Food
I decided to dedicate a whole page about this because there's so much to say about dog food. Everyone has their own opinions and it's one of my most common questions that I get.
What do you feed your dogs?
So here's my answer. And the answer is... EVERYTHING. I have tried so many kinds of food out there trying to find the perfect one. So here's my input on all the ones I have tried!
What do you feed your dogs?
So here's my answer. And the answer is... EVERYTHING. I have tried so many kinds of food out there trying to find the perfect one. So here's my input on all the ones I have tried!
Kirkland - Nature's Domain
I'm currently using this dog food that was recommended by a Vet to me. So far my dogs love it! It comes in a big bag and costs around $45. So far this stuff is the best!!
We always recommend that you choose a dog food that best suits your dog. Some dogs don't like certain foods and some foods don't like certain dogs. Also, some foods can be outrageously priced, which is not so bad when you only have one dog to feed but it can get a little pricey when you have many mouths to feed.
If you're interested in doing a raw diet, which we don't recommend especially for young puppies, you should do lots of research first to make sure you feed your dog enough nutrients they need. We don't use this method as there's a lot of time and preparation that goes into this diet. Usually this diet is good for dogs that require certain dietary needs due to a health condition, allergy or weight loss. If you're interested in it, I recommend you speak with Rodney Habib at Planet Paws in Dartmouth. He specializes in pet nutrition and has a vast supply of knowledge and materials for this type of diet.
Also, here's a little tip. I always buy the biggest bag of dog food I can get. Why? Because it's always cheaper. BUT if your dog does not eat the whole bag fast enough it can spoil. So don't always go for that jumbo bag, especially if you're new to a dog food and you're not sure if your dog will like it. Check with the food suppliers too, most companies will give you sample bags to try first OR they will let you return the bag if your dog does not like the food.
Just to give you an idea of how much we feed our dogs (ours are grazers not gulpers- which is common for poodles), they eat roughly 1 1/2 - 2 cups of dog food each per day. I think it is recommended that they eat more but that's what they choose to eat if we leave their dishes full all day.
I have provided a list of the dog foods that we have used in the past and have been successful with. The reason we have switched the dog food around so much is because some of our dogs are more picky then others and so trying to find a food that everyone likes can be a challenge- especially when you have multiples!
If you're interested in doing a raw diet, which we don't recommend especially for young puppies, you should do lots of research first to make sure you feed your dog enough nutrients they need. We don't use this method as there's a lot of time and preparation that goes into this diet. Usually this diet is good for dogs that require certain dietary needs due to a health condition, allergy or weight loss. If you're interested in it, I recommend you speak with Rodney Habib at Planet Paws in Dartmouth. He specializes in pet nutrition and has a vast supply of knowledge and materials for this type of diet.
Also, here's a little tip. I always buy the biggest bag of dog food I can get. Why? Because it's always cheaper. BUT if your dog does not eat the whole bag fast enough it can spoil. So don't always go for that jumbo bag, especially if you're new to a dog food and you're not sure if your dog will like it. Check with the food suppliers too, most companies will give you sample bags to try first OR they will let you return the bag if your dog does not like the food.
Just to give you an idea of how much we feed our dogs (ours are grazers not gulpers- which is common for poodles), they eat roughly 1 1/2 - 2 cups of dog food each per day. I think it is recommended that they eat more but that's what they choose to eat if we leave their dishes full all day.
I have provided a list of the dog foods that we have used in the past and have been successful with. The reason we have switched the dog food around so much is because some of our dogs are more picky then others and so trying to find a food that everyone likes can be a challenge- especially when you have multiples!
For more info on what dogs can't eat please click here
Royal canin
I started feeding my dogs this type of food (from Pet Smart) because the breeder we got Bogart from highly recommended it. Also, I think most vets use it as well. We kept our dogs on this food for a long time and it was wonderful. I switched brands because the location I was buying this food from consistently didn't have the size bag I needed in stock and always put me in a pickle.
I think it costs around $55-$65 for 30lbs of food. Which for me lasted about 10 days. (Which I hated because I would run out of food just before my pay day)
I think it costs around $55-$65 for 30lbs of food. Which for me lasted about 10 days. (Which I hated because I would run out of food just before my pay day)
Eukanuba
I started feeding my dogs this type of food (from Pet Smart) because the breeder we got Bogart from highly recommended it. Also, I think most vets use it as well. We kept our dogs on this food for a long time and it was wonderful. I switched brands because the location I was buying this food from consistently didn't have the size bag I needed in stock and always put me in a pickle.
I think it costs around $55-$65 for 30lbs of food. Which for me lasted about 10 days. (Which I hated because I would run out of food just before my pay day)
I think it costs around $55-$65 for 30lbs of food. Which for me lasted about 10 days. (Which I hated because I would run out of food just before my pay day)
Acana
I'll admit, this is probably the best dog food on the market (in my opinion). Some people disagree and think it's a load of bologna but I disagree. My dogs LOVED this food. They did wonderful on this food. One of the best parts of this food was that they have a ton of different flavours for your pets (when they get bored of eating the same thing every day like they all do). AND not only that but you can switch up the flavours every time without have messy poops and upset tummy's. Also, if you want to try all the flavours to see which your dog like the best, they have little mini bags you can sample and take home to try out!
The downside to this brand is price. The flavours all vary in price (based on ingredients which vary in price- makes sense right?). I was paying $80-$120 for a bag of this dog food. (OUCH, every 2 weeks- sorry not worth it). If you get this food at Planet Paws, I think they have a buy 9 get the 10th free (or something like that)- which was great!
The downside to this brand is price. The flavours all vary in price (based on ingredients which vary in price- makes sense right?). I was paying $80-$120 for a bag of this dog food. (OUCH, every 2 weeks- sorry not worth it). If you get this food at Planet Paws, I think they have a buy 9 get the 10th free (or something like that)- which was great!
Pedigree (Jumbo Costco bag)
I wouldn't recommend this to a family that only has one dog because they say a bag of dog food lasts only 2 weeks once opened before it's spoiled. But if you have lots of dogs like me then this could be a great food for you. I tried this one with my dogs but they weren't big fans.
I think I pay $30-$40 at Costco for this bag of dog food (55lbs) and this one lasts me about 3 weeks, I keep it in a sealed container. I have switched brands just because the dogs didn't seem to overly enjoy this kind.
I think I pay $30-$40 at Costco for this bag of dog food (55lbs) and this one lasts me about 3 weeks, I keep it in a sealed container. I have switched brands just because the dogs didn't seem to overly enjoy this kind.
Iams
I've always loved this brand of dog food. Reasonably priced and healthy, I just wish they had bigger bags at the store!
My dogs LOVE the lamb flavour and don't really care for the chicken flavour. But when I'm in a pickle and need to grab a quick bag of food, this is always my grocery store go-to!
My dogs LOVE the lamb flavour and don't really care for the chicken flavour. But when I'm in a pickle and need to grab a quick bag of food, this is always my grocery store go-to!
I really hope this information helps anyone out there struggling to find the right dog food. Mind you, I'm no expert, I can only give you information on my personal experience and every dog is different. Try what's best for you and your furry friend and your budget. Also, feel free to send ME advice on your experiences and ask me any questions!!
