Dog Food Advisor Forums Mike Sagman

Mike Sagman

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Viewing 37 posts - 201 through 237 (of 237 total)
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  • Hi Rypke1,

    Thanks to your suggestion, I’ve added Proud Paws Dog Food to our To Do list. However, due to our current backlog of products for review, it could be a while longer before we get to it. Thanks again for taking the time to make this suggestion.

    in reply to: Chicken Meal, A Cost Analysis #14902 Report Abuse

    Hey Guys,

    The Dog Food Advisor community encourages “courteous critiques, polite debate and calm disagreement”.

    Unfortunately, recent remarks here compel me anyone ignoring this important rule to please adhere to Our Commenting Policy.

    Thank you.

    in reply to: hello, I'm new here. #12752 Report Abuse

    Hi hamiltonmom,

    So glad you chose to adopt this deserving rescue. My little guy, Bailey, had a similar history. And like you, I also discovered that “topping” his otherwise lifeless dry kibble with fresh or canned dog food makes him really enjoy his meal. You can learn more about diet rotation on our FAQ page.

    Keep up the good work!

    in reply to: Criteria for Best Adult Dog Foods? #12504 Report Abuse

    Hi James,

    Great suggestion. Unfortunately, like any other writer, I really have no control over being quoted by companies when they use our ratings and reviews to help market their products.

    However, I do agree it would be nice to know who manufactures each product. We’re planning to add that kind of information (when available) along with each company’s recall history, too.

    So, if a company refuses to disclose that information when requested, we’ll be able to inform readers as such on the company’s profile page.

    Thanks so much for your contribution, here.

    P.S. Your avatar image of the dog is especially cute. Please forgive my ignorance, but what breed is that?

    in reply to: Criteria for Best Adult Dog Foods? #12480 Report Abuse

    Hi Aimee,

    Through my own negligence (for not making myself clear), I’m surely not opposed to making quality control testing a criterion. As a matter of fact, routine quality control testing is, of course, a must.

    However, by “expensive testing”, I’m referring to field testing (feeding trials). This is cost prohibitive and would prevent many well-designed products from ever reaching the market.

    One criterion I’m most interested in (as you suggested) is the need for a real nutrient analysis — a laboratory analysis made available either on a company website or by request.

    The label-based Guaranteed Analysis can be very misleading. We use it because it is both regulated and readily available on ALL products.

    However, stating a fat “minimum” can be notably deceptive — and especially common with canned or raw foods. High fat content can be a tip off that a company is using fatty trimmings, connective tissue and other low quality by-products in their finished formulations.

    For example, a stated GA for fat of 16% (a “guaranteed minimum”) could in actuality be 25% or more.

    In summary, I believe in creating a list of “favorites”, we may wish to obtain a real and current batch nutrient analysis. Thanks for making this excellent suggestion.

    in reply to: Criteria for Best Adult Dog Foods? #12446 Report Abuse

    Hi Aimee,

    Thanks for your suggestions. I like your “resume” approach (to screening) a lot. Great idea! A worthy and valuable requisite, for sure.

    However, my only concern here is that requiring a company to perform expensive testing eliminates 95% (or more?) of the dog food companies out there. And many of those organizations could be producing some of the very best foods on the market.

    Overall, I do agree. We do need to give a notable weighting to companies meeting most of your criteria.

    However, I don’t believe we should overlook second-rate ingredients and questionable nutrient analysis just because a company employs 150 vets and 50 nutritionists (many of whom simply occupy figurehead positions on the Board — or who perform public relations duties.

    Bloated corporations can be wasteful, inefficient and less responsive to their market compared to small to mid-sized organizations.

    As in other technological industries, one or two well-informed, conscientious vets, nutritionists or formulators have the potential to create extraordinary products, too.

    In any case, being an obsessive “label reader”, I’m looking forward to hearing what you suggest we look for on a label.

