Flint River Ranch (Dry)

by Mike Sagman
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Rating: ★★★½☆

Flint River Ranch Dog Food receives the Advisor’s mid-tier rating of 3.5 stars.

The Flint River Ranch product line includes 7 dry dog foods.

Although each formulation appears to be designed for a specific life stage, we found no AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements for these dog foods on the Flint River Ranch website.

The following is a list of recipes available at the time of this review.

  • Flint River Ranch Senior Plus Adult
  • Flint River Ranch Trout and Potato Adult
  • Flint River Ranch Lamb Meal, Millet & Rice Adult
  • Flint River Ranch Dry Water Ultra Fresh Innovations
  • Flint River Ranch Duck Meal and Oatmeal Adult Dog Food
  • Flint River Ranch Original Oven-Baked Kibble Puppy & Adult
  • Flint River Ranch Original Oven-Baked Nuggets Puppy & Adult

Flint River Ranch Original Oven-Baked Nuggets was selected to represent the other products in the line for this review.

Flint River Ranch Original Oven-Baked Nuggets

Dry Dog Food

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Protein = 26% | Fat = 13% | Carbs = 53%

Ingredients: Chicken meal, ground whole brown rice, wheat flour, ground whole rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), oat flour, tomato pomace, white fish meal, alfalfa meal, natural flavor, potassium chloride, salt, vitamins (choline chloride, a-tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), niacin, calcium pantothenate, vitamin A supplement, ascorbic acid (source of vitamin C), pridoxine hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), thiamine mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), riboflavin supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, biotin, folic acid), minerals (zinc sulfate, zinc amino acid chelate, ferrous sulfate, manganese amino acid chelate, copper sulfate, copper amino acid chelate, sodium selenite, calcium iodate), kelp meal, lecithin, rosemary extract, sage extract, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried Aspergillus oryzae fermentation product

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 4.4%

Red items when present indicate controversial ingredients

Estimated Nutrient Content
MethodProteinFatCarbs
Guaranteed Analysis23%12%NA
Dry Matter Basis26%13%53%
Calorie Weighted Basis23%29%48%

The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

The second ingredient is brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The third ingredient is wheat flour, a highly-refined product of wheat milling. Like corn, wheat is an inexpensive and controversial cereal grain of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

For this reason, we do not consider wheat a preferred component in any dog food.

The fourth ingredient is whole rice. Once cooked, whole rice is a gluten-free source of digestible carbohydrates and dietary fiber.

The fifth ingredient is chicken fat. Chicken fat is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.

Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesn’t sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.

The sixth ingredient is oat flour. Since oat flour is nothing more than finely ground oats, it provides about the same gluten-free nutritional content as raw oats.

The seventh ingredient is tomato pomace. Tomato pomace is a controversial ingredient, a by-product remaining after processing tomatoes into juice, soup and ketchup.

Many praise tomato pomace for its high fiber and nutrient content, while others scorn it as an inexpensive pet food filler.

Just the same, there’s probably not enough tomato pomace here to make much of a difference.

The eighth item is white fish meal, another meat concentrate. Whitefish is a marine or freshwater species native to Canada and the California coast.

Fish meal is typically obtained from the “clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings” of commercial fish operations.1

We are pleased to note that, unlike many fish meals, this particular item appears2 to be ethoxyquin-free.

The ninth ingredient is alfalfa meal. Although alfalfa meal is high in plant protein (about 18%) and fiber (25%), this hay-family item is more commonly associated with horse feeds.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this product.

With two notable exceptions…

First, we note the use of dried fermentation products in this recipe. Fermentation products are typically added to provide enzymes to aid the animal with digestion.

And lastly, this food also contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

Flint River Ranch Dog Food
The Bottom Line

Judging by its ingredients alone, Flint River Ranch looks to be an average dry dog food.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 26%, a fat level of 13% and estimated carbohydrates of about 53%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 24% and a mean fat level of 12%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 56% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.

Below-average protein. Below-average fat. And near-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.

Free of any plant-based protein boosters, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a moderate amount of meat.

Bottom line?

Flint River Ranch is a plant-based kibble using a moderate amount of poultry, lamb, or fish meals as its main sources of animal protein, thus earning the brand 3.5 stars.

Recommended.

