Is Iam's food good or bad?

[Zephyrpower]

Hey, everyone.

I recently switched dog foods from Diamond to Iam's. Right before purchasing it, I heard from a few people that Iam's was a good brand. The main reason I chose Iam's is because when I ran out of Diamond, I started adjusting his diet to a free bag of Iam's I got from a vet. So even though he had only had Iam's for a few days I figured I might as well get that. Also, at the pet store I went to there was a huge bag of Iams on sale--40lb for $25! Which is always good for someone who doesn't make a lot of money.

Now about a week ago, I was at this Petsmart place and some old guy with and apron and chest hair sticking out of his unbuttoned shirt started running a sales pitch about this new brand of dog food and how it was superiour because the people that made it took years to study what dogs needed to be healthy, and of course they had been making healthy human for years. Then he pointed out how the main ingredients in most "supermarket" brands is a generic meat name like "chicken" which is random chicked parts as opposed to "Chicken Meal" which consists of the good meat part of the chicken. Also, he said that any "cereal products" like Corn Meal, are worthless and just used as filler so the companies can compete in the supermarket industry. Of course Chicken byproducts is also bad, and that I definetly believe.

The brand of food is called Nature's Variety. If what this guy says is true, I'll probably consider that or another brand of similiar quality in the near future

 

[Brattina88]

Iams isn't very good...
there are a lot better foods out there than the ones sold at petsmart

I strongly suggest reading http://www.dogfoodproject.com/ for the real deal on byproducts, meals, cereal products, ect...

Be careful of what the weird guys (I love your descriptions of people, I have to say) tell you at petsmart, vets, ect to endorse their food. They are probably getting paid to encourage you to buy their food

 

[Herschel]

Actually, Nature's Variety is a really good brand and I'm really surprised that a Petsmart employee had the knowledge to tell you that!

http://www.naturesvariety.com/

Iams is terrible.

Iams Lamb and Rice:

Lamb Meal, Brewers Rice, Corn Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Corn Grits, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Chicken Fat (Preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Dried Beet Pulp (Sugar Removed), Fish Meal, Natural Chicken Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Potassium Chloride, Brewers Dried Yeast, Salt, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Acetate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (Source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (Source of Vitamin B2), Inositol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Fish Oil (Preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Choline Chloride, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Carbonate), Monosodium Phosphate, DL-Methionine, Rosemary Extract

4 out of the first 5 ingredients are grain fillers!

Brewer's Rice is the small milled fragment of rice kernels that have been separated from the larger kernels of milled rice. Brewer's rice is a lower quality rice product that is missing many of the nutrients found in ground rice and ground brown rice. It is basically a waste product of the alcohol industry.

Chicken By-Product Meal: Consists of the dry, ground, rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered chicken, such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, and intestines -- exclusive of feathers except in such amounts as might occur unavoidably in good processing practices.

Ground Yellow Corn is the entire corn kernel, ground or chopped. While the whole corn kernel is nutritious and supplies whole grain nutrition, corn is considered to be highly allergenic and difficult for dogs to digest.

Dried Beet Pulp is the dried residue from sugar beets, which has been cleaned, freed from crowns, leaves, and sand, and extracted in the process of manufacturing sugar. Dried beet pulp is added to some pet foods to act as a fibrous stool hardener.

Fish Meal: The clean, rendered, dried ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish or fish cuttings, either or both, with or without the extraction of part of the oil. Unless the manufacturer either presents a permit or states "human grade" fish or fish meal is used, you can be pretty sure Ethoxyquin is present in the food even if it is not listed.

Salt: While salt is a necessary mineral, it is also generally present in sufficient quantities in the ingredients pet foods include. Just like for humans, too much sodium intake is unhealthy for animals. In poor quality foods it is often used in large amounts to add flavor and make the food more interesting.



Canidae:

Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, White Rice, Lamb Meal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Herring Meal, Flax Seed, Sun Cured Alfalfa Meal, Sunflower Oil, Chicken, Lecithin, Monocalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Linoleic Acid, Rosemary Extract, Sage Extract, Dried Enterococcus Faecium, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract, Inulin (from Chicory root), Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Fermentation Solubles, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Mixed Tocopherols (source of Vitamin E), Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (source of Vitamin C), Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (source of B2), Beta Carotene, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, D-Biotin, Sodium Selenite, Papaya, Vitamin B12 Supplement.

