Originally Posted by Britster (Post 4195952)

SD = Science Diet.

Are they eating anything else at ALL besides the SD?

Dogs can definitely make themselves ill when their owners are gone, but it sounds like this started before you were gone if I'm reading correctly?

So what are they eating now? Hamburger and rice?

Maybe a Royal Canin RX formula would be helpful in this situation.

I somewhat recall them eating Natural Balance in the past -- they have some very simple formulas, that may help.

Originally Posted by Teresiana (Post 4195997)

You know, this concerns me. My 10 year old Lab eats Science Diet Healthy Mobility Small Bites & the SD Ideal Balance Small Breed Adult. We get the smaller kibble because he has melanoma is his jaw & can't chew very well. He's done amazingly well on SD. I switched him to SD about a month ago. But two nights this week, he's had some horrible vomiting episodes. I thought for a quick moment that it might be the food. But, one of the reasons I chose SD was because they're a respected company & have never been recalled. So I just figured the vomiting may have something to do with his cancer. Now I'm wondering if it is the food.

Originally Posted by hugz4all4 (Post 4196111)

That is why I choose them too. When you look on consumer affairs there are alot of reports of issues with their new formulas. I am now on the hunt for a different food that all 5 of my dogs can eat.

Originally Posted by Britster (Post 4196120)

Look into Annamaet. They have a grain-free 'Lean' formula with very low fat that could work, but they also have their grain inclusive formulas. I have never heard of a dog doing bad on this food. And if you're looking for trustworthy company, this is one.

Annamaet has been around for over 25 years and is owned by a guy that is well known for his expertise (Rob Downey), and he has published scientific research, as well as being accomplished in the world of dog sports (sled racing). He worked in the lab of Dr. Kronfeld at U of Penn. If your dog has surgery at Penn or Cornell, apparantly they will feed Impact post-op.

Or like I said, Royal Canin may be a good option. Do they have a sensitive stomach formula that's not an RX?

Originally Posted by hugz4all4 (Post 4196111)

That is why I choose them too. When you look on consumer affairs there are alot of reports of issues with their new formulas. I am now on the hunt for a different food that all 5 of my dogs can eat.

Originally Posted by Teresiana (Post 4196365)

NM...I see that there have been issues with both the Ideal Balance & the regular SD "new & improved formulas". I'm beyond disappointed. I'm wondering if the company has addressed any of these issues. I'm going to send them an email. Please let us know if you get a reply from the email you sent to them. Thanks :)

Originally Posted by hugz4all4 (Post 4196393)

I have not heard a nything back yet, Im emailing them again today.

Originally Posted by hugz4all4 (Post 4196400)

THIS WHAT I GOT BACK FROM THEM, I CANT DO MOST OF THE ANSWERS CAUSE IM AT WORK, HOWEVER THE BAG INFO WAS ALREADY SENT TO THEM.


:confused: AS A SIDE NOTE..THIS WAS NOT A TRANSITION CHANGE GI UPSET. I WAS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE 5TH BAG INTO A NEW BAG, OUT OF THE SAME LOT NUMBERS AS I BOUGHT SEVERAL BAGS AT A TIME. I ALSO DO NOT BELIEVE ITS JUST A BAD BATCH, SO TO SPEAK BECAUSE MY SHELTIE WAS EATING THIER NEW AND IMPROVED SENSITIVE STOMACH FOOD AND ALSO THREW UP NUMEROUS TIMES. I HONESTLY BELEIVE THEIR IMPROVED FORMULAS JUST ARENT AGREEING WITH DOGS AND CAUSING ISSUES.
WHILE I COMMEND THEM FOR TRYING TO "IMPROVE" THIER FORMULAS HOWEVER WHY MESS WITH SOMETHING THAT IS WORKING!!!

Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.

Ms Terri Arzie
983 County Route 41
Mexico, NY 13114-4320

Dear Ms Arzie:

Thank you for taking the time to contact us. We are delighted to help you today.

hank you for visiting HillsPet.com and contacting us regarding your experience. You can be assured that we have forwarded your comments to the appropriate department.

We had a formula change in December 2012 in the Science Diet® Adult Small & Toy Breed dog food. This change gives our consumers the same superior nutrition in addition to our unparalleled quality & safety, with more of the ingredients they prefer. These ingredients include chicken or chicken meal as the primary protein source, no chicken by-product, and less corn. We also have added more fruits and vegetables.

As with any changes in formula, we would suggest a gradual transition from the old to the new food over 7 days. This is the single most important thing you can do to help a dog accept a new food. Occasionally, a dog or cat will have a GI upset if an owner does not do a transition.

We would like to obtain some additional information to make a complete report. Please provide the answers to the following questions:

What is the Best Before date code? (This will include the month and year followed by a letter and a series of numbers.)
What is the UPC/bar code?

