Innova Dog Food

[Kissntell]

Anyone tried Innova dog food?

It has sunflower oil in it which may be concerning.

I changed from Bil Jac because Macy was scratching. She is scratching less and seems to be getting a shiney coat much like when she was eating avocadoes off my tree.

Anyway, I have used up about half a bag of 15 lbs. I want her to be in good coat shape for some upcoming shows. But I don't want to harm her with sunflower oil.

The ingrediants look excellent except for the sunflower oil. This is not a cheap food that's for sure.

[Elaine]

We’ve never used it, it is supposed to be good food. I saw a litter of Dobes that was started on it. The puppies did not carry good weight and they did not have good muscle mass. That's all I've even seen directly. I *think* that Carmen Pitts has used Innova and likes it. She may see this and call me… I will pass on what she says (if she calls).

I hate not being able to say "I have the perfect food" for our dogs... it's frustrating switichng to find that perfect formula and waiting to see if the formula works for coat and muscle.

We should all have Cheryl feed our dogs. And boy she'll really love the idea, especially right about now! :D

[dobesign]

I tried innova with Muse. I gave a few concerns, but not about sunflower. My issue was first that proplan's new formula resulted in crappy condition. Muse needed to beef up. I tried innova and Muse started to itch...she's never had a problem before. So of course I read the package again. There are soooo many novel proteins that if she does develop allergies, we will not have many proteins to default to...that's a big issue. So I'm still searching for feed. Oh, we used evo small bites and red meat bites....

[Kissntell]

I was told that the corn in dog food causes itching.

Macy was itching like crazy so I switched her. She now itches just in the shoulder.

But I have learned on my red bitch, who itched like crazy, while I was at work, that they can itch their entire coat out. If it continues, the coat never comes back. Then you end up with a bald dog. It sort of looks like a fawn's type of problem.

But having learned that, when the itching starts I pay attention.

What I am wondering is in the fact that recently those foods that many have used over time Pro Plan, Solid Gold etc changed their forumlas. So I am shying away from those too. People are telling me they are not so good anymore.

So at present, I am just buying the small bags so I don't get stuck with a big bag of something that doesn't work. In the meantime, the show is coming up.

I did get good results for awhile on Bil Jac and didn't see any "twisted" leg syndrone of which I have had before raising "fast growing" Dobermans.

I see many puppies that get the "twisted leg" stuff, which I once had on another puppy, and took to the orthopaedist, who clued me in on that. It cost some bucks but it was well spent because now I really am on top of that.

Thanks for the input. Anything further would be appreciated too.

[Kissntell]

I using Innova small bite puppy. If that makes any difference.

[Elaine]

Dear Purina® Pro Club® Member,

This past November we sent an email informing you of our plan to reintroduce the original Pro Plan® Chicken & Rice Formula, which was initially discontinued with the introduction of Pro Plan Shredded Blend formulas. As many of you know, the original formula was developed to meet the needs of dogs in all life stages, even though it was classified as an “Adult” formula. As we bring back to market the original Chicken & Rice Formula, it will be classified as an “All Life Stages” formula consistent with Pro Plan Performance Formula. Rest assured that no product formulation changes were made to the original Chicken & Rice Formula. Chicken is still the number one ingredient with 26% protein and 16% fat.

We are about to begin shipping original 37.5 lb. Chicken & Rice Formula for All Life Stages to retail customers and pet food distributors. We expect this item to be located on shelf adjacent to Pro Plan Performance. A package image has been included at the end of this letter to assist you in identifying Pro Plan Chicken & Rice for All Life Stages at retail. Following is a list of retailers that have confirmed their plans to carry this formula to date:


Select Farm and Feed stores and most distributors beginning in February

Pet Supplies Plus beginning in April

We encourage you to speak with a store manager if you find your pet specialty retailer does not offer this item in store. We will continue to work with our retail partners to expand availability as quickly as possible.

The reintroduced Chicken & Rice Formula for All Life Stages (UPC 38100–13676) will have a Pro Club weight circle point value of 12 points per pound. All Pro Plan Shredded Blend formulas will continue to accrue at the 11 points per pound level.

Once again, thank you for your understanding and support of Purina Pro Plan. You are extremely important to us and we value your opinions. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact our experts at 1–800–PRO–PLAN.