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Pet Food Direct Prices: 20lb Bag

Iams: $21.29
Canidae: $20.99

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Sources:
http://www.dogfoodproject.com
http://www.ourpetfood.com/comparison.html

 

[Bobsk8]

Compare I am's to Natural Balance Ingredients



Fresh Chicken, Fresh Duck, New Zealand Lamb Meal Premium quality meats (no by-products) from USDA approved plants and New Zealand Lamb Meal. This unique blend of fresh high quality proteins provides the essential amino acids to help maintain strong muscle tone and a healthy, shiny coat.

Fresh Carrots An excellent source of vitamin A and beta carotene.

Oatmeal An exceptional source of: carbohydrates, fiber, thiamin and vitamin E. Not widely used in pet food because of cost, it does not contain the allergy causing glutens found in other grains.

Fresh Potatoes Rich in potassium and an excellent source of highly digestible carbohydrates for energy.

Vitamin C Aids in maintaining the integrity of the cell structure, as well as diminishing the effects of illness.

Taurine Fortified New studies show that dogs need Taurine for cardiovascular health. Read more on this.

Skin and Coat Optimum amounts of Omega-3 and Omega-6!!! Lecithin, Linoleic Acid, Whole Ground Flaxseed, Vitamin E, Biotin and Kelp are used in the correct ratios required to result in an excellent skin and coat.

No Artificial Preservatives, Flavors or Colors.

Does not contain Soy, Wheat, Eggs, or Dairy Products.


[I]Chicken, Brown Rice, Duck, Lamb Meal, Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols - source of Vitamin E, Citric Acid, and Rosemary Extract), Natural Flavor, Tomato Pomace, Canola Oil, Brewers Yeast, Lecithin, Choline Chloride, Carrots, Potassium Chloride, Whole Ground Flaxseed, Dried Kelp, Sodium Chloride, Parsley Flakes, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplements, Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C), Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Lysine, Manganese Sulfate, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Inositol, Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Thiamin Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), D-Activated Animal Sterol (source of Vitamin D-3), Biotin, Ethylene Diamine Dihydriodide (source of Iodine), Cobalt Sulfate, Vitamin K1 Supplement, Sodium Selenite.
[/I]

http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/dogformulas/home.html

 

[Pharlap290]

My first dogs had Iam's and were okay for a long time. But as they were getting older they started getting more sensitive stomachs so I had to switch to Science Diet. I wasn't sure though because the Weim was getting sick with cancer and couldn't hold the food down much anyway. But it had been happening before that too. Just wasn't sure which one was the main cause of the barfing.

 

[Brattina88]

Science diet is horrible food

 

[Pharlap290]

I don't have that now. I have regular Dog Chow now. Get the big 50lb bag. I haven't had a problem with it... yet. There are so many choices I'm never sure what to get. It's like I can't even trust the vet's, they might just be trying to get rid of the stuff. The vet was the one who recommended the Science Diet.


Ok.. What are the most recommended dog foods?

 

[Brattina88]

probably these
http://chazhound.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34722
if your confused about dog food (and it is really confusing) www.dogfoodproject.com is an excellent website
its all about the ingredients as opposed to the brands

 

[Demonic Angels]

Nature's Variety is not a bad quality food. I'd definitely do that waaay before I'd reach for Iams.

 

[Zephyrpower]

Thanks for the info everyone.

I actually noticed recently that he doesn't seem to crazy about Iams at all. When I first got it, he used to inhale it as fast he could like most anything else he found edible, especially Diamond dog food.

Then one day I noticed he threw up a bit in my room and there were mounds of soft half-digested dog food. One of the piles had a piece of tree bark in it though, so that might be what made him sick. He also didn't want to eat treats or anything, BUT he was very energetic and wanted to play a lot

I called the vet and he told me that was probably a minor upset stomach and instructed me to boil water and hamburger. I boiled some hamburger and rice and he readily at that.

