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Thu 27 Sep 2007 05:08PM PDT

itsallmine 114 post(s)

I spend 15 minutes reading on the internet and it seems that the overall opinion is that Science Diet is not all that great. Why is it that the vet is always trying to convert me over to this food? They were pushing this way back when I had my other dog. I hate to throw out a easily came to assumption but it seems that if they cared so much about my dog they would read some of the reviews by people and other vets? Someone please tell me this food isn't that bad so I can toss this assumption away, if they are putting profit in front of whats actually good for my dog then it's time to move on, or has this become standard practice now?

Thu 27 Sep 2007 05:34PM PDT

Robert 298 post(s)

I have opinions on this too. Science diet produces 'vet only' food - and the vets seems to prescribe them. This means you have to get it from them and it was not cheap.

Thu 27 Sep 2007 06:16PM PDT

kay 53 post(s)

You are slowly killing your dog!!!! Ingredients Brewers Rice, Died Egg Product, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Natural Flavor, Soybean Oil, Powdered Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Fish Oil, Potassium Chloride, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Iodized Salt, Taurine, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Citric Acid & Ethoxyquin, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract. I have no clue what most most of these ingredients are, much less how to pronounce them, definitely not "natural" dog/cats/ferrets are not meant to eat this crap. Incase you did not hear about the RECALL, Science diet along with Waltham (Banfield's RX diet-Royal Canin) where both in the recall and manufactured by the same company that manufactures dog food for Dollar General and Mal Wart. If you read the ingredient list for the science diet "prescribed" by you vet, did you google each ingredient? find out exactly what they are? Look that item up on the USDA website? how long does it take your dog to digest and utilize that ingredient? What benefits does your dog receive from that ingredient?Does your dog really need it? Or is that ingredient just a "filler" a cheap, inexpensive item for that manufacturer to make a huge profit? These are questions you need to ask yourself. If you don't like what you find out in research, then look for alternatives, holistic and or raw foods, make your own food at home (with proper research/supplements) FIND A DIFFERENT VET!!!! Modern medicine is wonderful to a point, those dr's don't spend that much money for school, to make very little. Just do some more research, and then alittle more. I work for a top raw pet food manufacturer, I am not here to drum up business, not everyone who loves their pet can afford this type of food, some people are uncomfortable feeding it, but there are alternatives to the "generic dog/cat kibble" And if you do research on your dogs "ailment" or that ailment for humans, you may be able to fix your own food. Just keep the diet simple, for humans as well as pets. Variety is good and a balance of meat/veggies/fruit, the same for us. I wish you the best of luck

Thu 27 Sep 2007 06:30PM PDT

itsallmine 114 post(s)

No, actually I'm not, my question isn't what is in it (I've read all that) but why, if it is common knowledge that this stuff is bad do they continue to push it? I'm looking for a positive here to restore faith in my vet. I don't really want to look for a new vet but this begs the question if I should believe anything they say at all. It's akin to a people doctor telling you to take up smoking.

Thu 27 Sep 2007 06:49PM PDT

kay 53 post(s)

It is not really common knowledge, most people accept the opion of their doctor because ... he/she is a doctor and must have more knowledge the we do. Yes it is akin to what you stated, But pet food is different then Human food/medicine. They can get away with alot more and most people don't care, because it is "just a pet", especially since pets aren't pets all over the world, there are way lower restrictions on many things, 1 includes pet food and health care. The people who "police" pet food are very slim, and a person on "death row" will eat better then your pet, and have better medical care then your pet. AAFCO (association of american feed control) feeding tests, require the MINIMUM requirements be met for a dog/cat/animal food. As long as the pet in testing doesn't die, during their 8 month test, the food is pretty much available for sale nationwide. The test doesn't look long term (health problems, allergies, etc..) just that their blood test are pretty much stable. AAFCO makes a profit, the manufactuer makes a profit, the distributor makes a profit and the store makes a profit. I was a vet tech for quite a few years, and loved what I did, but hated the profit "push" Money is made in all aspects of life, all I can tell tou is if it really bothers you, do more research and make your own decisions. Ask your vet why he thinks that prescription food is so much better, push his buttons. You are paying for his/her time and opion, get your moneys worth! Ask all these questions to your vet

Thu 27 Sep 2007 07:21PM PDT

CarlaGenender 291 post(s)

I read a post from a vet online a few months ago - I will try to find it. This vet said that the dog food companies subsidize the cost of veterinary school for many students, and this creates a built-in loyalty/sense of obligation. I don't know if it's true or not, it's just something I read.

