Switching Feed [Archive] - Pit Bull Forums

jeeperino

12-19-2006, 02:28 PM

I am well educated in all the nutritional needs of a dog. I KNOW this food is not top quality so you can save the lectures on nutrition. I need a decent quality kibble to feed multiple dogs.

I have been feeding this http://www.ultraadvantagedogfood.com/2420.htm and it has been fine so far. I just recently found out I can get http://www.diamondpet.com/products/diamond/dogs/dry_food/diamond_hienergy/ at my local feed store for about 3 bucks more a bag.

Ok, this is my problem. I get the Ultra for $15 a bag, but have to drive over an hour 1 way to get it. The Diamond for about 3 bucks more a bag is 15 mins from my house. I would like opinions on what the better all around choice would be.

FYI, I go thru about 350 lbs of food every 4-5 weeks.

THX

YIS

The Watcher

12-19-2006, 02:42 PM

jeep-
I feed 120#s a week. I feed Canidae to EVERYTHING under 3 yrs, anything competing or pregnant fems. everything over 3 (i.e. retired dogs) eats Diamond Lamb and Rice mixed with Diamond CKN-n-Rice. I have had no problems with Diamond (even during the recall.)

pennsooner

12-19-2006, 02:50 PM

IMO, stick with the cheaper stuff. I think its just as good , maybe better. Both are pretty bad but why not save a few bucks? By-product anything is just flat awful, that means whatever is left over from the slaughtering process, beaks, combs, feet, crap they scraped off the floor.

BoiBoi

12-19-2006, 03:10 PM

I think if u go with the one that is 3 bucks more u will save a lot more money because u save a lot of $$ on gas. U only have to go 15 mins instead of 1 hour so definately go with the more expensive stuff

jeeperino

12-20-2006, 07:19 AM

The Canadae is what I'd like to feed and what I will feed when I stop being broke(propane is a mutha). I was feeding Canadae for a while, but it was killing my pockets.
I bought some of the diamond yesterday and decided to feed both types mixed. I figuired that way I can always have a back up plan If I cant get my normal feed when needed.

Sooner or later I will step up to buying it by the ton and have it delivered to avoid all this BS.

Thx for the input, I knew Id get some educated opinions.

The Watcher

12-20-2006, 07:38 AM

yea, I feed both types mixed. does well, I cant complain. got a 7 yr. old on Diamond, still actin' like he is two. maybe you could put a lil Canidae up in just in case you deside to show one. although, I feel its more important to nurish the dog throughout his younger years so proper growth is maintained rather than focus on his intake during his keep.
what ya think bout that?
in other words.. what you build them bones and muscles out of is more important then what you maintain them with for show.

BoiBoi

12-20-2006, 07:48 AM

Damn i just realized u said ur going through 350lbs of feed in 4-5 weeks, damn how many dogs u feeding?

blackbeard

12-20-2006, 08:44 AM

jeeperino

12-20-2006, 09:39 AM

Blackbeard, decent meaning not ol Roy but not Timberwolf, somewhere in between the two. I was asking because I was gonna make the decision and wanted some opinions besides my own. As far as being the best for my dogs it is not, and I know this. The Ultra has worked fine as a daily feed and has caused no problems in the dogs. A well respected dogman suggested I feed the Ultra and that is what he feeds. Good enough for his dogs, good enough for my dogs(for now).

Watcher, I fed my present litter of pups Canadae and Puppy gold until they were about 4 mths. Then I switched to the ultra. I agree with you about having a dog get premium nutrition during growing years, and I feed other stuff to my pups as well (pet tabs, raw beef liver, chicken and a vegetable goup). All my dogs worthy to be shown will be shown and will get premium nutrition during their keeps(of course). I think you are DEAD ON about building healthy bodies is more important than maintaining. Build strong bones, teeth, and muscles as a youngster in order to give them every advantage as an adult. Aint much you can do to make an adult dogs bones or teeth stronger, they are already developed. I was always under the impression that you can feed Canadae with no introduction period. I have done that before and didnt have any problems.

BOI, I am feeding 12 dogs right now. 10 apbt's and 2 Presas.