Special Alert

Rice ingredients can sometimes contain arsenic. Until the US FDA establishes safe upper levels for arsenic content, pet owners may wish to limit the total amount of rice fed in a dog's daily diet.

A Final Word

The descriptions and analyses expressed in this and every article on this website represent the views and opinions of the author.

Although it's our goal to ensure all the information on this website is correct, we cannot guarantee its completeness or its accuracy; nor can we commit to ensuring all the material is kept up-to-date on a daily basis.

Each review is offered in good faith and has been designed to help you make a more informed decision when buying dog food.

However, our rating system is not intended to suggest feeding a particular product will result in specific health benefits for your pet.

For a better understanding of how we analyze each product, please read our article, "The Problem with Dog Food Reviews".

Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt, consult a qualified veterinary professional for help.

In closing, we do not accept money, gifts or samples from pet food companies in exchange for special consideration in the preparation of our reviews or ratings.

To learn how we support the cost of operating this website, please visit our public Disclosure and Disclaimer page.

Have an opinion about this dog food? Or maybe the review itself? Please know we welcome your comments.

Notes and Updates

04/19/2010 Original review
07/15/2010 Review updated
09/12/2010 Review updated (flaxseed meal)
10/28/2010 Added Duck and Oatmeal/removed Senior Lite)
04/12/2012 Last Update

  1. Association of American Feed Control Officials ↩
  2. FRR Customer Service via email dated 4/16/2012 ↩
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  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com/ Mike Sagman

    Bubbajoe and Doglover,

    Your use of multiple identities as evidenced by your recent comments posted here from the same computer and IP address is a violation of Our Commenting Policy.

    This rule clearly states:

    “…the use of multiple identities or other deceptive tactics designed to mislead readers are strictly forbidden.”

    Because you have violated this policy, your comments have been removed.

  • Shawna

    When I try to pull up your profile it shows “bubbajoe”. Are you bubbajoe and doglover?

  • Shawna

    Hi doglover,

    This is just one example of many available. Dr. Jean Dodds and Dr. Karen Becker discuss food allergies versus food intolerances.

    “Dr. Dodds explains that IgE (immunoglobulin E) testing looks for food allergies, which is a different situation. True food allergies are rare. Much more prevalent are food sensitivities and intolerances.” http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/07/26/a-great-tool-for-dogs-with-rumbling-tummy-gas-diarrhea-or-vomiting.aspx

    I think some vets either don’t understand the difference or don’t want to explain so call everything an allergy.

    The Great Dane Lady states “As stated research shows food allergies are actually very rare in dogs/cats”. And she recommends Flint River. Guessing she is unaware of lectins too? http://www.greatdanelady.com/lecture/tsld017.htm

    From Allergic Pet dot com

    “There are only a few causes of year-round canine allergies: Food. This is the first thing many people think of as causing canine allergies. But it’s actually one of the least likely. True food allergies are uncommon in dogs, with only about 15% of allergic dogs being allergic to food.

    A dog may be sensitive to a protein source in his food, or to the protein part of grains such as wheat, soy or corn. Wheat gluten is another one which frequently causes some dog itching and scratching problems. If you have an itchy dog, avoid foods with soy.” http://www.allergicpet.com/dog_allergies.html

    Maybe these people/sites are wrong but my post is also backed up by vets and such…

  • Pattyvaughn

    Many, many vets lump allergies and intolerances under the term allergies, so it does appear that allergies are common. But they aren’t the same thing. Think about the stories you’ve heard about people who are allergic to peanut butter. True allergies get worse with continued exposure and result in hives, swelling of the face, tongue, and thoat, anaphylaxis, and death. Intolerances cause itching, seborrhea, ear and eye discharge, IBS, IBD, and other irritating but nonlethal issues.

  • doglover

    Food allergies are very common. They are often to a certain protein molecule – I’ve been told this by many vets and animal nutritionists. Just read what the customers say: http://www.flintriver.com/productinfo.asp?pi=Flint-River-Ranch-Testimonials.htm

  • Shawna

    I just read Krista H’s post. I agree with everything she said about vaccinations.

    I disagree with what she is saying about allergens. Food allergies are really quite rare. Food intolerances are much more common and chicken is a food intolerance because of the lectins in it. So is wheat due to the lectins. Wheat lectins are known to cause IBD, lesions to the pancreas, arthritis etc.

