Not happy with my vet right now!

[Britster]

Grains are NOT the devil! In fact, "grain free" has turned into such a marketing ploy; often times people see 'grain free' on the label and automatically think = better and that is NOT the case.

Yes, some dogs do better on grainfree, some do better with some grains, etc. It's really a matter of trusting the pet food company your food is coming from as well as determining how much protein is coming from good sources. You don't want most of your protein coming from plants.

But many many grain-inclusive foods are great! And many GF foods are not (i.e. I see a lot out now with tons of legumes, potatoes, and peas, which are, IMO, no better than a food containing a few grains).

But don't think you HAVE to feed a GF food by any means. If you choose to, then great. But it's not a bad thing to feed a food with grains.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

Well vets are taught very little about pet nutrition. I think science diets new balance food is awesome and I would be feeding that had my little picky eater liked it. Purina though well they are the makers of the waggin train chicken jerky that killed hundreds of dogs and made hundreds more sick and it took them years to finally pull it and it seems one of there foods is also causing some dogs deaths this would make me unable to trust Purina sense it seems all they care about is money. I think Iams is the one who was charged with animal abuse or something like that. My girl personally can not have grains because it makes her break out. I am feeding Now Small Breed and she absolutely loves it and she has never loved a food like this. I always suggest when looking for a food research the company, the ingredients, and then see how your dog does on it. The whole rating this is dumb because they have many foods that have been recalled and are made by bad company's rated at 5 stars.

Vets don't need lots and lots of classes on it unless that's there specialty. One class is enough to get a basic knowledge of the chemistry involved in nutrition and learning the definitions. For example, what exactly is a protein and how does it work. Even one undergraduate class in nutrition is more than most forum "authorities" have and vets are required to take graduate level classes as well. As another example, not all doctors are authorities on bones, but the general practitioner knows enough to find out who does have specialized knowledge, and listens to those experts. People working at the local pet boutique are not experts in nutrition, they are salesman.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by lovespandp

IMO, the whole “ 5 star” rating is worthless. I have fed Peanut 5 star foods and he has done horrible on them. The most important thing about dog food is finding a food that works with your pet as a whole.

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Vets don't need lots and lots of classes on it unless that's there specialty. One class is enough to get a basic knowledge of the chemistry involved in nutrition and learning the definitions. For example, what exactly is a protein and how does it work. Even one undergraduate class in nutrition is more than most forum "authorities" have and vets are required to take graduate level classes as well. As another example, not all doctors are authorizes on bones, but the general practitioner knows enough to find out who does have specialized knowledge, and listens to those experts. People working at the local pet boutique are not experts in nutrition, they are salesman.

So true. Like how we have primary care doctors, but for instance if we have a heart issue we would be sent to the cardiologists. There are specialist that had special training in that certain area-

[Yorkiemom1]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Grain has gotten a bad name because dogs don't eat grain in the wild, they can't digest it. Neither can humans! However, once it is cooked, it's digestible for both dogs and humans. There are SOME dogs that are allergic to all grains and do much better on a grain free diet, the carbohydrates come from vegetables instead of grain. Right now, I think it's more of a fad than anything, I do not believe that all dogs do better on a grain free diet, until there is some proof of it, and there is no scientific proof. Most people have a very poor understanding of nutrition and can be easy swayed, by a few facts mixed in with fiction. Whole grains are so nutritious and not only contain fiber that keeps digestive system healthy, but carbohydrates that are a great source of energy and even protein, that aids in muscle growth. So unless your dog has allergies, grain free isn't any better. The reason your vet thinks differently than most forum writer is that vet have to have a lot of science in their studies, and the learn how to read experimental studies and which statements contain truth and which don't. While individual vets are experts in nutrition, many vets are and your individual vet has learned to rely on these experts, not forum and blog writers. I'm not knocking grain free, it's helped some dogs tremendously. Some people can't eat peanuts, but it doesn't mean that everyone would do better without peanuts.

