LoveToKnow Dogs:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Dogs

Comments

Hi Terri,

I haven't fed AvoDerm to my own dogs, but I did do a little research on it. Seems they use chicken meal and brewers rice as their main protein sources. While these aren't quite as good as real whole meat, named meat meals do provide concentrated sources of protein and brewers rice is far more digestible than corn. I looked at how dog owners tended to rate this food, and it seems more are in favor of it than against it. The main complaint seems to be looser stools, but this is common when changing a dog over to a new food. Some of the owners said this problem went away in about two weeks after the dogs adjusted.

So, all you can really do is give the food a trial run. Be sure to gradually replace your dog's old food with the new brand to avoid upsetting his digestive system as much as possible. In about two months, you should be able to tell whether AvoDerm will make a difference for the better. Good luck. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I am looking for a good premium dog food (in kibble) and have been told that Avoderm is great for dogs. Looking for feedback if this is actually a good premium kibble.

-- Contributed by: Terri

Hi Karen,

You may already know this, but chronic ear infections are sometimes related to food allergies. Taking your dog off commercial kibble may prove helpful, but the best thing to do is have your dog tested to try to isolate exactly which food or foods you dog may be allergic to. It's possible that there is no food allergy involved, but it would be helpful to know for sure.

As for cooking for your dog, I have a favorite cookbook that I recommend because it's the one I use myself when I feel like giving the dogs a special treat. It's called The Natural Pet Food Cookbook by Wendy Nan Rees and Kevin Schlanger, DVM. The recipes are veterinary approved, and the book offers nutrition and feeding guidelines. I believe it's available through Amazon.com.

Thanks for your question, and I hope that home cooking helps relieve your dog's chronic ear problems. Let us know how it goes. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I would like to stop feeding my dog commercial dog food and prepare my own however I don't know what I should feed her?? She has terrible ear infections, I want to make sure I am giving her the proper nutrients she needs. Any info would be appreciated!

-- Contributed by: Karen

Hi Gary,

I agree with you. A bargain brand is no bargain at all if it compromises a dog's health. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

AS a LVT I can see what a good deit can do for our pets. Most the time it'the 40lb for $5.00 brand that can get owner in trouble. More broken bones, more skin problems, and the fattest you will see.

-- Contributed by: Gary Samuels & Gang

Hi Carrie,

Thanks for sharing the info. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

You forgot Canidae. After all the research I've done, it's the only food I'll feed my dog.

-- Contributed by: Carrie

Hi FHF,

I agree with you about the meal. It's gotten a bad rap that it doesn't deserve. It's a concentrated source of highly digestible protein. I'm going to amend this article. Thanks for pointing it out. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

On the "Kibble and Canned" section, the article states "Avoid foods that include by-products and meal." While avoiding by-products is correct avoiding "meal" isn't. All 'meal' means is that the meat has already been processed and is not to be confused with by-product. It's not the same thing and their is no research otherwise stating that. In fact lamb, chicken, fish meal has 11 time more protein than just plain lamb, chicken or fish. The just plain meat that is not in meal form is 70% water before its even cooked so you're actually getting more meat with the "meal." You should also stay away from corn wheat or soy

-- Contributed by: FHF

Hi Sarah,

I hear you about the cost, but it takes almost double the amount of raw protein to produce the percentages you see on the labels, hence the cost. However, you really can cook homemade foods for your dog. Check out the book The Natural Pet Food Cookbook by Wendy Nan Rees. I have a copy myself, and it tells you everything you need to know to serve your dog nutritious homemade meals, plus it has recipes for both dogs and cats. I believe it's available at Amazon.com.

Thanks for sharing!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I love these articles you all put on here. I just dont understand why the food has to be so expensive! I am looking for a good and healty dog food that my puppy will enjoy and cant seem to find one that is affordable. How much money can it really take to make natural dog food!!!!!

-- Contributed by: Sarah

I just came upon this article written by Sandra Duke and was so happy to see Dr.Harvey's included in your list of Best Dog Food Sources. As a member of the Dr. Harvey's team it is always nice to see our company recognized. We continue to strive to make the very best all-natural products for dogs, cats and birds and to help educate guardians about the benefits of a natural diet for companion animals. This mission has taken us to many places and has given us the opportunity to improve the lives of many animals and their guardians. We feel privileged to have been able to share Dr.Harvey's vision of holistic nutrition for animals with so many people. We continue to strive to educate people about the best ways to keep their companions healthy. Your article has helped to spread the word. Thank you.

-- Contributed by: Wendy

I have been asked to prepare a good dietary recipe for an 80 dog kennel in Costa Rica. Any suggestions?

-- Contributed by: Slack Cardinal

I checked out homestyle select and liked the whole meat and veggies in the ingredient list... but didn't like the brewers rice (a low quality grain) or the fact that the food is cooked, robbing it of highly absorbable raw fats and active enzymes that are key to nutrient assimilation. I didn't happen to notice if the ingredients were human-grade.

-- Contributed by: Amanda

What is your opinion of Timberwolfs dog food.

Expert Reply

Hi Diane,

I haven't fed Timberwolf dog food to my dogs, but I did like what I found out about it during research for the article I've just linked you to.

The user comments I've found on this product are generally quite good, and most people find the company easy to deal with. Personally, I wouldn't be afraid to try it if I were considering changing my own dogs' food.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Diane

Hi Emily,

What are the first five ingredients? You don't want to see any "by-products", corn or wheat. All of these are inexpensive fillers that provide less digestible nutrition for your dog.

What kind of preservatives are listed on the label? You don't want to see ethoxyquin, BHA or BHT listed. These are chemicals that are cheap to use as preservatives, but they've also been linked to causing cancer in dogs.

The best foods use a named meat source right up front such as "Chicken" or "Beef", or at least a concentrated named meal such as "Chicken meal". They also use natural preservatives such as vitamin E (tocopherol) and vitamin C. Some even use air-tight packaging to lock in freshness.

If Home Select meets these criteria then it's probably safe.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

How about Homestyle Select? My dog loves it and the ingredients seem to be very good. I dont know how it would compare to these listed on this page, but everyone that have tried it is tell me its the best dog food.

-- Contributed by: Emily

Also a very good dog food is Innova Evo.

-- Contributed by: SelfSane Publishing
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