Now he eats Iams, but reluctantly and a lot slower than before, he doesn't go all out like he did before. Sometimes I mix some rice with it and he usually eats the rice and food until the rice is gone. I don't if it's because he's older (13-14 weeks) or if because he's tired of eating **** food.

What would you reccomend I do now? I think he's going to eat Iams but I really wish I could take it back and start with something healthier! I guess it's my fault for not doing more research beforehand, but I thought it had to be an improvement over Diamond Dog foods

 

[fastpitchchic]

You can always switch to a better brand dog food...you just want to do it slowly over a period of a few days...as this could upset his tummy...try eagle pack, innova, natural balance.
A lot of pet stores will take back the food you bought if your dog doesn't like it, provided you have only used a small amount of the food.

 

[dirtmcgirt]

Definitely try a better food.. It's great that you are wanting to switch to a better quality kibble for him..

Here is Iams guarantee from their website..

"Are your Iams products guaranteed?

Answer
All of our Iams products carry a 100% guarantee. If for any reason you or your pet are not satisfied with any of our products in any way, we will replace the product or refund the purchase price. Be sure to save the unused portion along with the proof of purchase symbol and contact us at 800-675-3849."

So yeah, you should be able to get your money back.

Others good foods are Canidae, Solid Gold, timberwolf organics .

You won't find any of these in a grocery store or big chain pet store.. go to your nearest private owned pet shop.. They are bound to carry one of the premium lines.. (Avoid Iams, Eukanuba, science diet, purina.. etc)

 

[Herschel]

I don't have that now. I have regular Dog Chow now. Get the big 50lb bag. I haven't had a problem with it... yet. There are so many choices I'm never sure what to get. It's like I can't even trust the vet's, they might just be trying to get rid of the stuff. The vet was the one who recommended the Science Diet.


Ok.. What are the most recommended dog foods?

Are you referring to Purina Dog Chow?

 

[misticaleclipse]

Anything Purina would be something to stay away from, including the dog chow.

I would also suggest Innova or canadae.

 

[MK&C]

Innova and Canidae are excellent. Definitely near (if not at) the top! Eagle Pack is great too!

 

[ToscasMom]

I rejected IAMs too because of all the grains. What I noticed was there is a huge difference in ingredients between commercial dog food and premium dog foods. I don't think it's just about the first ingredient, but more about the first four. Since I have raised cats for a long time, I already felt that rejecting any food that has "byproducts" in it was best. I also know that too many carbs make for fatter cats, so it might be so for dogs too. I too am weening Tosca off of her Purina One that the breeder used, and transitioning to Natural Balance. I am at about half and half at this point and I also noticed she began to DIVE into her food once I started adding the NB. I found after reading on the net like a maniac that I was impressed with NB and Eagle Pack. I was also tempted by Innova and Solid Gold but the supply here is not very good.

 

[ToscasMom]

As a side note, to me Science Diet is only "good" because of Hill's marketing skills. I think it's not a very good food food ingredient-wise. I fed my pets with it for a number of years, and they all got fat. More and more people are realizing it's hugely grain based, and vets no longer seem to push it like they used to. My own vet doesn't feed it to his pets, so that in itself is an indicator.

 

[pitbulliest]

Nature's Variety is not a bad quality food.

lol..whoa..who told you that?

 

[pitbulliest]

If you need some more info on which dog food to choose, here's a good place to start:

http://www.dogfoodproject.com

Here are my personal choices for good quality dog kibble:
- Timberwolf Organics: http://www.timberwolforganics.com
- Merrick: http://www.merrickpetcare.com
- Nature's Variety: http://www.naturesvariety.com
- Wellness: http://www.oldmotherhubbard.com
- Innova: http://www.naturapet.com
- Canidae: http://www.canidae.com

The foods I would definately avoid:
- Pedigree
- Iams
- Purina
- Eukaneuba
- Science Diet
- Ol Roy

Here are some non-kibble foods that I personally like:
- Healthy Paws: http://www.tryhealthypaws.com
- Urban Wolf: http://www.urbanwolf.cc

 

[Buddy'sParents]

lol..whoa..who told you that?

What is wrong with Nature's Variety? It's good quality.