Guinness, our almost-4-month-old Australian Shephard, gained 10 lbs. from one vet visit to the next (about a month apart). He's not overweight, but because I WAS giving him a bath once a week, his skin is a little dry. The vet, who we've only seen twice, suggested we switch his food from Nutro to Science Diet. I've heard of vets pushing certain products, so this naturally turned me off to returning to her for his 3rd visit. He is eating Nutro Ultra which is supposed to be high in protein including salmon to help with skin, coat, muscle development, etc. I think we're fine leaving him with the food we're already giving him, but the vet mentioned Nutro being high in sodium. So, DOES ANYBODY KNOW WHICH DOG FOOD BRAND IS BEST BETWEEN NUTRO OR SCIENCE DIET?? Any experiences or stories about either?

I don't know if Nutro is any higher in sodium than Science Diet. I don't know if they include the sodium content on the labels. Obviously, if they do, it would be simple enough to check. I will see what I can find on that and get back to you.

However, I do agree with you regarding feeling that certain vets push certain products a bit too much. That being said, Science Diet is a very good chow. So is Nutro. My dog does better on the SD than she did on the Nutro. BUT, that is MY dog. My opinion is, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. If your pup seems to be doing well on the Nutro, stick with it. Did the vet suggest a particular Science Diet product that would be good for his skin? Was his reasoning for recommending that product because the sodium level would dry out the skin more? Stopping the baths once a week will correct the dry skin problem. Dogs really don't need baths that often. Some never need them. A good brushing every day, and a good quality kibble should be all that he needs.

I doubt it makes much difference. I have always tried to keep my real identity and location confidential. Part of the reason is the depth of feeling when it comes to dog chow. Despite all the strong opinions you hear on the subject, I know of no real data on how dogs do on different diets. I am sure the manufacturers know, but even if they gave out the results of their tests, who would believe them? You can always find many glowing success stories about Nutro and other upmarket brands posted to the net. You can also find many people selling such brands as sideline. I don't trust vets as much as I did before they all started selling Science Diet. I trust people that post on the net about the vets all foisting off dangerous chow for the money even less. After all, I know some of the hypocrites are selling stuff like Nutro. They are to be trusted more than the vets?

I see questions both here and on other sites, ''My dog has this problem, and I am feeding _____.'' More often than not, ______ is one of the expensive brands such Nutro, Royal Canin, Flint River, etc. I seldom see Pro Plan, Iams, Science Diet, and I have never seen Old Roy.

I don't have the hard numbers I would like to have, but I can say I have seen thousands of dogs thriving on Pro Plan. SEEN, not read about, many of them I have scratched their ears, rubbed their butt, felt their ribs, cleaned up after them, and even cuddled new born puppies to warm them. I know of similar programs feeding Iams, one of which just switched to Purina 1. So I have no trouble labeling as liars those that claim the common brands are so terrible.

You may find Nutro and why I don't feed it anymore interesting. That site has links to a wide variety of views on dog chow. I think some of them are kooks.

Good link labman. I forgot you had that info. AND, it is just as I thought. I was coming up empty in sodium info. They don't list the mg of sodium on the labels so it is hard to confirm or deny the vets allegations regarding sodium content.

Extensive research has shown that Omega fatty acid is great for skin and cells for dogs or people.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Omega 6 Fatty Acids, from Pet Health 101

Just how much do you know about those sites you gave links to? I looked at the first one and quickly found this flagrant lie, ''Most commercial dog foods do not contain enough vitamins and minerals to promote optimal health in your dog'' That is from somebody selling vitamin supplements. The truth is most of the chows are formulated to contain all the nutrients dog need in the exact balance they need. I have personally seen thousands of dogs eating Pro Plan and thriving with no supplements at all. For a view of supplements from somebody selling dogs, not pills, see Petfood & Supplements

Although the Woodhaven site contains some links to some dubious sites, most of the material agrees with other reliable sources. Much of my background comes from the dog guide school as I mention in my signature and profile, and little of their material is available to the general public. I have to hunt around for other sources.

Don't know where others come by their info or disinfo. .

If they have a 'condition' it can mean they need MORE at least until they do not HAVE the condition any longer and she DID say dry skin. Omega is a natural thing and is important for humans as well. I take it and my skin is softer than it was 30 years ago and it isn't the old age poor elasticity soft either!
The news has been full of reports and studies that omega is a natural supplement that is lacking in regular foods and you can't go wrong with it! Research is showing that ADHD kids lack it, pregnant and breastfeeding women should take it , it improves motor skills and cognitive thinking
AND anybody with skin problems should take it.
They are even adding extra omega in eggs, margarine and other things and I have had great success with it for people and dogs.
I have looked for any studies that prove it is bad for people or pets and have not found ANY.

ALSO when I said Purina one is better than the cheaper generic brands and it made a big difference in my dogs skin and fur you had a problem with it and now you are promoting it as a good brand?

Nohelp, she did say dry skin, but she stated that she gave the dog baths once a week. That seriously dries out a dog's skin. If she is located in an area of the country in which it is cold, this compounds it. Personally, I think she just needs to stop the baths, brush the dog daily, stick to the chow she was feeding (and happy with), and see what happens. That is what I would do. Start with the obvious problem, wait to see what occurs, and take it from there. If my dog had continued problems with the dry skin after stopping all the bathing, then I would work on resolving it through the dog's diet. But, that is me. I like to keep things as simple and uncomplicated as possible.

True baths do dry a dogs skin. The omega oil can help get the skin back to where it should be.