The specific brands are usually based on personal choice and whatever works best for your particular dog. Many people here use many different brands of food. The one thing that seems to be a common thread with most here, however, is that only Adult food should be used, and a super-premium food has much better ingredients.
We (and others on the board) use Canidae and Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul. However, other great foods are Wellness fish based foods, Wysong Synorgen, Eagle Pack fish based foods, etc.
The reason for using these types of foods is because many dogs have allergies to wheat, corn, and soy, and these ingredients are not found in any of them. Also, they use no chemical preservatives, and used what is referred to as "human grade ingredients" versus rendered meats. (They're not really allowed to say "human grade" per the FDA regulations separating human and animal feed, but they do say it, with a disclaimer) It lets us know our animals aren't getting road kill, or diseased animals mulched together.
They all have meat or meat meal as a first ingredient (the primary source of protein) listed on the bag. Some have more than one meat or meat meal in the first five ingredients. You'll notice, however, that the fish based foods have one primary source of protein...fish. Often a dog will have problems with the "normal" primary proteins...beef in particular, chicken and even lamb. So these formulas have eliminated them. Newfs do great on fish...it's what they originally ate. They caught their own dinner or shared the family's dinner which was fish-based in coastal communities.
The grains are filler...you don't need them, but they are used in kibble. Rice and oats are usually fine...yet I believe some here even have problems with rice. Most fish-based kibble has either potato or sweet potato instead of grains.
Some have probiotics, digestive enzymes, fruits, veggies, etc added. And, even though they're very different, they're all very good quality foods.
They're not inexpensive, yet you do feed less while getting better nutrition, and often it keeps the dogs away from the Vet's doorstep for treatment of skin, ear, and digestive ailments, (which are usually allergy related). So,the cost in dollars is actually less over time.
Some breeds just don't have allergy problems like others do. Many believe they're hereditary. Many believe they're a result of environment. I believe they're a result of both, and I've dealt with more than one allergic dog over the years. Since switching to super-premium foods and being vigilent about keeping them away from wheat, corn and soy (in food, treats, and table scraps), the allergies are gone.
I haven't been to a Vet for any allergy related problems for at least three years...and I have 12 dogs. So is it just luck? I doubt it. I believe the diet change has been the determining factor in their overall great health.
The reason for feeding Adult foods to a Newf are purely growth related. There are many discussions to be found by using the Search button about the proper amounts of protein, cacium and phosphorus. They're extremely important discussions and have much valuable information.
All of the foods I mentioned fall into the parameters for proper nutritional balance for Giant Breeds, per studies done in major Universities. That's why many, if not most, on this forum use them.
You mentioned one thing I've also noticed in many dogs. They live long and healthy lives on grocery store foods. Our Yellow Lab lived to be 17! Of course she at a lot of our food too...and moles, rabbits etc, which she caught. Bleh.
Newfs, until fairly recently were fairly short lived. I believe 8 was considered old. Many are living a good deal longer now, perhaps due to better breeding, or perhaps it's a combination of better and higher quality nutrition plus better breeding. In my opinion, it's the latter. Plus, they're living better quality lives, with fewer illnesses and overall health problems.
Hope this helps a bit!
PS...I'm so happy to hear that Atticus' heart murmer is softening. Hopefully, it'll be completely gone when you visit your Vet again!
And, please....NO correcting grammar and/or writing ability...UGH!!!
[ 05-07-2005, 11:16 PM: Message edited by: Ardeagold ]
