dogs

Science Diet Dog Food: Not What The Doctor Ordered

The topic of quality nutrition for dogs is something you will find hotly contested between veterinarians, naturopathic vets, and dog owners. I am in the process of blogging a great deal about proper dog food and dog nutrition, but in the mean time I would love to address what I think  is the biggest scam in veterinary medicine: Hill’s Science Diet dog food.

My Vet Prescribed Hills Science Diet or Prescription Diet

If you’re still reading this article, it is likely that your vet has recommended or has already sold you an incredibly expensive bag of this "perscription only" food that has scientific research to "validate" its benefits. Don’t get me wrong, your vet is well intended, but the fact remains that veterinary education and practice sorely lacks in the area of quality nutrition. They would rather trust an incredibly small sample size study (usually 500 animals or so), with dogs hand selected by Hills, than 1000′s of years of evolution.

The bottom line is that dogs were not meant to eat undigested corn, brewers rice, any kind of gluten, by-products, nor any other cheaply made food filler common in today’s commercial dog foods. Notice I did not say that dogs shouldn’t eat carbohydrates or grains. Any good vet will tell you that the first thing a wild dog will eat is the stomach and other organ content from their pray, and that these contents are filled with grain and carbohydrates as well as their intrinsic proteins.

But the fact is, those items have been chewed, and at least partially digested before the wild dog eats it. Further, natural prey is not eating gluten, or any kind of corn. The cheaply made proteins and food fillers are very difficult to digest. Gluten is a horrible source of protein, and has been linked to obesity, food allergies, and other health problems in humans.

Hills Science Diet Dog Food is a Waste Of Your Money

Before I go any further, I am not a veterinarian. I am however a certified nutritionist, and have done significant research on nutrition for dogs. As the owner of two English Bulldogs, I do constant research via trial and error trying to keep my dogs skin problems in check (successfully I might add). I am writing this article because I know Hills’ products are not high quality nutrition, and are massively over priced for what you get.

Of course, I’m certain that you want proof, so, I’m going to show you right now that Hills Science Diet is almost identical to Purina One, which is available at any grocery store for a significantly more reasonable price (don’t get me wrong, I would never feed my dog grocery store dog food). Let’s take  a look:

Hills Science Diet I/D Canine Dog Food (chicken)

Purina One Chicken and Rice Formula

Ground Whole Grain Corn, Brewers Rice, Dried Egg Product, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Powdered Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Chicken Liver Flavor, Iodized Salt, Potassium Citrate, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Oil, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, Rosemary Extract. Average Nutrient Contents Nutrient   Dry Matter1 % Protein 26.2 Fat 14.1 Carbohydrate (NFE) 50.3 Crude Fiber 2.7 Total Dietary Fiber 8.7 Soluble Fiber 1.2 Insoluble Fiber 7.5     Calcium 1.04 Phosphorus 0.79 Sodium 0.45 Potassium 0.92 Magnesium 0.095 All info copied directly from http://www.hillspet.com/hillspet/products/productDetails.hjsp?PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524441760640

Chicken (natural source of glucosamine), brewers rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal (natural source of glucosamine), whole grain wheat, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), animal digest, calcium phosphate, salt, potassium chloride, caramel color, calcium carbonate, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, Vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, niacin, Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, copper sulfate, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, garlic oil, folic acid, Vitamin D-3 supplement, calcium iodate, biotin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), sodium selenite.   Crude Protein (MIN) 26.0% Phosphorus (P) (MIN) 0.8% Crude Fat (MIN) 16.0% Selenium (Se) (MIN) 0.30 mg/kg Crude Fiber (MAX) 3.0% Vitamin A (MIN) 13,000 IU/kg Moisture (MAX) 12.0% Vitamin E (MIN) 100 IU/kg Linoleic Acid (MIN) 1.4% Glucosamine (MIN)* 400 ppm Calcium (Ca) (MIN) 1.0%       All info copied directly from http://www.purinaone.com/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=3EB3A790-120E-4311-A61E-09A232AF7926

 As you can see, the ingredients lists are not identical, but they are very close. In fact, the primary (first listed and thus most abundant) ingredient in Purina One is Chicken (not chicken by product or even chicken meal which is perfectly acceptable), making it a better protein source than Hills. The nutrient ratios are almost identical, as well as the balance of calcium and phosphorous. Sadly, hills makes up its protein content with inferior ingredients as well explore below.

