eating grass, sticks

[noodle]

This question probably has been addressed before, but I'm new so here goes...
Becka just turned 1 and we feed her about 2 1/2 - 3 cups morning and night of Science Diet. Not that the snow is finally off the ground, though, she's been eating grass and sticks whenever she goes out. Is she trying to tell us she needs more roughage? If so, what should we give her? thanks--

[Roscoe's dad]

I believe its natural for dogs to eat some grass. I also recomend you consider going to a higher quality food. There are a lot of higher quality foods out there. Canidae, Inova, Wellness are some examples of some if you do a search you will find many others.:)

[spoteet]

My puppy is all the time chewing on sticks, pine cones, rocks, whatever mother nature left lying around for him. He loves nothing better than to get in some thick grass and start pulling it up and then he eats some of it. It is an instinct from their wild ancestors I believe. Sticks and things are the only chew toys a wolf pup has you know.

[noodle]

I'm curious what the differences are in food. We've always used Science Diet, which we consider a step up from, say, a Purina or whatever. What are the affects of the "higher quality" brands you mention, and why are they better?

[brunie's mom]

noodle:
When the super premium foods are fed they contain much more meat and way less fillers. The meat is usually human grade... this means you could eat this meat before it is used in the dog food.
The lesser quality food like Purina, Pedigree, Science Diet use meat of questionable quality... it can be dead, dying or decaying animal meat... that is rendered:(
When you feed a dog the superpremium food, you will feed less food, have much smaller poops and keep the dog healthier (less vet visits with skin and ear infections).
I went to the www.naturapet.com site .. there is a food comparison chart... just a small example of this.

Science Diet Canine Growth: Ground corn, Poultry by-product meal, Soybean meal, Animal fat, BHA/BHT etc.

Canidae : Chicken meal, Turkey meal, Ground brown rice, Lamb meal, Chicken fat etc.

Innova : Turkey, Chicken, Chicken meal, Ground barley, Brown rice, etc.

Now.. what would you want to feed your dog???:D
I believe Science Diet is about the same price as the other foods.
I can guarantee you if you change to a better food.. you will see results.:)

Gina

[noodle]

Oh my god! I had no idea - I just went with the vet's recommendation that "they're all pretty similar." Now I feel like I've been feeding the poor girl garbage. I'll definitely switch -- thanks for all the advice.

[LORHEL]

I used to feed Science Diet too. Don't feel bad. That is what the vets recommend so you just went with their opinions. Also, they get alot of that food free. I found that out later, in an article on pet foods. Because they feed their own dogs (or so the ads always say) you think you are okay with that food. It is a step up from Purina for sure, but we have had much better luck especially with skin problems since switching to Canidae.

Good luck. :)

[Roscoe's dad]

Don't be to hard on yourself, Before comming here I fed my previous dog IAMs on the vets recomendation. Live and learn.:)

[Charles V]

<<<Don't be to hard on yourself, Before comming here I fed my previous dog IAMs on the vets recomendation.>>>

Same here. Originally my vet told me that Eukanuba and Science diet were great foods...and what do you know, he had those two brands for sale in his waiting room???

Anyways, after searching and reading this board for weeks I decided to switch to Innova Puppy - and have since switched to California Natural Puppy, both made by Natura. I told my vet and he said they were both great foods. I finally asked him what he feeds his dogs, and he said Flint River Ranch! So he recommends SD and Euk, but feeds his own dogs a super premium food like Flint.

I am not sure what the moral of my story is, except to beware what your vet tells you, because there is often an angle.