Anyway, it wasn't until I got my Shih Tzu a year ago,( a breed well known for having sensitive tummies), that I really started to pay attention to what I fed my dog, how good of a quality food it was, what it was made of etc. My breeder for my Shih Tzu, and all the research I did on the breed told me I had to be very careful on what I fed my little guy. So I started paying attention. I have only been at it for a year now however, and am still learning. But Athena is my first Yorkie. It is possible her needs may be different from his. Even if they normally wouldnt be, no tow dogs are alike regardless same breed of not.

Your right that it gets very confusing researching it online. I often feel far more confused after I research then I was before. It all depends on who you talk to, what page you go to, who does the article/ review....who do you trust and who dont you? You know I almost got RC formula for weening puppies when I first brought Athena home because she was so young. I ddint because I thought it wasn't a good brand. now I kin of wish I had. But she is doing great on the wellness core. I will however consider changing when what I have for her now is gone. that will be a little while though. Its a brand new 5 lb bag.