I feel like every time I try a new food I see a post why I shouldn’t be feeding my dog that. I was about to switch to Darwin’s raw food but then I saw some of their products tested positive for salmonella. I need recommendations. One of my pups is an 8 year old shepherd mix with joint problems and the other is 2 year old miniature poodle mix with very itchy skin.
sevilodorf
New member
@mtol118 Darwin’s has had a particularly terrible track record with salmonella, and refusing to issue recalls when they should.
But more importantly they don’t meet any of the standards laid out by the vet community.
Vet consensus is actually pretty clear on this!: pick a diet backed by expertise and research. Experts are far better sources than random internet posts!
https://www.reddit.com/r/DogFood/wiki/index/start/
https://www.reddit.com/r/DogFood/wiki/research/
But more importantly they don’t meet any of the standards laid out by the vet community.
Vet consensus is actually pretty clear on this!: pick a diet backed by expertise and research. Experts are far better sources than random internet posts!
https://www.reddit.com/r/DogFood/wiki/index/start/
https://www.reddit.com/r/DogFood/wiki/research/
@mtol118 Get a highly researched, WSAVA compliant food. Diets by Iam, Hills Science Diet, Purina, and Eukanaba are all WSAVA compliant.
Most "fad diets" have not been researched for the entirety of pets lifespans. WSAVA diets have been researched for literally THOUSANDS of lifespans, so even if there are minor/infrequent problems, they would be identified in the data. WSAVA FAQ:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...gQFnoECC8QAQ&usg=AOvVaw0HUsg962Nx-qu6Ynhp-omA
Raw has no scientifically proven benefits, only downsides (such as food poisoning). Dogs are genetically NOT wolves. They have evolved to eat omnivore diets, and don't have the strong digestive systems wolves have to handle bad microbes.
Grain free is also problematic, and was started as a response to the HUMAN grain-free fad diet. Less than 1% of dogs have a legit grain allergy. Grain free HAS been linked with cardiomyopathy in dogs- most likely due to the items used to "replace" grains.
In the same vein, dog "allergy tests" you buy online are all bogus. People have sent in the same dog multiple times, with widely varying results. Even samples such as "fake" saliva or hair were sent in.... and somehow had multiple "allergies". The only way to determine an allergy is with your vet and a hydrolyzed protien food trial.
Most "fad diets" have not been researched for the entirety of pets lifespans. WSAVA diets have been researched for literally THOUSANDS of lifespans, so even if there are minor/infrequent problems, they would be identified in the data. WSAVA FAQ:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...gQFnoECC8QAQ&usg=AOvVaw0HUsg962Nx-qu6Ynhp-omA
Raw has no scientifically proven benefits, only downsides (such as food poisoning). Dogs are genetically NOT wolves. They have evolved to eat omnivore diets, and don't have the strong digestive systems wolves have to handle bad microbes.
Grain free is also problematic, and was started as a response to the HUMAN grain-free fad diet. Less than 1% of dogs have a legit grain allergy. Grain free HAS been linked with cardiomyopathy in dogs- most likely due to the items used to "replace" grains.
In the same vein, dog "allergy tests" you buy online are all bogus. People have sent in the same dog multiple times, with widely varying results. Even samples such as "fake" saliva or hair were sent in.... and somehow had multiple "allergies". The only way to determine an allergy is with your vet and a hydrolyzed protien food trial.
mauruserventofchrist
New member
@carol777 Yes!! I shudder when I think about giving my dog raw food! Same thing with the humans who drink raw milk. Pasteurization was invented and has saved millions from food borne illnesses! If we can die from bacterial infections from raw foods, imagine our poor pups who are fractions of our weights.
gordonsweet
New member
@carol777 Yes to everything in this comment!
Sadly, we lost our 2 yr old cane corso at Christmas to cardiomyopathy most likely caused by the grain free food she had been on. Our 6 yr old bullmastiff is now on heart medication for same.
We didn’t know what we didn’t know. We just wanted a chicken free food that didn’t give our pup the runs and we stuck with the first thing that worked.
Sadly, we lost our 2 yr old cane corso at Christmas to cardiomyopathy most likely caused by the grain free food she had been on. Our 6 yr old bullmastiff is now on heart medication for same.
We didn’t know what we didn’t know. We just wanted a chicken free food that didn’t give our pup the runs and we stuck with the first thing that worked.
@carol777 Raw is also a danger to the people around the dog. Are you going to HEAVILY sanitize the area and all bowls/tools every time you feed raw? Are you okay not allowing kisses from your dog? Are you okay keeping your dog away from children, the elderly, or otherwise immunocompromised? Being refused as a patient because many vets and vet techs will not handle a raw-fed dog?