    As always, thanks so much for your help.

    in reply to: Criteria for Best Adult Dog Foods? #12438 Report Abuse

    Hi HDM,

    Thanks for your answer. I’m thinking about adding a few new features to our DFA reviews. And I’m also considering the idea of making available some special research reports, too. Your answers here are a big help. If you think of anything else, just add another comment. Thanks again.

    in reply to: RAW Diet – gas and eating poop #12239 Report Abuse

    Hi Marmaduke,

    You may want to check out this video posted by Dr. Karen Becker for some answers to your dog’s problem. Hope this helps.

    in reply to: Rainbow Bridge #12225 Report Abuse

    Jan,

    That would be great. However, I don’t believe the forum software will permit me to move your previous comments from the other thread. Thanks for the suggestion.

    in reply to: Rainbow Bridge #12213 Report Abuse

    Hi Jan,

    It seems like what happened this week to you and your sweet Stella has already lead to something of value inspired by her loss.

    Thanks to Marie’s suggestion, I’ve already created our new Pet Memorials forum. I’m certain that over time, this new forum will become a place to honor the memory of those pets who come after Stella, Desi and (our own) Penny.

    in reply to: Rainbow Bridge #12203 Report Abuse

    Hey, that’s a great idea. I’ll get on that right away. Thanks, Marie.

    in reply to: Rainbow Bridge #12201 Report Abuse

    Hi Marie,

    That’s a great idea. However, what would be the most readily understood title for that forum. Do people universally recognize the meaning of the phrase, “Rainbow Bridge”.? Would “Pet Memorials” or “In Memorium” be better? Thanks for your suggestion.

    in reply to: Stella at Bridge #12178 Report Abuse

    Dear Jan,

    I just heard about your sweet Stella. And I know I speak for many others when I say how sorry I am for your loss. Please know we’re all here for you. And I’m so happy you have the rest of your family (pets and people) to help get you through this difficult time.

    in reply to: Login/Cookie Problems in Reviews Section #12127 Report Abuse

    Hi Sisu,

    I found your comments in the Disqus spam filter. Not sure why this happened to you. However, posting the same comment repeatedly tends to make the problem worse. If this happens again, please send a message using the Cantact Us link found in the footer of every page on our website.

    Eventually, the system will “learn” you are a safe poster. Hope this helps.

    BTW, I also noted you were able to eventually post using Disqus. Thanks for your patience.

    in reply to: Brothers shut down #11859 Report Abuse

    Mike P,

    Your refusal to recognize it was the discourteous behavior of folks like you that was ultimately responsible for my decision to temporarily close the Brothers thread.

    Your name calling, false accusations and disrespect of other participants (including now the host of this website) are further proof that I made the right decision.

    in reply to: Brothers shut down #11799 Report Abuse

    Mike P.

    PetFlow had absolutely nothing to do with my decision. And you must certainly know that. After all, I took the time to send you a private email explaining – in precise detail – the exact reasons I had decided to temporarily close these threads.

    I also responded to the comment you posted this morning on the Hypoallergenic Dog Foods thread where you said:

    “Good by DFA friends I’m outa here…I do not agree with closing the Brothers thread. It was our place to hang out…”

    In case you didn’t get a chance to read my response to you, I’ve reproduced it again here:

    “Dear Mike P,

    “We’re sorry to see you go. However, please understand this website was created to help its readers choose a dog food by providing each visitor with objective, unbiased information they can trust.

    “DFA was never designed to be a chat room or a place for people to simply “hang out”. Or for any one thread to become a marketing mechanism for any specific brand. For that would be entirely unfair to the other 750+ product lines covered by DFA.

    “The shear volume of daily activity, irrelevant discussions, product marketing and drama on the Brothers thread has become grossly disproportionate to the rest of our blog.

    “As such, it’s also become an unacceptable distraction to the hundreds of other articles, reviews and threads published here.

