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BOL Princess We call it cannon butt around here sometimes. Too funny. I'm sure my dogs would eat Beneful however, I would not let them. I do know dogs who eat the commercial brands and they do appear healthy. There are differences between "doing okay and thriving". I've seen the effects that a high quality diet has had on our dogs. Of course food is better then no food, but I do think that if one has the means then the best attempt should be made.
Madison-Marjorie, you are right! There is a huge difference between doing well on a food and actually being healthy! With all my health problems I am always walking a fine line between health and illness....but the right food is the only thing that keeps me on the healthy side. There are only two things I can keep down: Science Diet Z/d and Mama's home boiled meat and rice. I tried the Z/d for a while but I was just bearly well.....when I am on the homecooking you can actually SEE that I am feeling well and healthy! My eyes are bright, by coat shines, my nose is wet....I just look well. I don't look that way on the Z/d....I looked tired and sick.
Now, of course I'm not suggesting people run out and home cook for their pets....I need it for my health issues. What I am saying is that good food is more than something your dog will eat.....it is food that will make if look and feel healthy too! And just like in humans, that means a healthy, balanced diet.
I completely agree Princess. It is evident how much your pawrents love you. Each dog is different and that can make it ever so difficult to find a diet that works. I do agree with you that good food isn't just what your dog will eat. For me it was enough to see and understand what was in dog food that made me go cross-eyed and vow never to feed some of what is out there. I remember reading some of your posts looking for treats, and I'm happy that you have found one and that you have a diet that you look and feel healthy on.
"Each dog is different and that can make it ever so difficult to find a diet that works."
Indeed. It's a lot of trial and error. Ideally I'd like to feed Orijen, but the price makes that impossible. And the Taste of the Wild is working well for the girls. Baby's gas is pretty much gone.
And when people look at my girls and say, "They're nine!? They look and act so much younger!"...well, that's when I know I'm doing the right thing by feeding what I do.
All I'm saying is every dog is different and so is the owners budget. And yeah if you get those big bags of stuff its a better deal but you have to have somewhere to put them and a 600 sq foot apartment with only 1 closet doesnt work. Any ways I'm not saying feed it, I'm saying if it works feed it. Godiva does great on the stuff, healthy as a horse and she is not a pup. Zack doesn't eat it though, he won't touch it all dogs are different
No one said anyone had to buy a huge bag of food they come in all sorts of sizes. As I said I have known many dogs who eat the Beneful, Kibbles 'n Bits etc... who are healthy. I've seen what a good quality food can do for a dog. If someone has only fed Beneful and nothing else then there is nothing for them to compare it to. For us with the number of fosters we've had come in through our home and our parents home all have shown vast improvements when switching foods. Everyone knows the stories of the dog who ate Beneful and lived to be 17, just like the old guy who smokes everyday eat Burger King and lived to be 100. It is usually the exception though and not the rule. Those big companies owned by other companies who make just about everything under the sun are selling lies.
edit- I'd of course rather see a dog with food then with no food. I just feel that if the means are possible (and it usually can be if the time is taken to look and after it's broken down the money is either the same or slightly more) then the best attempt should be made to make sure they are getting what is most healthy for them. I just don't see how an arugment can be made that Beneful should be seen as healthy.
Speaking of Purina, I'd just like to share an experience with you that I just had. I went to the vet's office to pick up these special new treats that Princess's system can tolerate and the vet made a "new" suggestion in our endless search for a commercially prepared food that Princess can thrive on. The vet suggested Purina Vet Formula HA....I immediately rolled my eyes (to my self) but when I got home I checked it out on the web site....the first ingredient is "Starch". HUNNN??? That is what they have to offer as a premium special diet....starch! Yum, yum, let me go eat some starch!
Madison, the fosters are what totally sold me on premium food. I get a PM dog in. Day one, their are shedding by the fistful, have dry, brittle hair and poor weight distribution.
Day 42, they look like totally different dogs, soft fur, shift in weight distribution, brighter eyes.
And I raised a large dog who lived 16.5 years on Dad's (ick) dog food. She lived a long life for a lab/shep/dobie mix, but how much longer would she have lived on a premium dog food?
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We call it cannon butt around here sometimes. Too funny. I'm sure my dogs would eat Beneful however, I would not let them. I do know dogs who eat the commercial brands and they do appear healthy. There are differences between "doing okay and thriving". I've seen the effects that a high quality diet has had on our dogs. Of course food is better then no food, but I do think that if one has the means then the best attempt should be made.
