[Adriana R]

So I guess I was wrong seems like their on/off daily…? Idk But I asked a Pet Advisor through chat and they couldn’t give me an answer. They wanted email so they can respond later. I told them if I call would it be the same, person said yes. I then asked about the vet diet team. Said they could pass along the # but I said no. I don’t feel like needing to know the fiber % of kibble I should talk to a vet it be different if my dog had a bad redaction to the kibble.
So I just filled the online form and now have to wait.

[Adriana R]

When I contacted them it was online chat.
But because of the time difference it seems like I can only catch them “on” when it’s morning. Which mornings are hectic so I really don’t have time to talk. Maybe an email would be my best bet.

[Adriana R]

I honestly always thought small owned pet stores were expensive. But maybe I should look around.

I didn’t know that that about the true fiber value.
If I add pumpkin it’ll be to Pro Plans kibble.
I don’t know about Purina I contacted them for a concern I had about the specks on the dog food to see if it was “normal” and the lady was telling me it wasn’t normal in which of course I freaked but then later on my own I realized it was normal.
But I will contact them.

[Adriana R]

Bobby dog
Thanks 🙂

pitlove
Oh okay.
I don’t buy things online (at all) so that’s not a option. I honestly tend to stay away from local pet stores because I think they’re just expensive.

You just made realize something. Sunshine seemed a bit constipated a couple weeks ago. She was on Authority grain free and it has 4.5% Fiber (max) Now I can’t really say she did “better” with Simply Nourish grain free as she was only on it for a day but it has 6% Fiber (max) Pro Plan has 4% Fiber (max) I was going to put her on Authority (regular) but that as well has 4% Fiber (max) so it wouldn’t make a difference.
She’s still mainly on rice, I’m slowly introducing her to this kibble but once she’s fully switched I will see if she’s a bit constipated. Can pumpkin be added on and off like all the time? Maybe she just needs a bit more fiber. I think she just might be getting a bit older but at the same time it’s not like she’s extremely constipated either, just a thought.

[Adriana R]

I was reading that sometimes it is the way it’s stored.
There might have been a tiny hole.

[Adriana R]

Best By Date.
So probably about 6 months ago I went to PetSmart and I bought about 9 bags of dog food that were soon to expire. Ranging from about 5 to 20 pounds and the brands were Natures Variety Instinct, Blue Buffalo and Nutro. All different varieties/lines and proteins/flavors.
Before I go any further: It wasn’t for my dogs, my dogs got none of this food. It was for a person in my neighborhood who was struggling to buy food for his 3 dogs, his dogs are not “sensitive” whatsoever. They did just fine on the kibbles I bought, none got sick. And by the time they ate all the kibble they were eating expired kibble.
When I went to PetSmart this week I got two bags of Purina Pro Plan lamb. After getting some more items I walked to check out. Right before I got in line it occurred to me I should check all the expiration dates as I usually do but I usually do it as I grab the item’s. And 1 of the Pro Plan bags said Best By Date: NOV 2017 Now I wouldn’t buy my dogs expired food. But I figured if they give me a good deal I’ll consider for someone in the neighborhood. I grabbed a salmon bag for my dog and told one of the workers. She told me we’d have to act as if it weren’t expired and give me 90% off, I agreed.
The bag was opened and a bunch of white lint was inside the bag. THE BAG WAS THROWN, NO DOG ATE THE FOOD (just in case someone thinks I’m getting dogs in my neighborhood sick)
My thing is this: why did the other bags bought 6 months did just fine and buy the time the dogs ate it/finished the kibbles were technically “expired” ? Is it because the food is “lower Quality” Tbh it gave me a bit of a “scare” to the point where I’m reconsidering if I will switch Sunshine off Pro Plan. When I go home I will open the lamb bag and check it just in case but its not expired. The next morning after coming from PetSmart I decided to open the salmon 1st. I doubt something is wrong with the other bag of lamb (not expired) but I want to make sure.
Now I know I was probably “stupid” for buying expired kibble but even when I bought the 9 bags, 1 was actually already expired but the kibble was just fine. I will from now on not buy kibble that’s already expired. But I will continue to buy kibbles “soon to be expired” for example when the store marks them down (50/75/90 percent off)
I will not make a claim to Purina or PetSmart as I knew the bag was expired and I still bought the bag.

