Comments on: Blue Buffalo Wilderness (Dry)

By: Mike Sagman

Mike Sagman — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 22:38:09 +0000

Hi Catherine… You’ve probably already noticed that there are no 4 and 5-star dog foods on our website with protein that low. We prize foods for their meat content and downgrade those lacking in it. The MINIMUM protein recommended for adult health by the nutrient profiles of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (the pet food industry’s watchdog) happens to be the amount recommended by your vet (18% dry matter). There are no approved foods we are aware of that are “less than 18%” as you request. I’d certainly recommend you discuss this issue again with your vet. Hope this helps.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:15:58 +0000

Our vet said that my dog has a low PH/very acidic urine. She recommended switching to a dog food that has a low crude protein (less than 18%). Do you have any suggestions? Possibly something that can be purchased from Petsmart (it’s the only pet store near me.) Thanks for any assistance you can offer.

By: Mike Sagman

Mike Sagman — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:04:48 +0000

Hi John… Three star dog foods aren’t necessarily bad. We actually consider them “recommended” foods. However, from an ingredient quality and meat content standpoint, we generally do try to steer clear of the lower rated ones.

Your breed is considered a large breed. And growth can continue for a good while longer. Be sure any food you feed to your 8 month old “puppy” meets AAFCO guidelines AAFCO for either growth or “all life stages”.

Regarding allergies: Dogs are much like us humans. They can react to different foods and ingredients in different ways. So, it would be impossible for anyone to assure you a particular food would be appropriate for your dog’s allergies.

In any case, BB Wilderness is certainly a better dog food. Hope this helps.

By: John

John — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 03:47:39 +0000

Hello Mike,

I have an 8 month old Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog that I have been feeding Natural Balance Lamb and Brown Rice until I came across this website and noticed that it was listed as a 3 star food….unacceptable for me and I wish I would have found this site sooner. Anyways, I recently switched to the Blue Puppy Lamb and Oatmeal and was considering on changing it to one of the Wilderness products once she hit adolescence. Was just wondering what you thought since chicken seems to give her hives and she is currently on an antihistamine. Thanks!

By: Mike Sagman

Mike Sagman — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 01:14:40 +0000

Hi Melvin… Join the club. Finding the best food for your Schnauzers can involve a considerable amount of trial and error. Just avoid the lower rated foods and you really can’t go too wrong.

By: Melvin

Melvin — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 01:12:56 +0000

I have been reaching for dog food for several hours and haven’t found the best one for my 3 miniature Schnauzer. Which brand do you recommend?

Thks
Melvin

By: Mike Sagman

Mike Sagman — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:59:40 +0000

Hi James… You’re right. Product pricing would be a nice addition to the reviews. But quite frankly, in a free market system like ours, pricing accuracy would be next to impossible to maintain. So, for now, we’ve opted to stick with label analysis only.

Regarding how to feed your Akita puppy, I always recommend staying with a product specifically rated by AAFCO for either “growth” or “all life stages”. In the case you describe, you’re probably OK as both products you’re feeding appear to meet nutritional guidelines for puppies. Sounds like a nice combination.

By: James Morgan

James Morgan — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:14:01 +0000

Good Afternoon Mark,

I have noticed that there is no ball park pricing of the dog foods. I think it would help to build value to the comsumer to spend a few more pennies to feed our furry, fluffy friends better quality foods.

Thanks,
James Morgan

I am feeding my dog Blue Buffalo Dry Puppy formula mixed with Primal Chicken. He is a 4 month old Akita male pup. Is it ok to mix foods from a nutrition and growth point of view?

By: Mike Sagman

Mike Sagman — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:57:16 +0000

Hi Debbie… Chronic paw licking isn’t always associated with a dog’s diet. Since I’m not a vet, it would probably be misleading for me to suggest a particular food would provide specific health benefits. You may want to consider feeding one of the limited ingredient diets to help you isolate the offending component. Sorry I can’t be of more help.

By: Mike Sagman

Mike Sagman — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:39:51 +0000

Hi Ralph... Dietary protein can be a controversial issue. Although many still believe dogs need less protein as they age, more recent research suggests older dogs can have difficulty absorbing protein (especially the lower quality vegetable-based types). Today, many canine professionals are beginning to recommend maintaining higher dietary protein for dogs. The article "Senior Dogs and Special Needs" by respected nutritionist Dr. Lew Olson presents the more modern view. Another source of excellent information about protein in a dog's diet can be found in a white paper entitled "The Biologically Appropriate Food Concept and the Dietary Needs of Dogs and Cats". This article is published by Champion Petfoods... the makers of Orijen and Acana dog foods. I believe you'll find these two articles most reassuring regarding high protein diets. Hope this helps.