[Jake]

Hi.. I've been feeding my two Labs Purina One, or Iams since they were puppies. At near $30/bag, that's quite a bit of cash a month. There's nothing I wouldn't do for them, but things have really tightened up in my industry and money is tight.

I'm tempted to grab a bag of the $12 generic stuff. On the other hand, if it will not provide the nutrients they need, I can grab some generic people food for a while.

Any thoughts, advice? Buddy and Lucy are the world to me. I'm just looking for some honest opinions...

thanks!!

[frank]

Hi Jake,

You're obviously someone who cares about your dogs enough to ask, so I assume you also care enough to invest a little time to learn what you need to know on the subject.

Don't be fooled by the price... read the label. If the first item listed is something like corn rather than something like meat, chicken, or meat or poultry by-products, forget it. Your dogs will suffer. They need protein and corn won't give it to them. (One of the principles of labels is that ingredients must be listed in the order of their inclusion in the product, by weight).

Learn to read and understand the labels. There's a great article on the subject at the Dr. Foster and Smith site. It'll tell you how to shop wisely for your dogs' needs.

Good luck.

[hangdog]

Hi Jake,

I completely agree with what Frank said--learning to read the labels is the best way to go. Even if it's more expensive, your money is better spent on high quality protein as the main ingredient in the food. Your dog will be healthier, which can save money on vet bills in the long term.

A quick tip to help you compare foods and assess quality: Look at the recommended feeding guidelines. For example, if the "cheap" food says to feed a fifty pound dog two cups of food a day, but the "expensive" food says you only need to feed one and a half cups a day you'd end up buying less of the expensive food.

When comparing prices I would also look at the food's cost per day instead of just comparing how much the whole bag costs since that doesn't give you the whole picture.

[Lee]

As a kennel owner dog food is way up there in importance to maintaining a healthy dog. In CA name brand dog food is way up there in price . A very good dog food suited for a maintenace food for healthy adult dogs is Kirkland Super Premium Adult Dog Chicken ,Rice and Vegetable dry dog food. in Costco It has a better formula than Iams mini chunks (which I used to feed ) It contains no corn , the first two ingrediances is chicken, chicken meal followed by whole grain brown rice, and cracked pearled barley ,there is no corn and they are cert by AAFCO (Ass. of American Feed Control Officials ) Costco food is 40 lbs for $22 I still also feed Eukanuba puppy and premium preformance for puppies, boarding dogs and my mothers and show dogs that need that extra protien and nutrition. I would not feed real cheap no name food . A well ballanced dog food also dose not require any suppliments (vitamins, oils ) as long as your dog is healthy

[laidback]

Jake,
I know what your going through, I am in Automotive and we are dying.
The biggest change I made was to cancel my Sat. T.V. and high speed internet. Yes I am back on dial-up but, My pet's are still eating their special diet foods.

Things will improve someday :>)

[indigoStarlightChihuahuas]

Costco's brand dog and Puppy food (Kirkland) is better than Eukanuba or any other I have found on the market at 1/2 the price. Read the labels and compare! You could also ask your vet for nutrtionally sound recipes and cook for your babies. I hand them out all of the time for free.

[pinsnpugs]

Do you happen to have an ingredients list for that brand?
I dont have a Costco here, but am curious so I can see if it is something I would reccomend to people when they inquire.

I feed Purina ONE, have not down graded the dogs despite the finacial changes we have had. I have been a loyal user for many years and my show dogs always look great.

I do, however have a Dobe who has to be on all natural, allergy foods.
I recently came across a good holistic food that is very resonable in price.
Merrick makes it...it is a lower cost food with great ingredients and runs 19.97 at my local pet supply store (17.5 pds)

[biggydog]

There is no harm in trying to give them other dog food. I know how it feels and I am taking care of a Great Dane right now and he really eats well. I think it is best if we ask a vet regarding this matter. Dogs do not live because of food alone but by our care and love for them.