    “Although fewer than one-half of 1% (of our readers) actually participate in our community, their comments and arguments are visible to and read by more than 28,000 visitors each day.

    “Once again, we’re sorry to see you go. You’ve contributed much to our community. In any case, you’re certainly welcome to return whenever you’re ready. We wish you all the best.”

    Over the last year, I’ve received numerous written complaints from folks who feel DFA has become biased in favor of Brothers. Some have actually accused me of having a financial interest in Brothers – which I’m sure you must know – is simply not true.

    The dangerous impression of bias and exaggerated importance given the Brothers brand created by these bloated and (many times) irrelevant threads can have on a trusted website like DFA can no longer be ignored.

    For all the reasons I’ve already detailed, I will never compromise the integrity and trust placed in The Dog Food Advisor by its more than 28,000 daily readers – loyal readers who collectively consume more than 3.5 million page views each month.

    Mike – I hope your sole reason for being here on DFA wasn’t just “the drama” you enjoyed on the Brothers threads. For if it was, you’ll be disappointed to learn I’m not planning to re-open them anytime soon.

    in reply to: Brothers shut down #11750 Report Abuse

    Hi Mike P,

    There’s much more to this issue than just the grossly disproportionate size of the thread. And the irrelevant nature of the majority of discussions taking place there.

    The activity and drama on the Brothers thread on BOTH sides has become an unacceptable distraction from the many other topics, articles and reviews published by The Advisor.

    In respect for the brand in question, I have responded to you privately to give you a more detailed explanation for my decision.

    in reply to: Diet for Canine Diabetes #11064 Report Abuse

    Hi Fishdog,

    Sorry to hear about your dog’s diabetes. You may get more responses if you’ll re-post your comment under the Diet and Health Forum. Hope this helps.

    in reply to: Grain and White Potato Free Dog Foods #10866 Report Abuse

    Great job, Marie! This will be an invaluable addition to our community reference material. Thanks for posting it.

    in reply to: sensitive dog shampoo #10859 Report Abuse

    Hi Aviva669,

    I’d love to be able to help you. However, you’d probably get more replies to your question if you’d re-post your comment in a more relevant area like our “Off Topic Forum”.

    in reply to: Stickies? #10822 Report Abuse

    The best thing to do is to be sure you place the list in the most relevant forum. In the case of the grain/potato free food list, you may want to put it in the Dog Food Ingredients forum.

    Then, send me a message asking to make it sticky. This is a real learning experience for all of us (me included). We’re still in the process of fixing things. So, be sure to let me know when I get it wrong.

    in reply to: Stickies? #10811 Report Abuse

    Hi Marie,

    Great suggestion. It appears that making a topic “sticky” is only an option for the moderator. If you create a specific topic that you’d like to make “sticky”, you’d need to let me know. Unfortunately, due to the structure of a forum, many posts can get by without my noticing.

    So, be sure to send me a message directly via email or through the Contact Us form on the website. If I agree the topic has merit to be sticky, I’ll be sure to mark your message to highlight it.

    BTW, it looks like we can only make a TOPIC sticky – not a post. This forum software (bbPress) is still in its early stages of development. So, new features will likely be added over time.

    Thanks for the suggestion.

    in reply to: test #10687 Report Abuse

    Hi SarasotaSal4757

    You asked, “How would I change my password?”. No problem. While you’re logged in (very important), simply click your name or the avatar image above it and you’ll be taken to your profile page. Look down the lower left side of your profile page and you’ll see the “Edit” link. Click that link and you’ll be taken to a page where you can change your password. Hope this helps.

    in reply to: test #10686 Report Abuse

    Hi MyDogIsMe,
    The picture image you see next to a user’s name is called a “gravatar”. Please visit this link to learn how you can create a photo avatar for yourself. Hope this helps.

    in reply to: Large and Giant Breed Puppy Nutrition #10680 Report Abuse

    Aimee,

    Also, very good advice. I hope readers take the time to follow your suggestions, too. Advice like this could save a lot of great animals from the heartbreak of hip dysplasia and other canine skeletal diseases.

