Wow good job, very nice clear pictures. I have tried to get the exact formulas that i can see on the pics so here goes.

1. Nutri Edge "Adult" (The blue one on the bottom):
TOP 5: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oat Groat, Potato Product, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E).
All looks good here. As we know, Chicken meal is good (single source, whole meat), Brown rice is good. Oat Groat is good (this is the whole oat with only the inedible husks removed, it has better nutritional content than other, more processed, oat products).
Potato product is proving a little tricky to decipher. From what i can tell, potato product is pretty much potato flour; potatoes ground down and dehydrated into a powder. I'm assuming (from what happens to other things when they go through this process) the potatoes loose some of their nutritional value through this however its not a major issue when taking into consideration the other ingredients.

Further down in the list we find Prebiotics listed (although they don't get specific about it) as well as Flaxseed and Glucosomine which are all good ingredients.
On the bad side we have Beet Pulp, Brewers yeast and Salt... not so desirable really.

Protein, fat and fiber are all set at good levels (23%, 11% and 4%) although i am used to seeing a slightly higher fat content (closer to 14%).

All in all, not a bad food. Could be better but could definitely be much worse. Your dog should do reasonably well with this one.

2.Artemis "Fresh-mix Adult" (Light blue one on top of California Natural):
TOP 5: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey, Barley, Brown Rice.
Beautiful top 5. Truly fantastic and awe inspiring. 3... count them 3!!! single source meats as the first 3 ingredients. Chicken, Chicken meal and turkey. They know what they are doing. The news stays good with Barley and Brown rice, both top notch fillers.

There are so many great and interesting things about this food i could simply list pretty much all the ingredients with a giant thumb up next to them... however, i have just pulled out some of the truly exceptional (and interesting) highlights that are not commonly seen in most foods (even great ones). Kelp, Spinach, numerous berries and a lot of pre/pro-biotics (Lactobacillus Casei, Enterococcus Faecium).
No food is perfect however and Artemis does contain Flavor Enhancer... but really, who cares... yes it is probably chemical but with all the other great stuff this food has, we can forgive them of this as they are just ensuring your dog (hopefully) loves it as much as i do!!

Do i really need to say Protein, fat and fiber are good? of course they are 23%, 14%, 3% exactly how i like it <3

3. ProPlan + Iams (and Eukanuba as well). Unless the rest are going to be really tough to pay for, don't even bother considering them. If you are on a budget you can choose one of these to mix in with a better food, saving money but still ensuring your dog gets some kind of decent nutrition. If you want an analysis done of any of these let me know (don't think Iams or Eukanuba have been done yet, ProPlan has i think).. for now will just leave it at by-product and corn everywhere !!!!

4. California Natural.

I was slightly disappointed with the website for these guys. Its seems like they are reluctant to give a detailed ingredients list. They do say that their ingredients lists are short and simple. But they lump vitamins and minerals into general categories (listed as 'vitamins' and 'minerals'), which would make any dog food ingredient list (that use synthesized/extracted vits and mins instead of fruits and veg) short.
From what i can tell, the ingredients they name all look fine, chicken meal, brown rice and the likes.

Interestingly they list salt as a positive ingredient, saying that all living things need salt and that they levels in which it is used in their food is healthy rather than unhealthy. However i have always believed that dogs get enough salt naturally through other ingredients in the food which is why i list it as a bad ingredient. I will have to do some more research and double check some nutritional contents to get a clear answer on this, but for now salt is staying in my bad list.

Protein and fat are fine (21%, 11%) but fiber seems extremely low to me (1.5%). Overall it just seems to contain not much of anything really.

So the verdict on this one is: could be bad, could be good, from the website i can't see much and i am always wary of foods with websites that don't clearly state the FULL ingredients list. I would avoid this one for now, unless someone can get a full ingredient list or confirm that the one on the website is the one on the pack as well.

5. Blackwood (although this should be lumped together with the others in #3, Blackwood has a special place in my heart so it gets a special number all to itself.
So the choices you have in your pic are (from top to bottom) 1000, 2000 and 3000.

1000 and 2000 are pretty much the same, featuring Poultry meal and Corn meal, as well as containing some choice ingredients such as Brewers yeast and beet pulp (they specify that it is with sugar removed which turns it from a terrible sweetening ingredient into a pointless filler), and the oh so familiar Dried Steptococcus Facium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product (the leftovers from making pre/pro-biotics).
On the bright side they did bother to add Chicken fat which is a decent ingredient at least... oh and 2000 has rice in... too little too late.
3000 is their 'lamb and rice formula' that contains "no corn, no wheat"... however it does contain Poultry meal and Poultry fat... one of which is in the top 5.. for a "lamb and rice" formula which is usually the choice of owners of dogs with skin problems (often thought to be emphasized and aggravated by chicken) this is absolutely unacceptable and shows little or no understanding of why lamb and rice formulas exist in the first place.

