Opinions on Orijen? Wish to change diet.

fondofshelties said:
Just goes to show how much I "don't" know about my Blaze! my apologies for calling him lazy now!!! : (

So what would you recommend for "tartar control"?
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I think antlers have been recommended before. Missy doesn't like antlers, so I brush her teeth. I've seen other types of chews like these:
http://www.amazon.com/C-E-T-HEXtra-...F8&qid=1344012032&sr=8-3&keywords=C.E.T+chews

That are supposed to help with tarter. My vet sells them. But he also sells Hill's science diet :). I have no idea if they work or not.
 
It's true that it is normal for dogs to gulp their food.

I would not be obsessed with the size of the kibble for that reason alone. If dog is eating with vomiting that don't obsess about it.

While I agreed mostly with with ClantyreSheltie said in her post, I disagree that there is still benefits for some foods to be gained that are geared to small breed, large breed, senior/weight management, etc. I agree that to replace with starch and carb is not appropriate, and that's why I choose grain free.

I also have to put out the question as to whether or not dogs are truly carnivore.....Cats, yes!

Here is an interesting take on the whole question about dogs.....

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/canine-nutrition/dogs-carnivores-omnivores/

I won't got into a long diatribe about it, but in my view, for some dogs, specific diets geared to their life stage or size is definitely appropriate, as their needs differ for sure. There are tons of threads on this already so I won't go into it again.

Ok, I've babbled enough for now....
 
I used Orijen on Phoebe, the westie, when I was getting her back to normal and my two complaints were discolouration of the dorsal from the high proteins and really being gaseous. Going from there to Acana, the dorsal discolouration lightened but she still was passing gas repeatedly. I switched to TOTW Pacifica which was working out great but alas it was recalled shortly after the change. I then went to Fromm Salmon and Tunalina but am on the fence about it. The Belgian gets GO, which she thrives on but not really sure I want to put both Tinsel and Phoebe on it because of weight worries. I might give TOTW another chance if I can talk myself into it but am still debating it.
After reading what Dr. Mac wrote I decided that I wanted a protein level around 25%.
 
Interesting read...

BarbV said:
It's true that it is normal for dogs to gulp their food.

I would not be obsessed with the size of the kibble for that reason alone. If dog is eating with vomiting that don't obsess about it.

While I agreed mostly with with ClantyreSheltie said in her post, I disagree that there is still benefits for some foods to be gained that are geared to small breed, large breed, senior/weight management, etc. I agree that to replace with starch and carb is not appropriate, and that's why I choose grain free.

I also have to put out the question as to whether or not dogs are truly carnivore.....Cats, yes!

Here is an interesting take on the whole question about dogs.....

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/canine-nutrition/dogs-carnivores-omnivores/

I won't got into a long diatribe about it, but in my view, for some dogs, specific diets geared to their life stage or size is definitely appropriate, as their needs differ for sure. There are tons of threads on this already so I won't go into it again.

Ok, I've babbled enough for now....
Click to expand...
Good article!
 
The positively best way to preserve your shelties teeth is to brush them. I've been brushing mine since they were pups. The rawhides help a little, but nothing gets each tooth clean like brushing. You don't have to get expensive toothpaste from your vet, either-the enzymatic toothpaste at PetSmart, etc works just fine. As for a toothbrush, I've found the long double ended brushes work best to angle the brush up and back to all the teeth (I never cared for the finger brushes and baby toothbrushes aren't at an angle, making it difficult to reach certain teeth.
 
cheers!

Lysette85 said:
The positively best way to preserve your shelties teeth is to brush them. I've been brushing mine since they were pups. The rawhides help a little, but nothing gets each tooth clean like brushing. You don't have to get expensive toothpaste from your vet, either-the enzymatic toothpaste at PetSmart, etc works just fine. As for a toothbrush, I've found the long double ended brushes work best to angle the brush up and back to all the teeth (I never cared for the finger brushes and baby toothbrushes aren't at an angle, making it difficult to reach certain teeth.
Click to expand...

Yes I have the double ended brush as well...and Blaze just refuses!...I will keep trying but he is stubborn!
 
Purchased....

Well, I purchased the Acana last week and will be trying him on the Duck and Bartlett Pear as well as Lamb and Apple so he has a couple to try.

Only once he has been returned to his 100% happy healthy self. Other threads have info on his current health issue.

: )
 
fondofshelties said:
Well, I purchased the Acana last week and will be trying him on the Duck and Bartlett Pear as well as Lamb and Apple so he has a couple to try.

Only once he has been returned to his 100% happy healthy self. Other threads have info on his current health issue.

: )
Click to expand...

Good luck with the transition! You might want to make it a VERY slow transition, like over a couple of months, to keep any digestive upset to a minimum.

Let us know how it goes. :fl
 
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