Corgi Forums

Michael Romanos · **Pet Fit Challenge -** 03-25-2008, 04:34 AM

Hills Science has introduced a USA-wide Pet Fit Challenge Pledge as a symbol of renewed commitment to your dog's health. It is in response to the serious dog overweight problem.
The pledge card says: to help my best friend live longer, healthier life with:
The right amount of food
The right food
Regular exercise

Together with a signed pledge, there is coupons for discounted Hills food, a weight management record book, a fittest dogs contest and dog workout tips.

MyPemCharlie · 03-25-2008, 09:17 AM

Another brilliant marketing campaign from Hill's. Too bad I don't find their products to be the "right food" for my dog. It's a great idea though.

Peggy · 03-25-2008, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyPemCharlie

Another brilliant marketing campaign from Hill's. Too bad I don't find their products to be the "right food" for my dog. It's a great idea though.

I'll second that thought!

Peggy

Dillydoodle · 03-25-2008, 04:07 PM

My boys do get the right exercise, the right amount of food and the right food, which is definately NOT hills science diet... but you are right about it being a great marketing strategy... wish someone with a quality product had thought of it... oh well, while the good companies put their money into the quality ingredients in their foods, Hills has plenty to spend on all this marketing...

IMO...

Emilie

colbycorgi · 03-25-2008, 04:07 PM

I'll third it....

Michael Romanos · 03-25-2008, 08:23 PM

I'd recommend Hills Science that is AAFCO-approved to anyone. I think the company has a proven track record of leadership in the premium and super premium dog food market.

MyPemCharlie · 03-25-2008, 08:27 PM

They have a leadership in sales revenue because of their marketing and distribution strategies, not because of what's in the bag. Their food is not "bad", but it is average quality at a premium price. It should be a lot cheaper price given the ingredients.

Peggy · 03-25-2008, 09:06 PM

Here in the US the Hill's company goes to the vets offices and gives "seminars" on nutrition. Of course they promote their food as the best. (I've seen this first hand when I worked as a vet tech.)

Vets get very little training in college about nutrition. Again there what they do get is taught by the dog food companies.

So, vets "learn" what they know from the dog food companies, mostly Hill's.

Also, vets are paid or given rebates, or whatever you want to call it to promote and sell Science Diet foods.

All of this is partly the reason Hill's Science Diet products are widely accepted by vets and much of the general public.

Those of us who have taken it upon themselves (and this includes vets who have studied nutrition outside vet school) have found that Science Diet is not one of the better foods. There are many on the market that have better ingredients.

And just becuase they meet the AAFCO requirements does not make them a preimum food or even a good food. Most foods on the shelves will meet the requirements. Even the cheap ones none of us would recommend.

Peggy

Louwants · 03-26-2008, 06:10 AM

Here we go again!

Michael Romanos · 03-28-2008, 09:57 PM

Peggy - I think you are stretching credibility again. All food that is sold from vet clinics draws in sizeable profits for the clinics. One has to define what is super premium, premium and non-premium food for dogs. I wouldn't promote feeding Corgis a daily major diet of non-AAFCO approved food or food which is not premium.
In New Zealand at least, the vets and vet nurses attend comprehensive studies and lectures on canine nutruton and nutrition forms part of the examination routines in order for vets to become qualified. Also there are regular follow-ups. The processes are carried out by independent specialists.
In your eyes a vet in the USA has little or no integrity - they will promote what you say, gains for them the biggest profit. I don't think this is the case by and large. Quite a number of American vets support a different immunization, vaccination regime that draws in less profit for them since it removes the annual vaccination system.

Peggy · 03-28-2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Romanos

Peggy - I think you are stretching credibility again. All food that is sold from vet clinics draws in sizeable profits for the clinics. One has to define what is super premium, premium and non-premium food for dogs. I wouldn't promote feeding Corgis a daily major diet of non-AAFCO approved food or food which is not premium.

I am not streaching credibility. YOU are the one that does not know what is happening in the US and once again I resent you telling me how it is here. I don't tell you how it is in NZ.

The foods sold in grocery stores are also AAFCO approved and many of them are not good foods. Some are ok, some are not.

Quote:

In New Zealand at least, the vets and vet nurses attend comprehensive studies and lectures on canine nutruton and nutrition forms part of the examination routines in order for vets to become qualified. Also there are regular follow-ups. The processes are carried out by independent specialists.

How do you know this? I've been to the seminar put on by a Hill's represenatitive when I was working for the vet. I'd like to see some proof that they attend studies/lectures/seminars/classes taught by independent specialists.

Quote:

In your eyes a vet in the USA has little or no integrity - they will promote what you say, gains for them the biggest profit. I don't think this is the case by and large. Quite a number of American vets support a different immunization, vaccination regime that draws in less profit for them since it removes the annual vaccination system.

I did not say vets didn't have credibilty. You're putting words in my mouth again. However, they do promote what they know and they are being taught by the dog food companies. So they belive that what they are selling is good food. Many of us just disagree with that.

And the vets that have done independent study beyond vet school are the ones that don't promote and/or sell Science Diet.

The nutrition discussion has nothing to do with the vaccination system. (By the way quite a few vets also still promote and use the annual vaccination system too. It's about 50/50 right now.)

Comparing that and nutrition is comparing apples an oranges.

Peggy

glencorgi · 03-28-2008, 10:38 PM

Michael - you "may" be able to address the nutritional studies by veterinarians and practices in New Zealand, but in the US it is VERY different. Why you cannot accept that there are people on this forum who have experience with the way things are done in the States is beyond me.

One of the club members of the regional Pembroke club I belong to is a fairly recent graduate of veterinary school. While she was still in vet school I was chatting with her ringside the conversation changed to food. She said she had switched from the brand she had been using for many, many years to Hills. Why? Because they supplied it free to veterinary students and she couldn't argue with the price. That Hills was giving away free food to her was free was her only reason and motivation to change. That is the common practice in vet schools in the US.

Debbie