To sum it up. I hate Blackwood.... and justifiably so. When they first came on the market (a couple of years ago) they were extortionately expensive (around the same price as Canidae, Pinnacle and other such brands if i remember correctly), it seems they have dropped their price since then, however you still don't get what you pay for (considering Health Foods in around the same price and far, far, FAR superior). Although not the worst food you can get, the fact that they advertise themselves as one of the best "uncompromised details to unique high quality of ingredients makes it one of the best premium formulas" (1000), "Our outstanding formula makes this food the ultimate diet for dogs" (3000) fuels my total disgust and hatred.

Oh, but just to be fair... the Protein, fat and fiber is fine for Blackwood. (there is a long analysis of Blackwood on pg1 post #17)


Hopefully that helps you choose, pretty much 1st choice is Artemis, followed by NutriEdge, then (probably) California Natural...

---

Added on May 28, 2010, 10:46 pmis it Proformance the ProPlan product that there is an analysis of somewhere on this thread?... if so (and my memory serves me right) i would switch to something else. How old is your puppy? (there is an analysis of Pro Plan Proformance on pg 2 post #28, if this isn't what you are talking about please post ingredient list and nutritional analysis).

Thanks eric i was also going to say that sounds very expensive for go! or now!. As my memory serves me, they are around the same price as Canidae (which would be closer to Rm200something for 13kg not 8.... Possibly, your pet shop is marking up the price to get a nicer margin (although the margin for go! and now! is the same as other foods...). You can double check the price and if it really is that much call them out on it and ask them why it is almost double the price that you can find it on the internet...

This post has been edited by Divas: May 28 2010, 10:53 PM

Dear Divas,

omg, you ahve done such as great job in analysing the foods i had taken the pics from.

firstly, i have to apologise for not being able to snapshot the Guaranteed Analysis as the shelf space was so cramped, and the crowd was large. my sincere apology.

secondly, i ama beginning to get an idea of the ingredient (though not that sure as yet).

thirdly, i will go and check out the Artemis and NutriEdge tomorrow. hope i can get a closer look (i mean, taking snapshots) and have a closer look.

the prices, as i remembered, were about the same.

Divas and eric138: -

i was quite certain that the smaller pack og 8.5kg was rm220!!! i nearly dropped to the floor after hearing the price and i had to move away from the little bag. but, i will check again tomorrow.

devil86,

actually, its worst. my 12 kg Pro Plan only lasts 3 weeks for my TWO Amrican Pitbull Terriers (9 months of age). Each 12 kg cost rm170 for the lamp feed for puppy. I was told that the puppy Pro Plan was more richer in vitamins (are they correct ???). i am feeding them twice a day, with 1.5 cups each. i was thinking to mix with some RICE (those we consume) to reduce the cost.

i also feed them with karihome goasts milk, a large tin (rm 75) lasts 3 weeks too.

i sometimes also get them the fresh goats milk (rm5 per little bottle), 2 bottles each for a week.

i give them the oralcalcium (through a syringe) once a day (my vet knows i love pets and suggested me to feed them with this 'extra').

i am at a lost now. other than the Pro Plan issue, i have to re think of ways to alter the diets to be more economic. sigh .....

i just hope someone can give some advices.

Many thanks to all ..... particularly to Dear Divas for his truly great efforts. THANKS.

This post has been edited by mikehwy: May 29 2010, 12:25 AM

There is a petshop in Ipoh Garden where Parkson used to be...its on the row facing a corner coffeeshop...they stock Acana, Origen, Royal Canin, Addiction, etc. Pretty good selection I would say. The new big store in town centre stock other brands I am not familiar with though. Can't remember the names of the shops though.

Btw, anyone here using Royal Canin series? I personally find it very good.

This post has been edited by mybirds85: May 29 2010, 09:26 AM

i think you are referring to Pretty Shop, the shop next to few clinics, at the end of the row? that is the one that i am talking about.

the one in town centre is the Hup Fatt? i know the boss since childhood. i will go to both the shops again tmr as today is raining havily .....

thanks for your concern.

For now! puppy , now! adult and go! duck, there is only 450g, 2.72kg, then 11.34 kg..

while go! chicken, fruit&vege and go! salmon, there is only 450g, 3.63kg, then 13.61g..

Where gott 8.5kg??

Emm, i will go and check again. in this case, i must have made a mistake. thanks for your words pal. cheers.

