The American Beagler Forum

Ok here is three separate dog foods, give me the good the bad and the ugly on the analysis.

Dog Food Analysis #1
Crude Protein, (Min)……………………………….27.00%
Crude Fat, (Min)……………………………………15.00%
Crude Fiber, (Max)………………………………….4.00%
Moisture (Max)…………………………………….12.00%
Calcium (Ca) (Min)…………………………………1.20%
Phosphorus (P) (Min)……………………………….0.90%
Omega-6 Fatty Acids, (Min)………………………..1.20%*

*Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.
• Calorie Content: 3,525 kcal/kg (Calculated)

Ingredients: Meat and bone meal, ground yellow corn, ground wheat, corn gluten meal, animal fat (preserved with BHA and citric acid), wheat middlings, soybean meal, animal digest, salt, potassium chloride, choline chloride, color added (red #40, yellow #5, blue # 2), L-lysine, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, vitamin E supplement, zinc oxide, niacin, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine monoitrate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), calcium iodate, vitamin D3 supplement, riboflavin supplement, cobalt carbonate, folic acid, sodium selenite. 06-05-09

Dog Food Analysis #2
Crude Protein, (Min)……………………………….23.00%
Crude Fat, (Min)……………………………………12.00%
Crude Fiber, (Max)………………………………….4.00%
Moisture (Max)…………………………………….12.00%
Linoleic Acid (Min)…………………………………1.10%
Calcium (Ca) (Min)…………………………………1.10%
Vitamin E (Min) ………………………………100 IU/kg

Ingredients: Lamb meal, brewers rice, soybean meal, ground yellow corn, ground whole wheat, wheat middlings, animal fat, preserved with mixed-tocopherols (Form of vitamin E), Wheat flour, corn gluten meal, animal digest, salt, potassium chloride, , L-lysine monohydrochloride, added color (red #40, yellow #5, blue # 2) choline chloride, vitamin E supplement, , zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate,manganese sulfate, , niacin vitamin A supplement,Calcium carbonate, brewers dried yeast, copper sulfate, calcium pantothenate, garlic oil, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, thiamine monoitrate, vitamin D3 supplement, riboflavin supplement, calcium iodate, biotin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), folic acid, sodium selenite. A-EU2

Dog Food Analysis # 3
Crude Protein, (Min)……………………………….27.00%
Crude Fat, (Min)……………………………………12.00%
Crude Fiber, (Max)………………………………….5.00%
Moisture (Max)…………………………………….12.00%
Calcium (Ca) (Min)…………………………………1.10%
Phosphorus (P) (Min)……………………………….0.90%
Iron, minimum …………………………………250 mg/kg
Omega-6 Fatty Acids, (Min)………………………..1.20%*
Omega-3 Fatty Acids, (Min) ……………………….0.15%*

*Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.

Ingredients: Meat and bone meal, Brewers Rice, corn gluten meal, ground yellow corn, ground wheat, soybean meal, animal fat (preserved with BHA and citric acid), natural beef and chicken flavor, oats, dried beet pulp, flaxseed, egg product, salt, potassium chloride, caramel color, choline chloride, zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, vitamin E supplement, niacin, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine monoitrate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), calcium iodate, vitamin D3 supplement, riboflavin supplement, cobalt carbonate, folic acid, sodium selenite. 04-04-01


One thing I think is not necessary in dog food is coloring... What the heck does a dog care if their dog food is colorful? They eat poop for pete sakes.

Dad Gum TC this is a home work asignment!!!!!!!!!!!