1. PET INFORMATION:
1.1 How many pets are impacted by this illness?
Cats: Dogs:
1.2 Provide details for each one:
- Pet Name/Breed/Age/Weight:

1.3 Date Illness Began:
1.4 Description of Illness:
- If vomiting or diarrhea does it occur after each feeding?
- If vomiting, is the food digested or undigested?
1.5 How is your pet doing now?
-----------------------------------------------------------------

2. PRODUCT INFORMATION:
2.1 When did you purchase this package?
2.2 How long has this package been open?
2.3 How far through bag/can did illness begin (if not a recurrent illness)?
2.4 Does the food look/smell different from usual, describe:
2.5 If product is different, are you able to send digital photo?
2.6 Where and how do you store the open package?

-----------------------------------------------------------------

3. DIET HISTORY / MEDICAL / HOUSEHOLD:
3.1 How long have you fed this specific product to your pet/pets?
3.2 If fed less than 4 weeks, what did your pet/pets eat prior to this product?
3.3 If this is a new food, did you do a gradual transition?
- If you tried a transition, describe how:
3.4 Why did you choose this product for your pet?
3.5 What is your pet's past medical history?
3.6 Where and how is the pet fed (inside or outside, free fed or meal fed)?
3.7 Any supplementation? Describe:
- Treats/table scraps:
- Other diets fed at the same time:
- Medication/supplements:
Are any of these new (List)?
3.8 Where does/do your pet(s) spend most of its time: indoor/outdoor?
3.9 Have there been any recent changes in your household? (visitors, new home, new pets, trips, etc.)
3.10 Could the pet have been in contact with toxic household items or sources of infection such as other animals?

If you are not satisfied with Hill's® Science Diet® brand products for any reason, simply return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement. However, the return policy for each retailer may differ. Please check with your retailer.

Please accept our apology for any inconvenience this matter may have caused you. A few complimentary coupons have been ordered today and will be sent in tomorrow's mail. These coupons can be used toward replacement product and may be redeemed with your retailer at your convenience.

Comments from our consumers are one of the most important sources we have for measuring the quality and acceptance of our products and the services we provide. We appreciate that you took the time to contact us and share your feedback. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to call our Consumer Affairs Department toll free at 1-800-445-5777 or visit our website at HillsPet.com.

Sincerely,


Consumer Affairs
Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.

002121296A
HPN2US/cl

To receive personalized pet wellness tips and updates, sign up online for our Pet Chat e-newsletter at Hill's Pet Nutrition Error

Originally Posted by KathyKelben (Post 4196492)

I have been researching dog foods since the early 80's and IMHO Science Diet is one of the worst foods on the market for our dogs. ....

Originally Posted by KathyKelben (Post 4196492)

I have been researching dog foods since the early 80's and IMHO Science Diet is one of the worst foods on the market for our dogs. ....

Originally Posted by KathyKelben (Post 4196492)

I have been researching dog foods since the early 80's and IMHO Science Diet is one of the worst foods on the market for our dogs. ....

Originally Posted by KathyKelben (Post 4196580)

I knew when I hit the "post" key there would be a ton of different opinions re: my opinion of this dog food. I purposefully chose SD to look at because of all the vets that recommend it and who sell it.

I could list all the sites and articles and breeders etc., that I have talked with over the years concerning all dog food but that would be really me doing your research for you. Simply google "why feed SD"... "why do vets recommend SD" benefits and downfall of SD,, and so on ... read for yourself.

Having said all this I understand people getting really defensive... that honestly is not my intention at all!!! I hope to share my new baby with you all when he arrives and will depend on your experience to help me with his raising , to be the best little guy on the planet. If I didn't want your honest opinions on these important issues, I wouldn't ask the questions.... please don't be upset with me.

Originally Posted by ladyjane (Post 4196555)

And IMHO Science Diet is one of the best companies and foods to feed my pups. I have had NO issues at all on Science Diet and don't get up daily looking at the recall lists. I don't know what kind of research you have done...could you please share any research data that proves your statement?

I have pups on Hills Ideal Balance and they are healthy and doing fine! :)

Originally Posted by hugz4all4 (Post 4196596)

I havent either until thier forumla change and Im so dissappointed this has happened. By the email, other than them stating that it could be a "transitional gi upset", SD seems generally concerned and Im happy about that. From all of the complaints out there I am not the only one that is experiencing problems.
I have tried Ideal Balance in the past, my dogs didnt care for it much but maybe its worth another look. Did they change those formula's also?

Originally Posted by Ellie May (Post 4196577)

It sonds like you got a new formula bag. If the new ingredients that people insist on using aren't working for your pups, then I personally would probably just putthe family on EN if they all have to have the same thing. That is just me though. I'd do bland diet, fecals on all, etc. Then if food still doesn't work, switch.

Originally Posted by hugz4all4 (Post 4196596)

I havent either until thier forumla change and Im so dissappointed this has happened. By the email, other than them stating that it could be a "transitional gi upset", SD seems generally concerned and Im happy about that. From all of the complaints out there I am not the only one that is experiencing problems.
I have tried Ideal Balance in the past, my dogs didnt care for it much but maybe its worth another look. Did they change those formula's also?

Originally Posted by ladyjane (Post 4196599)

I don't know if they did change anything..it is a fairly new food, though. I have not had any GI issues here at all. I get the Grain Free one ... the kibble is smaller and my pups really like it.