My mother had a Yorkie and a Chihuahua, years ago when we first came to Houston....these little pets were NOT high dollar, blue blooded specimens of the breed...I know the Chihuahua came from a byb, and I think the Yorkie came from a pet store! So you Know if there was going to be health issues, these two, just by the facts of where they came from, would be prime candidates! They were fed canned dog food, Purina to be exact.....and Shawn the Chihuahua lived to 13 years old, and the little Yorkie lived to either 10 or 12 years old. That was WAY before people started worrying about what dog food was made from, etc. They never had a health issue, until the little Yorkie developed a clotting disorder from a shot she was taking to keep her from coming into season...that was the "big thing" in the early 60's.....but those little dogs never had skin conditions, allergies, vomiting, any of the bowel problems dogs today are burdened with.....they never had to see a vet for anything but their annual shots. AND THAT INCLUDES DENTALS!!! NEVER HAD THE HORRIBLE TEETH THAT DOGS TODAY HAVE.......Makes me wonder if all that "krappe" they are taking out of dog food because it is sooooooo "terrible" for your dog, is actually causing all these teeth issues we see now a days......

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Vets don't need lots and lots of classes on it unless that's there specialty. One class is enough to get a basic knowledge of the chemistry involved in nutrition and learning the definitions. For example, what exactly is a protein and how does it work. Even one undergraduate class in nutrition is more than most forum "authorities" have and vets are required to take graduate level classes as well. As another example, not all doctors are authorities on bones, but the general practitioner knows enough to find out who does have specialized knowledge, and listens to those experts. People working at the local pet boutique are not experts in nutrition, they are salesman.

Well asking a vet about nutrition though would be like asking my regular doctor about nutrition. It's just best to go to a specialist like a nutritionist for nutrition info. Oh I would never trust a sales person about food. I might listen to what they say but there just trying to sell there food.

[KazzyK810]

Originally Posted by lovespandp

IMO, the whole “ 5 star” rating is worthless. I have fed Peanut 5 star foods and he has done horrible on them. The most important thing about dog food is finding a food that works with your pet as a whole.

I couldn't agree more!

"5 star" may mean nothing unless you know who is doing the evaluating, how they are evaluating and what their education/credentials are. Most dog food evaluation sites are just opinions, no scientific fact...so worthless.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

My mother had a Yorkie and a Chihuahua, years ago when we first came to Houston....these little pets were NOT high dollar, blue blooded specimens of the breed...I know the Chihuahua came from a byb, and I think the Yorkie came from a pet store! So you Know if there was going to be health issues, these two, just by the facts of where they came from, would be prime candidates! They were fed canned dog food, Purina to be exact.....and Shawn the Chihuahua lived to 13 years old, and the little Yorkie lived to either 10 or 12 years old. That was WAY before people started worrying about what dog food was made from, etc. They never had a health issue, until the little Yorkie developed a clotting disorder from a shot she was taking to keep her from coming into season...that was the "big thing" in the early 60's.....but those little dogs never had skin conditions, allergies, vomiting, any of the bowel problems dogs today are burdened with.....they never had to see a vet for anything but their annual shots. AND THAT INCLUDES DENTALS!!! NEVER HAD THE HORRIBLE TEETH THAT DOGS TODAY HAVE.......Makes me wonder if all that "krappe" they are taking out of dog food because it is sooooooo "terrible" for your dog, is actually causing all these teeth issues we see now a days......

I think company's like Purina have changed sense those days and started out sourcing where the contents of there food where coming from and where there food is being made. They started cutting corners to save money. My mom fed the two beagles I grew up with Purina both only ever had there puppy shots and both not from the same family ended up with cancer. I am sure you could find just as many bad stories as good. Personally how can you trust a company like Purina when they were ok with hundreds of dogs dying from there treats for years?

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

Well asking a vet about nutrition though would be like asking my regular doctor about nutrition. It's just best to go to a specialist like a nutritionist for nutrition info. Oh I would never trust a sales person about food. I might listen to what they say but there just trying to sell there food.

Again it depends on the vet, some vets have a great deal of knowledge in nutrition. I agree, it's better to see a specialist if you have a specific problem, but I think many vets are able to give sound nutrition advice. At least in which foods are safe for you dog. They really think about "safety first, and doing no harm." Remembering sound nutrition advice isn't always going to be the latest trend. Scientists believe that its better for the knowledge base to be slowly changing, rather than change it back and forth every time a new study is done. That's why science changes slowly, while public opinion on scientific things changes frequently.

