What do you feed?

[Dillydoodle]

Ok, i wanted a dog when i couldnt afford one, and i waited. I waited becuase i wanted to give the dog, ( whether it be rescued from the pound or purchased from a breeder) the best life i could give with proper medical care, proper food, etc. I didnt want to be in a position where my dog needed something and i couldnt give it what it needed.

As for the comment about rich people not letting their dogs in the house - first off , some rich people dont let dogs in the house as some poor people dont let their dogs in the house, i dont see how that matters a lick... personally i feel every dog should be kept in the house... My dogs are allowed any and everywhere i am, they are in my car, they are in my bed, they are on my rugs... I just wash their feet before they come in from a walk.
I am not against anyone having a dog, but if they cant afford good food, can they really afford proper medical care? I have funds set aside for my pets, i saved for years and built up a big savings account meant for pet medical emergencies... this was my way of making sure i could always care for my pets...

By the way there are lots of good foods that are considered premium and I dont tell anyone what to feed, just saying that there are some great foods out there my only point is to read the ingredients... lots of people who feed Hills science diet could be feeding a healthier food and if you can afford to feed Hills you can afford ANY of the super premium foods- they are comparably priced...


Emilie

[Chip's Mom]

Emilie:

I was just trying to make a point that some people no matter how much money they have may not do right by their dogs rather it is with food or housing or vet expenses. I agree completely that if you can afford Science Diet then you can afford something that has better ingredients. I just get frustrated with the way some of the posts read that if you can't afford to feed the highest priced or best quality dog food then you aren't taking proper care of your pets or you are feeding them something that is harmful to their health and this can be offensive to people that read the posts. I was not implying that you didn't take care of your dog. If you go back and read through both our posts, I have emphasized again and again that I truly believe that there are people that just can't afford the high priced dog food but still make good pet owners and take good care of their pets. That is my only argument here - nothing more or nothing less. Sometimes, when we post our replies, we don't take peoples feelings into consideration and I am as guilty of this as everyone else so again I apologize if I have offended anyone.

[Dillydoodle]

I understood your point, and I agree with you that there are some people who dont do right by their dogs but i dont think money really has that much to do with that. I agree that a loving home is truely so very important, but i also think that being financially stable is important too... I certainly dont mean to offend anyone either, but i do feel strongly. I see that a lot of pets are turned into the shelters or rescues because their owners didnt have the resources to care for them, or they have to move and can't afford to be picky and find a place that accepts pets,and most sadly ( as i am so against this) elderly people being forced to give up their beloved pets becuase they have to move into assisted living homes or nursing homes and they are not allowed to take their pets with them..
I think food is a small part of the whole picture. I do see plenty of people who dont have a lot of money and they do right by their dogs, they make personal sacrifices to be able to care for their dogs. I have a lot of respect for those who do that.. As far as the food goes, all i can say is that no matter how much money a person has or is willing to spend there are good wholesome foods in nearly every price range - Someone reading these posts might be offended or maybe they will be inspired to read labels and realize they can afford a better food than they are currently feeding and switch their dog to something a little healthier... nothing would make me happier than that..
Emilie

[Chip's Mom]

Emilie:

I think we are now in total agreement.

[Dillydoodle]

Bonnie, now if we can only get someone out there to change the rules and allow the elderly to keep their pets when having to move to the retirerment or assisted living homes then everything would be good!!! That just breaks my heart...

Emilie

[Chip's Mom]

It does mine to Emilie. So many of the elderly have no family and are forced to give up almost every possession they own and are forced to move and the most devastating is giving up the pet that has offered them the only comfort and love they have known. In northern New York, there are nursing homes that have dogs and cats that live right on the floors and that helps but it isn't the same as your own.

[darci]

Great spin on this thread. Good points by both Emilie and Bonnie.

Just my opinion here, I dont think there is the 1 perfect food out there, one of the biggest reasons I rotate.

No one food will be great for all dogs. Do what works best for you and your dog.

With that said I feel you should research the foods for yourself, learn to compare ingredients and make a good choice in the price range you choose.

I dont feed the pricest brands out there, and dont make my choice based on price but rather ingredients, and how my dogs do on a food, coats, poops, energy level etc.

[darci]

Good point I think it was Emilie said there are great foods in all price ranges, happy hunting everyone.

I always like to read everyones different experiences with different foods and likewise enjoy sharing mine as well.

[dogbiscuit]

I feed my dogs Honest Kitchen dehydrated food.honestkitchen.com - Welcome! OR
Untitled Document
I have done lots of research on this,as I have a dog toy business and regularly speak with my stores who sell all kinds of different food.
This food is AMAZING...it is a little pricey though but well worth it and dogs LOVE it! It comes dehydrated and you have to add water.It has a lot of garlic in it (a little smelly but a natural flea repellant!)
There are several kinds...my guys eat the FORCE.
I also feed my dogs Stella and Chewy's Carnivore Crunchie treats
www.stellaandchewys.com...really healthy and they go crazy for them!

[dogbiscuit]

I put the wrong web address for Honest Kitchen....it should be
[url]www.thehonestkitchen.com