    I also noted that Krista H is complimenting the diet with a wide variety of healthy foods and supplements as well.

  • Shawna

    Assumptions based on solid data.

    “Cooking is not enough to reduce phytic acid—acid soaking before cooking is needed to activate phytase and let it do its work. For example, the elimination of phytic acid in quinoa requires fermenting or germinating plus cooking (see Figure 3). In general, a combination of acidic soaking for considerable time and then cooking will reduce a significant portion of phytate in grains and legumes.” http://www.westonaprice.org/food-features/living-with-phytic-acid

    Narrow it down to wheat — the below data is taken from the US Department of Health and Human Services.

    “Originally thought to be a rare childhood syndrome, celiac disease is now known to be a common genetic disorder. More than 2 million people in the United States have the disease, or about 1 in 133 people” Imagine the consequences in dogs… http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/

    Vet Dr. John Symes discusses issues with gluten on his website..

    “Celiac researchers are now telling us that all who consume today’s man-made gluten are likely to become sensitive to it. Yes, it is now clear: Gluten is not “good” for anyone, only better tolerated by some than others.
    http://dogtorj.com/what-is-food-intolerance/gluten-intolerance/

    Then there’s the lectins in foods like wheat and oats. Lectins are not destroyed by heat or digestion and pass through the gut wall where they can cause allergies, heart disease, kidney disease etc. http://institutefornaturalhealing.com/2009/07/lectins-a-little-known-trouble-maker/

  • Hound Dog Mom

    Most of us could say the same for our feeding methods.

  • bubbajoe

    A lot of assumptions there. The proof is in the pudding, like “Krista H” below and many others.

  • Hound Dog Mom

    I don’t see anything about this food that “sets it apart” – looks like a mediocre food with a premium price tag to me.

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    “The fact that this food does NOT contain by-products or synthetic preservatives should be taken into account when rating any food”

    Actually it is. Foods with BHA/BHT/ethoxyquin or by-products (especially generic by-products) would get a lower rating.

    Maybe you missed these two links in the article above:

    http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/choosing-dog-food/dog-food-reviews-problems/

    http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/frequently-asked-questions/rate-dog-food/

    Look at Merrick Classic: a grain inclusive food but with more meat and fewer carbs. It deserves it’s higher rating.
    Yet it is up to each pet owner to further research the food they plan to feed. To contact the company with additional questions regarding whatever they want to know about a food or the company, where they are made, where they get their ingredients from, what temperature is the food cooked at, how long, etc. This site rates by ingredients on the government regulated label.

  • Shawna

    There are a lot of foods that don’t have by-products or synthetic preservatives that do have much higher amounts of protein.. I wouldn’t personally feed this food due to the low amount of protein.

    I’m also not at all a fan of improperly prepared grains and this food has higher amounts of three different sources. The antinutrients from the grains bind up with minerals and since the food is baked the protein inhibitors in the grains may cause protein maldigestion. Not good in a food that is already low in protein.

  • bubbajoe

    53% carbs is incorrect. FRR’s site shows the carbs as 42% (which is 46% on a dry matter basis).
    Regarding “by-product” this site says:
    “chicken by-product meal, a dry rendered product of slaughterhouse waste. It’s made from what’s left of a slaughtered chicken after all the prime cuts have been removed. In a nutshell, chicken by-products are those unsavory leftovers usually considered “unfit for human consumption”. http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/hills-prescription-diet-bd-dry/

    And “animal by-products are what’s left of a slaughtered animal after the *edible* parts have been removed. They include the waste of meat processing not intended for human consumption” … “For example, giblets not refrigerated immediately after slaughter but stored for up to 24 hours in a hot offal trailer cannot be sold for human consumption. Yet they can still be legally used for making pet food.” http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/choosing-dog-food/animal-by-products/
    The fact that this food does NOT contain by-products or synthetic preservatives should be taken into account when rating any food as it is of paramount importance and is a horrible thing to feed your dog.

  • Pattyvaughn

    How can you think this food is anything but plant based? Where do you think the 53% carbs comes from? The protein and fat added together is only 39%, so even if none of the protein is plant based and none of the fat is plant based, it is still well over half plant. That is plant based.