[Adriana R]

How long can dry dog food (kibble) last after the expiration date?
I know it might be a little different from brand to brand and maybe even type but what’s the general “rule”

[Adriana R]

I’ll try that with the chicken breast next time.

[Adriana R]

Yes I was considering the organic chicken broth just to have on hand at all times.
You do an entire chicken?
I only cook/give my dogs chicken breast.
I know sometimes the entire chicken can be on sale and very cheap. I’ll keep that in my mind.

[Adriana R]

Do you make homemade broth? I know a lady who gives her small dogs store bought. When Sunshine got sick the vet said no broth because of the ingredients might be too much for her tummy to handle. But my dogs get broth very rarely.
Jr can’t have egg he vomits every single time he can’t tolerate it.

[Adriana R]

Oh okay. I was freaking out a bit as I’ve never bought dog food with speks before.
I contacted Purina Pro Plan and they said it wasn’t “normal” I I didn’t give Sunshine it for dinner as I was a bit “afraid” Then I started looking online and it seemed like it was “normal” for this kibble.
So I changed my mind and fed her it for breakfast this morning. And I know you said you fed your dog this before so I figured I might as well just ask. What did you change to? Why?
Yeah I know that it’s getting to me that supposedly Authority is 3 star but I decided to try Purina Pro Plan a 2.5 star
It’s been a while I don’t remember very well I think they did a test and the protein with the fish had more toxins because of the fish it self. It was maybe truth about pet food (I think)

[Adriana R]

So I saw the bag of kibble and it’s meant to have little speks on the dog food, right? There sorta the color of the kibble. I wish I could upload a pic but it looks exactly the picture they have online so I know it’s fine (mom also looked at it) but it’s bothering me a bit. Hoping you can put my mine at ease as you also feed the same to your dog.
I honestly don’t know which one is “better”
I’ve read fish is “worser” overall but then again you really can’t trust what’s online anymore.

[Adriana R]

I didn’t know that. Is that why they don’t have an Authority website?
So the lamb (498) has more calories than the salmon (429)
Puppy food is at 450.
He’s getting about 600 per day.
Should I go for the 498 (lamb) since it’s higher or would the salmon be just fine? (Will eat either, not picky) Maybe I can rotate between the 2. Or just stick with the cheaper 1.
I can’t seem to get the right calculations of how much will get him at 600 roughly per day. It’s either short or too much.
All the #’s are Kcal/cup

[Adriana R]

And I’ve used Authority grain free for probably about 2 years. As well as Simply Nourish grain free which is also a PetSmart house brand. I’ve bought Pro Plan once along time ago but I never bought it again. But I’ve decided she or Buddy Bear don’t need grain free. Authority is technically cheaper. I haven’t seen the price for a large bag at PetSmart yet. When I went yesterday they where having a buy 1 get 1 free sale on the small bags so it was worth to give it a try. I didn’t even look at the price for a larger size bag.

[Adriana R]

Yeah when I read your 1st comment I understand where you could have misunderstood as I didn’t give much info. But he was extremely thin and it was just because he wasn’t getting enough calories. I think he has a very high metabolism. Which honestly I’m surprised as he isn’t very active. But he is finally gaining weight. I was going to just put him back on adult after the small bag but at the pet store I decided that buying a little bigger bag would actually be good for him. I don’t know if he’ll ever be at a 5 but I’m at least aiming for a 3/4 for now.

My girl dog doesn’t a specific amount of calories I just wanted to try a food that was easy on her tummy.
But I don’t know if Buddy Bear would do better on Authority or Pro Plan sensitive. Pro Plan has higher calories per cup. So I’m thinking if my girl dog does well on Pro Plan. I should just feed him that. As I don’t want 3 or 4 different dog foods as it’s insane to keep up with. As I have 2 other Chi’s.

[Adriana R]

I have 4 dogs, 3 males. And out of all of them 1 pees more than the others. But he’s always been like that. But I think what seems like he pees “more” Is that he only pees in one spot. The other 2 males pee in multiple spots. So he takes one long pee. And the other 2 would much rather stop and pee in 4 different spots. But he’s completely normal/healthy.

