I was in the process of switching my gangs food but didn't do it prior to our vacation. The gang is currently eating Iams..which they all seem to love and do well on. I would like for them to be on something better but with four dogs I really can't afford to spend a lot on a bag...what is a lot? Anything that is $35 and over is a lot since I usually buy 2-3 bags a month.

So...I am open for suggestions for a healthier food. I'd even go a few dollars over $35 if I have to. I also don't want to have to buy more than one type of food.

They were on Chicken Soup but the girls poop never got firm.
Nutro Natural gave Gusty really bad ear infections and she shed/had dandruff like crazy.

Do I switch or just supplement??? Any thoughts from those with more than two labbies?
Seeking kind replies only :D :D :D

Are you anywhere near a Costco? Their Kirkland brand is about $15 for 40# and its a good food.

Trust me, with 8 to feed, I understand the cost of dog food. When I was feeding Innova I was spending $38 every 10 days.

If you like the Iams, can you join a frequent buyer program? Some stores like Petco will give you a free bag of food when you buy 10 (not all at once, of course). That will help a lot.

Iams is not that costly for me actually, I just thought I should put them on something better. I did recently spy a Costco in CT but it is almost two hours from me..I will do some research for more locations....at that price I might see if I can get it delivered.

There's nothing wrong with Iams. It provides all the essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, etc. that a dog needs. The next question is are they digesting it..after all, it does no good to supply all that in an undigestable form. If they are (small poops and overall well general health), stick with it. If it's not broken, don't try to fix it is my motto.

...It provides all the essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, etc. that a dog needs.
Dog can not live on this alone.

GusJack, I hope you can find a Costco near you and you can try the Kirkland brand :).

Which formula, GusJack? I'm looking at the website right now.

In fact, it looks like its improved some since the last time I looked at it, at least Chicken is the first ingredient (I'm looking at the adult large breed). But I want to be sure I'm comparing fairly so I'll wait for the formula.

Dog can not live on this alone.

Did you miss the etc.? Yes, dogs can live on Iams alone, feeding Iams will not kill your dog. Iams contains everything they need to thrive so long as they are digesting everything.

Did you miss the etc.? Yes, dogs can live on Iams alone, feeding Iams will not kill your dog. Iams contains everything they need to thrive so long as they are digesting everything.


I don't think you can make a statement like that as an absolute truth any more than those of us who think otherwise can.

There are MANY who believe that ONE FOOD - particularly a highly processed one! - FOR THE LIFE OF YOUR DOG is an absurd notion and one that doesn't apply to any other carbon-based life form on the planet.

We are not suggesting that GusJack should not feed kibble. We are attempting - at her request - to guide her to a superior form of kibble.

Seeking kind replies only :D :D :D

Very easy to be kind :) I will say that if none of your crew are having any problems on their current food, that you may not have to switch, but you can certainly add in some wholesome "real" foods to supplement. That's what I do. Even adding canned could up the nutritional value. I feed 1 sometimes 2 raw meals per week, plus a half a can of premium moist food per meal.

Would you like to consider that option?

Lisa,
I do feed the LB Adult Iams. The girls are fine on it..good coats, two solid poops a day, etc. Jack is my issue now with the dandruff, straw like hair. I really can't afford to do a raw diet for them...wondering if I add a supplement, some type of fish oil will help.
My "seeking kind replies only" was sort of sarcastic only because I know how passionate some members get here :D....

We sure do, from all perspectives.

You could try adding Jack Mackerel to their diet. To me that was the most affordable option which also had the benefit of being a non-processed food. Drum and Grip have a can in place of a regular meal once a week, and I just got a pile of cans on sale at Stop n Shop for $.79 each. That turns out to be cheaper than one of their regular meals.

I also give them each a teaspoon of olive oil on their breakfast every morning.

I tend to try to find real, nutritious affordable food options whenever I can (serious budget here!). I know fish oil caps are excellent, but I haven't found any as affordable as the mackerel yet.

We sure do, from all perspectives.

You could try adding Jack Mackerel to their diet. To me that was the most affordable option which also had the benefit of being a non-processed food. Drum and Grip have a can in place of a regular meal once a week, and I just got a pile of cans on sale at Stop n Shop for $.79 each. That turns out to be cheaper than one of their regular meals.

I also give them each a teaspoon of olive oil on their breakfast every morning.

I tend to try to find real, nutritious affordable food options whenever I can (serious budget here!). I know fish oil caps are excellent, but I haven't found any as affordable as the mackerel yet.

Great suggestions for us.
How many ounces is the Jack Mackerel? I give the girls (R&K) 2 cups of food each meal..so would they be okay on just one can?
I do have olive oil so I will add that.

Well, Drum gets 2 cups plus 1/2 can per meal; Grip gets 1 to 1.5 cups plus 1/2 can.

I give them a 15 oz can each of Jack Mackerel alone for a meal (sometimes I add in some applesauce or other fruit/veggie). They seem perfectly satisfied. The mackerel isn't ground up, it's actually fish (with heads, tails etc cut off).

Well, Drum gets 2 cups plus 1/2 can per meal; Grip gets 1 to 1.5 cups plus 1/2 can.