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    This food has 53% carbohydrates. That would be plant-based. I guess it needs that many carbs to be baked! And I do feed my dogs by-products: liver, heart, gizzards, feet, tripe and spleen, etc. I just buy them fresh (or frozen) and I know what they are, unlike an unknown “by-product” that is in pet food. This article doesn’t mention by-products as it is not in this particular food, same with the synthetic preservatives. Go look at Purina Moist and Meaty and those will be mentioned there. This website doesn’t give a rating for being non-GMO, or non-recalled. It just looks at ingredients.

  • bubbajoe

    Summarizing that this a “plant-based” kibble is ludicrous – the first ingredient is high-quality chicken! Meal is chicken that’s ground with the water removed so that it can be mixed with other ingredients. The FRR site says there are NO by-products, which is really important to me! And no synthetic preservatives. I find it astonishing that this article does not mention by-products, which are the main thing to avoid; meat by-products are not fit for human consumption and many dog foods have them! That and synthetic preservatives, which this article also doesn’t mention. There are no synthetic preservatives – it’s fresh! And it’s BAKED, which really sets it apart. They also state that they do not use GMO ingredients: http://www.flintriver.com/productinfo.asp?pi=Flint-River-Ranch-Ingredients.htm

  • doglover

    I feed Flint River Ranch to my pets and they are healthy and have beautiful coats. I have fewer vet bills because they are so healthy. The things people say about it is amazing:
    http://www.flintriver.com/productinfo.asp?pi=Flint-River-Ranch-Testimonials.htm They seem to care a lot about their customers.

  • Hound Dog Mom

    Sketchy. The food isn’t great anyways and it’s overpriced.

  • InkedMarie

    Someone on another forum works for a distributor. He shared this with us about FRR:

    “Any specific questions about ingredients, formulas production methods and testing procedures developed by FRR should be put in writing and they will be answered. Any requests to visit the manufacturing facilities will be declined. The sources of supply for FRR food, formula development, production methods, ingredients and other products is proprietary information and is only available to state and federal regulatory agencies, not to any competitors, industry personnel or the public. We cannot depend upon them to keep proprietary information confidential and we have had too many challenges from inconsiderate requests. Our written contracts with the nutritionists, veterinarians, consultants, production and suppliers are specifically designed for non-disclosure by all parties. They will not answer any phone calls or inquires and they want to be protected from consumer inquiries. This is required as many consumers would not and will not respect their time with numerous telephone calls. Any requests to view production must be declined for many reasons.”

    Apparently this is on their website. Why would anyone feed their foods with an attitude like this? No way in heck would I feed this. In this day of frequent food recalls, dog food companies need to be transparent about most anything.

  • Sharon

    I agree with you. I see these kind of results all of the time.

  • Krista H.

    P.S. From what I’ve been told by Flint River Ranch, they have NEVER had a food recall ever.

  • Krista H.

    Regarding Flint River Ranch. I feed my boxer & french bulldog/boston mix the TROUT & POTATO (fish & chips) formula & wish they had reviewed more than the one fomula.

    My boxer has been on it for 4+ years and is doing excellent! His first year was HELL- trying so many different proteins & finding one that he wasn’t sensitive to. He had pudding-like poop, red bumps all over his body- went to dermatologists & spent tons of money,

    I found a few things to be common with many dogs: CHICKEN is a common protein allergy because it is sooo prevalent. The review above was done on their formula that contains chicken.

    (also, on their bag, it actually has info about the AAFCO)..

    CORN is a huge allergen.

    VACCINATIONS can cause a whole host of problems… from allergies of skin, fur falling out, demodex (skin/ fur reaction to skin mites due to lowered immunity), digestive issues, inflammation, on and on and on. GET BLOOD TITERS FIRST to see if you EVEN NEED THE VACCINES! see below

    My boxer had all these issues during his first year to year and half. I have NOT had to vaccinate him since his initial puppy series (with the exception of RABIES, required by law) because once a year I take him for his annual exam and request a TITER BLOOD TEST to see if he actually has enough immunity left from his initial puppy vaccinations.

    My boxer just turned FIVE and to my pleasant surprise, he STILL HAS IMMUNITY left from his puppy vaccinations. WE ARE OVER-VACCINATING OUR DOGS & CATS!! After thinking about this, it ocurred to me… we humans don’t vaccinate ourselves EVERY year for the same vaccinaitions, why would we do that to our pets? MONEY! BIG MONEY! Also, my vet mentioned that they will send out annual reminders because otherwise, few people would bring in their pets on an annual basis & this allows them to do an exam in order to discover/diagnosis other potential problems.

