I don't understand how people assume anything w/ 'organic' slapped on it is best. ;) Human or dog food, for that matter. I claim they are "overrated" because there is no PROOF that they are actually better. And I would hate to think anyone would slack up on what is best for their dogs just to save money.:( I can assure you that I have researched it thoroughly myself and made a decision that I feel is best for MY dogs, as I think everyone should.

I didn't post in disagreement with anyone, just to get some actual answers and provoke acutal thought. Generally, people are always quick to jump in with claims that one brand is a lesser quality than another, but they don't really have a clue as to why--it just happens to be what they were told and believe. It is said that they are made with better ingredients, yet no one can explain what that means.

For example:
* The most common answer is 'the higher quality foods have no empty fillers.' OK, find one that doesn't have any--there aren't any. Not to single anyone out, but someone stated this as a reason earlier, but when asked to explain it more, said the fillers (rice, corn, wheat) add to the protein levels in the food? And again, how do you know there are 'more fillers' if there is nothign to tell you the ratio of fillers in the food?
* This one is made with higher quality foods--Says who? The dog food company? Well, I would hope they would stand by their own products and try to make them appealing to consumers.
* How come you see tomatos, garlic, onion and potatoes on the lists of foods toxic to dogs, yet they are included in most dog foods?

My point is, how many claim to choose one over the other and give a reason without understanding what it even means.

(And if you have the title of that book you mentioned which explains this all so thoroughly, please share the title of it with us.)

I prefer to feed my dogs better dog food now because I figure it tastes better for them :) but honestly, my first chihuahua was fed Kibbles and Bits...lived to be 15, NEVER had a single health problem.

I read that yorkies can be allergic to corn and that's another reason why I switched to a better quality food(because most around here have corn in it). I now use Canidae all life stages.

I think the best thing I did was taking my puppy to puppy kindergarten. You can always offer people advice and they don't have to take it. Some people on limited budgets can't afford the expensive food(especially if they have a big dog or more than one) I wouldn't judge them. A pet that has a loving warm home will be happy even if they're not crate trained and only get junk food ;)

Raw, grain-free diets have no fillers - it's all meat, bones, organs, and some fruits & veggies...it's all highly digestible. Lacy only poops like every other day. no fillers = less waste that the body can't digest = less poop.

I don't think Organic is worth anything either. I actually avoid buying organic food. Premium Pet food doesn't necessarily mean organic. I can only think of one organic dog food right now which is Karma by Natura (there might be more but very few). And natural doesn't mean anything as that term hasn't been defined by the FDA or USDA or whatever so anyone can use that term, whereas organic has certain qualitications and all to be certified organic. The thing is Premium Pet foods have little to no fillers, high quality human-grade ingredients (ie. meats fit for human consumption), etc. I'm not really crazy about any commercial pet food, but there are some premium foods I think are okay to feed if you want to stick with commercial food.

Bama: if you did "so much research" then surely you know about the horrible animal testing Iams conducts... right? But you still buy Eukanuba and support that?

There are facts and plenty more testimonials/first-hand accounts from pet owners and veterinarians alike. Am I going to go copy/paste everything little detail and transcribe from a book to prove a point to someone defending crap-in-a-bag like Ol' Roy or Pedigree? Noooo. If you really wanted to know those things you'd find them out on your own.

Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats is a good starting point that can be read in separate sections or all at once.

So that is what this is about? Animal testing? :rolleyes: I should base my desion on a pet owners testimonial? My Science Diet has a stamp on the side that says it's the brand 'most chosen by vets to fee their own dog.' Does that mean anything to me? Nooooooooo. I didn’t say to post every detail from a book—you said to read one, I asked for the title. Give me the source of these 'facts' you claim so I can look into them myself instead of just having to take your word for it, THAT was all I asked for. Now you have done that--thanks! Maybe you ARE on to something and if so, I'd like that information too.