Hi Divas, eric and friends: -

I have just went to the crowded pet shop and took some pics below. Guaranteed Analysis are next to each Artemis pic. Please help to comment to improve my knowledge of pet foods. Thanks in advance.

Prices were confirmed as: -

1. Artemis 3 Adult (13.6kg) - RM180
2. Artemis Osopure (18.1kg) - RM160
3. NutriEdge 3 Adult (15kg) - RM135
4. GO! (hidden under a brownish chair) - 3.6kg RM98
5. GO! (hidden under a brownish chair) - 13.6kg RM260

Advices from assistant seller -
- NutriEdge was the most 'value' food
- Artemis Osopure at 18.1kg value food, especially for ACTIVE dogs
- we should give younger dogs with better foods, then, after 1.5 to 2 years, we can consider to feed them with cheaper foods. Is it correct?

All advices will be highly appreciated. TQ.

This post has been edited by mikehwy: May 30 2010, 04:57 PM


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Www.proformancepet.com/lambrice.php this is the food i feeding my doberman puppy now. She is 8weeks old.i need some advice should i continue this food or change it..this is for adult.. Breeder give me adult food. Proformance got puppy food as well.

I have a 13-14 month old Pembroke Welsh Corgi who is an extremely picky eater, and who had frequent bouts of malassezia. The vet does not recommend that he be fed meat like chicken, beef and pork as it might aggravate his skin condition, which narrows down my choices by a lot.

I've tried feeding him several brands- but he's so picky he'd either not eat it at all, or will eat for a few days or weeks at most and then lose interest in the food and refuse to eat. Wasted a lot of money buying him dog food, so now am trying sample satchets (Which are hard to get as well).

Would like recommendations on what I should feed him. He's currently on Addiction's venison kibble, and it's quite an improvement as he's nearly finished it now, but is losing interest already. He also sheds a lot.

Hey guys, currently looking to purchase the Innova Puppy or Artemis Fresh Mix Small Breed Puppy, any recommended shop which is selling this product around KL/PJ area? Thanks in advance.

I've actually got quite a bit to talk about regarding interpreting the guaranteed analysis section of dog food labels especially the crude protein content (what you see isn't necessarily what your dog will get) but have to keep this quick as I'm headed out for dinner. Writing this so I'll remember otherwise I'll probably never get to it lololol. Another issue - high protein (>30%) being a problem for your average healthy dog is a myth (my opinion based on experience and supported by research).

If you don't mind me asking, did you get your corgi from a petshop or reputable breeder? Based on the recommendations your vet gave, would he be ok with eating fish, lamb and duck? If so you could try something from Solid Gold's range (I believe they have formulas with fish or lamb) available at Pet Lovers Centre or Evangers (Whitefish and Sweet Potato) which is stocked at Sea Park Pet Supplies in SS2. From their ingredients' list I wouldn't rate their products as particularly spectacular but they are decent-above average depending on which variety. If you're running out of options they're worth a try. Have you tried feeding home cooked food or even BARF or is the prep time involved an issue?

Petsmore outlets stock Innova Puppy and Adult kibbles but the supply is pretty erratic so you might want to call in advance to check to prevent a wasted trip. I see Innova kibbles at Pet Lovers Centre but supply is scarce and infrequent as well. If anyone knows of a place in KL/PJ where Innova kibble is regularly brought in I'd love to know too

As for Artemis, Pet Lovers Centre started carrying almost the whole range recently. I've not tried Artemis kibbles, but I did try out their Chicken & Rice and Lamb & Rice canned food on my adult dogs with poor results (one 3-4 yr old mutt, one old dog w kidney issues) - after eating they produced green (!) sludgy vomit. My bf tried out the same food with his sheltie which resulted in diarrhea and similar green vomit. I can only hope their kibble range is better

byaku-chan,

can you please help me to comment on the recommended diet/ brand for my 9 month old american pitbulls terriers? actually i am looking for something simple and affordable. thank you.

Hi byaku-chan , just bought the Innova Puppy @ Petsmore Puchong outlet, really thanks alot for the info

Yea, think is Pretty Pets.

Not Hup Fatt. I also used to frequent them when I was active keeping parrots.

The new pet shop is around town centre. Takes up about 3 shop lots.

Hi guys, please take note of the ingredients on the dog treats you buy for your furkids. Alot of the treats contains all the bad stuffs that is highlighted in this thread.

Also consider some lowfat yogurt (non grape) and Yakult every 3-4 days, to populate the intestines with good bacterias.

This post has been edited by mecharojak: May 31 2010, 06:46 PM

@byaku-chan - Please write more about guaranteed analysis. I think i know a decent amount about ingredients but have yet to find any good articles/books on the nutritional content so my knowledge is very basic.
Interesting about the Artemis, I don't really know anyone who has used it long term but that sounds like a major problem with the wet food.