    The TITERS were actually CHEAPER than the vaccinations at my vet! My point is that, I wholeheartedly believe that my boxer’s problem was the vaccinations & not necessarily all food related. He red bumps were due to lowered immunity — his system couldn’t keep up and the bumps were staph bacteria (I’ve heard several people mentioning red, scabby, inflamed bumps)

    It has been four years since his last series & his fur is gorgeous… no bumps, shiny, show-stopping, I must add. (I give him 2 tsp Carlson’s cod liver oil & Barlean’s Flax oil & sometimes olive oil on his food)

    The chin bumps that someone mentioned, I believe is what my vet calls “chin acne”. My other boxer always got it from his folds and slobber. She gave us an “acne scrub” (mild) and thereafter we made sure to wipe up his chin after he ate or drank.

    Sorry if that was too long. I did want to add that one of my late Boston Terriers used to have a rash on his chest and lost most of his fur there. We couldn’t figure out why this was and changed foods, etc. Well, pork & chicken made it worse.

    When we put the boxer on Flint River Ranch Trout & Potato, our boston also went on it. HIS FUR GREW BACK 100% after 7 YEARS of trying everything. He lived to 15 and our vet said on his dying day that his JET BLACK, SHINY coat was nicer than most dogs she sees half his age!

    There, that was my “plug” for FFR!

    NO single dog food can give your dog all he needs. Use it as a baseline food. Personally, my dogs get canned or baked sweet potato or pumpkin, spinach with some olive oil (either microwaved for 1 minute or sauteed in a pan… do a batch for the week), blueberries (frozen tossed in their food), apple slices for snacks (mine is a snob for “honey crisp”) a sprinkle of powder pro and/or pre-biotic and the Carlson’s Cod liver oil & Barlean’s Flax oil mentioned above.

    I’m not a vet, so take or leave my advice as you see fit & please hold me harmless. I’m just a dog lover who wants my dogs to outlive me so I don’t have to suffer the pain of losing them! — or, at least, to live the longest, healthiest life possible- afterall, it’s the promise I made to them since they can’t do it for themselves.

    Cheers…

  • Pattyvaughn

    You’re the one that applied the broad general statement that large/giant breeds don’t do well on high protein. I might conceed that there was a particular breed that didn’t do well on high protein if you were to name a breed and it was one that I’m not familiar with, but you haven’t. Every breed that I am familiar with, and that is a very large number, does well on high protein. But they do not do well being overfed, with too high calcium, or over exercised. And they especially don’t do well with bad genetics. I’ve seen many breeds or individuals that don’t do well on grain inclusive foods. In all my years as a Vet Tech and a breeder, or as an exhibitor, I’ve heard all the excuses people use for feeding a cheaper food, but it’s never been because a breed actually didn’t do well on better food.
    So what breed do you breed?

  • http://www.theholisticchatterbox.com/ Shawna

    “Optimal feeding of large breed puppies

    Jennifer Larsen DVM, MS
    Resident, Small Animal Clinical Nutrition
    Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital
    School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis

    The same group went on to investigate the individual dietary components and demonstrated that dietary protein level had no effect on the development of osteochondrosis (Nap, et. al, 1991). For some reason, dietary protein level continues to be incriminated by some owners, breeders, and veterinarians, despite the lack of supportive evidence.

    In contrast to protein, excessive calories and inappropriate amounts of calcium have both been shown to negatively influence optimal skeletal development in puppies.” http://www.lgd.org/library/Optimal%20feeding%20of%20large%20breed%20puppies.pdf
    It’s not protein but rather excess amounts of calories from any source. Protein and carbs have the same exact amount of calories per gram. However protein is used by the body to make enzymes, hair/coat/skin, muscles, organs/glands etc.

  • JellyCat

    Actually, it is a myth that high protein causes growth abnormalities. However, overfeeding and inappropriate calcium:phosphorus can.
    Water absorption in the gut is really weird idea. Kibble composition does affect water absorption of course. In general, kibble is not an ideal dog food for this same reason.

