[meky6ra]

Oh, sorry 🙁 So if it can’t be rated, then it can’t be included in the Editor’s Choice list?

[Dori]

NO! If they can’t rate it than there is no way that they can include it in an Editor’s Choice list!!!! How would they be able to include it in foods that they believe are the best if they can not evaluate it?

• This reply was modified 10 years, 6 months ago by Dori.

[theBCnut]

Often these diets are a bit low in protein or use questionable ingredients, so on this site wouldn’t get a good rating, but they are for specific illnesses, and may need to be formulated in a specific way. You just can’t judge a food for a specific problem the same way you do for a normal food. I believe I’ve heard that, of the prescription diets, Rayne Nutrition is known to be one of the best, if not the best.

[DogFoodie]

I KNOW that I’ve seen that Rayne is one of Susan Thixton’s favorite foods.

[meky6ra]

Well, I thought that brands made it to the Editor’s Choice list for reasons other than their star ratings (cleanliness, reliable sources, transparency, etc…)

I feel like the ingredients in the Rayne products are not questionable and the guaranteed analysis of the kangaroo and sweet potato kibble says 28% protein. The Iams prescription food that Dixie was eating before has “animal fat” and the protein is 19%.

This is why I thought that it might be an Editor’s Choice brand.

• This reply was modified 10 years, 6 months ago by meky6ra.

[Kristin C]

This is in response to Patricia B and Mom2cavs from Sept 2014, I fed my 4 yr old Blue Buffalo since we got her at 9 weeks and she did great (along with lazy half raw). Our new pup, chihuahua mix in Dec 2013, did better on the Purina Puppy Chow they fed her at the rescue (than the Blue Puppy-and we were fans of Blue!). After watching it come out both ends for a few weeks (a growing puppy!) we switched her to raw along with our older dog, and I will never go back if I can help it. I realize it’s not for everyone. We use Orijen kibble and freeze dried as we need to once or twice per week. I feel awful for feeding my older dog Blue for as long as I did. She has lost weight and her coat shines so much more than when she ate Blue kibble.

[Dori]

Can’t remember if explanation was given for Nature’s Logic not being on the EC list. 5 star kibble, readily available and many posters on DFA feed it. It is the only kibble in my rotation feeding. All other foods I feed are raw, freeze dried, dehydrated. Thx.

[Nancy C]

In reply to Kristin… After my experiences w kibble I too changed to raw with the help of several wonderful people here and I can’t imagine going back. For me it’s a bit of a job to find resources other than whole foods ( un medicated /chemicalized chicken) and the Butcher shop. I have been to a slaugther house, called local grass feeding farmers (who never return calls) and am networking to find a more cost effective source for the variety of raw food. Nonetheless I will continue the raw because I can SEE a difference in my dogs. My GSD’s teeth are so much cleaner from HARE TODAY’s great Turkey Necks. I am still anxious about feeding the BEEF RIB BONES (any suggestions?) In my head I know his molars can chew them but I keep being afraid he’ll swallow a sharp piece which could cause trouble on it’s journey through and out the other end. Anyone else’s dogs doing fine on chewing Beef Rib Bones? I am asking around and it appears they are not a problem, and are very healthy. Tom Lonsdale DVM writes a worthwhile book RAW MEATY BONES and has a website with that title. I know I need to overcome this concern. Best of Luck, Kristin!

[Kristin C]

Hi Nancy-I fed my dogs beef rib bones a couple weeks ago and it’s not for me. I’m not sure if you were on my DFA post that day. Once all the meat was gone they did not want to give up the bones. And my fear is that they’ll break a tooth, which my older dog did on a beef marrow bone which I no longer feed. We stick with the consumable RMBs, chicken necks and backs, and turkey necks, duck parts. I have to order them as I don’t find them at the grocer, other than occasionally turkey necks.