Sat 29 Sep 2007 10:00AM PDT

itsallmine 114 post(s)

Thanks for the replies, ya know, I could almost understand the loyalty thing Carla, loyalty is a good quality. I'm still not going to feed that stuff to my dog though. The rise in all these issues, not only in dogs but people as well has me alittle paranoid about what goes into his system be it from vaccinations or everyday kibble, it seems there is very little oversite in all of it, you see the news and it's FDA this or FDA that and it's rarely good news. Thanks again, Me and Buddy

Sat 29 Sep 2007 11:31AM PDT

TinaValant 845 post(s)

If you put a crappy gasoline in your car does it run effectively? Later, you can encounter problems with efficiency and mechanical difficulties if you continue with bad fuel. If you consume junkfood or an unbalanced diet, how's your skin and overall health? Living organisms spanning protozoa to giraffes and blue whales are affected by diet and environment. At a dog show this year, I met a guy with a gorgeous briard pup. He bragged that he paid $3500 for him & about the champion lines he came from. I HAD to ask him what he fed. My tire jack was needed to put my jaw back in place. "Same thing I fed my dog that lived 18 years. Old Roy. I get it at WalMart". A Jeff Foxworthy quote came to mind, "Ya can't argue with stupid"! Hill's Science Diet parent company is Colgate-Palmolive. My himalayan cat, Spencer's life was prolonged with SD's urinary care formula, for that I am thankful. A lot of events are sponsored by SD at vet schools; where most vets only get between 4-8 hours of nutrition training. Keep in mind anything (regardless of cost) you buy off a shelf is 6-18 months old (imagine the preservatives needed). Get the batch number and call the company on the bag, like I did. Over the years, I have learned (an ongoing process) what works for my pets, and those of family and friends (whom I consider mine, too!). *Bottom line* ~ Learn as much as you can, examine your dog's weight, skin, ears, teeth, behaviors and even the poo. Talk to vets, savvy dog owners (lots, here), and then make the best decision for your pet. I will certainly answer anything asked, and if I don't know, I will gladly find out for you.

Sun 30 Sep 2007 06:00AM PDT

rachelk 64 post(s)

I used to feed Emily SD until I started reading the wealth of information provided. Granted SD was better than what she was eating (garbage and random handouts) and I did see several improvements, she put on weight and her coat got a nice gloss to it however on the down side she was still having very large and loose stools. However I have since switched her to the Chicken Soup dog food and she has had less stools and she still has the pretty gloss and is maintaining her weight.

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Thu 27 Sep 2007 05:08PM PDT itsallmine 114 post(s)	I spend 15 minutes reading on the internet and it seems that the overall opinion is that Science Diet is not all that great. Why is it that the vet is always trying to convert me over to this food? They were pushing this way back when I had my other dog. I hate to throw out a easily came to assumption but it seems that if they cared so much about my dog they would read some of the reviews by people and other vets? Someone please tell me this food isn't that bad so I can toss this assumption away, if they are putting profit in front of whats actually good for my dog then it's time to move on, or has this become standard practice now?

Thu 27 Sep 2007 05:34PM PDT Robert 298 post(s)	I have opinions on this too. Science diet produces 'vet only' food - and the vets seems to prescribe them. This means you have to get it from them and it was not cheap.


Thu 27 Sep 2007 06:16PM PDT kay 53 post(s)	You are slowly killing your dog!!!! Ingredients Brewers Rice, Died Egg Product, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Natural Flavor, Soybean Oil, Powdered Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Fish Oil, Potassium Chloride, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Iodized Salt, Taurine, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Citric Acid & Ethoxyquin, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract. I have no clue what most most of these ingredients are, much less how to pronounce them, definitely not "natural" dog/cats/ferrets are not meant to eat this crap. Incase you did not hear about the RECALL, Science diet along with Waltham (Banfield's RX diet-Royal Canin) where both in the recall and manufactured by the same company that manufactures dog food for Dollar General and Mal Wart. If you read the ingredient list for the science diet "prescribed" by you vet, did you google each ingredient? find out exactly what they are? Look that item up on the USDA website? how long does it take your dog to digest and utilize that ingredient? What benefits does your dog receive from that ingredient?Does your dog really need it? Or is that ingredient just a "filler" a cheap, inexpensive item for that manufacturer to make a huge profit? These are questions you need to ask yourself. If you don't like what you find out in research, then look for alternatives, holistic and or raw foods, make your own food at home (with proper research/supplements) FIND A DIFFERENT VET!!!! Modern medicine is wonderful to a point, those dr's don't spend that much money for school, to make very little. Just do some more research, and then alittle more. I work for a top raw pet food manufacturer, I am not here to drum up business, not everyone who loves their pet can afford this type of food, some people are uncomfortable feeding it, but there are alternatives to the "generic dog/cat kibble" And if you do research on your dogs "ailment" or that ailment for humans, you may be able to fix your own food. Just keep the diet simple, for humans as well as pets. Variety is good and a balance of meat/veggies/fruit, the same for us. I wish you the best of luck

Thu 27 Sep 2007 06:30PM PDT itsallmine 114 post(s)	No, actually I'm not, my question isn't what is in it (I've read all that) but why, if it is common knowledge that this stuff is bad do they continue to push it? I'm looking for a positive here to restore faith in my vet. I don't really want to look for a new vet but this begs the question if I should believe anything they say at all. It's akin to a people doctor telling you to take up smoking.