Crew Chief

TC wrote: Dog Food Analysis #1
Crude Protein, (Min)……………………………….27.00%
Crude Fat, (Min)……………………………………15.00%
Crude Fiber, (Max)………………………………….4.00%
Moisture (Max)…………………………………….12.00%
Calcium (Ca) (Min)…………………………………1.20%
Phosphorus (P) (Min)……………………………….0.90%
Omega-6 Fatty Acids, (Min)………………………..1.20%*

*Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.
• Calorie Content: 3,525 kcal/kg (Calculated)

Ingredients: Meat and bone meal, ground yellow corn, ground wheat, corn gluten meal, animal fat (preserved with BHA and citric acid), wheat middlings, soybean meal, animal digest, salt, potassium chloride, choline chloride, color added (red #40, yellow #5, blue # 2), L-lysine, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, vitamin E supplement, zinc oxide, niacin, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine monoitrate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), calcium iodate, vitamin D3 supplement, riboflavin supplement, cobalt carbonate, folic acid, sodium selenite. 06-05-09.

The first food doesn't look good at all.
Meat and bone meal could be anything. What type of meat is used? Pork, chicken, beef? "Meat and bone meal" is the rendered product derived from animal tissue, according to AAFCO. It is usually the cheapest source of animal protein in a food because 4-D animals usually comprise meat and bone meal. It is an ingredient tht is not foudn in higher quality feeds.
Corn gluten meal is OK. Not bad, but defintiely not good. Glutens are prime suspect in human and canine food intolerances and allergies. Glutens are refined sugars and there has been speculation they are triggers for canine epilepsy. http://www.dogtorj.com
Wheat middlings is pure garbage. It is not even listed under the AAFCO list of recognized food ingredients It is nothing more than a filler ingredient and offers no nutritional value.
Soybean meal and animal digest. SOY is a dangerous food, not a healthy one. I know firsthand. I was at the doctor a few years back for an irregular/rapid heartbeat and I was found to be borderline hypothyroid. I was on Synthyroid for months, until I saw a nutritionalist as part of a routine at home medical care program, and she informed me of the thyroid damaging effects of soy. I have been free of medication since I drank my last glass of soymilk five years ago. My thyroid is smack in the middle of normal at every blood test. Soy in pet food is used to add protein. However, protein is comprised of amino acids, and the amino acids of animal and plant proteins are very different and plant amino acids are poorly digested by dogs. They CAN utilize some, but not all of the protein from plants. So you think you are feeding your dog a feed that is 27% protein, and sure, it is. But all 27% of that protein is not bioavailable to the dog. Since this is a grain based food, a rough guess is that the actual protein the dogs are getting from this is around 18%.
thyroid.about.com/cs/soyinfo/a/soy.htm
Artificial colors have no place in dog food. They cause cancer in lab rats. They are not good for us to eat, and we only eat them occasionally, while dogs are eating them every single meal.
Animal fat. Again, from what animal? Its also preserved with BHA, a known carcinogen. Several cancer causing elements in one food, plus the quality of the meat is not the greatest. I wouldn;t feed it if they were giving it away for free. I think its worse than Mainstay lol



[/quote]Dog Food Analysis #2
Crude Protein, (Min)……………………………….23.00%
Crude Fat, (Min)……………………………………12.00%
Crude Fiber, (Max)………………………………….4.00%
Moisture (Max)…………………………………….12.00%
Linoleic Acid (Min)…………………………………1.10%
Calcium (Ca) (Min)…………………………………1.10%
Vitamin E (Min) ………………………………100 IU/kg

Ingredients: Lamb meal, brewers rice, soybean meal, ground yellow corn, ground whole wheat, wheat middlings, animal fat, preserved with mixed-tocopherols (Form of vitamin E), Wheat flour, corn gluten meal, animal digest, salt, potassium chloride, , L-lysine monohydrochloride, added color (red #40, yellow #5, blue # 2) choline chloride, vitamin E supplement, , zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate,manganese sulfate, , niacin vitamin A supplement,Calcium carbonate, brewers dried yeast, copper sulfate, calcium pantothenate, garlic oil, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, thiamine monoitrate, vitamin D3 supplement, riboflavin supplement, calcium iodate, biotin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), folic acid, sodium selenite. A-EU2[/quote]


Just as bad as the first one, for the same reasons. The inclusion of lamb meal over meat and bone meal makes this one a half step up, but still not worth feeding. Actually, no, tis about on the same level. This one only has 23% protein listed, so the dog is probably getting less bioavailable protein with this one than with the first food. With all the grains in this food, plus the white (brewers) rice, I can only imagine what a spike in blood sugar level its causing. No omega fatty acids either.


