Whole Dog Journal - Dry Dog Food Review 2008
This months issue of The Whole Dog Journal has the first part of their dog food review. This months issue covers dry dog foods WITH GRAINS. Next month dry dog foods WITHOUT GRAIN are going to get their own article. I like that they split it up this year and companies who would not disclose where and by whom their food is manufactured are not allowed to be on their approved list.
Sadly Solid Gold was one of those companies and so was Timberwolf (but I'm already angry at them). Maybe next months article will show me another company to buy from instead of Solid Gold. It's just so hard to find grain free that isn't based around chicken.
Sadly Solid Gold was one of those companies and so was Timberwolf (but I'm already angry at them). Maybe next months article will show me another company to buy from instead of Solid Gold. It's just so hard to find grain free that isn't based around chicken.
Comments
Forgot to add:
For people on here who are unsure what to feed their dog, and are looking for more info, this months issue, and next months issue will be of great value to you.
After re-reading my post (which maybe I should do before I post), I can see why it is confusing.
Solid Gold would not release information on where their food is manufactured or by who it is manufactured. So they were not allowed to be on the WDJ Approved list. I'm not sure if that is reason enough to stop feeding, just disappointing to hear.
I thought I would bump this up since there are a lot of new people around.
Whole Dog Journal is a great source for information, especially for new pet owners.
Interesting review, I just got it in the mail yesterday. Solid Gold, Timberwolf AND Royal Canin are all on the list that didn't return a call from WDJ I believe. Not that I would ever feed my dog Royal Canin, but veterinarians sell and recommend this company because they have a bunch of prescription diets that they sell through vets. Sad....
I am happy to see Nature's Variety and Natura Pet Products(Innova) on the approved list.
It's a salmon & duck based grain-free recipe. My dogs absolutely love it! We've gone through two 12 lb bags already
Also, Fromm's Adult Gold made the WITH GRAINS list this month in Whole Dog Journal, I suspect their Surf & Turf will make next month's list too.
Cheers!
The second part of the yearly dog food review by Whole Dog Journal is out.
Orijen is not a brand that they covered. I e-mailed the editor to ask why, I'll let you know if/when I get a reply.
I have not seen the article yet, but I plan to read it soon when I make the decision about what food to put Lucy on forever. Like I've mentioned in other threads, she's on Royal Canin Potato and Venison formula. Due to her bowel issues, I need to keep her on venison, but I'm not emotionally tied to the Royal Canin. Is anyone aware of other brands that have a Venison formula. I looked that Wellness but after inquiring, I found out they don't use separate processing facilities for their allergy formulas. Now I'm back to square 1.
Thanks!
Canine Caviar Pet Foods has a grain free called Venison & Split Pea Adult Dinner. canninecaviar.com
Wellness also has a Venison and Rice formula in their "low ingredient" Allergy foods. It is suppoused to be good for dogs with sensetive stomachs. Wellness is a good brand.
http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/dog_wellness_simple_food_solutions_venison.html
Taste of the Wild has a venison and smoked salmon version
http://www.tasteofthewildpetfood.com/
All three of these companies put out WDJ reviewed food.
In other good news Solid Gold is back on the Approved list, they just got their information into WDJ a little late for publication.
Thanks for the suggestions Jessica and Brandon. FYI, the Canine Caviar site does not work with the www infront. caninecaviar.com
Jess: Where do you get your venison from?
I called both Wellness and Canine Caviar and both do not use separate processing facilities for their venison formula.
My assumption (read, I don't know for sure) is that all processnig machinery would have to be washed down and sanitized in between different types of food being processed. So in theory, I wouldn't think that it would matter, due to the fact that machinery would be clean and free of any previous protiens.
I edited the canine caviar link but it's still goofy, people will just have to type it in.
Even if you trust your vet, you might want to look into seeing a holistic vet for a second opinion. I think second opinions are always good, especially since this condition of Lucy's is such a major issue. I know if I had one doctor limiting me to only certain foods due to a condition, I might go see a second doctor to see what they had to say too. You can find holistic vets here: American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association www.ahvma.org
Their website seems to be down at the moment though.
You assume correct. When I spoke with both companies on the phone, they told me a story about how intense their cleaning standards are in between runs. I assume what you meant to say is that it wouldn't matter, not would. Right?
I don't get the feeling that she is limiting me on foods, she seems open and excited about the idea of other foods. Just cautious about trace amounts of other proteins in her diet. I suspect that most of these smaller companies can't afford to run separate processing facilities the way a larger company can.
I would make a call to Taste of the Wild but their formula has salmon as well as venison. If for some reason Lucy starts doing poorly on venison that would limit future choices if she had exposure to other proteins.
Ugh. While I'm on the topic, Lucy went in for her annual exam and vaccines today. Unfortunately, her vet is still concerned about patellar luxation. She wants me to start on a glucosamine and chondroiton supplement. Because of her bowl issues, I can't go with normal supplements like missing link because they have liver in them. She recommended osteo biflex (the human medication). Any thoughts on that too?
This has not been the best dog owner week for me.
It may not have been the best dog owner week for you, but Lucy is very lucky to have you, as it's obvious you don't spare expense or time and effort for finding what is best with her.
Human Glocsamine suppliments are fine, a lot of people use them just because they can be a lot cheaper. If you want to look into other brands for pets, www.petvetdirect.com carries a lot of them at really good prices. However, they don't list ingredients, I think you would have to call individual companies for that information. Most of them have some sort of liver or protien in there though, for flavor for the dogs.
Our older Shiba, Koshi, is on this because of his allergies and his coat is fabulous. It also has a omega 3 to omega 6 ratio of 1:6.7. My vet said that we should stick with kibble that had a ratio close to 1:5.
I found two more venison only formulas, but both do not use separate processing facilities. Grrrrr.
Natural Balance seems interesting. And Ziwi Peak does too, but its $90 for an 11lb bag.
LOL!!
Around these parts, a 13,5Kg bag of Orijen is worth 75 euro, roughly $111. Acana is 58euros, about $86...