Cheaper food, with a twist

[Psyfalcon]

Unfortunately, due to freezer space issues (can't buy bulk), its hard to keep raw down to a reasonable cost. After the post- Christmas turkey sales are over, I think it will be back to something more affordable, supplemented by clearance meat when I have room for it. Grain free isn't much cheaper, the Evo price has gone through the roof here, and other grain frees aren't far behind. Over $50/ 28 lbs for Evo.

My spreadsheet says that Canidae is the cheapest, but even if I ignore the formula change (Iron stomach dog, the only thing that has ever exploded was a whole pot of stuffing...) it made him ITCHY. That was mostly solved by adding fish oil capsules. (He wont eat the capsules, so I had to break them).

Because the fish oil almost completely stopped the itching, I'm inclined to think that it was not an allergy. He also itched a bit on Evo, but not a heavy turkey or chicken raw diet, even though it is not a reduction diet.. bread, cookies, etc, he is a good begger.

Canidae is/was only about 14% fat, but the omega 6 which is said to be a heavy influence on coat is very similar to Evo.

If I go to a less expensive food, I'd rather avoid the itching. Could it be a matter of not enough fat? Evo was over 20%, but raw chicken and turkey is lower than canidae.

Diamond Naturals comes in a 25% fat formula (Extreme Athlete), and a canidae level of omega 6. Thoughts? (Chicken and rice is only 16%)

 

[Dekka]

Raw chicken is higher in fat than 14% by dry weight if you are feeding frames or backs or necks etc. It might be similar if you are comparing the dry kibble to wet raw. But that is not a real comparison.

 

[lizzybeth727]

It might not be the lack of fat that's causing the itching, it could just be the overall health of the dog. I'd try the diamond, since you know that the others will probably cause itching, and see what happens.

 

[drmom777]

I supplement my Kirkland (same as Diamond) with oil for my hounds (usually olive oil or chicken fat if I have some) and their coats are very nice. I know Bax supplements her dogs with olive oil and their coats positively gleam.

 

[Punkygirl0101]

I feed Kirkland and don't supplement with anything and my dogs have very nice, shiny smooth coats.

 

[Dekka]

:lol-sign: :lol-sign: :lol-sign:

I have been using normal canned dog foods by Agritura's. My dogs normally eat kibble, so they think that canned dog food is a real treat. They probably eat this faster than they would sticky peanut butter. opcorn:

I recommend you to use Agritura's Canned Dog-Food Products. These products are based on nutrition, protien, carbohydrates & vitamins. Here is the best food products for all types of dog's. For more Details check it here "Agritura.com".

umm I didn't see any canned food from them... what I did see was low to med quality dog foods. No where did I see an ingredient list so not even sure what is in it. BUT the protein levels were too low and the fat was too low too. I would NOT suggest that food.

 

[Psyfalcon]

If it registers like a spammer, and posts a single post like a spammer, while bolding the website like a spammer, its probably a spammer. Besides, thats the entirely wrong way to go with this food problem

You're right, I'm not sure what I was looking at when I found turkey at 12% or so... with skin, its much higher

Lizzy, I haven't seen much to support that idea. On either dry, or raw, he seems to be about the same in activity and general heath. Coat wise, its similar, as is poop He did catch fleas while on Evo, and that had my head scratching for a few days!

Unfortunately, there are no tractor supply companies around here, and they had by far, the best price on Diamond naturals products.