Hi I have a 6month Old lab and have fed him the same food since I got him from the breeder which is the science hill puppy dry food. This is quite costly and looking into changing to aomething a bit cheaper and looking for some recommendations. what to try and what to avoid don't know where to start
I think it’s probably a good idea to choose a kibble which lists a named protein source first - e.g. chicken / lamb rather than ‘meat and animal derivatives’ - because if your dog develops any allergy problems you can identify exactly the protein source in his food to rule out. So for example I wouldn’t feed Bakers because in its ingredients list it starts with cereals, then meat and animal derivatives. However lots of the other kibbles really seem much of a muchness. I fed Molly James Wellbeloved but recently switched to Skinners as it’s cheaper and the ingredients list is almost the same.
This seems to have become a very emotive subject in the three years since I last had a dog. Latest trends are following trends for clean eating in human diet but you’re best to find a food that suits your dog and stick with it. Nibbler was on Pets at home AVA which was grain free / gluten free etc but he had runny poos and stunk the place out farting. We have eventually settled on Eukanuba large breed puppy food which isnt grain or gluten free but has been fine for dogs for fifty years but now suddenly isn’t? All that matters is he has solid poo now, he doesn’t stink the house out and he seems calmer and more content and his coat is lovely. Find what suits your dog.
Is it this one? https://www.amazon.com/Hills-Science-Diet-Development-4-5-Pound/dp/B003N0SEI4?th=1 40$ for 15Kg. A 15Kg bag should last you around 6 weeks. So if you find something cheaper, say 30$ for 15Kg, you're going to save a whopping 1,67$ a week. Without wishing to sound insensitive, but speaking frankly, if your household finances are that tight, you can't afford to own a dog long term. Change your food by all means but please don't feed any cheap rubbish
No that is not the food I use and I pay £35 for a 11kg bag. I do not intend to feed my puppy cheap rubbish just looking for an alternative that is a bit cheaper!!
Your best bet @Nicola Mc is to have a look at a comparison website for available puppy foods and their comparative cost. I've had a quick look at allaboutdogfood.co.uk ruled out all foods rated less that 3.5 out of 5 and just dry kibble and you can get better quality foids for less than the Hills Science plan - hopefully the link will work https://www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk/the-dog-food-directory
@Nibbler's Mum Different types of food has an effect on mood? I would like to learn more about your experiences with that!
Just my opinion but maybe he has also hit the age when he settles down in the evening after his walk rather than being on the go all the time.