For the record, I don't buy Ol Roy, but I do feed our hound Pedigree Select Gold, which I realize isn't much better. Am I happy about it? Heck no! But along with my vet and my own research, we felt that in addition to various supplements and excercise were the best option for her. And sorry, but I don't feel the need to 'defend' that to anyone.

My point was, in general, you see the same regurgitated reasons regarding dog food quality thrown around with little understanding about what it even means--so what good does that do, really? If you've taken the time to research and know otherwise, then clearly that statement didn't refer to you.:) (it didn't refer to anyone here, particularly, more of a blanket statement)

Well, I have yet to find ANY pet food with little to no fillers, even those 'non-supermarket' brands named earlier...guess the search continues...:p

I understand what you mean, though. It’s funny, but the meaning of the actual word ‘organic’ as I always knew it to be was quite different from the way it is used now when referring to food. You can imagine my shock and confusion the first time I was informed that the corn I’d eaten all my life were not really “organic.”:eek: :confused:

I personally think that chickens are some of the nastiest, most disease ridden creatures alive living in some of the nastiest conditions imaginable by nature and you will never find a clean, sanitary, disease free chicken coup.:( The fact that the organic food uses products and chicken meat from chickens who lived like that without ever receiving the first standard vaccination against things that can be passed on in their meat and eggs is enough to turn me off of organic foods altogether.

And as far as foods for people, do I want to eat the bugs and waste on the food, or the insecticide….hmmm…not a winning situation no matter how you look at it. Like I said earlier (hot dog weenies) I have to not put too much thought into what I’m eating or I’d starve to death.

(Random fact, the average chocolate bar contains 8 spiders….ewwww…)

eukanuba, science diet and purina are not as high grade as we make them out to be, the better ones although by no means the best are royal canin and such and the ones that i've seen or heard that are the best and higher grade are the organic brands that you can only get at certain stores...

Belle was on science diet when i got her and she hated it, i switched her to royal canin, and she loves it, she also poops less which means she is absorbing more nutrients, royal canin still has some fillers, but it is better for her than the science diet...

purina, eukanuba, science diet and those types of brands are only considered high(er) grade bc they advertise much more than the others...

i know that means nothing to you, and good for you-- vet offices get paid to advertise a certain kind of food... so duh... it sucks it's all about exposure and $$$$$$$$$... and not what is really best for the babies...

either way... good life to all yorkies (and other doggies/kitties) in your families!!!:aimeeyork

I really like Royal Canin...unfortunately, it resulted dehydration and a costly vet bill for us, thanks to Miss Sensitive.:( I actually really like the newer Science Diet Nature's Blend and since we started rotating that in with the other foods the dogs eat, I've actually noticed a difference with their teeth...odd, huh?
But I hear you on the less poop factor!:thumbup: :p

I really think that every owner has to weigh the options of what's best for thier dogs individually...what is best for one won't neccessarily be best for another. The organic foods may be best for some dogs, and not for others. All in finding out what they need and then making sure you get it in them.:)

When I got my lab he was feed Ol Roy, I didnt care for it so I started to change him to the BETTER FOOD. HE is now 7 and very healthy but can only eat Ol Roy. We have tried everything but it all gives him BAD gas. His tummy hurts so bad. Our vet gave him some gas med but it didnt help and after 4 years of trying to find a better food our vet told us to keep using the Ol Roy. Now all the dogs will only eat it. I got a sample of a few foods for Muffy but she refuses to eat any of it and will wait to go outside to eat my labs food. So she is on Ol Roy too.. We do give supplements to both dogs. I know there will be people that will get upset over this but hey it works for us. I think that is the most important thing if it works for you.

Angel

I had a dog who was allergic to wheat and/or corn. He would chew his feet and was prone to ear infections. Once I eliminated the wheat and corn from his diet these symptoms went away completely. I feed mine Merrick because it contains no wheat or corn and because it's human grade. Wheat and corn are of no use to the dog nutritionally speaking and it most definitely can cause allergies. The human grade is important to me too. I do not want my dogs eating meat from diseased animals or road kill. I also want to know what the meat they are eating is. Animal by products makes me shudder.

