I am currently feeding Calif. Natural and love it. But I'm afraid with my economic situation I will need to continue to find ways to cut costs. Does anyone have any options about these two foods? And/or any other suggestions for lower cost but still decent food?

Do you have a Costco by you? They have Kirkand Lamb or Chicken with rice and it's not a bad food for a great price.

Iams is thoroughly proven in the many service dog programs using it. So are some of the Purina products, but I am not familiar with any programs feeding the Pro. That doesn't mean it isn't as good as the other lines. Purina seems to have a line for every marketing niche. I would expect most dogs to do fine on any of them, or most other common brands. I would pick something with the price and convenience you need that has the same basic ingredients as what you are feeding now. Make careful note of your dogs condition, and make the switch slowly over a week when you run low.

Do you have a Costco by you? They have Kirkand Lamb or Chicken with rice and it's not a bad food for a great price.


Unfortunately no - the closest Costco is 5 hours away. I wish we did though!

Do you have a Sam's nearby at all? Their Exceed food is very similar to Purina Pro Plan (in fact, it's made by Purina) and is priced at around $26 for 44#.

ETA: Otherwise, either Iams or Purina ONE are decent foods to try. Good luck!

How about Healthwise? It is made by the Natura pet who manufacturers California Natural.

In Phoenix, I can get a 35 lb (sometimes a 40 lb bag when there are promotions) for about $33. You can also request for coupons from Natura ($5 and $3) for Healthwise.

Personally, I like Healthwise over Cal Nat. I also think that the price of Healthwise is comparable or maybe be slighthly cheaper than Iams.

I have used Iams for a long time and find it is very good. Used it on a chocolate lab who had very dry skin and hair and it really helped. I now have a yellow lab and he has been using it since I brought him home at 5weeks. I also give my dog vitamins with Omega 3's and Garlic.

To save $$ you can always stretch a food by feeding table scraps mixed in to add calories... Our parents did this and before dog food was invented....that was all a family dog ate... Scraps from our tables...

I would rather feed a dog Old Roy than table scraps.

To save $$ you can always stretch a food by feeding table scraps mixed in to add calories... Our parents did this and before dog food was invented....that was all a family dog ate... Scraps from our tables...

Seriously? I get veggies and safe fruits, but table scraps? Eek.:eek: I feed Purina Pro Plan which is a step above Purina One, but from what I understand they're pretty close. I'm very happy with my choice, but I've also fed Iams with great results.

To save $$ you can always stretch a food by feeding table scraps mixed in to add calories... Our parents did this and before dog food was invented....that was all a family dog ate... Scraps from our tables...

Dog nutritionists recommend this to boost nutrition of a mid range dog food. Our dogs get bits of egg & toast in the morning mixed with their dry food and at night they get a little meat, potato and vvegetable. Better than canned for sure although I wouldn't add more than about a Tablespoon or so. If you want you could always go to home cooking entirely. There are books about what vitamins/minerals you will need to add.

I just switched our guys over to Purunia One..for convience reasons as we are in a rural area and not alot around us..at the prices gas were at wasn't making sense to travel for dog food...we've had no problems with it so far both seem to like it and it seems to be working well..

Dog nutritionists recommend this to boost nutrition of a mid range dog food. Our dogs get bits of egg & toast in the morning mixed with their dry food and at night they get a little meat, potato and vvegetable. Better than canned for sure although I wouldn't add more than about a Tablespoon or so. If you want you could always go to home cooking entirely. There are books about what vitamins/minerals you will need to add.

I have seen those calling themselves nutritionists and vets recommend all sorts of things. I will continue to trust the mainstream ones that say no table scraps.