I know about raw feeding, and I do feed raw every time I am at home to do it, (I do not mix commercial and raw) but between Wellness and Innova can anyone tell me which is better for my 5 month old GSD? I have tried Innova, but he has stopped eating it. He won't touch it. Could it have anything to do with teething? It is pretty hard kibble. I've been told that Wellness is eaten better because it tastes better. Can anyone advise me on this? Thank you for your help.

John, I have never fed Innova, but if I recall it is a hard nugget type food. That could well be the cause of avoidance. If that is the case all you need to do is add a little water and let it soften a bit before feeding.

I am sure someone would argue one is better than the other, but to me as long as it works for your dog it is fine.

I have fed wellness, even taste tested some. It all tastes like fish. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I currently work in a pet store were we sell a couple different brands of good dog food. I have heard a lot of people that have said the opposite about the wellness. That there dog didnt seem to like the taste. I recently switched from innova to wellness. Because I think the richness of it was causing my dog some minor problems. Recently he has decided not to eat the wellness. So I might try to go with the innova senior (less rich). Now as you already know Im sure there are different kinds of wellness. Im wondering Deanna did you possibly have the witefish and sweet potatoe. All the wellness has some fish in though. I just find it wierd because it smells like blue berries. Bottom line is that these are both good dog foods. It just depends on what works for you and your dog. I will tell you that the innova green bag is our best selling food. Wetting that food seems like a logical first step. Ask your store if they have pamphlets and samples (free). I know both companies send these out. Or maybe were just special. Be careful though not to upset the dogs stomach by switching back and forth.

I have tried the super 5, chicken, lamb and fish... they all taste like fish. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

So far as switching goes, I used to do it often. I think if you do your dog is less likely to become sick when you change foods. Mine never got the runs from a new kibble. I would half-half the first day or so though in the beginning.

Hi Deanna,

A little store close to me sells pork neck bones. There is plenty meat left. Is there any problem with giving Zar those to chew on?

My pup has been eating those since 10 weeks with no problems. All you can do is try.

I combine the two. Approx. 50% Wellness (whitefish and sweet potato - it definitely smells and tastes like fish) and 50% California's Natural (limited ingreds - same company as innova). I also alternate between the CA Nat Lamb and Chicken (blue v. green bag) just for a change of pace. My boy likes them individually or combined, but prefers greenies and raw frozen turkey necks and his annual birthday steak dinner! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Should I stay with the Wellness puppy food because of his age? (5mo.) Is there a REAL difference in puppy and adult food? There seems to be so many choices in adult food, but only one puppy food.

MY dogs went on adult dog food at age 3 mos. to ensure that they didn't grow too fast for their skeletal system.

Usually the only difference between these companies in the puppy and the adult is more calories in the puppy. I would still moniter his output if you change. The dogs stomach chemically changes to meet the digestive needs of the food he is eating. When you cold turkey change brands it could impair his or abilty to digest. With some dogs this is a problem with some its not.