As far as IAMS goes- I am an animal lover and their testing methods are beyond horrible. I do not support companies who profit from animal cruelty.

For those that feed IAMS or any of their other brands you might want to watch this video. It is very GRAPHIC- I can't watch much of it. This is what you are supporting. http://www.petatv.com/tvpopup/video....iams&Player=wm

To the OP, I'm sorry to take your thread off topic. I agree with most everyone else. She asked for your advice so you should certainly give it to her. She might not listen to everything but maybe you will make a bit of a difference.

That is all that really matters is that you take the time to figure out what is best for YOUR individual dogs, what supplements are needed, and go from there.:thumbup: It's NOT always about the owner 'trying to save a buck.' :rolleyes: I can assure you, if filet mignon was best for ours, I'd get a second job or sell a kidney to make sure that is what they got. :p High quality dog food is of no value if the dogs won't eat it or it makes them sick--it ISN'T always what is best.:(

I expect to see all of the dog breeders and showers and dog show watchers accross the lands to unite and start a boycott and cease all participation and support of all Eukanuba sponsored events immediately. And Animal Planet airs it and takes their money for advertisement, so boycott them too. Not to mentioned that AKC teams up with them when they sponsor their events, so we shouldn't support AKC either, which would include buying AKC reg dogs. PetSmart sells Eukanuba/Iams, so don't shop there....
Geez, you could really get rolling with that one. I in no way think animal cruelty is ethical, but people feeding it to their dogs aren't the only ones supporting the company. It's not just as black and white as 'don't buy their food.' So if I'm supporting this by buying it, at least I'm not the only one.

Ok! I'm going to stick my 2 cents in.....

I've said on other posts regarding Diet and Food....As a breeder exhibitor, I feed 2 types of food....why? because all dogs do not react the same way to foods. As in people, they are individuals, some may have skin allergies..other's digestive system will react differently (and we all know that the yorkie's digestive system is their weakness)

When I began a few years back I was feeding one of the most expensive foods out there, believed all they said was true....Canine Caviar...had to have it sent in....guess what my dogs hated it. Switch to another it and they were so, so about it. Did 3 or 4 changes.

Then about 6 years ago....ran across Royal Canin YT 28.....my dogs loved it...yes, you feed less....if you don't you wind up with some pretty plump babies.....Well....as time went on I noticed that 2 of my females wouldn't stop scratching....ripping out show coat.....talk about being at wits end...cause I did add Solid Gold Sea Meal and Flaxseed Oil...so why would they be itching...Went and bought some Eukanuba Yorkshire Terrier Food, transitioned these two...no itching and coat is growing beautifully...

So, with that said....I will stand with what I tell my new families when they ask if I would recommend my changing their new pups food......I hand them their puppy package, food included and tell them, this is what the puppy is eating now & doing well, but it doesn't mean that they will continue to on that same track......So, when changing their food remember you can pay top dollar for what we determine to be the best quality food, but it doesn't do you any good if the pup doesn't eat it.

Oh! By the way I'm a junk food junkie....have been all my life....I love it, I'm 61 years old, weigh 122 pounds, and as of my last check up....colostral is perfect....heart rate is perfect, respiratory system is great....I still ski, show dogs....and by the way I smoke.....so, most depends on genetic make up and hereditary factors.

Wow, I don't know where the sarcasm is coming from.:confused: I'm not out to fight the world I simply choose not to give my money to companies that participate in such unnecessary torture of animals. You are certainly free to make you own choices as well.

