Kibble

[paulalowe6]

What do you all think about Eukanuba? Tractor Supply just opened in my area and they sell it there just would like your opinions? Thanks
Paula

[Wylie's Mom]

Thumbs down on my end, way down !

Much better foods out there that don't contain so many fillers, by-products, and allergens. [not to mention Iams/EUK was busted a few years back for cruelty in their dog testing; it's now been fixed - but I personally could never support a company who would allow that to happen in the first place]

[no3yshhc0la]

Well after all the things I'm learning on this site about foods, I wouldn't recommend it.

Check out this website:
Dog Food Analysis - Reviews of kibble

I got this link from another member on here and it really helped me out with foods. I'm currently in the process of changing my dog from Nutro to Solid Gold.
Good luck!

[AshasMom]

I used to believe it was good food until I realized like Wylie's mom said that has very poor quality of ingredients for the price. There is much better out there. I use Innova. Natural, good quality ingredients, and actually is about $1.00 less per bag.

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by no3yshhc0la

Check out this website:
Dog Food Analysis - Reviews of kibble

That's a great site in regards to getting an accurate list of ingredients found in foods, however, the site and ratings are written based entirely off of the opinions of the site owner, not long term, professional research--the editors grade the products based mainly on how much meat is in each one. One's research on food should not start and end with that one site. (The parent site is a Boxer site, so I wonder how much of the information is geared towards that specific breed...)

Another site that might be beneficial to try is:
Dog Food Review Ratings
It gives several links to sites that examine commercial food, home cooking, supplements and raw feeding.

To the OP-
Eukanuba is (acording to many) not the best quality food available. Of course, it's not the worst either. It may, however, be a good match for YOUR individual dog. Not all dogs have the same individual needs and not all dogs are able to eat the same brands of food.

Many people, including many people on this site, feed Eukanuba and are very pleased with the results. You just have to do trial and error to see what is best for your little one. You may want to check out the sticky at the top of this section with a list of some of the more recommended brands (recommended by YT members at least) and contact the companies who often will send you free samples and coupons.

Good Luck!

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by BamaFan121s

The parent site is a Boxer site, so I wonder how much of the information is geared towards that specific breed...

What do you mean by this ? The analysis of those foods is ingredient based, not breed based.

I don't think those foods can be breed-specific analyzed anymore than I believe Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier is actually "better" for Yorkshire Terriers, you know ?

Personally I think this site is, by far, the best site out there in terms of rather accurately rating dog foods. The more I've learned about canine nutrition, the more I've realized those site editors are very good. Not that I have anything against other sites - the more the merrier - but I think their opinions are quite accurate -- of course that's just *my* opinion.

To the OP, if you really want to further your knowledge regarding canine nutrition, I'd suggest this white paper: http://www.championpetfoods.com/orij...hite_paper.pdf

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

What do you mean by this ? The analysis of those foods is ingredient based, not breed based.

What I meant was, I wonder IF their opinions are at all swayed to what would be more beneficial for a Boxer vs all breeds considered. In all honesty, the members of YT could make a similar review site and it would be just as credible.
_________________________________________

"There is no single best food for every dog. However good the quality of ingredients, a food that suits every single dog does not exist. This site provides its users with information on the content of dog food products and the opinion of our Editors on the species-appropriate quality of those foods. There is no guarantee that any food, however highly rated, will suit a particular dog (just as one food suiting a dog does not mean that the next food in the same category will equally suit the dog). Finding the best food for your individual does, and always will, involve some amount of experimentation."

In short, "just because their opinion is to give the food a high ranking, that does not mean the food is best for your dog."

[bildio]

What is "kibble"? Is it a generic name that refers to any brand of dry dog food, or does it refer to a dry food with specific ingredients? For example, can Wellness Small Breed Mix, which I feed Gus, be called kibble?

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by BamaFan121s

What I meant was, I wonder IF their opinions are at all swayed to what would be more beneficial for a Boxer vs all breeds considered.