[Adriana R]

pitlove-
Not a puppy, he’s a 7 year old Chihuahua. Took him to the vet last Monday just because he was looking “very thin” and they gave me dewormer and had me put him on puppy food to gain weight. I looked at the Purina chart and he honestly was like probably a 1/2 and now probably like at 3. He’s always been on the thin side (5.ish pounds) and when they weighed him on Monday he was only 4 pounds. I think he got a “tummy” because he was having extra food and his stomach wasn’t use to it. I looked at him again this morning. And I know can see he seems to be “even” now. His ribs almost line up where his tummy is (don’t know how to describe it) He used to be just ribs and then where it was his tummy it was very sunken in almost. And now he actually has a bit of a shape. You can finally see a “tummy” on his sides. That’s the best way I can describe. But I can assure you I did take him to the vet and they told me he was extremely thin and I could keep him on puppy food for a while.
I decided to buy another bag (15 pounds) and once he’s done with that I will switch him back to adult.

I ended up buying both lamb and salmon sensitive skin and stomach (small bags) for my girl dog. She actually likes the salmon. As long as she continues to do good I might keep her on it long term.

[Adriana R]

I’ll have to ask the vet to see what he thinks.
I noticed in the beginning he had a “tummy” now he’s looking a bit “slender” than when I 1st increased his food. And he’s getting the same amount a cup and a third. He still feels “heavy” but he doesn’t seem to have the “tummy” he 1st got.

[Adriana R]

Buddy Bear is soon going to be done with his 5 pound bag of puppy food.
I’m debating whether I should buy him another bag of puppy food? Or is 5 pounds enough?

[Adriana R]

Is your dog “sensitive”?
3 of my dogs really aren’t sensitive when it comes to kibble but I was thinking maybe Sunshine needs a more sensitive dog food as she’s getting older (I understand that might sound crazy) and it’s good on calories for the other 2. Plus it wouldn’t do them bad if their really not “sensitive”
But on the bag it says “Focus” Is that’s just how they marketed it? It doesn’t really have to do with anything?
Im trying to figure out if I want to put them on Pro Plan or Authority.
What I don’t want is to have to be buying 3 different dog foods like I have in past. It’s just to much to keep up with. 3 dogs will be on Authority or Pro Plan. And Jr will be on Simply Nourish. Because I doubt that the chicken is making his ears itchy. If he had a true allergic reaction his entire body would be itchy.

[Adriana R]

Oh okay thought they did give something if it’s some sort of virus.
But she has normal stool. No diarrhea.
With Jojo they said he must’ve eaten something.
They didn’t say that for my girl dog though.
Now that she’s getting older she wants to sleep more. I put her out in the backyard with the other dogs and she “cries/barks” to come in. I put her in and she just sleeps.
I told the vet and he says probably just her age.

[Adriana R]

She actually drinks plenty of water tbh.
If its a virus or something I feel like he should have gave her some other medication.
But 2 days before Christmas my dog was vomiting a lot. And all they had gave him was the same medicine but a shot and IV Fluids.
She wasn’t dehydrated and she wasn’t vomiting as much as Jojo.
So he said it’s a bit different. Why he could only give me anti nausea pills.
I’m hoping she’ll be fine.
Oh and he also told me to feed her very small amount of chicken and rice every hour. So like a tablespoon.

[Adriana R]

I actually don’t add chicken to their kibbles only when their sick. They get chicken and rice.
My girl dog yesterday went to the vet for vomiting 2 days in a row and so I put her on chicken and rice. They couldn’t give a clear answer though. They gave her anti nausea pills.
I’m hoping that’ll do it. If not she will need a blood work test.
Dogs can be so much work. But their so worth it.
I swear it’s been “dogs” all week. I need a day for myself this weekend just to clear my head. But I 1st need to find new dog foods lol.
Btw thanks for responding every time I post. You have been helpful.