Sincerely,

Purina Pro Club

[katdobemom]

All
I do strictly cooked for my two. I had dealt with allergies with a male many moons ago and my vet suggested cooked. Over the years I have continued
with the cooked as I really like the looks of their coats and weight.
It can be a PIA sometimes but I have never worried about the recalls/dog food scares and I know exactly what they are getting without having to read packages/labels and worry.
I have two red kids and their coats are amazing. Don't see itching at all.
When we first adopted Dallas his coat was pretty rough/brittle and started him on the cooked the minute he walked in the door. The change in his coat/texture was pretty immediate. He also had some signs of immune issues and those are gone as well.
I can cook ahead as well and freeze if need be.
I dont see diarhea with the cooked either. Nor any flaking.
I use quite a bit of fish, chicken, rice, eggs, veggies of all kinds except corn.
I do give a multi vitamin and also vitamin E as well.

[doberdogsfd]

Innova has had good results for some folks. Again, I do not beleive in cookie cutter approach to foods. I like California Natural a lot better. Pretty much th esame comapny but C N is a very nice food and I do recommend it.

Food with grains, especially corn can and do cause allergies.
I do a high protien/ low grain for my dogs.
They are carnivores, feed them meat. A combination of high quality protiens, salmon, turkey, chicken, beef, buffalo, eggs, etc rotated through the dog's weekly menu is highly recommended.
I use a high quality protien based kibble and build from there based on the dog's individual needs and requirements. Example: Vaako on the show circuit required a different feeding plan then Emma chillin' on the sofa at home.

Ok..long and short of it, I would put some good clean protien sources in your dogs food and add an egg, raw or cooked 2 times a week. Supplement with some Omega 3 and 6.

Cheryl

[Tiburondobe]

Thought I'd add my two cents to this one, I currently feed Purina Performance (the formula they didn't stop producing) I feed twice a day adding two heaping tablespoons of ground meat (a combination of beef, turkey and pork) digestive enzymes and a table spoon of salmon oil once a day. It's worked very well for me and I have great coats and no itching.
John

[Kissntell]

Thanks this is interesting stuff.

Long ago this gal gave me a "natural" forumla recipie for pregnant bitches. In the last two weeks you feed I think Rasberry tea type stuff along with the other stuff. I went to the health food store and bought all that stuff.

I wish I had kept the forumla because I tried it on my first litter and the bitch whelped real easy. But then I thought it was some hocus pocus and did not use it the next time. What a difference without it. However, I didn't keep the formula.

I think it had something like Lipoderm, for one, then maybe some licorice root and then the raspberry leaves. But the stuff came in jars that had a combination of herbs.

[Kissntell]

Could it be that after awhile the dog's immune system gets sensitive to the same formula? Because, at first Bil Jac worked fine on this puppy.

I asked my "specialist" vet who said, the good dog foods are all about the same. It is finding the one food that works the best on that dog.

Long ago, around the barns, the dogs loved to eat the fresh manure apples. I asked the vet about that and he said it was really good for them because some of the minerals are broke down from the horse and available to the dog. I noticed that dogs that ate fresh horse manure were always more shiney. So that was the secret to their shine. Insodently, the same parasites do not affect each animal, so there is no cross contamination. At least that was the information then. And...fresh horse hoofs are such a delight! The dogs use to follow the shoer around for his trimmings.

Anyway, I have learned to watch and pay attention to each dog's needs.

I live in Ca and never heard of California Natural.

For now with these big shows coming up, I think I'm going to stick with this one, until at least post show. That itching is very serious for coats.

[Lili]

Bella and Brentano are now eating Taste of the Wild Dry with half a can mixed in of chicken and rice at their feedings. They love it. They finish their meals and the bowls are licked clean. Once proplan changed formula we were having digestion problems with the new shredded chicken and rice. First Bella had it and then Brentano did. They both had on going diarrhea and then very soft stool. It didn't take long for me to change. Since Pet Smart offers the same old stuff I decided to find a different supplier. I tried this food. It is salmon and they love it. They look good and we have no more issues. Since the bag costs $43 it isn't much more than the Pro Plan was. I am not going back. They lost my confidence and I don't understand why they had to mess around with a good thing anyway. The shredded chicken are just greasy little wierd things and they don't agree with either of the dogs. If anyone else is using Taste of the Wild I would like to hear from you. I haven't had any problems with it and was wondering if anyone else was.

Lili

[Elaine]

Once proplan changed formula we were having digestion problems with the new shredded chicken and rice. ... I am not going back. They lost my confidence and I don't understand why they had to mess around with a good thing anyway. The shredded chicken are just greasy little wierd things and they don't agree with either of the dogs.
Lili

We had a similar experience.. the shredded product is garbage.. or as Brenna calls it, it is Captain Crunch. The dogs liked the flavor, but their conditioning deteriorated markedly… they lost weight, muscle tone and the glossy shine in their coats. I started to notice the difference by the end of the third bag.