On their website, Hills claims that the I/D formula has the following key health benefits:

Science Diet I/D Key Benefits Table

Prescription Diet® i/d® is formulated with the following benefits:
• Highly digestible protein and fat to help repair tissues and assimilate nutrients faster
• Mixed fiber source to help maintain gastrointestinal health
• Optimal balance of nutrients to help replenish the body and help encourage recovery
• Added antioxidants to control cell oxidation and promote a healthy immune system

The protein in the food comes from dried egg, chicken by-product, and corn gluten. The only high quality protein source in this food is dried egg, which is the 3rd ingredient on the list. The primary ingredients in this food are corn, and Brewers rice, which is the small milled fragments of rice kernels that have been separated from the larger kernels of milled rice. This process removes many of the nutrients contained in whole ground rice and brown rice. Quite simply, the primary ingredients in this food are FILLER!

Regulations for dog food don’t require the source of vitamins to be listed. However, the mineral sources are listed on food bags, so I assume there is some regulation there. The mineral sources in Hills are also of very low quality (except the iron from ferrous sulfate). Zinc for instance should come in the form of zinc picolinate or zinc gluconate. Zinc oxide, the form in the Hills formula is an inorganic compound used to make things such as batteries, Desitin, and sun block.

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Orijen 6 Fresh Fish Dog Food – The Best Dog Food Money Can Buy

Orijen Dog Food For Larger Breeds

Large Breed Dogs have different nutritional requirements that their smaller brethren. Typically more endomorphic, they require easier to digest “single source” protein. High-protein, low-carbohydrate and grain-free ORIJEN 6 FISH replicates the same rich balance of meats, fruits, vegetables and grasses that dogs would encounter in a wilderness setting, but with single-source protein from fish and single-source carbohydrate from potato.

Large Breed Dogs (and dogs in general) have a relatively short gastrointestinal system, which has evolved to metabolize proteins. Unfortunately, their systems lack the enzymes required to efficiently digest carbohydrates such as grains and sugars. Their bodies are extremely well suited to utilizing animal proteins as an energy source, as well as for building healthy muscles, organs, skin, and coats.

Different from other grain-free diets, ORIJEN moderates total calories to better match the lifestyle and energy needs of today’s domestic dog.

According to Orijen, “[Orijen 6 Fresh Fish provides] calories in a biologically appropriate form (more calories from protein, fewer calories from carbohydrate and moderate calories from fat) ORIJEN naturally controls body weight.

Orijen 6 Fresh Fish Description

8 sources of human-grade fish ingredients harvested from Canada’s clean northern lakes and pacific seas provide the the protein, and essential fatty acids that dogs cannot produce themselves (including DHA and EPA) and are so important to nutritionally support the development of cell membranes, immune systems and a vibrant skin and hair coat.

ORIJEN 6 FISH is nutritionally diverse and biologically complete with amino and fatty acids balanced to optimally nourish your dog.

Orijen 6 Fresh Fish Ingredients

ORIJEN 6 FRESH FISH with SEA VEGETABLES is a Biologically Appropriate Real-food Kibble (BARK) diet and is formulated with a biologically correct (70/30/0) ingredient ratio of 70% fish, 30% fruit and vegetables and 0% grain. All ingredients are slow-cooked at low temperature (90c) to retain their natural goodness and flavor.

Proteins:
8 of the first 10 ingredients are high quality fish protein sources sources. Salmon clearly is the number 1 ingredient in terms of weight as the first ingredient is fresh salmon, and the second is salmon meal. The rest of the fish is white fish, the easiest to digest and highest bioavailability protein anywhere.

Fats:
Salmon oin, herring oil, whitefish, trout, walleye, cod, herring, and sunflower oil make up the fatty acid profile. This should provide a well balanced ratio of omega 3, omega 6, and omega 9 fatty acides

Carbohydrates:
The primary carbohydrates, russet and sweet potatoes, are excellent sources of easy to digest carbohydrates.

The vegetable profile of alfalfa, dried sea vegetables, leeks, combined with psyillium provide essential vitamins and minerals without adding too many calories. The also provide your dog with plenty of fiber to keep their systems moving.

Added Minerals:
Iron, zinc, manganese, and copper have been added to the formula to help balance the mineral profile. Active dogs tend to be zinc and magnesium deficient. I would like to have seen magnesium added to the profile, but the overall mineral profile is solid.

Probiotics
Acidophilus helps build up the “good” bacteria in the intestines, which help to properly digest food and absorb nutritents.

