Advice please.

Hello Everyone,

I have just registered on the forum to browse/seek advice and tips as I am the proud owner of a lovely soon to be 1 year old male called Rigby. Have been reading avidly since finding the web site but wondered if someone could offer some advice on food? Rigby has always eaten dry food and is currently on "Step up", the problem is he isn't very keen on the change from puppy to adult version. So I am looking to change his meals but want to get some feedback as to what would be best?
Don't mind if it's wet or dry and I know to introduce slowly but what do folks here recommend?

Also what shampoo is best and how often do you wash your pooch?


Love the web site and really enjoy reading all the posts, have already learnt a lot!


Many thanks in advance xx

Hello & welcome - glad you made the decision to chat!

There's a good food comparison site called 'all about dog food' (I think) which rates each food & tells you why each ingredient is good, bad or neutral.

I haven't heard of 'step up', whereabouts in the world are you?

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This is the website Gilly was referring to, it's very good:

https://www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk/the-dog-food-directory

For me, it comes down to how you want to buy (online or from a shop) and your budget. I would always say go for the best nutritional quality you can for your budget, from what is available to you. If you are ok with buying online, I'd recommend Millie's Wolfheart, it's great quality food and the prices are reasonable. They also do 200g sample packs so you can try before buying a huge bag!

https://www.millieswolfheart.co.uk/

Have you tried adding just a little of a different food, really just a tiny bit, and then gradually increasing the new and decreasing the old? Or, use the new food as a treat, making it extra special, then start adding it to Rigby's meal.

Ah, just looked at Step Up on google.

It wouldn't be my own, personal choice. There are three things I wouldn't want in a dog's food... Brown Rice (14%), Barley (19%), Peas (6%). The first two are really quite high percentage. Oats are okay, although I feel there are too many in that particular feed (I looked at the chicken Step Up to Naqtural' food), but rice is unnecessary & so is barley. Peas (or any Legumes) are known to be a cause of allergies, as is wheat.

Wow! Thanks everyone for the prompt replies and advice. I noticed something today as I went to get the large sack of "Step Up" feed Rigby seemed really interested in it and when I fed him by hand he wolfed it down! Maybe it's his bowl he doesn't like? Anywho I have checked out the website regarding the feeds and have some ideas on alternative feed so will buy a small bag and introduce slowly to see if he takes to it. Sorry but another question......the kibble like "step up" do you feed this with a supplement or with some wet food?

Thanks everyone

Kibbles are made to be complete meals so a good one shouldn't need anything else unless you have a specific reason.

Beware getting into the routine of hand feeding, you can teach him to expect that extra attention and hold out for it. If you need to get him started, then just give him a piece or two in your hand almost in the bowl but then work towards not needing that step. Try washing his bowl if you don't, or not washing his bowl if you do. Especially the latter, animals can be very sensitive to smells and what sounds lovely to us on the bottle of washing up liquid might be off-putting to a dog.

Hi & Welcome to the Forum from Flo and me

LizP wrote:K
Try washing his bowl if you don't, or not washing his bowl if you do. Especially the latter, animals can be very sensitive to smells and what sounds lovely to us on the bottle of washing up liquid might be off-putting to a dog.

Or just wash in very hot water - hygiene is still important.

Welcome from me and Misty. Misty is on sardines in the morning and Orijen original. She loves that kibble, we have to use a snuffle may to stop her eating too quickly.

Rigby is absoutely gorgeous!

Hello and welcome from us.
Also feeding orijen here and very happy with it too