[shazamataz]

I don't like recommending specific food brands as there are just too many different opinions.

I can tell you though do not listen to your vet when it comes to food.
And do not listen to pet store employees.
Both are paid to try and make you buy certain brands.

If you can go to a local dog show, find someone with your breed (or close to it if you own a mix) and talk to them about diet.
Show dogs need to be in peak physical condition and the owners/breeders usually feed the best.

[Aurora_Bell]

Ya that's what I was trying to get at by "to each their own".
I don't nessasarly think the most expensive are always the top of the line foods. I think pet store and even vets put a lot of pressure on people to buy specific brands.
It just depends on the owner and the pet.

[fmshaw]

Thanks for all of your help guys. I really appreciate it. Im going to try just adding eggs for now into the dog food for some added protein so she will put on some weight in the intrum and try to find a dog food that is good quality and that she will eat. I'm also going to see about trying to do those balls for treats, thanks so much for the recipie and again thanks for the time you both took to respond! :)

[fmshaw]

I don't like recommending specific food brands as there are just too many different opinions.

I can tell you though do not listen to your vet when it comes to food.
And do not listen to pet store employees.
Both are paid to try and make you buy certain brands.

If you can go to a local dog show, find someone with your breed (or close to it if you own a mix) and talk to them about diet.
Show dogs need to be in peak physical condition and the owners/breeders usually feed the best.

I don't forsee any dog shows in my future lol but thanks for the advice! I know about looking at the ingredients but what about the nutrition... what should I be looking for?

[fmshaw]

Ya that's what I was trying to get at by "to each their own".
I don't nessasarly think the most expensive are always the top of the line foods. I think pet store and even vets put a lot of pressure on people to buy specific brands.
It just depends on the owner and the pet.

I agree. The lady I did talk to was focusing on the ingredients and she was showing me some foods like beneful and science diet and some other so called gourmet foods that had garbage for main ingredients.

[Aurora_Bell]

Hey no problem! :)
It's always great to hear different opinions!

[Lucky098]

My opinion on IAMS ---

I'll never promote it or buy it. They're absolutely aweful to their dogs that they test the food on. Ive heard stories of the scientists cutting giant wholes into the dogs body to see how the food supports the muscle growth. They also attach window-type devices to the dogs stomach to watch and observe digestion. These dogs are not sedated or numbed. They lay on the floor in pain. Its mainly beagles that get it.. but I'm sure there are other types of dogs as well that get experimented on. When Iams is done with the dog, they kill them on the spot. Bullet to the head (if they're so lucky).

I know it's a PETA thing.. even though I think PETA is absolutely crazy, I think they have a few good points. This being one of them.

IamsCruelty.com

[Aurora_Bell]

You're kidding right?

[Lucky098]

Nope... watch the video... read the articles... Its kind of horrible.

[Aurora_Bell]

I am pretty sure you recommended they try Eukanuba...

[Lucky098]

I know... To be honest... I didn't know Euk. Was made by IAMS... Even though I think Euk. IS a good food... I don't know if I'll be recommending it anymore.

[Aurora_Bell]

Yes I have seen and read the articals. I have also read and watched the video's produced by Iams and Procter and Gamble.

[Aurora_Bell]

Animal Testing Facts from IAMS at IAMS Truth

[Aurora_Bell]

And to be honest, most extreme PETA are against the domesticated animal in genral, and think it's cruel to even own an animal. But we are now getting side tracked, so maybe we should start a thread on dog food .

[Lucky098]

Lol of coarse they're going to cover their tails...

But even at that... I just don't like the food. I think it has poor ingredients... According to the dog food reviews -- Dog Food Reviews - Iams ProActive Health Adult Lamb Meal & Rice Formula - Powered by ReviewPost --- Its lacking in a lot of needed things. I spent almost 6 months researching foods and what was good and what wasn't. I spoke with so many different people. I was actually surprised that so many of the "good foods" sold in pet stores were rated so low. I had my dogs on Castor & Pollux ultra mix... It wasn't rated very high according to the Dog Food Analysis.

I'm not going to condemn Euk. Or IAMS because it is better than Ol Roy or Kibbles n Bits... But I personally just won't hand my money over to that company.

[Aurora_Bell]

Yup, like I said... to each his own.

