less expensive dog food

taraharvey · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 7:53 am Post subject: less expensive dog food

I am not sure how this is going to go over I know that there are alot of people on this site that wouldn't think of feeding a less expensive or "grocery store" brand dog food. I wish I could afford them, but we stay at home Moms/dog lovers have to sacrifice, that means store brand chicken nuggets for the kids and Tractor Supply brand food for the dogs.
I also know there is probably alot of people like me that can not afford the high end dog food. (I have 3 large dogs). That being said I have found a wonderful food at the Tractor Supply Store. It is called Retriever Brand, its the "store brand". My 8 year old rottie that has food allergies "hot spots" has the most beautiful coat right now and it is great for both of my weims and their energy level.

I feed them twice a day and I have started giving them the high protein for their a.m. feeding and the regular for the p.m. feeding. I went to stock up yesterday and they gave me coupons for a free bag this weekend. Saturday (Sept 6th) is their pet day. You can take your animals in there anytime, which I love!!! I hope this is helpful for those of you on a budget.I couldn't be happier, I do have to say though I tried the Retriever Brand dog treats and this gave my rottie a hot spot flare up so be careful with that.

versatilek9s · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 8:10 am Post subject:

With 4 dogs I can see your concern! I feed raw now, but even before, on a premium dog food we were looking at $140 a month easy. Robbery!

My suggestion is that if it works for your dog, keep it up! Very Happy

If their coats are shiny, they have normal poos, ears stay nice and clean, they have bright eyes, and the correct amount of energy for their breeds, etc, then do what works! If I could get away with feeding Brand X with good results, I'd be all over it!

meredith
(Do keep in mind that you may be feeding more (i.e. 1 cup of premium=3 cups of brand X) with a generic food though.)

Aces-Wild · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 8:17 am Post subject:

I'm so glad you found a food that works for your dogs!
(Ace is currently having digestive issues, and it sux)
I don't necessarily think that all the expensive foods are guaranteed wonderful. As long as your dogs like it and they look healthy/happy, that's all that matters! Very Happy

BEANSnBERRY · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 10:09 am Post subject:

.... as they always say "if it ain't broke..."!

But I will suggest the Kirkland brand of dog food a Costco, as far as "cheap" dog foods, it's 1. a great value and 2. one of the better ones out there (kibbles). You may want to look it up and price it, if it's a better deal, why not save a few bucks? Very Happy

See, we aren't so horrible! lol

taraharvey · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 11:10 am Post subject:

I wish we had a costco...we have Sams club, and I tried that "storebrand" we ended up with hot spots... UUGGHH

yoko · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 12:21 pm Post subject:

I'm glad to read this.

I've been feeling conflicted lately because Yoko is on Purina Pro Plan. While not cheap, its not really known to be a premium dog food. Everyone who's asked me what food she's on turns up their nose when I say Pro Plan.

Last night I went by the neighbourhood pet store and the lady there asked about my dog's food... of course she crinkled up her nose when I said Pro Plan. She showed me some different options because I was curious - and it seems that there are a few choices that aren't too too much more than what I'm paying. I could probably afford to swtich her, but do I NEED to switch her is my question.

My concern is that she's doing FINE on Pro Plan now... why force a change? She looks beautiful, acts beautiful, has regular bowel movements... so why change things? Does a higher quality food promote longer term health benefits?

h20fwlkillr · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 1:37 pm Post subject:

LunaBrown · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 3:00 pm Post subject:

yoko · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 3:07 pm Post subject:

agreed... we shouldn't allow food snobbery, should we?

ok i am sticking with PP as long as she keeps a happy tummy!

sue

krisnkaipo · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 5:56 pm Post subject:

I want to say I am an admitted food snob. I embrace it.....I am the single mother of a spoiled rotten weim Laughing

Christina · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 6:09 pm Post subject:

My dogs eat Pedigree Large Breed food and have had no problems so far (they are 10, 9 and Cool

. My puppy is a bit more picky and we tried her on Pedigree puppy which she just picked at and she is now on Pro Plan puppy which she is doing better on. The guy at the pet store recommended giving her Evo, he said we would feed her way less but it has many more nutrients to it, etc. So I emailed Evo to see if they have any sample bags or anything to see if Sagira might like it or not. My three big dogs inhale their food though. We feed them 2 x a day.

allab · Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 5:05 pm Post subject:

[/quote]
Actually PP is a very good food. It is one of the top performance feeds available. It's really kind of funny how PP is highly valued by hunters and trialers, but is rejected by pet owners.
It really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks of a particular food. As long as the dog likes it and does well on it, it is a good food.[/quote]

Hi there,
i dont want to start a debate here on dog food, we all feed what we think is right for our dog.But educating our self's is also important .
Purina Pro Plan is not any where near top performance feeds!Just look at the top 5 ingredients.
I used to feed Science Diet thinking it was the best food out there! Wrong!
I have educated my self and now have an understanding about dog food.
So now I rotate between Innova,Evo,Canidae.
I am going to include a few links,so you can read and than hopefully make the right choice of food.
If your dog likes that food it does not mean it's good for him.Dogs will eat anything.
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/
http://drydogfood.bravehost.com/menu.htm
http://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=betterproducts

Happy reading!

Smile

samckinner · Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 5:20 pm Post subject:

Hey all

I wish someone on here would tell me what kind of dog food would produce good firm stools. I have tried Blue Buffalo and Natural Balance. Both have produced liquid to soupy or mushy stools. I need to feed kibble and I don't care how much it costs. Help!!!

Shirley and Haus

LunaBrown · Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 5:37 pm Post subject:

GrayGhost · Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 5:37 pm Post subject:

Innova EVO makes really solid poop for Mirabella, but it doesn't seem to sit too well with Houdini. He doesn't seem to handle the high protein well.

If you are looking for an inexpensive alternative, I would suggest taking a look at Nature's Recipe.