Puppy Food

[SandyT]

Hello again, we are bringing our new puppy home this Saturday!!!   She is currently eating Chudley's puppy food.  I've been looking around and it doesn't seem to be a readily available brand in my area.  I'm going to find a bag of this at least for the first week to help her adjust more easily, but for long term I'm not sure how practical it will be.
Does anyone know of or use this brand?   I'm wondering how it compares to other brands and if there something comparable that's maybe more common and easier to find.

[Patp]

Ahh the big food debate which can go on forever!!  I am sure there is some information on a website somewhere that compares different brands / types all of which claim to do a different thing!

It might be worth looking at what you can get locally what is your budget and then go from there.  The breeder should also give you a few weeks supply if you ask her so that you can make the transition to new food slowly thereby not causing upset tums.

Personally I raw feed, which does not suit everybody but I have seen that some kibble have more additives than others, different protein content and some need less to be given in quantity than others.

Welcome to the minefield!!

Edited to say that I have looked at the Pooch and Mutt kibble should I ever need to change and was quite impressed with the content.  Not sure if they do a specific puppy one or whether they recommend a supplement but worth contacting them.

[SandyT]

Oh didn't realise I was stepping into a controversial area LOL.     I won't be doing raw feed, mainly due to cost and lack of convenience, so it's going to be kibble for my little one.  But I would like a healthy choice regardless, maybe I'll see what the Veterinarian clinic has to offer.  Being a member of their "Healthy puppy plan" will allow me a discount on their products.   

[Andrea Ellie]

I bet you are very excited.
I can't help you with chudleys as I've never fed it. We feed a grain free kibble but that's because it suits Ellie. I can't buy mine locally as they only seem to do online ordering. Do you maybe have a local independent pet shop to see if they can offer advice and see what they stock?

[Mari]

But I would like a healthy choice regardless, maybe I'll see what the Veterinarian clinic has to offer.  Being a member of their "Healthy puppy plan" will allow me a discount on their products.   

That's how I feed my cocker. I know the veterinary diets have been tested and are therefore good quality nutrition. It's convenient and there is huge selection  so everyone can get the diet that suits them best

[Patp]

Not controversial at all its mainly that there are so many brands and types within brands that it all gets very confusing.  As a non kibble feeder I can only go by the ones that I have looked at x

[Mari]

I agree, it's so confusing!  Probably because there are many good options. Raw feeding, grain-free, vet diets.... I would stay away from the supermarket type brands and home made diets unless you do some serious research. But other than that I think it is mostly down to personal preference. Not to mention how the individual dog responds to the food. Healthy coat, energetic dog, normal feces = you're doing it right

[Patp]

Haha my old vet used to say you can kick a good dog poo!

[Mari]

Hahaha I'll take his word for it 

[phoenix]

https://www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk   
This will keep you busy.
Personally I go for grain free.   Also I wouldn't buy at the vets,  they charge more, and promote two main brands  that are from multinational companies.  Chudleys is fine, they sell it at our  local horse food and agricultural feed depot.   However I have happily used Eden, Millies Wolfheart, Guru, and the first two do small bite size for puppies. They all contain 'real' human quality food, not the meat derivatives and cereals that give huge poos.
RC really annoys me, our local little independent pet shop has now got a whole wall stacked with so-called breed specific kibble. Does a cocker really have to have a different bag from a schnauzer, westie, or poodle? It's all a marketing caper, supported by dog magazines , who make money out of their advertising space and promoted articles.    Look at the smaller, British specialist companies online,  who will talk to you on the phone to devise on what suits you and your pup.

[Blueberry]

Blue is mainly raw fed, because that's my preference, but he seems able to switch easily to a grain free kibble when the need arises - e.g. when we are travelling away from home.  (He actually prefers kibble!).
I have used Orijen and Eden, both of which he enjoyed and seemed to suit his digestive system (no nasty tummy troubles).

[Mari]

Does a cocker really have to have a different bag from a schnauzer, westie, or poodle?

Nope, pure marketing   What is useful however is different foods for different stages in life and different sizes of dogs. And of course the veterinary diets for any medical condition that can be improved with correct nutrition. That's probably why vets sell from RC and Hills etc, they have developed quality medicated and specialised food for pretty much everything. At the vets they usually just recommend the size and age specific foods for healthy dogs, not the breed specific

[phoenix]

Does a cocker really have to have a different bag from a schnauzer, westie, or poodle?

Nope, pure marketing   What is useful however is different foods for different stages in life and different sizes of dogs. And of course the veterinary diets for any medical condition that can be improved with correct nutrition. That's probably why vets sell from RC and Hills etc, they have developed quality medicated and specialised food for pretty much everything. At the vets they usually just recommend the size and age specific foods for healthy dogs, not the breed specific

I appreciate the point you make regarding medically appropriate diets.   However you can't go into a UK vet practice without being smacked in the  face by Hills or RC posters, videos, health tips and products. These foods are expensive!   A previous discussion post  saidthat her vet didn't make any commission  on it, but they do make money!  They sponsor conferences , seminars and so on, but their aim as global companies is to make money.  Breeders choosing RC puppy food get rewards in vouchers and insurance deals if their buyers sign up.    My local small pet shop has this wall of RC dog food, because customers believe the hype, so that other good brands like James Wellbeloved and Arden Grange don't get shelf space. Yes you can get them at Pets at Home, but I don't want to get onto a discussion about the effect they have on useful small shops!
I have to buy the food I choose online, and only hear about it on forums like Col.  That's what so great about the input from everyone. The majority of dog owners don't get to know what's beyond their noses.

[hoover]

We have always used Chudleys puppy/junior for Ollie.  He's done very well on it.  I imagine most people would say he should be on an adult food by now (20 months), but the the protein/ fat percentages are comparable to more highly thought of dog food brands and so we just reduced the amount after he was neutered and he continues to thrive on it.  It's certainly very good value compared to some brands - we source it online - you can usually get 2 x 12kg bags for around the £35 mark.  2 bags are often better value to buy than one due to delivery costs.

[Archie bean]

If you want to stick with the chudleys for a bit while she's settling in and getting used to her new home then you can order it from Amazon with free delivery.

Chudleys Puppy/Junior Dog Food, 12 kg https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00WJXTAN4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_C.T0yb7S31CMF

I feed wet food so can't offer any advice on the kibble front I'm afraid.