I don't believe the vets recommend such food intentionally trying to cause problems in the animals. However most often there is not a huge emphasis placed on nutrition in the vet schools, and in some cases this portion of the course is tought by reps of the food industry (ie: from Purina or the like). Go figure <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Wellness is a good brand so far as commercial kibbles are concerned. They have many formulations depending on the dog's individual needs, both in canned and dry. Personally, I find my guys tended to get board of it after a bag or two... if I switched them to something else (either another flavour or another brand) for a month or so they were fine. I have not found this reaction with most other brands, I wonder if its in the way it's processed... Wellness is a baked food (which they claim is better) rather than extruded. Anyway, from what I understand the ingredient quality is pretty good and the dogs do very well with it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

You may also consider a dehydrated food. They are easy to prepare (just add water) and are closer to a homemade diet than the regular commercial foods. I think Leerburg sells this type of food.

 Quote:

I don't believe the vets recommend such food intentionally trying to cause problems in the animals. However most often there is not a huge emphasis placed on nutrition in the vet schools, and in some cases this portion of the course is tought by reps of the food industry (ie: from Purina or the like). Go figure <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Wellness is a good brand so far as commercial kibbles are concerned. They have many formulations depending on the dog's individual needs, both in canned and dry. Personally, I find my guys tended to get board of it after a bag or two... if I switched them to something else (either another flavour or another brand) for a month or so they were fine. I have not found this reaction with most other brands, I wonder if its in the way it's processed... Wellness is a baked food (which they claim is better) rather than extruded. Anyway, from what I understand the ingredient quality is pretty good and the dogs do very well with it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

You may also consider a dehydrated food. They are easy to prepare (just add water) and are closer to a homemade diet than the regular commercial foods. I think Leerburg sells this type of food.

Mel, I had to laugh when I answered a PM from Julia just now, then went to log out, because your reply on the forum is just about word-for-word my reply in the PM......even to the point about vets always being bombarded with glossy info and "studies" from the big commercial food companies, who are able to visit and restock regularly and provide nice signs and shelves and brochures........

And I'm seeing that vets (where I live, anyway) are slowly catching up with the canine nutrition "revolution," overcoming the lack of good nutrition courses in so many vet med colleges.

All in all, the trend is encouraging, I believe, and I send a bow in the direction of the pioneers like Pitcairn and Billinghurst (and certainly many others).

Connie, that's pretty funny. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Guess, its pretty obvious to those who have done thier homework <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> . Hope that in the end all of this information has been helpful for Julia. Its insane really and, like you I think many of the vets in our area are finally becoming more aware (thankflly)... some not as much as others, but most are a little more willing to hear you out or support your efforts if you go against the standard 'presecription diet' that they recommend. There are still very few holistic vets in our area (we have one about an hour away from us, but that's it). We work with our farm vets and are very lucky that they are so willing to put up with our different point of view <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Good luck with your guys...

Julia I hope that your mum's dog is able to benefit from this thread, I'm glad that she is going to be okay <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />...

Cindy, I know Rixi is well cared for at Leerburg, I am confident that she will enjoy her time with you until the end, she is very lucky! Again, my thoughts & prayers are with you both.

Merry Christmas!

Yup... you guys definitely think alike... nearly word for word. I can't wait to get my books. Maybe after my mom and I have finished reading them we will drop them off with the local vet <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I am sure I will need it for reference for quite some time.

Thanks again for all your support and feedback and I am sorry for those of you who have or are suffering.

Merry Christmas!

BRILLIANT idea Julia! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> If your like me you'll likely want to keep the books for future reference, but with that said, I LOVE the idea of passing them onto your vet when you are done with them!! Good thinking <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Merry Christmas!

Julia,
I've used Wellness when I couldn't feed raw (like vacations) but be careful, especially with an older dog who's stomach may not be what it used to. Wellness, like Innova is pretty rich, and can cause some diarrhea at first. With all the dog's gone through lately, I'd make the switch gradually. JMO