[Robin B]

i know that Nulo Grain Free is still relatively new, but what a great food. I tried many of Advisor’s 5 star dry foods, before successfully finding and loving Nulo. Nulo has to be a future consideration for Editor’s Choice!!!!

[Terry G]

“Small Batch” is a raw, frozen food. The company started in San Francisco, CA. I mix it with “Primal” brand goat’s milk.

[Katherine R]

You gave such a positive review of The Real Meat Company’s dry dog food that I don’t understand why it didn’t make your Editor’s Choice list.

[theBCnut]

If you read a number of different reviews, you will see that Dr Mike uses much the same language for many reviews. In an effort to be impartial in his reviews he uses the same wording for the same thing in all reviews. EC is the cream of the cream of the crop. Very few brands will make it.

[pugmomsandy]

The Editor’s Choice list gets updated periodically. Some companies will be added and some may be removed as the pet food industry is always changing.

[Naturella]

Dr. Mike, is it possible to please highlight changes to the Editor’s Choice List every month? I never manage to see what the difference in the brand lists is… Thank you!

[lauren t]

life abundance
located in Jupiter FL
http://www.lifesabundance.com/Category/DogFood.aspx?realname=20054570&cat=0&hdr=&Ath=False

[Hound Dog Mom]

Hi Naturella –

That’s a good idea. I’ll ask Dr. Mike what he thinks! 🙂

[Hound Dog Mom]

Hi Katherine –

Just because a food receives a good review doesn’t necessarily mean it will qualify as an Editor’s Choice selection – if all the foods that had high ratings were EC selections there would be no purpose of having an EC. The star ratings are based on the ingredients list and guaranteed analysis only – so basically if the food looks good on paper it will receive a high rating. The Editor’s Choice Report takes into consideration several additional factors such as recall history, transparency, ingredient sourcing, customer service, availability, etc. The Editor’s Choice foods are held to a much higher standard than other foods. This is not to say, however, that a food is bad because it wasn’t chosen for feature in the EC. Some foods are fabulous and they just may not have been chosen for something as simple as not having a wide enough availability or, in some cases, it’s even possible that we are not familiar with the particular food (which is why we love suggestions!). I encourage you to check out our FAQ section to learn more about the selection process.

• This reply was modified 10 years, 5 months ago by Hound Dog Mom.
• This reply was modified 10 years, 5 months ago by Hound Dog Mom.

[Hound Dog Mom]

Hi Terry –

You can certainly mix a different brand of raw dog food with Primal’s goat’s milk. My dogs love raw goat’s milk, unfortunately I have a difficult time getting it in my area. 🙁

[Linda P]

Natural Planet Salmon and Rabbit

[Renate W]

Acana Light and Fit, is a very good dry food for dogs with weight issues. Why is it not available in the USA like all the other Acana formulas?
From: Renate, Cleveland Ohio

[aquariangt]

None of the Acana Classics are available in the states. My assumption is because of limited manufacturing capabilities from their plant. They are opening a plant in Kentucky sometime in the coming future, so that should make more of acana’s formulas available

[Linda M]

Nature’s Logic

[Adam Q]

HI –

I’d to know more about:
BLUE Wilderness®
Rocky Mountain Recipe™
Healthy Weight Red Meat

It doesn’t appear to be listed on the site.

[Karene H]

I would like to see some info on choosing a good vitamin/mineral supplement. There doesn’t seem to be any recommended daily allowance on the labels, just the amount of each nutrient, but I don’t know how to tell whether it is a good amount, or not so good.

[Melissa OBryan]

Life’s Abundance dry Dog & Puppy formulas and canned dog food. Veterinarian formulated and never recalled. They ship direct to the customer so it’s super fresh and they know exactly where their products are if there ever were an issue. Thank you for your consideration! ~Melissa O’Bryan – Independent Field Rep of Life’s Abundance since 2001.

[Jean R]

What about Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage?

