Canidae vs. Solid Gold vs. Innova

[rglogan]

What's everyone's opinion on Canidae, Solid Gold & Innova. Which one is the highest quality food? I went to a pet store here in ATL that sales all 3 with the intention of buying the canidae. When I got there I asked the person which was best, and they recommended the Innova. He could not really provide a reason why it was better, just that the manager of the store said it was the best food.

I am looking for a high quality food that will get some weight on my skinny boy. He should weigh around 90 lbs, but is around 80 lbs. I feed him 4-5 cups a day, but he is *VERY* active, which is why I think he is so thin...the vet does not seem too concerned either, but I hate seeing him quite so thin.

Any ideas on food?? I would like to try BARF, but I barely have time to go to the grocery for my own food, so I am worried being able to upkeep this for the dogs, which is why I decided to go with a high quality dry food.

Thanks for the feedback

[sumo]

I think they are all decent brands...I have been feeding Canidae for quite some time, but recently found out from an inside "source" that the fish meal is high in unnatural, cancer causing preservatives(ethox.)...

Heard some negatives about fish meal from the people at Solid Gold and Innova too...

But now I'm also hearing that Solid Gold does not use Sunflower oil because it has long term cancer causing effects...Canidae and Innova both use Sunflower oil...

Sorry I can't give you a firm opinion...I'm still trying to figure it out myself...Any food experts out there that can help?

[Homerhomer]

Originally posted by rglogan
[B

Any ideas on food?? I would like to try BARF, but I barely have time to go to the grocery for my own food, so I am worried being able to upkeep this for the dogs, which is why I decided to go with a high quality dry food.

Thanks for the feedback [/b]

Believe me barf isn't that time consuming if you can prepare it in batches that will last you for an extended period of time.

How old is your dog?
I was feeding canidae before I switched to barf, but think that all three are good kibbles.

[Homerhomer]

Originally posted by sumo
I think they are all decent brands...I have been feeding Canidae for quite some time, but recently found out from an inside "source" that the fish meal is high in unnatural, cancer causing preservatives(ethox.)...

This would be huge, it would go against everything they claim the food to be and I am sure lawsuits would follow.

Originally posted by sumo


Heard some negatives about fish meal from the people at Solid Gold and Innova too...

But now I'm also hearing that Solid Gold does not use Sunflower oil because it has long term cancer causing effects...Canidae and Innova both use Sunflower oil...

Sorry I can't give you a firm opinion...I'm still trying to figure it out myself...Any food experts out there that can help?

Not aware of any side effects of sunflower oil, but can happily announce that feeding BARF I feed only the oil I want when I want (another advantage of barf) , and not what's already in the bag.

[rglogan]

Hi HOmerhomer,

My dogs are ages 3 (male) and 1.5 (female). Does their age make a difference if you switch over to BARF??

Thanks,
Rachel

[Judy Chrusch]

rglogan, I feed Barf and love it, my boy is 13 months:D It doesn't matter what age they are or what age you start. My friend feeds all her dogs Barf now and her oldest is around 7 or 8 so age has no bearing it's just switching them that might be a bit different for them. My friend Michele may even respond to your post then she can tell you how she came to now feeding Barf.

As for the kibble, the only one I really have experience with is Innova, I have heard that for some reason it doesn't put weight on as fast, which can be good and bad. You mentioned your dog gets lots of exercise, remember the more they get the more food they need so perhaps a diet that would better suit is what you should look for and I have to agree, feeding Barf really isn't a problem and when you see the results in your dog it's even more rewarding:D My husband fed Czar this morning and he can't believe how excited he gets waiting for his food, he dances all over the kitchen, Czar that is, LOL :D I just never experienced any of my dogs so anxcious to eat a meal, it's just great and the stamina, wow does he ever have that and I contribute everything to the Barf diet. The important thing is that you choose what's good for you and your dog and of course the healthiest:D My best to you, I hope all works out.

Judy

[Troy]

I can only speak from my experience...but I have had wonderful results with Innova.
The three foods you listed are among the top in the industry.

[German Vanegas]

You can't go wrong with either brand. I personally prefer Canidae, and then Solid Gold. Innova is also high quality food.

[Homerhomer]

Originally posted by rglogan
Hi HOmerhomer,

My dogs are ages 3 (male) and 1.5 (female). Does their age make a difference if you switch over to BARF??

Thanks,
Rachel

No it doesn't. The reason I asked is because with many young active dogs it is hard to put wieght on them no matter what you feed them.
And I prefer dogs that are too slim over once that are too fat.

[rglogan]

I would like to thank everyone for their feedback. I feel better that the general consensus is that Innova is a good quality food.

I am going to research this BARF thing and start integrating it into my dogs' diet. I am hoping that the BARF feeding will help my boy keep weight on a little better. Since he gets so much exercise, I have increased his food to 5 cups/day (whew!), so that with the additional supplements should make sure he is getting the proper nutrition even if he is thin.

And I certainly agree with you HomerHomer, I would rather my dogs (and my self :) ) be on the slimmer side. My vet seems to take that attitude also, which is one reason why she is not that concerned with his lower weight.

Thanks again for all the info!

[ksyankfan]

We've been feeding Solid Gold ( original Hund-N-Flocken ) with Seameal mix for about 5 years with excellent results. I've tried California Natural and Wellness, but SG seems to work best. From what I've read and heard, the other 2 are very good too.

I give fruit and vegetables as treats.

ksyankfan

[anni's.mom]

i originally fed solid gold, but anni had such gas i couldn't stand it. switched her to innova, which she gobbles up like she's starving. and she's much more pleasant to be around now!