Opinion on this food

[Diamond Dog]

Had a representative from Canine Caviar at our meeting today and was wondering what you guys thought of it. The ingredients seem very similar to Canidae (no corn, wheat) but it doesnt use varied meat sources like Canidae

Its also more expensive than Canidae at 34 bucks a bag compared to $28.00 a bag I get a TLC pet store in Tustin.

The protein and fat content seem higher in all of their products which has been an issue with me with Canidae since I can't seem to put weight on my 8 month old wit Canidae.

However, after my boy's hip prelim (which the vet said that my boy's hips were "stunning") that he may expereice some pain from growing pains and that I should cut back on protein and you want to keep protein down anyway on this breed so that they grow slowly.

the website that lists the ingredients for Canine Caviar is www.caninecaviar.com

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[TrishB]

Hiya Diamond Dog,

I've never heard of them. My concern wouldn't be so much with the percentages of nutrients as it would be:

Balance
Quality
Vet Recommendations

A balanced diet is key - knowing that all of their needs are being met.

Quality of the ingredients is what makes a food. Where do they get their ingredients from? Are they approved by any veterinary organization?

What does your vet say? I'd recommend that you ask your vet to go to the site and see what they say.

You're right in that protein and fat levels need to be closely watched in our quickly growing breed.

I have to admit, I'm also a little leary of foods that say "100% no preservatives". Then what's keeping the food from going rancid? If they're using vitamin E, is it enough to protect the food? What's the shelf life of it?

The sad fact about pet foods is this:

There are no pet food regulations. Anyone can make anything and call it dog food. There is no legal requirement that they list anything or that they prove their claims. So I always take new foods with a grain of salt.

Ask your vet - they're always your best resource.

[CarolineS]

It looks better than some, but not as good as Canidae (since this is the other one you mentioned). There seems to be a little double-talk going on...they mention they use "quality" ingredients which would lead one to suppose they use "human quality" ingredients but they don't actually say that anywhere. They claim their food is hypoallergenic because it doesn't have corn or wheat...my dog is allergic to lamb, rice and chicken so I guess it wouldn't be so hypoallergenic for her. ;)
I also notice it has citric acid in it and this is one of the things that the Purdue Bloat Study has connected to bloat.