@mikehwy - I would definitely still suggest go!, especially after byaku's experience with Artemis, the ingredients for the wet food and dry food are quite similar (the major difference is the wet food contains liver).
Hopefully byaku-chan can give you a nutritional analysis? as mine as i said would be very basic.
Also i wouldn't say feed your dog with cheaper food after 1.5-2years. Basically they are telling you to make sure your dog gets great food while they are a pup to make sure they grow properly and healthily. However if you can afford to keep feeding the same good food throughout their life, it is best as it will keep them healthy and happy. Dogs that eat high quality dog foods tend to shed less coat, smell better and are overall more healthy (just as a person who eats a better diet will look and feel healthier than someone who eats junk food all the time). I understand what the pet shop is saying, but i would always recommend feeding a dog of any age the best food you can.

@Yukaeshi - I'm assuming your vet asked you to avoid those meats to keep the your dog's fat content as low as possible (from what i know Malassezia is the mites on the skin, usually they are safe and all dogs have them but occasionally, for a number of different reasons, they will flare up and inhibit proper growth of skin causing itchiness and dandruff, outbreaks are usually started in areas of skin with high fat content). In which case you would probably be safest with fish based foods. byaku-chan suggested some for you to try, hopefully they will suit your dog.
As for the not eating, do you do 'tough love' when he decides not to eat (no treats, no snacks, no forcing or hand feeding, if he doesn't eat his meal after 15 minutes it is taken away again until next meal). If you have already tried this and it didn't work (most dogs will start eating within 3 or 4 days) then you are unlucky and have a really REALLY picky dog. Perhaps you can try mixing a bit of broth or wet food in with the normal meal to make it more appetizing. This way you can also change the flavor of the food without having to change the dry food you feed (most wet foods come in a variety of flavors).

@chienx - ok not the same food lol.
lamb meal (>20%), brown rice (>17%), rice flour, maize, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols)

The main problem i see immediately is 'maize' (which is just another name for corn). Also there is only one meat in the top 5 ingredients, that would put me off a little bit. Then much further down the list we see poultry cartilage, not something i would want to see included really. I wouldn't say it is a particularly bad food and if your puppy is used to it and doing fine then stick with it. If you decide you want to change foods, remember to slowly mix in the new food (especially with such a young pup).
Also just out of curiosity, how old was your pup when you brought him home?

(sorry if this isn't very helpful or readable this time, its been a long week lol.)

This post has been edited by Divas: May 31 2010, 08:29 PM

@divas: i bring her home when she is 7-8weeks like tat. now only 1 week with me..
so now i wan to change food.natural balance ok? she shed alot la.compare with my silky terrier.

Divas,

many thanks for your thoughts. as for GO! it is rather expensive for me as a large sag only lasts 3+ weeks. added with other costs of supplements such as the oralcal and goats milk, it gets more expensive. the price for GO! is way too much at the Ipoh pet shop.

i would perhaps look for alternatives.

thanks again pal.

Chicken meal, steamed oats, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and
rosemary), peas, fresh free-run chicken, brown rice, fresh boneless salmon, fresh
whole eggs, chicken liver, salmon oil, sun-cured alfalfa, leaf pumpkin, chicken
cartilage (natural source of glucosamine), psyllium fiber, red delicious apples, carrots,
turnip greens, cranberries, Saskatoon berries, organic sea vegetables (kelp,
bladderwrack, dulse), burdock root, marshmallow root, juniper berries, fenugreek,
sweet fennel, angelica root, sea buckthorn, chicory root, stinging nettle, red raspberry
leaf, milk thistle, peppermint leaf, marigold flowers, chamomile flowers, Lactobacillus
acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium.
Vitamins (vit. A, vit. D3, vit. E, niacin, riboflavin, lysine, thiamine mononitrate, vit. B12,
pyridoxine, folic acid, biotin). Minerals (iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, manganese
proteinate, cobalt proteinate, copper proteinate).


Guaranteed analysis
Protein .....................................33 %
Fat ..........................................24 %
Fiber .........................................3 %
Calcium .................................. 1.4 %
Phosphorus ............................. 1.1 %
Omega-6................................. 2.7 %
Omega-3 ................................ 0.4 %
Glucosamine ....................800 mg/kg
Chondroitin .......................600 mg/kg
Carbohydrate ...........................22 %

Acana food, suitable for my doberman puppy? 8 -9 weeks old.

Has anyone here tried Regal for their pets? Cant find any reviews about it.... Hope to hear some input from experienced members here....