Orijen 6 Fresh Fish Dog Food Rating

Read how our dog food rating system works

Quality of Protein – 4+
Quality of Fats – 3+
Quality of Fruits and Vegetables – 2.0
Additional Ingredients – 1
————————————
Total – 10.0+

Orijen Dog Food Discount

We have negotiated a 10% discount off of PetFoodDirect.com already low prices, including sale prices!

Click on The Bag, and enter Coupon Code PER10PCT at checkout

Popularity: 25% [?]

Orijen Adult Dog Food

Dogs are carnivores by nature. They thrive on a varied diet of meats with smaller amounts of fruits, vegetables and grasses. 

Their bodies are extremely well suited to utilizing animal proteins as an energy source, as well as for building healthy muscles, organs, skin, and coats.

Therefore, your dog should be eating more protein and fats, mixed with some fruits, vegetables, and grasses, and no grains in order to remain happy, healthy, and vibrant.

According to Orijen, "[Orijen Adult is] high in protein and low in carbohydrate. ORIJEN Adult’s grain-free formula that replicates the same rich and diverse balance of meats, fruits, vegetables and grasses that puppies and young dogs would encounter in a wilderness setting.

Orijen Adult Description

Chicken, flax, sunflower, salmon and anchovy oils provide the essential fatty acids that dogs cannot produce themselves (including DHA and EPA) and are so important to nutritionally support the development of cell membranes, immune systems and a vibrant skin and hair coat.

Bridging the gap between good nutrition and total physical well-being, ORIJEN Adult contains native botanicals that include marshmallow, burdock and chicory root, stinging nettle and milk thistle,— all of which replicate the natural canine diet and help to soothe, nourish and tone the digestive tract, strengthen the liver and control insulin levels."

Orijen Adult Ingredients

According to a research done by Orijen, dogs require a 70 / 30 balance of meat to fruits and vegetables in order to create optimal health. Made with the highest inclusions of fresh grain-fed chicken meat, wild-caught northern whitefish and fresh whole eggs, ORIJEN is bursting with the protein-packed, veterinary-inspected meats (minimum 70%) that form a Biologically Appropriate diet,—and none of the grains or carbohydrates that are inappropriate for your dog. As with all other Orijen formulas, the food is prepared in a low temperature environment in order to retain the nutritional value of the food while keep it safe!

Proteins:
Four of the first 5 ingredients are protein sources. Deboned chicken has a fair amount of water by weight which which would make it fall further down in the list, but since the next two ingredients are "meal", which means all of the water has been evaporated, there is little doubt this food reaches the 75% meat weight as advertised.

Fats:
Eggs, salmon, anchovy, and sunflower oil provide a very well balanced fatty acid profile. This is good for your dogs brain, joints, skin, hair, and for maintaining proper body weight.

Carbohydrates:
The primary carbohydrate, sweet potato, is an excellent source of easy to digest carbohydrates.

The vegetable profile of alfalfa, brown kep, carrots, and spinach provide essential vitamins and minerals without adding too many calories. Glucosamine and chondroitin have been shown to help form healthy joints.

Added Minerals:
Iron, zinc, manganese, and copper have been added to the formula to help balance the mineral profile. Active dogs tend to be zinc and magnesium deficient. I would like to have seen magnesium added to the profile, but the overall mineral profile is solid.

Probiotics
Acidophilus helps build up the "good" bacteria in the intestines, which help to properly digest food and absorb nutritents.

Orijen Adult Food Rating

Read how our dog food rating system works

Quality of Protein – 4
Quality of Fats – 3
Quality of Fruits and Vegetables – 2.0
Additional Ingredients – 1
————————————
Total – 10.0

Orijen Dog Food Discount

We have negotiated a 10% discount off of PetFoodDirect.com already low prices, including sale prices!

Click on the bag and enter the code PER10PCT at Checkout

Popularity: 4% [?]

Orijen Dog Food – Don’t Guess About What You’re Feeding Your Dog

The Orijen Dog Food Concept

Orijen dog food is produced by Champion Pet Foods located in Alberta Canada.

They follow a really simple yet amazingly often over looked principle in creating extremely healthy food for your dog: Creating Biologically Appropriate food.

Simply stated, biologically appropriate means feeding your dog food that nature intended them, and in fact evolved them to eat. This means Orijen uses fresh, whole, and healthy ingredients. Ingredients free from protein byproudcts, cheap grains that your dog was never intended to eat, and other questionable additives.