Thu 27 Sep 2007 06:49PM PDT kay 53 post(s)	It is not really common knowledge, most people accept the opion of their doctor because ... he/she is a doctor and must have more knowledge the we do. Yes it is akin to what you stated, But pet food is different then Human food/medicine. They can get away with alot more and most people don't care, because it is "just a pet", especially since pets aren't pets all over the world, there are way lower restrictions on many things, 1 includes pet food and health care. The people who "police" pet food are very slim, and a person on "death row" will eat better then your pet, and have better medical care then your pet. AAFCO (association of american feed control) feeding tests, require the MINIMUM requirements be met for a dog/cat/animal food. As long as the pet in testing doesn't die, during their 8 month test, the food is pretty much available for sale nationwide. The test doesn't look long term (health problems, allergies, etc..) just that their blood test are pretty much stable. AAFCO makes a profit, the manufactuer makes a profit, the distributor makes a profit and the store makes a profit. I was a vet tech for quite a few years, and loved what I did, but hated the profit "push" Money is made in all aspects of life, all I can tell tou is if it really bothers you, do more research and make your own decisions. Ask your vet why he thinks that prescription food is so much better, push his buttons. You are paying for his/her time and opion, get your moneys worth! Ask all these questions to your vet


Thu 27 Sep 2007 07:21PM PDT CarlaGenender 291 post(s)	I read a post from a vet online a few months ago - I will try to find it. This vet said that the dog food companies subsidize the cost of veterinary school for many students, and this creates a built-in loyalty/sense of obligation. I don't know if it's true or not, it's just something I read.

Sat 29 Sep 2007 10:00AM PDT itsallmine 114 post(s)	Thanks for the replies, ya know, I could almost understand the loyalty thing Carla, loyalty is a good quality. I'm still not going to feed that stuff to my dog though. The rise in all these issues, not only in dogs but people as well has me alittle paranoid about what goes into his system be it from vaccinations or everyday kibble, it seems there is very little oversite in all of it, you see the news and it's FDA this or FDA that and it's rarely good news. Thanks again, Me and Buddy

Sat 29 Sep 2007 11:31AM PDT TinaValant 845 post(s)	If you put a crappy gasoline in your car does it run effectively? Later, you can encounter problems with efficiency and mechanical difficulties if you continue with bad fuel. If you consume junkfood or an unbalanced diet, how's your skin and overall health? Living organisms spanning protozoa to giraffes and blue whales are affected by diet and environment. At a dog show this year, I met a guy with a gorgeous briard pup. He bragged that he paid $3500 for him & about the champion lines he came from. I HAD to ask him what he fed. My tire jack was needed to put my jaw back in place. "Same thing I fed my dog that lived 18 years. Old Roy. I get it at WalMart". A Jeff Foxworthy quote came to mind, "Ya can't argue with stupid"! Hill's Science Diet parent company is Colgate-Palmolive. My himalayan cat, Spencer's life was prolonged with SD's urinary care formula, for that I am thankful. A lot of events are sponsored by SD at vet schools; where most vets only get between 4-8 hours of nutrition training. Keep in mind anything (regardless of cost) you buy off a shelf is 6-18 months old (imagine the preservatives needed). Get the batch number and call the company on the bag, like I did. Over the years, I have learned (an ongoing process) what works for my pets, and those of family and friends (whom I consider mine, too!). Bottom line ~ Learn as much as you can, examine your dog's weight, skin, ears, teeth, behaviors and even the poo. Talk to vets, savvy dog owners (lots, here), and then make the best decision for your pet. I will certainly answer anything asked, and if I don't know, I will gladly find out for you.

Sun 30 Sep 2007 06:00AM PDT rachelk 64 post(s)	I used to feed Emily SD until I started reading the wealth of information provided. Granted SD was better than what she was eating (garbage and random handouts) and I did see several improvements, she put on weight and her coat got a nice gloss to it however on the down side she was still having very large and loose stools. However I have since switched her to the Chicken Soup dog food and she has had less stools and she still has the pretty gloss and is maintaining her weight.