re: Dog Food Discussion (Science diet quality?)

Mine has Chicken allergy. We've been w Rabbit and Taters SD w great results .

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I don't see a problem with those

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For the vast majority of dogs there isn't a problem with those. Grain free is also not nearly as important as some of the expensive food companies want you to believe. Most dogs do well with them.

second dr Tim’s

I used to feed science diet as a puppy based on vet givaway and recommendations. Since then I've done some readings and made the switch to Dr. Tim's

If you have any questions, Dr Tim Hunt himself used to call/email you back (not sure if he still does). Great food, great company, and a pretty decent price for what you get.

It's not the worst there is, but it's not great. Chicken is good, but it's 80%+ water. Once cooked, the actual feed weight is minimal. Potatoes have minimal nutritional value to dogs. The peas are there as a supplement to the chicken protein value at a very low cost to the manufacturer. The rest of the ingredients beyond these have a drastically lower value to the dogs (except some fatty acids). Any non-chelated minerals added are basically useless as they don't absorb.

Hill's can claim 22% protein, 33% fat and 45% carb content. The consumer may assume it's a meat-based protein, but its really a plant-based source which is considered to have a lower biological value.

Again, it's not terrible, and provided it isn't contaminated in any way it won't kill a dog. There are just many better options out there if you know what to look for and, in a few cases, are willing to pay for.

I have heard that if "corn" is any of the first three ingredients its less healthy for the dog. The further corn is from the first ingredient the better, and preferred out of the top three.

Wife is a Vet, we feed both our dogs Purina Pro Plan. One is on joint management, the other on one for allergies/sensitive stomach. Different foods work for different dogs. Try to get one that has a protein (not meal) as at least the first ingredient.

Well, I had just put my old lab on Science Diet about two weeks ago. She is way over weight and having bad problems with joints. Per my daughter, a vet, she is the one that put my pup on it. My pup has lost a little weight and getting around a bit better.

Science diet is mediocre at best. vets love to push that garbage.

Merrick and Fromm grain free are two good ones to check out as well.

I appreciate the vote of confidence. I'm not a vet or food scientist.

I do foster dogs with medical conditions all the time in addition to my 3 dogs so I spend a lot more time with vets than typical dog owner. Just sharing the feedback I get from them as it is a frequent question I ask since I'm dealing with dogs with various issues. Lots of good food choices including science diet. Better sure but my dogs are happy and healthy.