  • Jill

    Have done my homework, via 25 plus years of experience raising a large/giant breed of dog. I have seen the results of a high protein diet time and again with my breed. Hot spots can be a big problem with high protein levels as well as growth issues. Some dog breeds do fine on high protein, others don’t. Just like some people (all of the human species) do well in a high carb diet, others do not. Some cannot tolerate lactose, some gluten…. You can apply a broad general statement saying all large breed/giant breed dogs do well on high protein diets. It’s not so.

  • Jill

    Not so, I have been a breeder of a large/giant breed of dog for 25 plus years. High protein levels can contribute to a puppy developing Pano, cause rapid growth (as well as high fat content) and can contribute to other growth issues in large and giant breeds.
    Baked dog food is not cooked at the extreme temps that extruded food is cooked at. Air content can matter if you prefer to feed a more dense kibble. A denser kibble aborbs less water in the gut. We have fed our dogs Artemis, Evolve, and many others and they do far better on Flint River than any kibble we have ever fed.

  • JellyCat

    Well, at what temperatures do you think they bake the food? What is the rationale for feeding baked vs “extruded”? Some manufacturers state that their kibble is steam cooked for instance, does that make it better or worse? By the way, how is baking reduces the air content of kibble????? It is important to note that air content does not matter as it is always analyzed by weight.
    Also, large and giant breeds do extremely well on high protein diet, just like my friends grate dean :-) It’s a false statement that large breeds do not do well on high protein – you should try it.

  • sisu

    The odor may be caused by GERD (acid reflux). The sphincter muscle that is between the stomach and esophagus may be weakened. This allows the stomach contents to come into the back of the throat causing a painful burning sensation Although there is surgery to correct the weakened muscle many vets have never treated the condition. It can be treated with over the counter antacids but it is a fine line between reducing the acid and allowing enough acid for digestion. Reducing the pressure on the sphincter muscle by feeding smaller amounts 3 or more times per day works well. Keeping the head higher than the stomach while the dog is resting can be helpful. Chicken based foods generally cause somewhat less odor than those with fish, lamb or beef.

    To test for GERD feed nothing but boiled rice for 1 day. If the odor is reduced on that day, yet returns when returned to kibble it is likely acid reflux. I suggest a veterinary Gastroenterologist for treatment options.

    Oral growths and infections will also cause odor. It is unlikely that a vet can find a growth, such as a malignant melanoma, that is under a tooth unless the dog is under general anesthesia.

    Edit: Oops, I did not notice this was an older post. Maybe the information will be useful to someone else.

  • Pattyvaughn

    You didn’t do your homework. It is completely false that large breeds don’t do well on high protein. I suppose you think wolves are vegetarians, well they aren’t. They are a large breed though and they eat a very high protein diet. Dog breeds that are fed like wolves do very well, especially the large ones. The myth that large breeds need lower protein was based on a faulty study and has been disproven for years, like 10 years.

  • Jill

    One thing you do not mention, while critisizing the meat content or protein level. Large and Giant breeds do not do well on high protein diets. This is important to note. You also do not mention that Flint River is baked! So important! This means it is denser, has less air in it than an extruded food which most kibbles are, and also loses fewer nutrients because it is baked (baking is done at much lower temps than extrusion). BIg pluses for this brand. Someone did not do their homework. The grade should be much higher than the one you give.

  • ChopChopsMom

    I’ve been feeding FRR for 7 yrs. My dogs love it and have great skin & fur and no allergies, for Shar-Pei that’s important. But the quality control has gotten worse the last year.. the kibble arrives in the form of sand like gravel consistency and for nearly $40 a bag, that’s unacceptable. I’m tired of opening up heavy bags and having to worry about wasting more food.. They said they’re working on a new nugget formula for Lamb & Rice Millet and want to include us in on testing.. hoping this turns out or I have to find a reliable replacement. Any ideas to a cood comp to the quality FRR?

  • Sharon Ours

    Which one of the foods are you using?  I have had good luck with tummy problems with the Trout & Potato.  You might want to try a sample of it.  I had a friend that her dog had problems with bad breath and the Vet was missing a bad tooth.  I have been selling Flint River Ranch since 2003 and haven’t had this probem.
    Sharon
    304 472 6006
    304 613 9088
    http://www.adomesticfriend.com

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    9 years on one food is too long.  Start rotating in some other foods or mixing a different food in with his old food to incorporate some different ingredients.  You can also rotate in some other FRR flavors if you like.