I’ve fed Pro Plan products for 20 years. For Purina to change their formula so drastically without informing me has destroyed the trust I once had in their products. Whoever was the marketing moron who gave the go ahead for the shredded products (with the drastically changed formula) should be fired.

Btw, Lili.. Don't you think it's time you made your debut in the Doberman ring? Have I got a plan for us!!! I'll call you tomorrow :D:D

[doberdogsfd]

The average vet goes through 8 hrs of nutritional education to complete their degree,that is it. They push what their office carries and what the vendors push to them. The mainstream doesn't want to feed anything they can't get at the market or at PetCo, so since that is the bulk of their practice, that is what they make available and tell folks to buy.
Unless they actually specialize in nutrition, the 8 hrs is what they get.
Frankly it isn't that simple.
I have been involve in continueing ed with this subject for sometime and find there to be a large gap in knowledge at high levels regarding nutrition for dogs. Sad but true. The recalls that occured brought it to the forefront a bit more, but there is still a deep lack of understanding about what should be fed.

There really isn't any hocus pocus regarding what I am saying, feed a high quaility protien source and a super high premium dry food. Omegas are foundational to great skin and coats.

I feed raw and an old school brand many of our breeders from 30 yrs ago will know, Abady.
I have spectacular coats, skin and dogs that are in amazing condition. Their muscle bellies are full, which is a direct reflection of a high protien diet. To build muscle, one needs protien. Trust me, I understand how to put muscle mass on a dog or on a person! ;)

In the end, feed what you like. Brenna and I chatted about this many times, it is to your comfort level. She and I agree to disagree and that is cool.

I feed the way I understand it to be most beneficial for my dogs. Clearly, the results are in and it seems to be working! :D

Cheryl

[Elaine2]

Btw, Lili.. Don't you think it's time you made your debut in the Doberman ring? Have I got a plan for us!!! I'll call you tomorrow :D:D

E1 has a Plan! Run Lili RUN!!!! :D:D:D:D

[Patty Storkel]

I've used innova in the past, and got really good results from it. Only problem is it's so expensive. I also had about the same results feeding kirkland's lamb & rice kibble, which was alot cheaper.
When keenan was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, i switched to the evo/ancestral diet, which has very little grain/carbs (to starve the cancer cells). We used the red meat (which is a combo of lamb, beef, buffalo and ?venison?- i forget the 4th source), as well as the chicken variety. He just loved it and regained the 25 lbs lost, and maintained his weight to the end. The girls just loved it also, and i had to make sure to pick up his food dish if he didn't finish everything, as they made a dive for it.
I now have them on the healthwise variety, their lower-cost kibble. I'm using the chicken based one, again with very good results. The cats are even going after it, which they did with the red meat kibble also.
But as previously referenced, all dogs are different, and there is no one food that will work for all dogs in all instances. Not even within littermates. I know of many who have had good results with the innova, but one of the clerks who works at the dog shop had to quit as her dobie got diarrhea on it...
patty & neala

[Kissntell]

This has been an interesting string.

For me feeding Innova is ok price wise because I'm only feeding one dog. If I were feeding 5 like I use to, I would only be feeding it to those showing. It is expensive.

I had some samples of Exceed Lamb and Rice which is Sam's club premium and she ate that one well and did not itch.

Years ago, I fed the Cosco brand to all the dogs on the Indian Reservation. I was feeding a bunch because I agreed to feed their dogs for building kennels there. All the dogs liked that one and did well. That includes the coyotes which I didn't care to feed. (not in the deal) They are just wild dogs of opportunity.

In some ways I think some of this dog food thing is hype. So I am going to stay with this Innova for awhile; but I am open to other things as well. When Minnie was initially sick, I cooked all her food. It worked well but it was a BUNCH of work. I boiled her chickens and put that over rice.

Right now I just want her weight, body, and coat up. This puppy has never been the best eater in the litter. Her breeder told me that too, after the fact. That's ok, I take them as they come.

