Calling ALL YT Vets, Vet Assts, Vet Students!!!

[JeanieK]

Actually my vet gave me a Puppy Pack put out by Eukanuba, with a free sample. however they feedf Science diet there and when ollie wouldn't eat anything else they gAve me a baggie full out of their own supply.

So I am gussing they do not get anything for suggesting Scinec Diet, else they would not be giving out samples of Eukanuba.

[BabyFidgette]

Originally Posted by JeanieK

Actually my vet gave me a Puppy Pack put out by Eukanuba, with a free sample. however they feedf Science diet there and when ollie wouldn't eat anything else they gAve me a baggie full out of their own supply.

So I am gussing they do not get anything for suggesting Scinec Diet, else they would not be giving out samples of Eukanuba.

My vet gave me the same thing. But you know what? He gave me large breed puppy! DUH! So I gave it away. He does push SD though.

[RLC12345678]

Originally Posted by Lacy's Mom

My best friend is a drug rep and yes, his job is to give out samples and educate the doctors, but most of the money and time is spent coming up with elaborate things to do with the doctors. I always get invited along so it's fine with me, but I have had a full day at the spa, tons of parties, private bus with food, drinks to just go look at Christmas lights, so yes, docs do get "kickbacks" and may feel obligated to write say a name brand prescription, even if generic is available, with the reasoning that insurance companies are paying for it anyway.

I forgot to add I can get tickets to almost any entertainment or sporting events (the very best seats, of course).

I would call these "incentives," not "kickbacks." It is against the law for doctor's to profit in any way for prescribing certain meds. They are being "enticed" by the drug reps, but they are in no way obligated to prescribe what the drug reps are marketing. Plus, doctors get these fun incentives whether they prescribe the meds or not. So they definately would not be considered "kickbacks."

[irishawk]

Originally Posted by BabyFidgette

The responses here really made me realize why they recommend it! I guess that's like Doctors who prescribe certain medications...let's say Zoloft over Paxil or Celexa. It's all for the kickbacks.

I work in the pharmaceutical industry and I can say wholeheartedly that doctors certainly DO NOT receive kick backs from the large pharma companies for prescribing their drugs. It's highly illegal and their are strict regulations about these activites. Physicians may prescribe drugs because they have the best relationship with the sales rep for a particular drug, it treats a certain patient type or it really is a superior drug.

I would venture to guess that it is also unethical for vets to recommend dog food for cash. They may, however, recommend it because it is the company that has the loudest "share of voice" in the dog food industry. Do any of the other dog food companies "sample" their food?

[kalina82]

Once again.... Vet's do not get kickbacks from Hills by promoting science diet. Also, all the vets i've worked for have recommended higher quality foods to feed clients dogs instead of SD. Hill's does make a prescription diet as well and i think this is where people get confused. Whenever a pet gets sick the vet most likely gives them hill's prescription diet, and tells the owner to feed this instead of what they normally eat. This is because out of all the companies that make food for specific illnesses hill's is the "best". purina also makes a few prescription foods but they are not as good as hill's. Hill's has a prescription diet for practically every long term illness (kidney dis, liver dis, urine crystals, weight control/loss, joint problems, heart problems, etc.) They do not push Science diet, but they do highly recommend Prescription diet when there is a problem.

[BabyFidgette]

Originally Posted by kalina82

Once again.... Vet's do not get kickbacks from Hills by promoting science diet. Also, all the vets i've worked for have recommended higher quality foods to feed clients dogs instead of SD. Hill's does make a prescription diet as well and i think this is where people get confused. Whenever a pet gets sick the vet most likely gives them hill's prescription diet, and tells the owner to feed this instead of what they normally eat. This is because out of all the companies that make food for specific illnesses hill's is the "best". purina also makes a few prescription foods but they are not as good as hill's. Hill's has a prescription diet for practically every long term illness (kidney dis, liver dis, urine crystals, weight control/loss, joint problems, heart problems, etc.) They do not push Science diet, but they do highly recommend Prescription diet when there is a problem.

That's true, now that I recall. When Baby wasn't eating, he told me to buy the prescription SD.

[Shadow]

Originally Posted by RLC12345678

I am 100% positive. I asked my hubby who is a doctor and he said it is actually against the law for doctors to get kickbacks or any kind of benefits for prescribing certain kinds of medications.

Had a show on this and they do get kickback, cruise's car etc.

[txshopper73]

kickbacks!

