What should I be feeding?

[Erinbethc]

I have an 18 week old little girl. When we first got her at 8 weeks the vet told us that Iams for large puppy was a good food (Which is what we have been feeding her). The more I read on this site and others I am starting to question how correct that advice was. I would like to know what everyone thinks is the best food to be feeding my little girl. I want her to have a quality life and I will do what I need to for that to happen.
Thanks

[Tywaknya'sBABY]

FOOD...just kiddin

Yeah the vet usually recommends whoever is paying them. Mine suggested Science Diet.
I switched to Innova after reading up here but I want try Canidae.

[groupieindenial]

Timberwolf Organics looks like a great food. Nature's Variety looks pretty good too.

[observer]

There are LOTS of threads here about feeding. Do a search or just go to the Nutrition and Puppy Development forums and read away.

One thing you will find is that many experienced people here believe buying "large breed" or "puppy" foods isn't necessary. A good premium high protein "all ages" food is what a lot of people here recommend. There was a thread on that just today. If you read through the titles in the nutrition forum, and there are probably some in the Puppy forum, you'll find a lot of info.

[hokisteph5]

Here's a link another member provided awhile back. It has more info about some of the "good" foods out there.

I just switched mine to Innova from Canidae about a week ago. Mine seem to be doing well on both so I think I'll go the route of rotating foods. My next step will be researching a third and/or fourth food to rotate in.

[AngelBunny]

My recommendation is to read thru the postings here in Nutrition and Grooming. Food has been discussed repeatedly. As you read, you'll see that certain names are mentioned over and over. It's likely your puppy will do well on any of them.

I'm with the crowd who thinks puppy formulations aren't desirable.

[bowhuntress]

Look at the ingredients - High-quality ingredients are essential for a healthy food. Some economy brands of dog food are made from inexpensive ingredients that are not easily digested, and therefore, do not provide the best nutrition. While they may technically meet the legal specifications for percentages of protein, fat, carbohydrates, etc., these foods have lower energy values and lower-grade proteins. Because of this, many health-building nutrients may pass right through your dog's system without being absorbed. It also means that you have to feed larger amounts of that lower quality food to provide your pet with the same nutrition as a smaller amount of premium food. When you compare the cost of these foods on a per-serving basis, and realize how quickly you go through a bag, economy foods may actually cost more in the long run.

I recommend staying away from foods that have “by products” of any kind and “ground corn, wheat, etc.” I believe that no matter which food you choose, you will need a supplement. No food, since it is processed at over 120 degrees, can contain all the vitamins,minerals, enzymes that are needed for a well-nourished dog.

[JemarsSerena]

My vet said that Eukanuba (Iams) was a great food too when I started on it. Can we say eye boogers from hell? Shortly after joining RDN I got educated and switched to Innova. Read the nutrition posts, tons of info there.

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by JemarsSerena

My vet said that Eukanuba (Iams) was a great food too when I started on it.

Sadly for us as pet owners, vets typically aren't good sources of info about food. In school, they don't study canine nutrition in a way that helps us. They are as clueless as most of us are when it comes to being able to say which is the better food and why from reading ingredient lists of two different dog foods.

[scooterjohansen]

We have had no issues with Eukanuba and suppliment with salmon and appropriate left overs. We have found fresh marrow bones are great. no problems at all.

[azaurora]

I had used Hund N Flocken, Solid Gold for 6-7 years with my older Rott, Angel.,but with my puppy, Chi, (she had soooooo many problems) it had to much fiber for her at this time. I was researching last night on the computer and found, Old Mother Hubbard, all natural, called "Wellness". I have never tried it, but I have feed Old Mother Hubbard all natural mini treats for the last 12 years and had good results.
I guess it is what you find that works best with your Rotti. Good luck!
Aurora

[xenabuster]

is science hills a good choice i dont see it metioned here alot and what age should you change from puppy to adult my vets say they can stay on it till they are two my dogs are 19mthsa and 17mths old im seeing alot of brands that i havent herd of is it because im in th uk

[scooterjohansen]

believe it or not, even though we have a rottweiler, they still are all different, thankfully. eukanuba has no eye boogers for our boy and he is very healthy. we do not give dairy or cheese or yogurt etc as this will induce the boogers. tinned red salmon and tinned sardines with in natura; juice and food we eat ourselves , works for us.
my philosophy is.. not all hotdogs taste the same, some good some not so good.

I use hot dogs as an example because the nutritional value is zip.=0

Barf is the way to go if you have the inclination.....

hills.... ummmmmm.... if i had no choice.......

[whitepanther]

I think nutra ultra is going to be a good choice, no by products and no preservatives. The person that is going to train my puppy made me go through the ingredients and explained them to me. Worth checking it out.