As a nutritionist, this concept falls right in line with what I teach my clients. Humans are not designed to eat processed foods, hygrogentated oils, and high fructose corn syrup. The results of eating this non-biologically appropriate foods are evident by looking at the American public. Unfortunately for dogs, they don’t get to choose the food they eat, so it’s up to us to feed them appropriately.

How Orijen Dog Food Benefits Your Dogs Health

Over many thousands of years, dog have evolved eating primarily a carnivorous diet. Orijen has done extensive research on the proper ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrate appropriate for dogs. By designing their foods with 70% meat, 30% fruits and vegetables, and 0% grains, they have created a product that matches your dogs dietary needs.

Orijen is relatively expensive dog food; probably 2 or 3 times more expensive that you are used to paying if you are using a nation brand from your grocery store. However, the money you’ll save in veterinary bills, and the emotional stress you’ll avoid by having a healthier, happier, more active dog is well worth it.

The Orijen Dog Food Product Line

There are currently 5 different varieties of Orijen dog food:

• Puppy
• Puppy - Large Breed
• Adult
• 6 Fresh Fish
• Senior

Choosing the appropriate Orijen dog food for your dog is fairly simple. Here is a simple chart:

Orijen Dog Food Product Details

We have written reviews of each of the different Orijen dog food formulas in which we analyze the ingredients as well as the recommended serving sizes.

Click on the food bag to learn more about each formula.

Orijen Puppy

Orijen Puppy Large Breed

Orijen Adult

Orijen 6 Fresh Fish

Orijen Senior

Contacting Champion Petfoods LTD

If you would like to contact the manufacturer directly, Champion Petfoods is very responsive to questions about its’ Orijen Dog Food line. Here’s the number:

Champion Petfoods LTD.
9503-90 Avenue,
Morinville, Alberta
Canada, T8R 1K7
t. 780 939 6888
w. http://www.championpetfoods.com

Popularity: 7% [?]

Orijen Puppy and Puppy Large Breed Dog Food

Puppies are carnivores by nature. Due to their extremely fast metabolism and high levels of energy. they thrive on a varied diet of meats with smaller amounts of fruits, vegetables and grasses.

Their bodies are extremely well suited to utilizing animal proteins as an energy source, as well as for building healthy muscles, organs, skin, and coats.

Therefore, your puppy needs less fruits, vegetables, and grasses in order to develop properly.

According to Orijen, “[Orijen Puppy is] high in protein and low in carbohydrate. ORIJEN PUPPY has a grain-free formula that replicates the same rich and diverse balance of meats, fruits, vegetables and grasses that puppies and young dogs would encounter in a wilderness setting.

Orijen Puppy Ingredients

Since puppies require more protein than adult dogs, Orijen has increased the ratio of meat to fruits and vegetables from 70 / 30 to 75 / 25. As with all other Orijen forumlas, there are 0 grains.  The food is low temperature cooked at 90c/195F to preserve their natural goodness.

Proteins:

Four of the first 5 ingredients are protein sources. Deboned chicken has a fair amount of water by weight which which would make it fall further down in the list, but since the next two ingredients are “meal”, which means all of the water has been evaporated, there is little doubt this food reaches the 75% meat weight as advertised.

Fats:
Eggs, salmon, anchovy, and sunflower oil provide a very well balanced fatty acid profile. This is good for your dogs brain, joints, skin, hair, and for maintaining proper body weight.

Carbohydrates:
The primary carbohydrate, sweet potato, is an excellent source of easy to digest carbohydrates.

The vegetable profile of alfalfa, brown kep, carrots, and spinach provide essential vitamins and minerals without adding too many calories. Glucosamine and chondroitin have been shown to help form healthy joints.

Added Minerals:
Iron, zinc, manganese, and copper have been added to the formula to help balance the mineral profile. Active dogs tend to be zinc and magnesium deficient. I would like to have seen magnesium added to the profile, but the overall mineral profile is solid.

Probiotics
Acidophilus helps build up the “good” bacteria in the intestines, which help to properly digest food and absorb nutritents.

Orijen Puppy Food Rating

Read how our dog food rating system works

Quality of Protein – 4
Quality of Fats – 3
Quality of Fruits and Vegetables – 2.0
Additional Ingredients – 1
————————————
Total – 10.0

Orijen Dog Food Discount

We have negotiated a 10% discount off of PetFoodDirect.com already low prices, including sale prices!

Click on the bag, then enter the code per10pct at checkout

Puppies	large breed puppies

Popularity: 4% [?]