[/quote]
Dog Food Analysis # 3
Crude Protein, (Min)……………………………….27.00%
Crude Fat, (Min)……………………………………12.00%
Crude Fiber, (Max)………………………………….5.00%
Moisture (Max)…………………………………….12.00%
Calcium (Ca) (Min)…………………………………1.10%
Phosphorus (P) (Min)……………………………….0.90%
Iron, minimum …………………………………250 mg/kg
Omega-6 Fatty Acids, (Min)………………………..1.20%*
Omega-3 Fatty Acids, (Min) ……………………….0.15%*

*Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.

Ingredients: Meat and bone meal, Brewers Rice, corn gluten meal, ground yellow corn, ground wheat, soybean meal, animal fat (preserved with BHA and citric acid), natural beef and chicken flavor, oats, dried beet pulp, flaxseed, egg product, salt, potassium chloride, caramel color, choline chloride, zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, vitamin E supplement, niacin, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine monoitrate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), calcium iodate, vitamin D3 supplement, riboflavin supplement, cobalt carbonate, folic acid, sodium selenite. 04-04-01[/quote]

This food's only redeeming point is that it has a decent ratio of Omega 3:6 fatty acids. Otherwise, still bad. Artificial preservatives, filler grains, caramel coloring, soybean meal. I wouldn't feed any of these foods if they were being offered for free, lol.
Its possible to get a good, basic food at a very economical price. I used to feed Pro Pac in the red bag. I paid about $21.99 for 40lbs. It had no filler grains, no chemical preservatives or colors and had chicken meal as the first ingredient. If you want some more info on dog food ingredients: http://www.sniksnak.com/ac/petfooddefinitions.html
Happy Beagling

Oh, hey! Forgot to add that I now feed Blackwood. I pay a little more, but what a bang for every buck you spend this food is! I feed the 2000 and the puppy formula. http://www.blackwoodpetfood.com

TC

These foods are far from the top of MY list of decent foods for many of the same reasons that have already been mentioned, but there are more reasons why I wouldn't feed them.

First off:
Meat and bone meal is VERY high in ash (minerals) and while the body does need minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, etc, they are only needed in small amounts. High levels of ash can be very taxing on the kidneys and liver when the body is trying to process these things. The kidneys are usually efficent at flushing excesses out, but in large quantities on a daily basis, minerals build up and can cause "crystals" (stones), infections, or failure of the kindeys. Then you have the factor of the minerals in the MBM (meat and bone meal) not being balanced. Calcium (found in bone) and Phosphorus (found in meat) are required by dogs in strict ratios. MBM does not provide these ratios as the meat is usually not high quality muscle meat (the best source for phosphorus), but, trimmings, by-products, and "toxic" meats and contains large amounts of ground bone.
I know there have been MANY conversations here about dogs with kidney failure and how seeming healthy young dogs are being diagnosed and dieing from it, so I thought I would throw this out there. Feeding foods with MBM, could be contributing to this problem.

Secondly:
Behavior and health problems can be caused by food additives, such as artificial colors, preservatives, flavorings, etc as most of these ingredients are "chemical" in form. Some problems that have been associated with such "additives" are; aggression, cancer, thyroid, kidney disease, immune system disorders, epilepsy, and allergies to list a few.