  • Pattyvaughn

    It’s from his gut microflora.  Feeding a dog the same food for 9 years severely limits the variety of intestinal microbes.  You should rotate foods for him at least every few months.  And consider adding pre/probiotics to his food.  Since he’s been on one food for sssoooo long, it will probably be difficult for him to transition, so take it really slow, like over a month slowly give more of the new food and less of the old.  After he has switched a few times it becomes easier as their gut gets healthier.

  • Sspeters

    I have been feeding my dog FRR for the past 9 years and I have had no issues. My only possible issue is my dog ( a cockapoo) has bad breath. I brush his teeth quite often and the vet says his breath is not from his teeth. I also just started giving him a probiotic. I am wondering if the bad breath is from his food. Any suggestions???? 

  • Sharon Ours

    If you would like for me to check on this for you just email me at sharon.ours@frontier.com and I will help you out with any questions you might have.  I think FRR is a very good food from the results I have seen.
    @frontier:disqus 

  • Troonridge@msn com

    When did FFR change their formula? We have been feeding our Lab pup this for awhile now, and he seems to do well. We use the Salmon or Lamb and have had no problems. Any suggestions?

  • Sharon Ours

    Hi
    I have a cat that had a bladder stone removed and they suggested the prescription food.  I said no thanks that I would stay with FRR.  Took her to another Vet for a 2nd opinion she wanted to keep a check on her since she was staying on FRR.  She is doing good.

  • Sharon Ours

    Hi Tammy
    I just checked in tonight.  I am also a Dist.  I haven’t had any complaints with the changes they have made.  I have used the food for my dogs and cats since 2003.  I have had nothing but good results.  Anything I can help you with just let me know. 
    Sharon
    sharon.ours@frontier.com
    304 613 9088

  • melissa

    Hi mandy-

    I think its great that the food is working for you and your crew-I just don’t know though, that the same food every day for 7 yrs is the healthiest option. Since there is no perfect kibble out there(imo anyway) I tend to think that we serve our canine friends best by rotating brands every so often-just in case one food has overages or shortages, it would help minimize the affects.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_6EYXM3B57EN2JBM7WA44OVFNUU mandy

    I have fed this food for well over 7 years and have found no problems with it at all.  It is oven baked and has no preservatives in it.  My dogs absorb more of the food and use it in their bodies so there is less stools to pick up.  They love the food.  They get no supplement, vitamin or anything else and it is also the only food that they will eat consistantly and not turn their noses up and refuse to eat it.  I think this is a very good dog food and have recommended it with no complaints from the folks (or from their dogs).  I also feed their cat food to my cat.  She loves it.

  • Pingback: All Different Dog Food Brands & Types | My Blog

  • Tammylhuffman3

    Sabbyblue – thanks for sending the newsletter, it is much appreciated! Maxx is just fine, the vet said the bumps were nothing to worry about right now and they are actually gone. He is just fine and bouncing around in true Lab puppy style!
    LabsRawesome – lol, the food police! I know I can feed whatever I want, I am doing my best to follow my breeder’s contract. If Maxx experiences any further problems it will definitely be something I consider. I am just thanking my lucky stars I no longer feed Professional products and haven’t for over a year considering the latest pet food recalls!
    Thanks to all for the help and advice, it is very much appreciated. I honestly have been thrilled with FRR, my dogs have done so well on it. I was taken a back to find out the formula had been changed so drastically. We will see what happens and carry on from there.

  • Dog Food Ninja

    SUnsan, the ratings on this website are only based on the listed ingredients and estimated meat content. That is the only fair and objective way to review dog food. This food loses half a star because wheat is a commonly problematic ingredient. This isn’t an outstanding food.

  • SUnsan

    I find it interesting that 2 of the 3 dry dog foods that were recently recalled earned higher ratings on this site than FRR food.

    Perhaps the rating formula needs to be adjusted.

  • LabsRawesome

     Hi Tammylhuffman3, If your dog is having issues with the food, switch her to something else. Regardless of what your  breeder says, you can feed your dog whatever you want. Seriously, what is she gonna do call the dog food police? This food is overpriced for the  lack of quality that you are getting.

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