YFIS

dog-man

12-20-2006, 08:27 PM

I buy from Costco , kirklands premium chicken and rice formula, itsmostly all natural and no corn at all, 40lb $18, shiny coats, firm stools, works for me.

SJBPolo28

12-20-2006, 08:48 PM

Jeep, Diamond also has been known to cause skin problems. What about Blackwood or Pro Plan cuz I had evry problem u could have from Diamond, even deaths during the recall!

SisMorphine

12-20-2006, 10:33 PM

I understand being in hard times. I don't have a job, haven't for 2 months, lost it unexpectedly so I don't have much for savings, and don't have one on the horizon (my field of work usually hires in the springtime). When I go shopping I buy store brand mac'n'cheese for myself. But my dogs will continue to eat high quality the way they always have. Simply because I am in a monetary crunch doesn't mean my dogs are going to suffer. If I have to sell myself on the corner to keep up my dogs quality of life I will. Their health is #1.

Rant over.

In addition to that, both of those foods are pretty bad and you'll find yourself dealing with more health problems (ie: more vet bills) than anything. Are there any other feeds available to you?

Keep in mind, the higher quality food = less food fed and less vet bills.

jeeperino

12-21-2006, 08:15 AM

Jeep, Diamond also has been known to cause skin problems. What about Blackwood or Pro Plan cuz I had evry problem u could have from Diamond, even deaths during the recall!
I hear that. I was kinda iffy about using the Diamond, but I figuired after all the problems they had they would HAVE to come correct with the food from now on.

Lets be realistic people. How many people do YOU know with 12+ dogs that feed an ultra premium feed ?? I know of exactly NONE

The dogs are my hobby and I dont make a single red cent off of them. Maybe I should start peddlin to be able to feed all my dogs the BEST possible feed available?? :rolleyes: Not gonna happen.

The Watcher

12-21-2006, 08:32 AM

Jeep, Diamond is MOSTLIKELY better than most of the cheaper foods strictly considering the recall. I mean they gaurantee the ingredients to under-go 151 checks now (more than the others for sure!) I mean look at it this way: Diamond is the one who was exposed and quickly and respectfully corrected the problem.
how many of the other foods are lurking on the brink of recall. I guarantee Diamond wont be for some time now.
dont get me wrong, I feed Canidae to 75% of my yard. but, my older dogs do fine on Diamond.

pennsooner

12-21-2006, 08:48 AM

Just some food for thought, but if I had a yard I'd try to do as much hunting as I could and then just feed raw. Also I knew a guy who made a deal with some local cattle ranchers to get their down cows/bulls at a cut rate. Animals that die on the hoof can't be sold for human consumption but as a rule the meat is still fine. So sometimes folks will sell them at a cut-rate and you can get a whole cow for cheap.

The Watcher

12-21-2006, 08:52 AM

G thanks Penn! my dog Side Show Bob just read this and he is pushing me into the truck to go find a cow! ;) Just some food for thought, but if I had a yard I'd try to do as much hunting as I could and then just feed raw. Also I knew a guy who made a deal with some local cattle ranchers to get their down cows/bulls at a cut rate. Animals that die on the hoof can't be sold for human consumption but as a rule the meat is still fine. So sometimes folks will sell them at a cut-rate and you can get a whole cow for cheap.

pennsooner

12-21-2006, 09:05 AM

G thanks Penn! my dog Side Show Bob just read this and he is pushing me into the truck to go find a cow! ;)
Hell, if he's smart enought to read be happy he's not demanding Steak and Lobster.

SisMorphine

12-21-2006, 10:00 AM

Lets be realistic people. How many people do YOU know with 12+ dogs that feed an ultra premium feed ?? I know of exactly NONE
Nearly everyone I know feeds raw, INCLUDING someone who usually has between 12 and 25 dogs at any given time.

But seriously, what are the other options in your area for feed?

jeeperino

12-21-2006, 11:11 AM

[But seriously, what are the other options in your area for feed?[/QUOTE]
Same as anywhere else. Canadae will be what I step up to when the time comes. That will nearly double my feed bill.

I am always looking for a good feed option. Penn, that is a hell of an idea. I was gonna pick up deer hunting this winter to feed the dogs, there just aint enough hours in a day tho. I have mostly dairy farms around, but I will look around.