The only thing that concerned me about Orijen was the 40% protein, but even the Naturediet (once you've converted the protein level due to the moisture, etc) comes out at around 40% protein. I was told that the protein level is fine at 40% if the source is a high-quality, easily-digestible source such as meat. My spaniel has been fine on the 40% and his coat is far better than when I was feeding him the Burns. I still think Burns is a good quality kibble, but I feel too high in rice for my liking. This is why I began feeding the Naturediet alongside the Burns, but have recently changed to Orijen for Henry's breakfast. As I still have five boxes of Naturediet in the garage, he's having this for his dinner. Any other opinions on Orijen would be welcome!

I hope this doesn't sound condescending, but well done that man! You have no idea how many people see 40% protein and start having their proverbial kittens. By converting to a dry matter basis, you can objectively compare the protein (or other nutrient) levels. 40% protein is actually less than a whole raw animal carcass and I've yet to see a wild dog or wolf become sick because he ate too much of those!

As yet, however, neither I or any of the world's renowned ecologists, biologists and conservationists have seen a wild dog or wolf hunting for maize, corn, oats, wheat, barley or rice. That tells me all I need to know.

Absolutely agree, Rainmaker! Icouldn't get my head around feeding mainly rice to my dog. (I'm female, by the way!. Thanks for an interesting chat.

Oops! Misleading username is misleading! My bad! Well done that lass, then, and likewise!

They had this in my local garden pet section. They currently have a few bags left and they are half price. I liked the look of it and had somne sample bags but i thought it looked too gimmicky so didn't study it too closely. Doesn't look like they are going to re stock it or i would have given it a try for you.

Did use the sample bags for training for a bit but Oscar wasn't overexcited (he is a fussy beggar though )

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Henry, no I dont think its a better kibble than Orijen, I was just looking around for alternatives that were more evenly priced. Orijens one of the best kibbles there is. A raw diet for me is a bit complicated - getting feeding amounts right, having good stocks, making the expense equal complete kibbles and remembering to order products would just let me down lol

Rainmaker - I realise what your saying about the added meat to an already complete kibble I did wonder that but then again with a kibble like this adding meat to it may well work out as cheap in the long run (only guestemating). As I say Im just considering options and Barking Heads looks good at 36 pounds... I realise that the protein in it will not all be coming from the meat sources too but on the whole it seems a good deal for the ingredients.

The one thing thats drawing me back is that with delivery it will be more or less 40 pounds and as rainmaker says Orijen with all its added benefits is delivered for only 6 pounds more and you have the assurance meats have been preserved right and are cooked to better standards than anything around etc etc etc.

edit: Henry It sounds like you were feeding exactly what I was with mine - Burns + ND then changed to Orijen The only reason why I changed is because the ND was giving him the loose stools, I eventually threw the last few packs away as they werent getting used to it. But Burns is as you say pretty digestable on the whole. Have to agree MY SPANIEL TOO!! has a much better coat - both of them lol

is that the Barking Heads? I agree the packaging doesnt look too professional, ive asked them for some sample bags but as yet ive not had reply to my mail yesterday..

The point I was making was that you're not accounting for feeding amounts. Even if the feeding amounts of Barking Heads are identical to Orijen (I highly doubt it, Orijen requires about 1/2 to 3/4 less per meal than grain based kibbles as you know) then Barking Heads becomes false economy when you add in the cost of meat and/or greaves (dried meat meal).

If we consider that Barking Heads requires a greater portion per day (in grams) than Orijen, then Barking Heads becomes even MORE expensive again! That means, as you say, the kibble with the best ingredients is not only cheaper overall but better quality. A no brainer, surely? Do your maths carefully before you decide. I'm not trying to tell you what to choose, only giving you the information required to do so in full knowledge.

BTW, raw feeding isn't hard at all and there's no hard work involved. Order/buy some raw meaty bones (chicken frames, meaty lamb ribs, breast of lamb, whole fish, lots of things available to choose from) and feed them. Simple. No need to panic over nutritional content, balance or any of those things. When stocks run low, order some more. Couldn't be easier!

It's also very VERY cheap. I pay £2 for 10KG of whole raw meaty chicken frames. Each dog needs one or two frames a day, and there are a LOT of frames in a 10KG box! Add in a bit of liver and heart once a week (40p at the supermarket or butcher), some green tripe chunks as a treat, and you're literally feeding your dogs on a diet better than even Orijen for pennies a week.

Sorry to barge in on this thread. But there seems to be be some knowledgeable dog food people on this thread. Ive just bought a bag of this for my dogs

fish4Dogs Finest Salmon Complete Dry For Dogs


More information... Succulent Salmon is what dogs dream of. Salmon Super Premium Complete 4 Dogs is made from 55% fish (34% Salmon) and contains high quality ingredients that provide a well balanced daily diet and all the vitamins and minerals needed to maintain optimum health.

No additives
No Preservatives
No Wheat or Gluten

Ingredients: Salmon 30.5%, Potato 30.5%, Herring Meal 21.4%, Salmon Oil 7.6%, Beet Fibre 6.4%, Brewers Yeast 2.1%, Minerals 0.8%, Vitamins 0.7%

Nutritional Analysis:Protein 26%, Oil 12%, Ash 9%, Fibre 2.5%, Vitamin A 15,000 iu/kg, Vitamin D3 1,500 iu/kg, Vitamin E 125 iu/kg, Copper 18 mg/kg

Calories: 338 Kcal/100gm

What do you guys make of it? No grains in it but a lot of potato.

Ps. Rainmaker do you frequent THL forum?

mm - i know about the feed amounts so yes i suppose the quality of it you may have to feed them more. I do like Orijen not only as a kibble but as a company - they are very good at what they do

edit: with the fish4dogs kibble it looks pretty good to me. I wouldnt worry about the potato - its easily digested as will provide some carb support for the meal, wont do them any harm at all. Ive never really gone for the fish kibbles simply becase of the smell on thier breath id think it would give them - dont know if theres any truth in that. Looks reasonable on the whole though