[Lili]

I am the worst handler ever. I can't follow directions, maybe because I can't hear so well in the ring because I am a Nervous Wreck. A very long time ago I took my Great Dane in for his first show and we got the point. Could have been because there were only two dogs in that show and one was a bitch. Hmmm. The only other time I got stuck handling the judge decided to do a different crazy go round and I of course was the first one to go. Needless to say, I didn't get it and sort of went all over the place. At least I knew most of the people around the ring so I didn't die of embarrassment. Since I don't know most of the dobe people and they seem to be so Serious about it, I will only do it if I have all of you backing me up. Since most of you are everywhere it doesn't seem as thought I will have a problem. The stipulation is, you have to be at the show to back me so it looks as though I can stay home. Haha. Brentano must have heard me, he just came running over to show me how gorgeous he is. I love him, I can always count on him to read my thoughts. By the way, Elaine, he ate the fur off the end of my shearling slipper the other day. When I found it and made my exclamation, all I saw was his tail as he went out the door. I found him in his bed in my room trying to be really really small. I now have one bald slipper but it makes me laugh every time. It is really the only bad thing he has ever done and his reaction was hilarious. I am so happy to have him here and I am sorry for you, I know you miss him. So I have to say thank you again. Now back to the subject. I am really too shy to show and don't have a dog to take in anyway. Unless one of those Feinbrand puppies is available. :):):)

[Elaine]

I am the worst handler ever. :):):)
That’s all the qualifications you need to back me up… :):):) and boy do I miss Brentano.. there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of him at some point, by my side... following me through my day. I love the look he gives as he raises his face, looks deep in your eyes and says, "Did I ever tell you how much I love you."

[Kissntell]

I have a friend who has bought Taste of The Wild Salmon and I will get back to you re her findings.

I would love to find a food that Macy would "lick the bowl."

She had been feeding Solid Gold but they too have changed their formula much like Purina.

Hey Elaine...how about shipping me some fresh horse apples...kidding of course...be careful what you ask for...

[Rauschund]

Innova has had good results for some folks. Again, I do not beleive in cookie cutter approach to foods. I like California Natural a lot better. Pretty much th esame comapny but C N is a very nice food and I do recommend it.

Food with grains, especially corn can and do cause allergies.
I do a high protien/ low grain for my dogs.
They are carnivores, feed them meat. A combination of high quality protiens, salmon, turkey, chicken, beef, buffalo, eggs, etc rotated through the dog's weekly menu is highly recommended.
I use a high quality protien based kibble and build from there based on the dog's individual needs and requirements. Example: Vaako on the show circuit required a different feeding plan then Emma chillin' on the sofa at home.

Ok..long and short of it, I would put some good clean protien sources in your dogs food and add an egg, raw or cooked 2 times a week. Supplement with some Omega 3 and 6.

Cheryl

I love the California Natural also. I feed the Herring & Sweet Potato and love the condition and coats my dogs have gotten. i used Canidae for many years, then they changed their recipe....I tried Proplan and wasn't happy with their coats. C N is a great food, and fantastic for dogs with allergies and skin problems.

[doberdogsfd]

It is a nice clean food and they are getting into the low grain line, which I love.

It is a shame Canidea has changed their food. it was for sometime a pretty solid food.

I feed a food that not everyone is able to obtain , very limited to a region and not for everyone.
So, I want to be able to recommend a food to my puppy folks that they will be able to get and also I can feel comfortable with.
Breeder's Choice's line, Pinnacle is another food I like quite a bit. They have a trout and sweet potatoe food for allergy dogs that is pretty nice.
I think everyone knows how I feel about Pro-Plan, so I will spare everyone that song and dance. :D

Good feedback CarolAnn, I always like to hear from folks as to what they are using and why. The practical data from those using specific lines is huge!

Cheryl

[Lili]

They are still licking the bowl and it has been two weeks. I got my mother to buy it for her standard poodle and Mr. Picky is eating just as well. I have the Salmon flavor. She bought the Salmon and another flavor Bison and something. He eats them right up. So far so good. Even Bella is eating hers and the bowl is clean so it has to be a keeper. Keeping my fingers crossed. Elaine is so eloquent, she hits the nail on the head every time she writes. I only wish I could describe as well as she does. Brentano will come to me and stand still with his chin on my hip staring up into my face. He will stay there until I move. A couple of minutes later I will notice he is there again. He is the most loving dog I have ever had. He is so into you. If I am walking he will come with me put his chin in my hand as we go. He always knows where I am. I cannot say enough about him. I know you all have these things, it is just seems so magnified with him. And NO I am not a mush pile.

:D

[doberdogsfd]

Kissntell had mentioned she lived in Cal an dneve rheard of cal. Nat. California Natural is one of several food created by the parent Company Natura.
Natura owns Evo/Innova/Karma and several other organic and natural foods.

I am not sure what state they are located in but their website is excellent and has a vendor locator on the site.


Cheryl