Please don't take that in the wrong way. You posted a link and said 'this is what you're supporting if you buy the food.' Well, I buy it, but that doens't mean I think animal cruelty is right. I was just trying to point out that the company is getting support elsewhere as well--if you want to offer the company no support whatsoever, you have to look at EVERYTHING that company is tied to. :)

I understand what you're saying. My daughter brings animal rights issues to my attention frequently and it can feel very overwhelming. I do what I can. I do try to avoid supporting companies like this but I don't claim to know them all or all of the ways companies are linked and of course I have no control over other people. To me it's the same as I would never buy from a pet store because I am not going to support puppy mills. Am I putting the puppy mills out of business? Of course not. I only posted the link because I think many people don't know about it. I learned about it here at YT myself in fact. We all do what we think is right and we definitely don't have to all agree on everything.:)

Yep. :)

You know, although, I feed my dogs a good food now, we had a golden retriever years ago that was on cheap food, usually kibbles and bits..Well, now, her coat was shiny, she was healthy as a horse, and we had her put to sleep at the ripe old age of 18, and that's only because she had cancer..In the time I had her, she never went to the vets for anything other than her rabi shots and the cancer, so, I really don't know on this food thing..the only thing I think with these more expensive foods, is that the dogs don't poop as much, or as often!

Hey guys. I didnt mean to start something but the post here does show why I hesitated in telling her anything. BUT I did give her my advice and she did take SOME of it. AND her pup will be better off from the info. I gave her. Its a cute little blue heeler mix a very different dog from my Tank. I thank everyone for posting and I hope everyone can smile today:)

You'll see that threads tend to go waaaay off topic from time to time. :rolleyes: Sorry bout that.:D

Haha, agreed. I just get myself all concerned over people who don't know that one food is better than another. Like you said though, that's not directed at anyone here in the least. I think if someone is on YT taking in all this info, obviously they care enough to do what's best. Now if only I could get my dad to stop feeding Beneful.... :rolleyes:

So deviating more from the topic :D I do realize that one person not buying Iams isn't going to make any difference, but it has to start some where right? Plus it's not that outlandish to think there are foods equal or better than Iams for people to switch over to. In any case, I do hope they change their testing policies soon. Anyone wanting to get more involved should poke around the PETA website. :thumbup:

I hear you on that! :D My pets might eat well, but me? haha that's a different story!! :D

Not on my life...there is a differance between Animal Rights Activists and Animal Welfare....

LOL, no thanks. I have more crazy people in my life than I can stomach, another website full of them would be overload!:p

But I agree with hoping people can take in all sorts of info here and use it to their advantage, not to mention their dog's advantage. People just have different reasons behind what they think is 'good food.'

Agreed...have been doing alot of research on the differnce between ARA & AW.....there is big differences...

A statement made by Ingrid Newkirk, the President of PETA: "I don't use the word 'pet.' I think it's speciesist language. I prefer 'companion animal. For one thing we would no longer allow breeding. People could not create different breeds. There would be no pet shops. If people had a companion animal in their homes, those animals would have to be refugees from the animal shelters and the streets. You would have a protective relationship with them just as you would with an orphaned child. But as the surplus of cats and dogs (artificially engineered by centuries of forced breedin) declined, eventually companion animals would be phased out, and we would return to a more symbiotic relationship - enjoyment at a distance."

Well, I've long thought that some of the PETA movements are a bit "extreme" to put it nicely, but that is another story altogether. I support the ethical treatment of animals, but I think as with any cause, if you cannot work towards your goal in a rational manner, then the cause is not only lost, but your actions will have adverse effects on the overall results.

LOL, well now I feel like I have to chime in again even though I promised myself I wouldn't.:p I agree with what y'all are saying about PETA. They have gone way too far and have really turned people off which is certainly not in the best interest of animals. I posted that PETA video because it really showed what I was trying to say. Villette posted it a while back and that is how I learned about Iams. PETA goes too far but the video is accurate. I am not involved with PETA in any way. Okay, I'm finished with my disclaimer.:D

Tanksmom, we tend to get riled up every once in a while but we always kiss and make up. I'm sorry for being a part of taking your thread off topic and I'm so happy to hear that it ended well with your friend.:)

What I posted is just a bit of what I have been researching....and only because of what is happening across the country.......I attempt to look at it from both sides now and do so by studying everything I can get my hands on. Did you know that HSUS does not have or ever supported Animal Shelters...right, HSUS and PETA are working together....