[Aurora_Bell]

This was posted from a Canadian HUMANE SOCIETY (just happens to be the first one I have volunteered at)

Response to Comments Regarding Iams (Animal Testing and Food Quality)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 2:02pm
We have read all of your comments regarding Iams and take your feedback very seriously. Because of your expressed concern, we had discussions with Iams and Procter & Gamble (Iams' parent company) representatives, and we decided to look into, again, the quality of Iams food and their humane treatment of animals. We truly appreciate it when people voice their opinions an d strive to learn more about issues that are important to them.

We take great care in what we feed the animals during their time at the shelter, and made the decision to work with Iams after many meetings, discussions and extensive research (including an inspection of the Iams facility in Dayton, Ohio). Currently, Iams donates food for all of the cats and dogs in our care, which lifts a major expense from our shoulders.

On Animal Testing at Iams

At the time we were switching our food suppliers, we sent our Executive Director, Vicki Burns, to Dayton, Ohio to conduct an audit inside one of the facilities where “animal testing” took place. Vicki thoroughly investigated the premises and reported to our Board of Directors that Iams was a safe and humane place for animals.

The types of “animal testing” done by Iams are actually feeding studies and are the same kind of studies a human would volunteer to join (i.e. urine, feces, blood and immune cell analysis, allergy tests and skin and muscle biopsies.) The tests are conducted within the strict guidelines of a detailed, industry-leading animal studies policy. Most of the animals that participate in these studies, complete them from their own home, with their owners collecting the data.

All of Iam's practices are conducted with the help of an independent International Animal Care Advisory board that includes some of the world's leading experts on animal care, welfare and ethics including a representative from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

The following major animal organizations from around the world have all deemed Iams a humane company that produces healthy and safe products:

- The Kennel Club (UK)
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
- The Animal Medical Center (AMC)
- The American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Canine Companions for Independence (CCT)
- National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA)
- Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
- Canadian Federation of Humane Societies

All of this information and more can be found at Animal Care, pet food, and pet products from IAMS.

On the Quality of Iams Products

Iams is classified as a premium product, while specialized brands such as Eukanuba are qualified as super-premiums. The company follows a strict 19-point Quality Assurance program that covers everything from laboratory testing of materials, cleanliness of production facilities and handling of finished products. The program is one that includes some of the strictest food and safety standards in the business; it exceeds both USDA and Food and Drug Administration standards.

Iams has a core team of experienced veterinarians that are constantly working on improving the existing products. Iams food and procedures are also regularly reviewed by independent bodies such as the American Institute of Baking, a certification authority in the human food industry.

Just because they have grown to become a large company that offers affordable products does not mean they have low quality products. They do not change formulas when opportunities for cheaper ingredients arise and are constantly working towards making improvements to their products.

The food we give our animals has been approved by The WHS Director of Animal Health and has never caused any general health concerns for the animals in our care.

On P&G's Animal Testing Methods

While P&G does perform tests on animals, the company works very closely with The Humane Society of the United States, an organization that holds very high standards in area of animal welfare. The two organizations have worked closely together in contributing to the advancement of viable alternatives to animal testing.

Currently it is required by law to use animal research to ensure the safety of certain products. Today, government authorities still consider animal tests to be the most appropriate way to determine the safety and effectiveness of these products before human exposure. P&G only ever test on animals as a last resort, if it is required by law. They only involve the minimum number of animals necessary for their work and are constantly moving toward their goal of the reduction, refinement and replacement of animal research.

While it is not ideal to ever have to test on animals, the company has invested almost $200 million towards alternatives to animal research and have developed more than 50 proven alternatives such as computer models, in vitro cell culture tests, advanced chemistry methods and human clinical studies.

While we don't agree with animal testing, we know that progress is being made towards its eventual elimination, which is definitely a cause worth supporting.

This information and more can be found at PG.com Sustainability: environmental issues, supply chain.

[Aurora_Bell]

This was posted from a Canadian HUMANE SOCIETY (just happens to be the first one I have volunteered at)

Response to Comments Regarding Iams (Animal Testing and Food Quality)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 2:02pm
We have read all of your comments regarding Iams and take your feedback very seriously. Because of your expressed concern, we had discussions with Iams and Procter & Gamble (Iams’ parent company) representatives, and we decided to look into, again, the quality of Iams food and their humane treatment of animals. We truly appreciate it when people voice their opinions an d strive to learn more about issues that are important to them.