[Adriana R]

Jr has never had salmon before and I know that my neighbor had bought a bag of salmon and his dog’s wouldn’t eat it. I recommended adding a bit of chicken broth and they ate it.
Jr can sometimes be very picky. I’m wondering if he even would touch the salmon. He has had Simply Nourish limited ingredient lamb and he did eat it.
I once bought Nutro and it made Jr sick. But I’m kinda wondering if he’d doing fine on their limited ingredient formula.
Next time I go to Frys I’ll see if they still sell Nutrisca.
Jr hasn’t had an test for his allergies. But I do really believe he has environmental allergies as well as allergic to grains.
I think I’ll look for a grain free kibble with only lamb as a protein

[Adriana R]

Jr has allergies as well as allergic to grains. Would you recommend fish or lamb? I want to see if chicken is making his ears worse…? Thoughts?
My aunt’s dog was put on lamb food because of her skin once. Is lamb “better” than fish she it comes to allergies.

Wellness adult is 30 pounds for $52 I’m trying to see if that’s reasonable.
What I usually buy is 24 pounds for $47 so I guess it’s not much of a big jump. My mom just wants to take them off grain free as she feels since they don’t need it (with the exception of Jr) they shouldn’t be eating grain free. At the same time I could just put them on Authority regular. Which is 34 pounds for $35.
I seriously need to see if I can afford Wellness long term as this only counts for 3 dogs and I have 4.
Maybe I can leave Buddy Bear on Wellness adult and the other 2 on Authority regular Which really isn’t “fair” but I really want Buddy Bear to keep his weight. But the whole point is to have 3 of them on the same food.

[Adriana R]

Looked at the site. It’s a bit hard to believe that Purina puppy chow was #5 on the least amount of toxins. Only because they’re on the cheaper end of the dog food market.
Tbh my Chi mix Jr had Puppy chow. And he was just fine on it. After a year or so that’s when he had developed a allergy to grain.
Also says dog food labels that stated “grain free” has twice the amount of toxins yet Canidae under the sun grain free was # 3 on the least amount of toxins.
But I guess it’s one of those whatever you want to believe. Btw I’m don’t know much about dog food and ingredients so this is all just my opinion.
I just hope that the other 2 will also do good on Wellness.
I’m also thinking of putting the one that has to be on grain free to have the same brand but the grain free version.
Or maybe even Wellness core.

[Adriana R]

I looked quickly at canidae. I looked at the one for all lifestages and the chicken version is very close to how many calories per cup Buddy Bear needs in a day to keep up his weight. Plus it’s like 30 pounds for $50 I will keep that in mind. But I’m honestly still considering Wellness. I’m not sure if their cheaper by much. Plus I can buy Canidae at Petco which is farther then PetSmart from where I live but I’ll keep it in mind.
But my main thing is that Buddy Bear is doing good on Wellness puppy I’m thinking he’d do good on Wellness adult.
I wasn’t aware that their was a list of dog food that have high toxins. I will take a look.

[Adriana R]

Thanks 🙂

[Adriana R]

I forgot to add:
Can he be on 2 different kibbles at one.
So let’s say half of his meal is Simply Nourish grain free and the other half of kibble would be Instinct chicken?
Is it possible to do that?

[Adriana R]

I’ll have to look more into Zignnatue as I wasn’t even aware it was a brand of dog food.
Well you see that’s why I’m wanting to put him on Instinct. Small breed chicken has 463 and their “ultimate protein” has 491.
But I’m a bit “scared” that because their higher in protein that his system couldn’t handle it. If that makes any sense.
I don’t think I’d be able to afford it for all 4 plus the biggest bag they have in the small breed formula is like 11 pounds. I’m sure it’s crazy expensive. But I’d be able to afford it for one dog.
But I have to wait as right now hes on Wellness Puppy. They told me to keep him on it for a while. I bought a 4 pound bag (I think) and I’ll probably buy one more before I switch him.

[Adriana R]

It’s online only.
I looked at the calories and it’s less than 400. He needs one with at least 400.

[Adriana R]

My dogs use to get mighty dog but I stopped.
The little one also loses weight so fast. He doesn’t do well with can food he gets more BM’s and he gets too full.
I’ve tried Nutrisca but they don’t sell it at PetSmart. I also doubt they sell it at PetCo.
I think I had bought it once at Fry’s but don’t know if they still have it there.

[Author]

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