When I first got my labs (about 15 years ago) I did a ton of research on dog foods and yeah, there's undeniably a class of dog food that is just a cut above everyone else. Stuff like Taste of the Wild is the best of the best, no doubt.

And then there's shit like Old Roy that I wouldn't feed a stray.

But I needed to find a happy medium in there; a good food that doesn't cost $2-3 per pound. Easily the best I've been able to find in that regard (and I re-did my homework in December when we got the Rot) was Diamond Naturals. It's not Blue Buffalo but man I have 2 labs and a Rotty to feed - that's 12+ cups of food per DAY. I don't spend that much on my own food and when you look at preferred ranges as well as the ingredients lists (though be a little wary of that list as well; it's easier to manipulate than you realize unless you really go down a rabbit hole), it's not as good as Blue Buffalo but it's a very good food in its own right.

So yeah, if you're able to swing it, go ahead and splurge on Blue Buffalo, Addiction, Anameat, Taste of the Wild, Origen, etc... (personally I think Royal Canin is overhyped). But if you have large dogs (or worse, several of them), look into Diamond's Naturals line. Their regular line is meh, but the Naturals is damn solid, well priced and has always worked great for my dogs. Maybe a liiiiiitle more salt than I'd prefer in there so if you have a breed with heart disease issues, just keep an eye out (annual checkups should spot valve deterioration) but even then it's within easily acceptable ranges.

I also switched to the chewable flea/tick. I love it. No more topical meds on the furniture and don't have to worry about my nieces touching that shit. The stuff my vet gave us is called NexGard. Still use Heartgard for heartworm prevention

yep, we use diamond naturals also.

and we have 2 boxers and a full grown rot to feed. shit adds up. literally LMAO.

My dog won't eat carrots. She loves cabbage, though, which I think is weird.

We feed her the Kirkland grainless dry food, though she gets raw meat scraps and eggs sometimes too. Treats are Pupperonis (cut up), those freeze dried chicken things Costco sells and bulk grainless dog biscuits from North40. She doesn't get a ton of treats, though.

Edit; Dog tax

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...81&oe=5D240907

X3 It's a great food that I have been using for years. Both the German Shepherd and the Doberman really like the Lamb.

My 2nd lab was my 1st lab's littermate and had to be returned (shitty owners who thought they had a shitty dog - they did not, he was awesome). His breeder knew my dad who called asking me if I knew anyone that wanted a dog. We were looking for a 2nd so obviously we said yes.

He simply wasn't the same color as his brother. Then when I got him and put him on the Naturals. Within about 6 weeks, IIRC, his coat had gone from the drab brown you see on a lot of chocolates to the same deep mocha color that my 1st boy had (still has, in fact).

I dropped 10-12 lbs of shitty weight off him and he was just a great looking pup. Same as people, really - proper nutrition and exercise makes more difference than you'll ever imagine.

I did switch them off the lamb and rice over to the chicken and rice to try to help with gas when they were 8 or so. Then on Senor they were both on the chicken, egg and oatmeal. I think I'll probably kick the Rotty over to lamb and rice when he gets off the large breed puppy.

They make a Naturals 'grain free' that I've pondered but haven't tried yet. May end up giving that a shot; $40 for a 28 lb bag vs. $40 for the 40 lb bag of the usual stuff. It's not prohibitively expensive but I just haven't had the time to dig too deeply into it.

The first dog I ever got (now w/ my old man) ate Diamond Naturals for 8+ years while I had her. You explained it perfectly - not terrible, not the ultra-best, but still very good food, especially for the price. I'd highly recommend that brand, too.

That's the one variation I couldn't get my dog to eat much of. She lovoooved the chicken, though!

Unfortunately, Diamond was one of the companies involved in the "melamine" scandal, IIRC. They've been a "no go" for a long time in this house. Used to feed Diamond exclusive for the hounds until stories of dogs dying started emerging.

Story time again re: the 2.5 year old lab mix I just adopted.

Took her to the free wellness checkup at a local vet (which sucked - the vet looked at her for approx. 3 minutes and was done). He asked about food, and I mentioned we started her on Taste of the Wild after much research. He proceeded to tell me how bad that grain-free type of food is and how many problems they've seen with it. Recommended the big-brand food (Purina, etc.).

Needless to say, I'm looking for a new vet.

They both like the chicken as well, but it doesn't agree with the Doberman's system for some reason and that's not fun to clean up, lamb it is. :D I remember once I was in a jam when the wife forgot to tell me we were out of food. It was late so I borrowed some food from a neighbor who was dinking around in his back yard. After eating it, both dogs were exploding the next day, turns out it was Ol Roy. Man did I feel bad. The one and only time they have had that garbage.

Bacon Bacon Bacon and eggs

Gravy Train and mashed potatoes.

The wife makes dog treats using the spent grain from my brew batches, along with flour and peanut butter. Haven't met a dog yet that didn't love them.

Informative post and sound advice, so much filler and garbage in many of the big brands.

I have two 8 year old Aussie/Border Collie mixes and did a ton of research when they were puppies on food. I was shocked at the amount of data available on food options and how much garbage was stuffed in there. Blue Buffalo was rated as outstanding in all aspects and it has been my choice for 8+ years for them. Both are extremely active and have had zero health issues even though they get in at least an hour of pretty high intensity play on a daily basis. Both have fairly sensitive stomachs and are like clockwork on BB, overall seems to be a great product, just my two cents.

We raise pups for Leader dogs for the blind. Their requirement is for ProPlan all life stages 26/16. Its a cut above Purina One (Doesn't have soy and corn content is lower).
We have heard of Golden Retrievers on grain free diets having serious problems because of an enzyme that is missing so if you have a goofy Golden, check for that.
Diamond Naturals we have used (have had no problems), but we used to feed Premium Edge which is another cut above that. Really liked that food, but we have simplified.
My motto is no corn, wheat or soy, because you find that in the yard.
We have 4 at the house and they are all Labs