We take great care in what we feed the animals during their time at the shelter, and made the decision to work with Iams after many meetings, discussions and extensive research (including an inspection of the Iams facility in Dayton, Ohio). Currently, Iams donates food for all of the cats and dogs in our care, which lifts a major expense from our shoulders.

On Animal Testing at Iams

At the time we were switching our food suppliers, we sent our Executive Director, Vicki Burns, to Dayton, Ohio to conduct an audit inside one of the facilities where “animal testing” took place. Vicki thoroughly investigated the premises and reported to our Board of Directors that Iams was a safe and humane place for animals.

The types of “animal testing” done by Iams are actually feeding studies and are the same kind of studies a human would volunteer to join (i.e. urine, feces, blood and immune cell analysis, allergy tests and skin and muscle biopsies.) The tests are conducted within the strict guidelines of a detailed, industry-leading animal studies policy. Most of the animals that participate in these studies, complete them from their own home, with their owners collecting the data.

All of Iam’s practices are conducted with the help of an independent International Animal Care Advisory board that includes some of the world’s leading experts on animal care, welfare and ethics including a representative from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

The following major animal organizations from around the world have all deemed Iams a humane company that produces healthy and safe products:

- The Kennel Club (UK)
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
- The Animal Medical Center (AMC)
- The American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Canine Companions for Independence (CCT)
- National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA)
- Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
- Canadian Federation of Humane Societies

All of this information and more can be found at Animal Care, pet food, and pet products from IAMS.

On the Quality of Iams Products

Iams is classified as a premium product, while specialized brands such as Eukanuba are qualified as super-premiums. The company follows a strict 19-point Quality Assurance program that covers everything from laboratory testing of materials, cleanliness of production facilities and handling of finished products. The program is one that includes some of the strictest food and safety standards in the business; it exceeds both USDA and Food and Drug Administration standards.

Iams has a core team of experienced veterinarians that are constantly working on improving the existing products. Iams food and procedures are also regularly reviewed by independent bodies such as the American Institute of Baking, a certification authority in the human food industry.

Just because they have grown to become a large company that offers affordable products does not mean they have low quality products. They do not change formulas when opportunities for cheaper ingredients arise and are constantly working towards making improvements to their products.

The food we give our animals has been approved by The WHS Director of Animal Health and has never caused any general health concerns for the animals in our care.

On P&G’s Animal Testing Methods

While P&G does perform tests on animals, the company works very closely with The Humane Society of the United States, an organization that holds very high standards in area of animal welfare. The two organizations have worked closely together in contributing to the advancement of viable alternatives to animal testing.

Currently it is required by law to use animal research to ensure the safety of certain products. Today, government authorities still consider animal tests to be the most appropriate way to determine the safety and effectiveness of these products before human exposure. P&G only ever test on animals as a last resort, if it is required by law. They only involve the minimum number of animals necessary for their work and are constantly moving toward their goal of the reduction, refinement and replacement of animal research.

While it is not ideal to ever have to test on animals, the company has invested almost $200 million towards alternatives to animal research and have developed more than 50 proven alternatives such as computer models, in vitro cell culture tests, advanced chemistry methods and human clinical studies.

While we don’t agree with animal testing, we know that progress is being made towards its eventual elimination, which is definitely a cause worth supporting.

This information and more can be found at PG.com Sustainability: environmental issues, supply chain.

[fmshaw]

My opinion on IAMS ---

I'll never promote it or buy it. They're absolutely aweful to their dogs that they test the food on. Ive heard stories of the scientists cutting giant wholes into the dogs body to see how the food supports the muscle growth. They also attach window-type devices to the dogs stomache to watch and observe digestion. These dogs are not sedated or numbed. They lay on the floor in pain. Its mainly beagles that get it.. but I'm sure there are other types of dogs as well that get experimented on. When Iams is done with the dog, they kill them on the spot. Bullet to the head (if they're so lucky).

I know its a PETA thing.. even though I think PETA is absolutely crazy, I think they have a few good points. This being one of them.

IamsCruelty.com

How do you know this is true? I am asking seriously not sarcasticly. My mom feeds her cat IAMS and Im sure if there is evidence of this she might reconsider.

[fmshaw]

Ha I always assume Im on the last page when I go back to the thread and then I rrealize there are more posts. I have read the rest of the posts. Thanks guys.