Yes, but I still don't understand this statement. You're assuming then that certain foods ARE better for certain breeds. What I'm saying is, there is really no such thing. What is a "good food overall" (based upon quality) is a good food for any breed of dog - their organs are all the same.

In other words, a 6-star food is a 6-star food for a boxer, yorkie, lab or whatever -- the rating is just ingredient based.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by bildio

What is "kibble"? Is it a generic name that refers to any brand of dry dog food, or does it refer to a dry food with specific ingredients? For example, can Wellness Small Breed Mix, which I feed Gus, be called kibble?

Kibble is just a name for dry dog food.

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Yes, but I still don't understand this statement. You're assuming then that certain foods ARE better for certain breeds. What I'm saying is, there is really no such thing. What is a "good food overall" (based upon quality) is a good food for any breed of dog - their organs are all the same.

Then that is where we merely have a difference of opinion ...I personally do not agree with that. Yes, I believe that certain foods...or ingredients...are better for the individual needs of specific breeds. All breeds are not the same, therefore neither are their dietary needs.

The site gives ratings based on what those individuals feel is the best product based on the ingredients, nothing more. And what they view as 'valued ingredients' (meat, meat and more meat, the higher the meat the higher the rating) is not an opinion shared by all. Yes, it's a very informative site to go to to get an accurate list of ingredients, but nothing more. And that alone will not help one determine if the food is best for their individual dog.

To me the site (and constant referral of people to it) encourages others to make a misinformed decision by just looking at a list and picking a product at the top of their list without little to no additional consideration and research.

There is a very interesting site that many may find interesting--a longer term study conducted by an actual accredited professional. It is one of the most informative sources of info I have ever found regarding examining dog food. (And it has some excellent charts that break down the nutritional value of common ingredients.) It also discusses and dismisses several common mistruths regarding ingredients. It does not however give a nice, neat, simple list of foods with ratings to choose from. But instead actually offers information and research to apply to making a decision.
dogfoodproject.com

[Breny]

I say feed what works best for YOUR dog You will get tons of opinions but just do what works for you. Stay aways from by products, and fillers.

Anything you can buy at Walmart or a grocery store normally are not good.

I'm VERY happy with what I feed, created by a Vet and is a all natural holistic Premium health Food.

[Woogie Man]

The Dog Food Project is a great resource in learning the basics of what to look for and what to avoid in a dog food. It's also very helpful in understanding how to interpret an ingredient list, among other things. Once you've digested that info, however, dogfoodanalysis is to me the most comprehensive comparison guide there is. It's easy to navigate and by far reviews more brands than any other site I've found. If you just go to dogfood analysis to pick a food, you're mostly just taking someone's word for it. But if you go to Dog Food Project first, you can make better choices based on the dogfoodanalysis reviews.

[Ellie May]

I used to wholeheartedly recommend dogfoodanalysis but the more I learn, the less I direct people to the site. It is great for getting ingredients and looking at the guaranteed analysis of foods but some things do irritate me about it.

One of their 6 star foods contains (or used to contain) menadione.
Six stars or not, I'd prefer not to feed it.

I do think that the 1's, 2's and 3's are pretty accurate...I would stay away.
Then 4's, 5's and 6's I would have to disagree on somewhat.
I have read about too many people thinking that a food is not good because it isn't rated a 5. Life is not that easy. Not all 5's are good and not all 4's are bad, for example. I would sooner go with a 4 where I trust the company and know that their quality control is among the best then go for a 6 that won't say where the food is manufactured or whatever the case.

So it is an okay site for some things but I now sooner tell people to decide what their feeding philosophy is and find foods that match it and then talk to the company about quality control and ingredient sources.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by BamaFan121s

Yes, I believe that certain foods...or ingredients...are better for the individual needs of specific breeds. All breeds are not the same, therefore neither are their dietary needs.

Can you elaborate on this and give specific examples? This doesn't match with what I understand. Which RDAs are different based on breed? Which foods and ingredients, based on breed?

If there is info to be shared, please share it - you know all of us food geeks would love to know.