[mikie1977]

hi fellow YT's! I just got a new yorkie and feed him Science diet puppy bites based on what the breeder was giving him. I have been doing research and see a lot of forums and reviews in here saying that SD might not be the best and healthiest food to give our pup. but at the same time, i see just as many postings saying that they give their pup SD all their lives and they are very healthy! in fact, it also seems that there is a direct correlation between SD and healthy colorful coats of hair! that is great! it sounds to me that if your pup is healthy and enjoys SD, it is fine. but if the pup is ill or has certain nutrition or health issues, then maybe a "healthier" more organic choice makes some sense. I will continue with SD for now, but will keep doing research and maybe make a change later on. Many people posted that their vets reccomend SD and others responded by saying that this is because the vets get a kickback or share of profit. I know that is not true. Go search for vets and vet tech postings here on YT. they confirm that this is not true. It is illegal for them to get kickbacks! let's face it, different food works for different dogs. But there's a reason that MANY vets reccomend SD in my opinion - because it works! and it must be good. it's even got the AKC stamp of approval and AKC seems to be the most reputable dog club registry out there. maybe I am just getting duped by marketing.....but I always try and think logically about this stuff. would love to hear other opinions!

[BabyFidgette]

Originally Posted by mikie1977

hi fellow YT's! I just got a new yorkie and feed him Science diet puppy bites based on what the breeder was giving him. I have been doing research and see a lot of forums and reviews in here saying that SD might not be the best and healthiest food to give our pup. but at the same time, i see just as many postings saying that they give their pup SD all their lives and they are very healthy! in fact, it also seems that there is a direct correlation between SD and healthy colorful coats of hair! that is great! it sounds to me that if your pup is healthy and enjoys SD, it is fine. but if the pup is ill or has certain nutrition or health issues, then maybe a "healthier" more organic choice makes some sense. I will continue with SD for now, but will keep doing research and maybe make a change later on. Many people posted that their vets reccomend SD and others responded by saying that this is because the vets get a kickback or share of profit. I know that is not true. Go search for vets and vet tech postings here on YT. they confirm that this is not true. It is illegal for them to get kickbacks! let's face it, different food works for different dogs. But there's a reason that MANY vets reccomend SD in my opinion - because it works! and it must be good. it's even got the AKC stamp of approval and AKC seems to be the most reputable dog club registry out there. maybe I am just getting duped by marketing.....but I always try and think logically about this stuff. would love to hear other opinions!

Welcome to YT! You're baby looks adorable! Now, regarding SD, I think you are right in saying that if your baby is doing well on the food then it's okay. Even though it may not be "the best" dogs have lived long lives on Purina and Alpo. I know that Baby was itchy when I had her on Royal Canin, so I took her off. Also, SD has meat byproducts, and those are not great for our little ones, that's why a lot of us feed a more natural food. Not that prepackaged food is natural, but you get my drift! LOLOL I always refer people to this website: http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/ When you are done reading that page, go to where it says "click to see the reviews." The info is very helpful!

[BabyFidgette]

Originally Posted by mikie1977

hi fellow YT's! I just got a new yorkie and feed him Science diet puppy bites based on what the breeder was giving him. I have been doing research and see a lot of forums and reviews in here saying that SD might not be the best and healthiest food to give our pup. but at the same time, i see just as many postings saying that they give their pup SD all their lives and they are very healthy! in fact, it also seems that there is a direct correlation between SD and healthy colorful coats of hair! that is great! it sounds to me that if your pup is healthy and enjoys SD, it is fine. but if the pup is ill or has certain nutrition or health issues, then maybe a "healthier" more organic choice makes some sense. I will continue with SD for now, but will keep doing research and maybe make a change later on. Many people posted that their vets reccomend SD and others responded by saying that this is because the vets get a kickback or share of profit. I know that is not true. Go search for vets and vet tech postings here on YT. they confirm that this is not true. It is illegal for them to get kickbacks! let's face it, different food works for different dogs. But there's a reason that MANY vets reccomend SD in my opinion - because it works! and it must be good. it's even got the AKC stamp of approval and AKC seems to be the most reputable dog club registry out there. maybe I am just getting duped by marketing.....but I always try and think logically about this stuff. would love to hear other opinions!

Me again. I found a direct link to SD for ya.

http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_f...duct=138&cat=7

[Gizmo's Mom]

Originally Posted by BabyFidgette

The responses here really made me realize why they recommend it! I guess that's like Doctors who prescribe certain medications...let's say Zoloft over Paxil or Celexa. It's all for the kickbacks.

Oh let's don't go there..Celexa is our friend.

[lisatodd]

i just changed mine to sd and my babies have stopped scratching. the food they were on before made them scratchy. my vet advised me to change to a higher brand but never told me science diet. my babies have done very well on it.

[BabyFidgette]

Originally Posted by Gizmo's Mom

Oh let's don't go there..Celexa is our friend.

LOL And Zoloft is mine!

[Potter]

Originally Posted by BabyFidgette

Me again. I found a direct link to SD for ya.

http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_f...duct=138&cat=7

Beet pulp and chicken liver flavour? These are 2 ingredients that I will check on the food bag before buying them for my dog. I don't think a food that is good and contains enough meat needs flavouring to enhance it.