While I'm not an anti-grain fanatic, I do prefer to limit the grains to only one WHOLE grain, as opposed to many "fragments" of grains. These fragments are used because they are cheaper to attain, make the quanity on the ingredient list appear as if they are "less" (when added up would be MORE), and to increase protein. Protein quality is important, but there are some amino acids found only from plant sources and dogs must have ALL of the required amino acids for their diet to be nutritional balanced. Grains I prefer (in limited quantities of course) would be whole ground corn, oatmeal, ground brown rice, or ground white rice, but I wouldn't want to see more than ONE of these listed in the ingredients BEFORE the fat source. The ingredients before the fat, are the MAIN ones where the food is deriving most of it's protein (amino acids).

The "fat" listing will be followed by it's preservative, which should be of natural sources (ie: mixed tychopherols (vit E), citric acid, rosemary, etc) ANY listing on the ingredient listing of BHA, BHT, or Ethoxiquin I would AVOID at all cost. Sometimes, however, ingredient list's can be deceiving because manufacturers only have to list what THEY put into their foods. For instance, if they use "fish meal", they do not HAVE to list the ethoxiquin that has been added by the manufacturers of the fish meal itself. So, knowing the reputation of the company and their choice of "suppliers" of their ingredients is also a plus in determining if there could be some questionable ingredients present in the food.

One other note:
Food "allergies" or intolerances are normally produced from a protein source. That source can be from the meat OR the grain (protein from the grain, not the carb). The top producers of intolerances are, Wheat, Soy, Dairy, Chicken, and Beef. I avoid wheat and soy in dog food as I believe there are MUCH better sources of protein, carbs, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Bunnyrunner

What do you feed your dogs??

This site is a pretty good site on listing dog food and giving you ingredients, how ever all the good stuff is like 50 to 60 dollars a 33 lb bag.
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/

I fed the Innova listed on that site. It was by far the best feed I have tried but got a little hard on the pocket book after awhile. When I get a better paying job I might try it again.

TC wrote:This site is a pretty good site on listing dog food and giving you ingredients, how ever all the good stuff is like 50 to 60 dollars a 33 lb bag.
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/

The suposedly "super premium" ultra holistic type foods that cost an arm & a leg a bag somehow will always give my hounds the runs Probably too rich/too many ingredients.
So far I've really gotten the best results with the more moderately priced foods. The store I purchase it from doesn't always carry it, but when I can, I buy HealthWise by the company that puts out Innova. They make a very good 30/20 formula, and right now I'm giving their puppy food a try. So far, so good. Its probably half the cost of their higher end foods when I get it on sale.
Also, I really like Evolve Adult formula, which sells for about $32-34 for the 40lb. "no frills" breeder bag. The big bag lasts me a ridiculous length of time b/c its very nutrient dense and the hounds eat hardly anything. Seems to give large, thrifty litters too
I don't usually order from here, but this site lists several good brands that otherwise I'd never heard of: http://www.petfooddirect.com

wright boy wrote:Bunnyrunner

What do you feed your dogs??

I feed Eagle Pack Natural and rotate in some Innova EVO, homecooked, and some raw meat. Occassionally, I add canned Salmon or Jack Mackeral.

<sniped - Beagle1>
"The suposedly "super premium" ultra holistic type foods that cost an arm & a leg a bag somehow will always give my hounds the runs Probably too rich/too many ingredients. "

You may want to try feeding LESS of the "richer" foods. Over feeding can cause diarrhea and MOST of the super-premiums are higher in kcals, so feeding the same amount you would of, say, Diamond (or the like) will cause some tummy upset. Also, so foods you need to introduce gradually by mixing some of the new in with some of the old for about a week or so. This helps the dogs belly adjust to the new and improved food. Some dogs dont' need to "weaned" onto new foods. Mine have stomachs made of IRON, lol. I guess because they are so used to new additions or add-ons.
Dogs eat to fill an energy requirement and anything over that has got to be excreted, so the way the body deal with "overindulgence" is to eliminate it! Thus, the "runs". Not to mention, if it has more kcals, you can make the food go farther, making the more expensive foods a better value as well.

