Conference vmsnet::hunting$note:hunting

    I use NutroMax.  It is lamb based as opposed to chicken.
    My field dog has eaten nothing but NutroMax and I have honestly
    never seen a shinier coat.  
    
    I don't use Iams because my older dog hates it.  He would rather
    starve to death than eat it (personal preference, I guess).  I asked
    a canine nutritionist about Science Diet and she said that was about
    10th on the list of 10 best dog foods.  She said Iams and Nutro were
    pretty much the best foods around.  Both dogs love NutroMax and one
    even figured out how to work the lever on the dispenser.
    
    The only problem with NutroMax is that when a dog is getting used to
    the new food, they tend to expell gas rather frequently.  If you have a
    wife, this couyld cause much grief because they usually wait till 9:00
    at night wehen you are watching a movie in the den.  You'll hear a slight
    "Pssssssst" and then the room clears out.
    
    /brett
    

    I switched from Iams to Eagle kennel pack a while back.  It was
    a little cheaper and I didn't need to feed him as much.  I saw no
    difference in the dog's behavior or appearance.  As far as I've 
    heard, Eagle makes a decent dogfood.  My dog is not one to complain.
    I could put down a bowl of wood chips and he would have it empty
    before he realized it wasn't his normal food.  
    
    Anyways, Eagle makes a variety of dogfoods which vary in their
    protein/crude fat content, starting with puppy food all the way
    up to StressPack (which has a very high protein/fat content and
    will make your dog gain weight rapidly if he/she is not on a rigid
    excersise program).
    
    
    Dave

    We feed Eukanuba.  The dogs like it and seem to do well on it.
    
    Jeff

    re: .3
    
    Thank you, Jeff.

    I feed Blue Seal Ultra 27 to my Black Lab.  She looks and acts healthy
    and loves it.  Plus it costs a fraction of Iams or Science Diet.

    Some time ago, I tried to do an evaluation of these foods
    and also what my dogs needed.
    
    Since then there have been many new foods introduced on the
    market.
    
    Even then It was extreemly difficult and honestly I don't
    think I resolved anything.
    
    However I am of the opinion that most of the really hi Protein
    food is to hi for most of our dogs even when we work them.
    
    I am of the opinion that hi Pro ( i.e. 32 ) should be used
    only if you are working your dogs "HARD" every day.
    
    This type of work might be Coon Hunters, Cat and Bear dogs.
    Gray hounds etc.
    
    English pointers, and some setters. That are worked for 2 hours
    or so 5 days a week.
    
    Labs or English Springers Spaniels that are being worked all the
    time.
    
    I'm talking "Lots of work "  
    
    Most family , hunting dogs that are used 45 min twice may 3 times
    a week then used during the hunting season can probably get by
    on less. As a matter of fact it is probably more healthy not
    to use the hi Pro because of its long effect on the dogs Kidneys.
    
    Most of you that have a job and do some yard training and dog work
    after work can get buy on less.
    
    Of course Pups and Prgnant bitches should have nothing but the
    best.
    
    how do we choose a food? Well some consideration is given
    to Price,
    to content, ( chicken, lamb, Fish ,Corm meal)
    to availability,
    to the amount of stools developed with a given food ,
    to the require amount used in feeding ( this ties in with content
    which also ties into how much stool is developed)
    does the dog like it,
    etc.
    
    I feed Fromms 28 and Fromms 32. Why? Because the people that
    I know that I have used to sometimes help me train my dogs
    and I sometimes leave My dogs with use it also. This way our dogs
    need not get use to another food.
    
    We use to use  ukenuba but we were a little overtaken by the
    cost of it. I understand it has recently gone down in price.
    
    Fromms is a chicken base and it has a limited stool production.
    it use to be about 2/3 the cost of ukenuba.
    
    Fromms has no chemical Preservatives. ( this is good and bad)
    I mean I guess it is good not to consume these but you should
    
    not buy more than about a months worth ( 2 weeks better) at time
    in the summer time when it is warm and humid.
    
    All in all, you will need to make up your own mind.
    Like Heart worm Medicine. I have been On Ivermectrin since before
    it was available for dogs. And I have been giving my dogs their
    Vacinations. This is definately not for all people but if
    you have a lot of dogs you need to look for ways a reducing
    the cost.
    
    In Hollis there is a vet that does not have an office but will come
    to your house and examine your pets.
    
    He is much more reasonable but does not do surgery.
    
    Just some ideas
    
    Bear
        

    Thanks for the responses.  From this limited sample, it seems
    the preferences are divided pretty evenly among the major brands.
    
    thanks,
    mark
    

    
    re .6
    
    True, even a dedicated waterfowler like me, who works the dog 20 - 30
    hours a week may not need the Hi protein food, but how is it going to
    be "bad" for the dog?  When I say work, I am including sitting in the
    blind, she may not be swimming, but she certainly is working.  I'm no
    expert, but it must take an awful lot of energy just keeping warm.  I 
    feed her Eukanuba or Eagle Stess Pak in the fall, or when I really
    start working her, serious training.  She responds well to both foods,
    she enjoys the Eagle better, there is no noticable stool difference,  
    no disgusting gas (like some others I've tried) and she doesn't gain
    weight.  By the way it's a lab.  Can't wait, October is right around
    the corner....
    
    Kevin
    
         

    Blue Seal Natural 26
    
    
    Guy

    I feed my Dogs TECHNICAL.  They are a bionic German Shorthaired Pointer's  
    equiped with lazer sights!   :-)
    Technical comes in the standard protein variations (up to 32%) and
    is chicken based.  Like most dog owners, I am a bit biased, but in 
    all honesty I have never seen shinier coats on a dog. (I admit, it
    does help that they are predominantly liver in colour).  In addition, 
    the stools are small and firm, although they haven't been able to get 
    the smell out of them yet!!