I give them a 15 oz can each of Jack Mackerel alone for a meal (sometimes I add in some applesauce or other fruit/veggie). They seem perfectly satisfied. The mackerel isn't ground up, it's actually fish (with heads, tails etc cut off).


thanks for the tip, as always....
i guess i had better get used to fishy breath :D

My head recently fell off and I used jack mackeral and canned food to stuff their kongs. Put the in the freezer and "forgot" about what I had used....

Needless to say they LOVED that version of frozen kong but the smell was rather unpleasant for me... those got removed to the "feed only when left alone in crates" section of the freezer! ;)

I try to add mackeral or sardines once a week to their meals. They LOVE the addition and their coats look great! :)

Kris, I give my boys fish oil capsules that I buy at Walmart. It doesn't stop the shedding, but has made their coats very soft!

Also, I feed mine Diamond Lamb and Rice - with very good results.

Thanks Heather and Becky

My head recently fell off

I hate when that happens... so hard to concentrate ;)

Its been happening so OFTEN lately... I am at work. Don't want to be- patiently waiting for 4 pm when we go and sign escrow papers and get the keys for the house! A better valentines I could not imagine!

It was a bad idea to give fish stufffed kongs... the slurping noise and the smell! They loved them, though. Just need to give them while I am OUT of the house! They were LICKED CLEAN! :D

It's also helpful to keep in mind that labs aren't supposed to have these cuddly soft coats like some dogs have. It's hard to make something into what it's not supposed to be. According to the AKC breed standard:


Coat
The coat is a distinctive feature of the Labrador Retriever. It should be short, straight and very dense, giving a fairly hard feeling to the hand. The Labrador should have a soft, weather-resistant undercoat that provides protection from water, cold and all types of ground cover. A slight wave down the back is permissible. Woolly coats, soft silky coats, and sparse slick coats are not typical of the breed, and should be severely penalized.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/index.cfm

Lisa,
I do feed the LB Adult Iams. The girls are fine on it..good coats, two solid poops a day, etc. Jack is my issue now with the dandruff, straw like hair. I really can't afford to do a raw diet for them...wondering if I add a supplement, some type of fish oil will help.
My "seeking kind replies only" was sort of sarcastic only because I know how passionate some members get here :D....

The dandruff and straw like hair are not a labrador trait...

The dandruff and straw like hair are not a labrador trait...

No, and I don't believe anyone said it was.

My comment was not directed at anyone in particular, but I do hear lots of people talking about a food or something making their dog's coat soft. Or people complaining of a coarse coat. I think it's helpful to remember what the appropriate Lab coat is.

Let me clarify on my comment. Before Jack was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and then hypothyroid he never had "skin" problems and his fur was a normal coarse. I noticed after we got back from our vacation that he has bad dry skin (dandruff) and his fur is unusually coarse/dry. He never had a soft/fluffy coat before but it wasn't like now. I wonder if it is the food - OR - a reaction to the meds he is on.

My other three gals have nice, silky, soft coats but they are on the same food - yet all their coats feel differnt.

My point in referencing Jack's coat was mainly due to the sudden change and what could I do to better it. He is loosing hair a lot (some of it attributed to the thyroid issue) but I don't like that he has dandruff now.

So Dad of Jes, (trying to get your point) do you think diet has anything to do with coat texture?

So Dad of Jes, (trying to get your point) do you think diet has anything to do with coat texture?

Yes, I'd say it plays a role.

GusJack, in my opinion (and as you know, i'm no vet!) it could have something to do with Jack's immune system having to work harder. He might need extra support.

I dont have a link to back that up at the moment because my son is jabbering away in my left ear at 90 mph and my head is fixing to explode, but I do remember that my mother's hair & skin changed a great deal when she got cancer so I thought there might be a connection.

GusJack, in my opinion (and as you know, i'm no vet!) it could have something to do with Jack's immune system having to work harder. He might need extra support.

I dont have a link to back that up at the moment because my son is jabbering away in my left ear at 90 mph and my head is fixing to explode, but I do remember that my mother's hair & skin changed a great deal when she got cancer so I thought there might be a connection.

Lisa..I know you were out to help me from the get go...I just wanted others to stick to the subject...I KNOW that Jack's skin/fur texture is not a "lab trait" and wasn't looking for verification on that...I believe it is his meds. I gave all of them olive oil tonight in their food and will get the jack mack as well. I can do more research on the web too. Thanks a lot! (I think I just might bring the old boy on Saturday as a treat....the girls can all stay home)

Oh i would LOVE to meet Jack!!!!!!!!

Before Jack was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and then hypothyroid he never had "skin" problems and his fur was a normal coarse.
This is probably due to his thyroid, Zoe had that, too. What dosage is he on and when was his blood (T4/TSH) last tested?

Oh i would LOVE to meet Jack!!!!!!!!

I think you will get your wish...dh is staying home and so are the girls so now that Jack is actually running around, etc. I think he is due for an outing. He is a royal pain to walk, but he'll be fine in an enclosed area...his level of listening isn't that great, but he'll be stimulated with all the fun. Hopefully he does not take after Bailey and hump everyone :D! As long as I have food he'll be around!

That's excellent news. I'm really looking forward to meeting him. I can't reasonably leash-walk Grip either :( But if I'm holding a tennis ball, he's heeling :D