It's really good to hear that many are taking their dogs nutrition more seriously. A dog can not perform at peak level if their nutrition does not meet demand.
Many have said "my dog does good on XX brand, why should I change. Besides, it only cost $X" Well, my philosophy is, how do you know your dog is actually, really doing good on the food, if you haven't tried somehting that they could be doing better on? Also, if you spend $15 for a 40lb bag and you have to feed 2 - 3 cups a day, OR you could spend $30 for a 40lb bag and it last twice as long and your dogs are getting better nutrition.

Is pedigree complete nutrition a good dog food in your alls opinion ? If not which dry food which wal mart carries is a good feed ?

Here's Pedigrees nutrition label :
Ingredients:
GROUND YELLOW CORN, MEAT AND BONE MEAL, CORN GLUTEN MEAL, CHICKEN BY-PRODUCT MEAL, ANIMAL FAT (PRESERVED WITH BHA/BHT), WHEAT MILL RUN, NATURAL POULTRY FLAVOR, RICE, SALT, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, CARAMEL COLOR, WHEAT FLOUR, WHEAT GLUTEN, VEGETABLE OIL, VITAMINS (CHOLINE CHLORIDE, dl-ALPHA TOCOPHEROL ACETATE [SOURCE OF VITAMIN E], L-ASCORBYL-2-POLYPHOSPHATE [SOURCE OF VITAMIN C*], VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, THIAMINE MONONITRATE [VITAMIN B1], BIOTIN, d-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, RIBOFLAVIN SUPPLEMENT [VITAMIN B2], VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT), TRACE MINERALS (ZINC SULFATE, COPPER SULFATE, POTASSIUM IODIDE).

Guaranteed Analysis %:
Crude Protein (minimum) 21
Moisture (maximum) 12
Crude Fat (minimum) 9
Crude Fiber (maximum) 4

Thank you .
Buddy

JUDE wrote:Is pedigree complete nutrition a good dog food in your alls opinion ? If not which dry food which wal mart carries is a good feed ?

I don't like it and would not feed it personally. Frankly, I don't like any of the ingredients and the protein and fat ratios are way off.

The moisture is high as well, which makes the actual dry matter protein lower than stated.

As far as Wally World foods, the only one that I would buy (and it would be in a pinch) is the Maxiumum Nutrition (or you could get the Sam's Club Exceed).

I'm sorry I seem so negative, but this food is just not my idea of a good food and for the price, you'd be better off buying any of the grocery store brands (but I don't advocate that either). The ingredients in Pedigree are no better than the grocery store label foods. Same goes for many of the other name brand foods you find in the pet food isle at your local supermarket.

Don't worry about being negative , honesty opinions are what I'm looking for . Can anyone tell me what would be a good nutrition ratio for my
Older dogs ? I now feed them Pedigree and think they should look healthier than they do . I want to improve but I also want a dog food that I can afford .

Younger beagles 6 mos & up ?

I feed my puppies under 6 mos puppy chow and I like it very well , but if I could improve that would be alright too .

Please keep in mind : I have never seen some of these feeds listed in any local stores !!!

Jude,

For a good food that is readily available, Nutro is a good choice. You can find it at Petsmart, Tractor Supply, and most feed stores. It's a good middle of the road food that has a great reputation and usually performs well. Many like Eukanuba and Purina Pro Plan, although these can be a bit pricey when compared to some other foods.

There's always the feed store brands, such as, Black Gold (never fed it), Sport Mix (which is a decent food), Diamond (didn't like how my dogs did on it), The Pride (never fed it), and many others.

Keep in mind that some of the better choices are higher in calories, which means you'll feed less, so compare the prices per pound (or better yet per cup). You can look at the recommended feeding quantities on the bag and that will tell you alot about a food. If brand X tells you to feed 3 cups a day and brand Z tells you to feed 1 1/2 cups per day, then brand Z would be more economical AND more digestable (because they contain better ingredients and less fillers).


Here's a link that can help you decipher all the dog food lingo and make selecting a dog food easier.

http://www.dogfoodproject.com