Food question

[xoxodoglover89]

First off, I just want to say that this site is absolutely amazing! I've learned so much from being on here and don't know what I would've done in certain cases if it weren't for this site. You all rule!

Ok acouple questions...

I've read many threads on here regarding food and have noticed that some members switch between food, like feed 2 or 3 different types of kibble and just rotate between them. My furbaby pretty much just eats when she wants to. I don't know if I'd call her a picky eater because she will eventually eat her food, but not until the end of the day, like mid-afternoon to early evening. I'd prefer her to eat something in the morning, but of course I can't force her. Does anyone think it would be a good idea to rotate between foods? Could she be bored of her current food? She's on Solid Gold Just A Wee Bit right now. When I switched her from Nutro to SG, she immediately just gobbled it up and would eat around the Nutro. I would still like to continue to use the Solid Gold because I've had great results with it, but I was thinking of also maybe trying Wellness and Avoderm as I know they both have different varities and maybe a different flavor would entice her a little bit more. What do you all think?

If I do start rotating between foods, how often should I give her different food? Do I stick with one specific brand a month, few weeks, a day and then switch? Do I gradually add to the Solid Gold to make sure she likes it? Will I always have to gradually add it in?

Thank you all so much! Sorry for the long post!

[lil fu fu girl]

I feed mine the SG wee bits also. But I make their food in my processor. I cook lamb,chicken etc. and combine it with vegees, rice ,cheese, egg and grind it small, almost to a paste. My little 4lb loves it. Every 3 days I make a small batch of something new. This keeps her happy. Also plain yogurt (Probiotic), it keeps their stomach and immune healthy.

[xoxodoglover89]

I was still curious about using different brands of kibble and mixing them up like I stated in my OP. I'm almost positive I read somewhere that some members use 2-3 different brands and rotate between them. I really think this might be a good idea for my furbaby, but I just wanted other people's input and advice.

[lil fu fu girl]

I know I have read that somewhere here, that YT members have done that. Just do not remember where. I am sure others will respond to help you out. Best of luck!

[xoxodoglover89]

Well I just did a small search of Avoderm and saw that it does have avacado in it so that might not be a very trustworthy food. Now I'm thinking of Solid Gold, Wellness and Natural Balance. I like how Wellness and NB have different flavors to choose from which I think might be a good thing to try for her. Any opinions/advice?

[xoxodoglover89]

Does anyone have any advice or opinions at all? I was planning on trying this tomorrow. I'm getting my furbabies new license and I have to get her a new harness so I figured since I was going to be at the store, I'd go ahead and try a new food. I'm hoping to get a few opinions at least by the morning! =/

[Wylie's Mom]

I love the idea of switching btwn foods and think variety is great for overall nutrition. It keeps the dog excited about food, can prevent acquired allergies, and provides different sources of nutrition.

I like Solid Gold's Barking At The Moon even better than Wee Bits - so that's another option w/in the same brand. I also like Innova Red Meat Small Bites (or the chicken), Orijen, Wellness CORE, and Natures Variety Instinct (not the rabbit).

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

I love the idea of switching btwn foods and think variety is great for overall nutrition. It keeps the dog excited about food, can prevent acquired allergies, and provides different sources of nutrition.

I like Solid Gold's Barking At The Moon even better than Wee Bits - so that's another option w/in the same brand. I also like Innova Red Meat Small Bites (or the chicken), Orijen, Wellness CORE, and Natures Variety Instinct (not the rabbit).

What you do need to be careful of if you do this is introducing too many new protein sources. While going through 3-4 (chicken, turkey, beef and lamb just for example), you may not want to add some of the novel proteins like venison and duck. The idea is to save a few protein sources that your pup never comes into contact with so if there are allergy problems someday, you have something new to go to. I hope that makes sense. I'm not saying to necessarily avoid things like duck or venison but usually these are the ones that are avoided until they are needed...

[xoxodoglover89]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

I love the idea of switching btwn foods and think variety is great for overall nutrition. It keeps the dog excited about food, can prevent acquired allergies, and provides different sources of nutrition.

I like Solid Gold's Barking At The Moon even better than Wee Bits - so that's another option w/in the same brand. I also like Innova Red Meat Small Bites (or the chicken), Orijen, Wellness CORE, and Natures Variety Instinct (not the rabbit).

Thank you for the input! There are so many other foods I wouldn't mind trying, but there's really only 1 or 2 stores out here that carry some of the higher grade foods and only certain ones unfortunetely. I really don't want to have to order food, so that's why I was leaning towards Wellness and Natural Balance. Do you think those 2 would be ok because of the difference varities? How do I go about transitioning between foods and how long should I stay on one food before changing again? Do I just go through a whole bag and then switch again?

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

What you do need to be careful of if you do this is introducing too many new protein sources. While going through 3-4 (chicken, turkey, beef and lamb just for example), you may not want to add some of the novel proteins like venison and duck. The idea is to save a few protein sources that your pup never comes into contact with so if there are allergy problems someday, you have something new to go to. I hope that makes sense. I'm not saying to necessarily avoid things like duck or venison but usually these are the ones that are avoided until they are needed...

Originally Posted by xoxodoglover89

I really don't want to have to order food, so that's why I was leaning towards Wellness and Natural Balance. Do you think those 2 would be ok because of the difference varities? How do I go about transitioning between foods and how long should I stay on one food before changing again? Do I just go through a whole bag and then switch again?

Okay, gotcha. Well, maybe try Wellness CORE then - which is around 30+% protein (mid level). And, what about NB's AMP - which is around 27%. However, I think most of your proteins are quite similar there. Is the wee bit you're feeding Bison? If so, maybe then that's enough variety for now - the bison and 2 different chicken sources.

Now, theoretically - a dog should be able to eat different foods, like us, without problems/issues. Sensitive tummies are often tied to an individual dog's system, not a breed or whatever. My guys can switch btwn whatever (and sneak kibble at Grandma's house ) and not have a single issue. So, you will kind of have to trial and error it. If it were me, I'd probably alternate each week or 2 between the 3 foods.