Around 2 months has passed since we decided to change our Labradors’ dry dog food kibble with the hope that their health problems would cease. At first we were delighted by what our new dog food was doing for our pups but in the last couple of weeks, their bodies have adjusted fully to the new food and the results are not as good as we had thought.
Upon very high recommendations, we had slowly switched Dakota and Cheyenne from Eagle Pack Holistic Select to Nature’s Logic Beef to help combat such health problems as dry skin, frequent shedding, allergy eye discharge and ear infections. At over $47 per 27lbs bag of dry beef flavored food ($100 a month), we knew it was a bit pricey but figured that the pups were worth it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.
After the full 8 weeks it takes to see the direct changes caused by new food, here is a synopsis of what we found.
Dog Food Pros
- Healthier skin
- Less ear infections
- Well-formed disintegrating feces
Dog Food Cons
- Massive shedding
- No change in allergy eye discharge
- Constant scratching, licking and gnawing on paws
- Losing weight – constantly hungry
- Increased plaque buildup (kibble is smaller and doesn’t need much chewing)
- Extreme urine grass burns
- $1.74 per lb
It is obvious that the change in food has actually caused more health problems than if we had just left them on the Eagle Pack. Although they had some slight health concerns before, they were better off on the Eagle Pack Holistic Select® Anchovy, Sardine & Salmon Meal Formula. When you take into account that the cons now outweigh the pros, that the food is $.59 more per pound and that is will cost us twice as much per month to feed the dogs with the new dog food, Eagle Pack is the sure winner.
Sure, their poop may stink a little more and they may need to have their ears cleaned a little more frequently but, overall, this is what is best for their health and happiness. So, the Lab Brats daddy is going to head off to the pet store this morning and purchase a bag of Eagle Pack so we can begin the transition back to their old dog food immediately.
(Please Note – Not all dog food is right for all dogs. Changing dog food is a personal choice and must be based on your own dog’s needs. If you dog has specific health concerns, please consult your veterinarian before making any dietary changes.)
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
My dog eats Eagle Pack Holistic Select. She is a 12 year old Dalmatian.
I heard the Eagle Pack we know has been bought out or some such thing.
My concern is if the new people are using Canola Oil now. it is a terrible oil.
How about Soy?
She was a rescue 11 years ago and we have cooked her an organic diet
but she needed some kibble to chew so we use a small amount. She is
56 pounds. I was shocked that Solid Gold and other good brands use
canola oil and soy.
Please please help. i went on Google but could not find the
new owner or CEO of Eagle pack.
Bless all you animal people. Missy the Dalmatian is so
precious to us. I am totally disabled and that sweet angel
keeps me going.
Thank you so much,
Marylin
I have a 1 year old that has been bothered by ear infections,rashes,and constantly bitting her paws till they bleed. We had been using Iams and then Authority dog foods. After some research we deceided to try Nutro Natures Choice Venison and rice. Wow what a difference! No more problems at all and her coat has never been better! It has made a total difference I will continue to feed her Nutro even though it is expensive, the difference is worth it.
Gary
Hi Shannon,
I love your blog, I read it almost daily. I was just wondering if you have ever thought of feeding Dakota and Cheyenne the BARF diet? I have a three year old chocolate lab, Jasper, she had been fed the BARF diet since day one. I feed her Horizon Pure (they actually just went out of business and I’m looking for a new brand that includes the veggies and oil rather then just the meat and bones as it’s much easier then mixing everything on your own). Jasper has a beautiful shinny coat (everyone is always asking how we get it so shinny), shedding is minimal, no ear infections (not even one in three years!), ears are clean, well formed feces, hardly any gas, no licking/scratching, healthy weight, hardly any plaque on teeth, some eye discharge, grass burns are minimal. The down side is that the food is rather expensive. I spend $70 CND for one month and that is just for one dog, we will be bringing home a little up in a couple of weeks so I have budgeted about $150 each month for food. I think it is definately worth the money. Feeding the BARF diet also can be a pain on trips because we have to make sure that it stays cold or frozen. Here is a link to some more information on this type of diet that you may find interesting http://www.trailrunners.ca/mod.php?mod=userpage&menu=52&page_id=203. Anyways, good luck with the transition back to their old food. Have a wonderful day!
Tara
I have seen BARF mentioned recently on the television but will look into it further now. Thanks!
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