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Dog Food Grain Free

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If you speak to anyone who has a dog, they have a definite opinion on what is the "right" dog food - some advocate raw, some advocate grain free, some advocate organic, etc. Please read my blog post on dog foods which goes into detail on how to choose dog foods and treats. 

 

What follows is simply a list of the dog foods and treats I have chosen based on what I would feed my dogs.

  • according to the ingredients

  • what other trainers have recommended

  • the ratings on Amazon

  • veterinarian approved

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When I switch dog foods, I always buy the smallest bag to see how my dog will tolerate it. If everything goes well, then I purchase larger bags. Don't get gigantic bags just to save money! The oils in the food can go rancid after 6 weeks, so I generally err on the side of caution and get a bag that will last a month. Canned or dried foods last longer.

 

The dog foods and treats listed here are for adult dogs that do not have special needs such as seniors or those needing prescription diets.  Please check with your vet or a dog nutritionist for additional information. 

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AAFCO is the Association of American Feed Control Officials. It is NOT a government agency but  
"is a voluntary membership association of local, state and federal agencies. Our members are charged by their local, state or federal laws to regulate the sale and distribution of animal feeds and animal drug remedies."

https://www.aafco.org/ 

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https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/what-is-aafco/

AAFCO is a private corporation, not a government regulatory agency. AAFCO is a voluntary organization, which is comprised largely of regulatory officials who have responsibility for enforcing their state's laws and regulations concerning the safety of animal feeds.

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You may just change the brand, or you may need to change the protein source (for example, chicken to lamb) or the grain source (corn to rice), and your dog needs time to adjust. 

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Please don't stop your current food and replace it immediately with the new food. It should take 10 days to 2 weeks to change your dog's food. Let's say you feed a cup of dog food at each meal.

 

For the first 3 days during the switch, feed 3/4 of the current food and 1/4 of the new.

If there are no gastrointestinal problems (i.e., diarrhea, gas, or constipation) then switch to 1/2 to 1/2 for another 3 days.

Again, if there are no problems, then 3/4 of the new food to 1/4 of the current food for another 3 days.

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If your dog tolerates the new food at, say, 1/2 of the new and 1/2 of the current but has issues with 3/4 of the new to 1/4 of the current, then keep him on the 1/2 to 1/2 for a week to see what happens. If he tolerates the new food after that, great. If not, you may need to switch to another food.

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Also check the protein level of the dog food. Puppies generally need 25-28% and adult dogs 21-23%. Generally speaking, the higher the protein level, the more your dog needs

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Please note I am an Amazon affiliate and make a small commission on the items listed here.

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The dog foods are listed in alphabetical order, not in order of preference, and I have chosen a different protein and/or grain source for each food.

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Here's some articles that discuss dog foods. Remember that your dog will tell you if it's the right choice for him!

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Premium Dog Food

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  • Merrick Dry Dog Food with added Vitamins & Minerals for All Breeds, Chicken https://amzn.to/3y31q4o

  • Nature's Logic Turkey Dry Dog Food
    https://amzn.to/3vWN8zC

  • Castor and Pollux Organix Organic Dog Food, Chicken and Oatmeal
    https://amzn.to/3MXxMC7

  • Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Premium Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice  with Veggies & Fruit
    https://amzn.to/3koifif

  • Nutro Natural Choice Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice 
    https://amzn.to/3wdgfiz

  • Wellness Natural Pet Food Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Oatmeal
    https://amzn.to/3EZ7OLC

  • Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb and Brown Rice 
    https://amzn.to/3KsIA9t

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Grain-free Dog Food

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  • Amazon Brand "“ wag Dry Dog Food Salmon & Sweet Potato, (No Added Grains) 4 lb 
    https://amzn.to/3y40AEO

  • Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Recipe with Real Lamb Natural Dry Dog Food, 4 lb. 
    https://amzn.to/3LAx2lW 

  • Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food With Roasted Bison And Roasted Venison
    https://amzn.to/370WdPD

  • Halo Dry Dog Food For Small Dogs, Grain Free, Wild Salmon & Whitefish
    https://amzn.to/3MwOAj0

  • Nature's Recipe Grain Free Dog Food, Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe https://amzn.to/3vsEhXl

  • Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb, Goat and Venison 
    https://amzn.to/3LLLcRv

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Training Treats

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It's not one size fits all with dog treats! Please read my article How to Use Dog Treats Effectively in Training 

https://www.doggiemanners.com/post/how-to-use-dog-treats-effectively-in-training

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Recommended treats for obedience training

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Happy Howie's meat roll https://amzn.to/35xXLwK

Red Barn meat rolls https://amzn.to/3skwxFW

Zuke's puppy treats https://amzn.to/3q9x4b5

Zukes adult treats https://amzn.to/3J6pIxq

Blue Buffalo https://amzn.to/3GY4KPK

Recommended treats for behavior issues

 

Gigabite lamb lung https://amzn.to/3yGujSg

Beg & Barker variety pack jerky https://amzn.to/3GTIqGM

Downtown pet supply lamb lung https://amzn.to/3p9gYyI

Dog Chits lamb lung https://amzn.to/3p8Qxcn

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Recommended treats for confinement training

Bully stick – take it away when it gets small enough to swallow

Jack&Pup 12 inch https://amzn.to/3dFOcyd

Jack&Pup bully sticks 6 inch https://amzn.to/3m0NWwY

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Recommended treats for association training

Smart Bones peanut butter https://amzn.to/3yFcjYo

Three Dog Bakery peanut butter https://amzn.to/3miIAPY

IMK9 liver https://amzn.to/3GVbpKn

Stewart liver https://amzn.to/3FfQWzE

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Disclaimer: This article is for information only. It does not replace a consultation with a dog trainer, dog behavior consultant, or veterinarian and may not be used to diagnose or treat any conditions in your dog.

 

If you need help with puppy or dog training, we do both private in-person and virtual lessons via Zoom. Please contact us by calling or texting (310) 804-2392 or sending an email to caryl@DoggieManners.com . We look forward to working with you.

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