Royal canin - A Dobermans diet advice sought please!

MaximumImpact

Royal Canin is one of the premium dry dog foods and has been around for many years. I used to feed it years ago and think it is an excellent food - though, no doubt, there will be plenty of posters along shortly who will tell you to buy Wagg or Dr John :rolleyes: .

That'll be aimed at me then!!!

Actually I agree that pups should be fed on a premium food until at least a year old. Mine were and then I moved them to a food that suited them, me and my pocket.

Unfortunately, I don't have money to burn and the food that they get is fed to Armed Forces dogs so it cant be that bad.

I always have wondered though why there is sudden upturn in premium foods designed for certain, breeds, weight, coats etc etc....they were never around years ago and i'm sure that dogs aren't that new an invention...

Kerriebaby

Pedigree ( and most other "supermarket brands" ) are not good foods at all.

RC is not what it used to be either ( now owned by pedigree masterfoods, as is JWB and Nutro )

When pup comes home, I would personally keep him on the RC for at least a month ( to allow him to settle, and get used to his surroundings/new routine before any more major changes occur ) Then I would ( personally ) switch to Arden Grange, Burns or Orijen.

Much better foods, and although at first glance, you may think "bog off, im not buying that at xxx a sack " but per meal they work out so much cheaper than pedigree etc.

RAW is another option, but is one that needs to be researched throughly before taking the plunge ( i researched for a whole year before I started mine on it ) a lot needs to be understood about this diet, and good suppliers found,

Good luck with the pup

UKTigerlily

My Dog has Orijen @ £24 a month, it's over 40% Protein but that's not an issue, it doesn't affect her at all, she's the most laid back Dog I know! I think RC is good, although the local Pet Shop say it's been linked to Cancer in Dogs, but i'd never heard that before or since or read anything on that. I think i'd leave him on RC & if it suits him, why change? Good luck with him/her, i'm sure you'll have many happy years together x

Kerriebaby

Orijen is fab...when we go away mine have it, and they cant get it out of their Kongs fast enough.

Hmmm, dont know about any cancer link..although I have heard the same said about Pedigree

MaximumImpact

re the causing Cancer in Dogs. If you research the internet, it is believed that some of the additives and colourings placed in the premium dog foods are carcinogenic. Nearly all the main brands are listed as containing these colours, but as per normal, there is no substantive proof and everyone has a view on it.

IMO, the only diet that can be called 100% natural is one nearest a dogs natural diet. That would be BARF as the last time I looked in my local area I couldnt find a Dry Dog Food tree......

hethmar

Have just ordered some orijen in both adult types. Hope the boys get on with it.

shudd1967

Ok, Royal Canin it is for our new addition coming soon - any suppliers that offer good deals and who should I be wary of? - Now this is the moneysaving part of my query!!

Insurance will be next, think judging by some of what I have read that Petplan will be the best, although I hope he doesnt ever get sick I want one thats not going to give me a limit on each illness, each year and then disquality certain conditions! Its all very confusing!

Learnt a bit of a lesson from this thread! http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1449715

Thank god the dog in question is getting better.
Sarah

Mrs_pbradley936

When you look at a dog or any animal (even people) you are able to see if the diet suits them. It is part of animal husbandry, your first hurdle is will they eat it? If so then are they doing well on it? I used to feed a premium all in one food to all my dogs bar one because he was skin and bone on it! If I had only ever had that one dog I would have been saying what a terrible food it was. This dog would only put weight on if you added a couple of eggs or some meat along with the food.

hdeusi

Hi,

I have a 3 year old Dobe and I feed him on dry food (Hill's for large dogs) and he loves it. His coat is in a great condition, is a good weight and good temperament! Big soppy wimp actually.

He was on Pedigree when we got him and we changed because of the content of the food as mentioned above being too much water! We changed it gradually as someone above said to do.

The food (Hill's) is great and I highly recommend it. Also try zooplus for really good prices, quick delivery and a good point scheme!

Re insurance I definately understand your concerns re exclusions, price per injury etc etc,. I am with animal friends on their top package about £20 per month roughly which is unloimied cover - I am glad of this as had a claim for £1000 in September for some treatment and it was all covered. They are also very quick to pay!

Good luck with the new Dobie...they are great : )

hdeusi

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