    in reply to: Any way to add a "Like" button to the comments #10679 Report Abuse

    Great idea, Shawna. I found a plugin that should allow anyone to now “Like” a topic or reply. Thanks for the cool suggestion. 😉

    in reply to: Large and Giant Breed Puppy Nutrition #10672 Report Abuse

    Hound Dog Mom,

    Thanks for posting your list of recommended foods for large breed puppies. The commercial products it contains appear to be both practical and well-researched. I found this footnote reassuring too…

    “All calculations are based on actual or average calcium percentage. Companies that could not disclose actual or average calcium content were not included.”

    Thanks again for sharing this valuable list. The information you provided along with many of Aimee’s previous postings on the blog could be the basis for a future article on this subject.

    Nice job!

    in reply to: Trouble Posting #10647 Report Abuse

    Hi HDM,

    I just changed the editing settings to allow you to now edit for up to 10 minutes. Let me know if this is better.

    in reply to: My introduction. #10632 Report Abuse

    Hi Brad,

    Awesome pictures. I love all those puppies, too. I’m sorry BBPress (our forum software) is still under development by the team at WordPress. So, I can’t yet find a way to add direct image posting. But after seeing your cute dogs and puppies I’ll try my best to find some way to allow image posting.

    I also need to create a new forum for the purpose of hosting a page like you created for anyone who wants to. It’s great being able to put a face and a story with a name. Your story is great. I admire you for adopting your wonderful hound and saving a life. Thanks from all of us for doing that!

    Mike

    in reply to: Trouble Posting #10539 Report Abuse

    I’m not having any problems. Are you still unable to post to some?

    in reply to: Need an introduction section. #10502 Report Abuse

    Hi Toxed,

    Many of the forum and website functions work questionably on the iPad. This appears to be a shortcoming with WordPress. Hopefully, future editions will add this feature.

    in reply to: Need an introduction section. #10501 Report Abuse

    Hi Marie,

    The forum was just rolled out yesterday (Sunday). Hope you like it.

    in reply to: Another idea #10471 Report Abuse

    Hi Marie. Great idea. I’ve added to my list. BTW, I love your avatar! These are so much larger than the ones we use on Disqus. It’s nice to be able to see them. You can even click on them to see your profile. Thanks for the suggestion.

    in reply to: An idea #10470 Report Abuse

    Hi Marie,

    Thanks for your great suggestion. The forum software used here is called BBPress, a plugin owned by the makers of the popular blogging software, WordPress. And unfortunately, I have little control of its features under development.

    There’s an upgrade expected in January. In the meantime, HDM’s idea should work great. If you’re responding to someone in particular, just mention them by name in your opening remarks. Hope this helps.

    in reply to: prescription dog food #10467 Report Abuse

    We’re still in the process of updating over 700 reviews. Planning to add many new reviews over the coming months – including the Hill’s Prescription products you mentioned. However, due to our current backlog, it could be a while longer before Sandy and I get to them all. 🙂

    in reply to: Need an introduction section. #10378 Report Abuse

    Great idea, guys! I’m on it. Check back shortly and I’ll add a new forum for that. Thanks!

    in reply to: Profile Image #10373 Report Abuse

    Since BBPress (the software that runs the forums here) is owned by WordPress, I’d assume all you need to do is go to http://gravatar.com/ and sign up for free for an avatar. A gravatar is a globally recognized avatar. Be sure to watch the short video there that explains the benefits of having your own personal gravatar.

    This will automatically link your email address to any blog or forum anywhere on the Net – as long as it’s gravatar enabled. If you’ve already created your gravatar and it’s not working here, be sure you’ve used the same email address you used to sign up for your gravatar.

    Hope this helps. If this doesn’t work, please let me know.

Viewing 37 posts - 201 through 237 (of 237 total)