Puppy food opinions?
 

I know there are a few threads concerning dog foods but most of them refer to dog foods that are not available anywhere near my area. Through some online research and word of mouth, I've narrowed my search to three products from two different companies. All of these are available in my area, though a little out of the way. I'd like to hear comments and suggestions from anyone that may have experience with any of these three brands.

I had narrowed my search to Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula or Chicken Soup for the Puppy Lover's Soul Puppy Formula, also from Diamond. I was leaning a little more towards the makeup of the Chicken Soup but didn't like the idea that they don't have a small breed version. We all know how small our little guys' mouths are, especially when they're puppies. I'm concerned about the size of the kibble with this one.

When I called the one nearby vendor, she said both of the Diamond brands were OK but, if it were her dog, she'd go with the CANIDAE All Life Stage formula. She said it was better, didn't have the fish preservative everyone is worried about (I can't recall the name but would know it if I saw it) and that, since it was an "All Life" stage food, I wouldn't have to worry about changing diets as my puppy grows to adulthood.

What do you guys think? I'm fairly certain I will be using one of these three so I'd prefer not to hear a lot of comments about use this or that instead of those since I know most of them probably aren't available in my area but I will take any suggestions anyone is willing to give. I guess the main thing I'm hoping for is a comparison or first hand experience with these three brands. If someone thinks I'm really off the wall for considering these for some reason then, by all means, set me straight. I just want to give my new little guy all the nutritional advantages I can.

Thanks to any and everyone that can help.

Sincerely,
- Byron Followell

I can't comment on that particular brand, but wanted to let you know...neither Reese nor Reggie have been fed any type puppy formula food. Puppy formulas usually contain more protein...and yorkies tend to have problems with too much protein.

Btw, I feed mine Wellness.

I did receive a response from an inquiry I emailed to Diamond concerning ethoxyquin use. That's the preservative I was referring to that is considered a carcinogen in humans. Diamonds preservative policy is:

The preservation systems used by our vendors are considered proprietary information. The heat from our pet food process destroys antioxidants that are used in the ingredients that we purchase. The cooking process at our facilities is at or above 240 degrees. After the heat process (extrusion and drying), we apply natural tocopherols (Vitamins A & E) in order to carry the shelf life of the food. Diamond does not preserve any of its products with ethoxyquin, only with mixed tocopherols.

Unfortunately that is so unclear as to be almost useless. What it tells me is they don't use ethoxyquin in the product themselves but, since their vendors preservation systems are proprietary, they could very well use it in ingredients supplied to Diamond and then used in their food. I have no idea what the cooking process may do to eliminate or destroy ethoxyquin. I told them that the only answer I could accept is: No, we don't use ethoxyquin in our product and we don't use ingredients from vendors who do. Since it doesn't look like I'll be getting that, I may be going with the CANIDAE brand.

I still look forward to comments from others. Thanks again guys.

- Byron

I sent you a pm. Good luck!!

We switch from several different foods to Canidea (from recommendations from soooo many)...and we have seen postivie results. We also feed Wellness food "sample" packs as treats, a lot of times. We use Missing Link Plus, mixed in their food, for added health benefits.

Everyone has different experiences and opinions, so it might be trial and error at first until you find what is right for your little one!

I use Canidae "ALL LIFE STAGES" and I haven't had any problems with it..but all Yorkies are different

My yorkies are using Embark by The Honest Kitchen you should check it out!

Canidae
 

My two yorkies as well as my golden retriever eats Canidae. My yorkies are 8 mths. old & 2 1/2 yrs.old, retriever is 4 yrs. old & they all love the product.:)
I can feed them the same food & it be the best for them.