Tbh I get people wanting to feed their dogs a fresh diet - and you can do that! If you’re willing to spend $300+/month on commercial raw, spend that money on a board certified nutritionist to formulate a fresh-cooked recipe instead.
Tbh I get people wanting to feed their dogs a fresh diet - and you can do that! If you’re willing to spend $300+/month on commercial raw, spend that money on a board certified nutritionist to formulate a fresh-cooked recipe instead.
mauruserventofchrist
New member
@mtol118 I was like you! It can be so frightening reading the horror stories out there for either “natural” foods or the main brands. I had been feeding my adopted pup Farmer’s Dog for the past 6+ months, thinking I was doing the best thing with fresh, supposedly nutritious food. But after researching more, I recently decided to transition him to Royal Canin.
Like folks are saying, I think going with established brands that are backed with decades(!) of research is the best bet. We might not like some of the fillers or meat ingredient quality, but at the end of the day the results speak for themselves. The FDA hasn’t established a direct, causal link between DCM and pulses (legumes, chickpeas). But the noted increase in cases and legume-heavy diets is cause for concern and they’re still doing research on it. When I wrote to Farmer’s Dog they didn’t give me a satisfactory response other than saying there wasn’t an established link so that’s when I made the jump to an established, reputable brand.
The fact is, there hasn’t been enough time for these new brands to have results that prove their foods are safe for long-term consumption. The big brands do. No company is completely safe from recalls but at the end of the day, millions of dogs have been fed these foods for decades.
I’m planning to feed my dog RC kibble as their main then supplement with occasional fresh fruits & veggies
Like folks are saying, I think going with established brands that are backed with decades(!) of research is the best bet. We might not like some of the fillers or meat ingredient quality, but at the end of the day the results speak for themselves. The FDA hasn’t established a direct, causal link between DCM and pulses (legumes, chickpeas). But the noted increase in cases and legume-heavy diets is cause for concern and they’re still doing research on it. When I wrote to Farmer’s Dog they didn’t give me a satisfactory response other than saying there wasn’t an established link so that’s when I made the jump to an established, reputable brand.
The fact is, there hasn’t been enough time for these new brands to have results that prove their foods are safe for long-term consumption. The big brands do. No company is completely safe from recalls but at the end of the day, millions of dogs have been fed these foods for decades.
I’m planning to feed my dog RC kibble as their main then supplement with occasional fresh fruits & veggies
@mtol118 For joint problems it's even more important to use a proper nutrition. The "big 3" follow guidelines that require glucosamine & DHA be added to the food which is a joint supplement and anti inflammatory. Purina Pro Plan is an affordable option, alongside Science Diet and Royal Canin being the most expensive.
@ivorysnow I have my 2 year old on sensitive skin and stomach by hills science diet. My older pup is on instinct, which I’m guessing from reading all these comments might not be the best?
magnolialee
New member
@mtol118 Don’t ask me for literature on it because I don’t have it but I have heard from multiple veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists (I am a vet) that Instinct nearly meets all the WASVA criteria and maybe will in the near future. I think they just need more data on the lifetime feeding studies which takes a while! I am ok recommending this food if the client wants a diet that isn’t hills/purina and they want to pay three times the price for an increased pathogen load.
@mtol118 Everyone has an opinion no matter what, you need to choose which opinions you value. Personally I weigh vets and vet nutritionists above others due to the extensive education and research they dedicate their lives to. I feed PPP. Most important thing though is that it is sustainable/affordable for you and the dog enjoys and thrives on it!
@mtol118 If you struggle this much, please remember that your pet's veterinarian and their team are resources to help you select a food that is right for your pet with your pet's specific health needs. They can help you analyze a specific food for whether a good option for your pet, or make suggestions for good options depending on what you are striving to achieve. And they can point you towards a veterinary nutritionist if you need more specialized assistance.
christian6969
New member
@mtol118 The miniature poodle quite possibly has environmental allergies or an immune/skin problem unrelated to food. The animal dermatologist I know would have you eliminate the possibility of food allergies thru an elimination diet (usually via prescription hydrolized protein) and then if that doesn’t work do the scratch test to determine environmental allergies (just like they do for humans).
If it’s environmental, strategies for managing may include anti-itch shots (cytopoint), apoquel, immunotherapy drops (for younger dogs), and good old Zyrtec.
It can be a long process but your dog is young so it might be worth it!
For joints, I’ll add that my dog’s orthopedist recommends collagen and omega 3 supplements.
If it’s environmental, strategies for managing may include anti-itch shots (cytopoint), apoquel, immunotherapy drops (for younger dogs), and good old Zyrtec.
It can be a long process but your dog is young so it might be worth it!
For joints, I’ll add that my dog’s orthopedist recommends collagen and omega 3 supplements.
@christian6969 Thank you!! This was very helpful