[Linda P]

Sportmix Wholesomes Chicken and Rice. I understand the other Sportmix formulas are only a 3.5 rating but this formula is rated by you guys as 4. I buy it because it is very budget friendly and yet is rated a 4. In addition, I show German Shepherds and have a number of dogs being fed this food right now and I’ve fed it long enough to see the condition, energy, and beautiful coats they have as a result. I’ve tried several different brands rated both 4 and 5 and so far, the best results on my dogs is this one. Also 40 pound bag is less than $30.00 at Tractor Supply! Another big plus is that the dogs really like it. What good does it do to feed a highly considered food that the dogs won’t eat unless they are starving and even then are hesitant? I’ve had that happen a few times also!

[Saig]

Hi Linda, do you feed your Gs puppies this food as well? Do they do well on the sportsmix chicken? I’ve been wanting to try this. Thanks.

[Linda P]

I haven’t had a litter this year but I might when I do again. I have a really nice girl I’m ready to start showing. Once she is a Champion, I will probably breed her. GSD puppies need to grow slowly so I often will raise them on an adult formula as long as it is a good one. I’ve been so impressed with this one, I just might do that.

[Jamie M]

Victor grain free and victor select

[Shiela F]

Newman’s Own Organic

[Alexis H]

I know that you have reviewed Orijen Dog Foods, however I would love to see you evaluate Orijen’s new product in the United States, Orijen Tundra Dry Food (It contains different meats). Thank you

[Pamila G]

N & D Farmina is now available in the United States. I would like to see that one and also Natures Logic. They both seem to be excellent food. I do feed Natures Logic but would like to alternate between Farmina and Natures Logic.

Pam

[Loraine J]

How about Wellness Core GF Ocean Formula? My 3 dogs are diong very well on it. Haven’t seen any reviews though.

[aquariangt]

Wellpet is on the editor’s choice list

[joe d]

canine cavior dry, chicken formula. its been great for my dogs. i rescue and foster. its just too exspensive when you feed 4-5 dogs. and reccomends for same quality but lower price.

[Deborah B W]

I would like to know if you ever researched flint river ranch dry dog food lamb and rice
Or the fish formula by them ? Supposedly they have high quality ingredients and have never been recalled. Is that brand in lamb and rice ok for a 3 month puppy?

[theBCnut]

Go to the review side and look up Flint River Ranch. It’s there.

[Deborah B W]

Flint river ranch lamb and rice, fish, or chicken dry food is rated pretty high with no known recalls. What is your opinion on this food ? Please let me know by e-mail

[rose g]

WHAT ABOUT ZIWIPEAK

[Regina D]

Why are Blue Buffalo Stews not on this list? They are 5 star rated. My dog loves them.

[theBCnut]

This is the cream of the cream of companies, not every company that makes 5 star foods will make it. If the brand, Blue Buffalo, doesn’t make the list, then the individual foods they make certainly won’t be listed.

[Chase]

Hi Mike.

Only Natural Pet Canine PowerFood (Poultry Feast).

Only Natural Pet PowerFood Chicken and Poultry Feast Grain Free Dog Food

[Judy M]

I cn’t find Darwins it was listed 5 star on regular DGA site…has it not het been rated or is it now not recommended? need to know because using it for my dog Thx Judy

[Judy M]

oops typo DGA should be DFA, …am sure u knew that tho?

[theBCnut]

One of the criteria for EC is widely available. Since Darwin’s is only available directly from the manufacturer, it isn’t considered widely available. It is still a great food.

[Judy M]

Ohhhh , didn’t read criteria carefully enough, Thanks for the info BCnt; I guess I will stick with it since it wasn’t omitted due to quality.
(I feed the more expensive free range “no additive junk’ version) of Darwins and conveniently pkg’d and easy to use .

[MARICAR H]

How about Evo grain free dog food. I am seriously considering buying it and rotate the different main meat ingredients.

[Jennifer N]

Why isn’t Halo on here? How do you know who uses the 4 D meats? I don’t see that info in the ratings, that’s very important to me.

[Author]

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