The OP said that she took the boutique workers word over her vets word.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Vets don't need lots and lots of classes on it unless that's there specialty. One class is enough to get a basic knowledge of the chemistry involved in nutrition and learning the definitions. For example, what exactly is a protein and how does it work. Even one undergraduate class in nutrition is more than most forum "authorities" have and vets are required to take graduate level classes as well. As another example, not all doctors are authorities on bones, but the general practitioner knows enough to find out who does have specialized knowledge, and listens to those experts. People working at the local pet boutique are not experts in nutrition, they are salesman.

Originally Posted by lovespandp

So true. Like how we have primary care doctors, but for instance if we have a heart issue we would be sent to the cardiologists. There are specialist that had special training in that certain area-

This is why doctors also order nutrition consults from specialists.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

Everybody has to find the right food for their own pet's needs. There is not one that is good for all; each has to be evaluated depending on the individual pet.

I would not fire my vet based on recommending a food brand I don't agree with unless it was a life threatening choice. I can research and feed my dog what "I" feel is best. In certain cases a pet nutritionist would be a better choice than a vet to determine your dog's needs.

But, I depend on the vet to diagnose and treat disease, treat injuries, and deal with emergencies. If a vet does these things well, I'd cut him a little slack in the area of pet food (which is controversial anyway).

I agree. We have never discussed food with our vet, other than quantity/calories when Max gained a little chunk.

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

Well asking a vet about nutrition though would be like asking my regular doctor about nutrition. It's just best to go to a specialist like a nutritionist for nutrition info. Oh I would never trust a sales person about food. I might listen to what they say but there just trying to sell there food.

Yes, but they will have knowledge regarding the issue. I’m sure if I asked my General Doctor some questions about my diet he would be more than capable of helping me.

Like Nancy has said “it's better to see a specialist if you have a specific problem”.

This is also a bold statement. Not all “sales” people are just trying to push that particular product on you. Some sales people have a lot of experience and knowledge, especially if it is something they believe in.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by lovespandp

Yes, but they will have knowledge regarding the issue. I’m sure if I asked my General Doctor some questions about my diet he would be more than capable of helping me.

Like Nancy has said “it's better to see a specialist if you have a specific problem”.

This is also a bold statement. Not all “sales” people are just trying to push that particular product on you. Some sales people have a lot of experience and knowledge, especially if it is something they believe in.

The sales people at petsmart for sure are paid by certain food company's to say there food is the best one person was even lied to about a certain food on here once . My statement was on that sales person is not better to listen to then your vet or even a vet nutritionist.

[MandiesMom]

Food is such a hot topic on this forum

[JuneBugs Momma]

Originally Posted by Verbena

I checked it out. Dog advisor website has it at 3 stars out of 5.

The chicken has brown rice, corn, oat groats, corn gluten meal, dried beet pulp on the first 7 listed. Too much grain and I do not like beet pulp. It can cause tearing eyes

Dog advisor is giving an overall rating for the Authority product which includes their product with chicken. If you read over my post again, I feed the Authority Mini Chunks Lamb & Brown Rice. The first seven ingredients are Lamb, Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Wheat, Wheat Germ Meal, Oat Groats, & Rice Bran. Brown rice is way better than Brewers rice and there in NO beet pulp and NO corn.

I do not listen to vets, nutritionists, breeders, etc. I educate myself with the basics. Look for the first 5-7 ingredients and the first and second should ALWAYS be meat or some kind of meat meal. It is also a myth about grain-free being so-called better. It is necessary if your dog has allergies or has a sensitivity to grains, but, grains can be beneficial as well as carbs. The only grain that has been found to have no nutritional value and is used as a filler is corn or corn meal.

You go along with what works best, even though every dog is different. My chihuahua was 10-12 yrs old when I rescued her. I did not expect her to live to be 21-22yrs old. I fed her Authority for 8 years and could have not been more satisfied. I took a chance with JuneBug and he likes it so why change?