Concerned about puppy's weight

[Box Boys]

Thank you...you've been a GREAT help!

 

[LILYLARUE]

I was just researching food last month, which is how I found this site! Woo Hoo!

I read about Hills Science Diet, which is what all my pups are on. And that is because the breeder feed Lily that and the rescue center feed it to my other two. What I did read, and not in exact words, is that SD supports many of the vet schools, so the Vets graduate knowing only the brand that is promoted by the school. Well, cause they fund most of their expenses. That certainly makes sense since my Vet only has it on their shelves for retail sales. They also get a kick-back for selling this product. Which would explain why at my vet it's $45 for a 20 lb. bag and at PetSmart, it's only $27 (with my discount of course).

I am looking into finding a local place that would sell the higher end stuff and weening them off the "McDonald's quality food and on to higher quality foods. Price is a huge concern for me since I'm a single mom of 3 pups and 1 skin girl. I am willing to splurge a bit on quality stuff.

So keep your comments coming......I'm sure I'm not the only one in the process of switching.

 

[BxrMommieNAZ]

I was just researching food last month, which is how I found this site! Woo Hoo!

I read about Hills Science Diet, which is what all my pups are on. And that is because the breeder feed Lily that and the rescue center feed it to my other two. What I did read, and not in exact words, is that SD supports many of the vet schools, so the Vets graduate knowing only the brand that is promoted by the school. Well, cause they fund most of their expenses. That certainly makes sense since my Vet only has it on their shelves for retail sales. They also get a kick-back for selling this product. Which would explain why at my vet it's $45 for a 20 lb. bag and at PetSmart, it's only $27 (with my discount of course).

I am looking into finding a local place that would sell the higher end stuff and weening them off the "McDonald's quality food and on to higher quality foods. Price is a huge concern for me since I'm a single mom of 3 pups and 1 skin girl. I am willing to splurge a bit on quality stuff.

So keep your comments coming......I'm sure I'm not the only one in the process of switching.

Well to be quite honest with you I doubt you'll spend MORE than what you're spending on Science Diet, if you do not much and you will feed less so you will spend less in the long run. I get a 28 pound bag of Natural Balance for $38 at PetCo, that lasts (2) 65 pound dogs exactly 3 weeks. So I only spend $10 more than you do but I also get 8 pounds more and i would be willing to bet it lasts me longer. Just something else to look at too.

 

[LILYLARUE]

Thank you, I didn't think of that! That is, there would be less dished out per meal. Also had no idea PetCo would carry quality food.

Couldn't find any at Petsmart so just assumed none would sell it. I also was told that PetCo gets there pups from puppy mills and will euthanize if they aren't sold. So I just didn't shop there for that reason. Wondering if it's true?

 

[gmacleod]

99.9% of puppy mill puppies go to pet stores. And at the same time, no responsible breeder would ever sell a puppy that way (who can ceed control over where the puppy ends up, and call themselves responsible? Plus, it's against the boxer club code of ethics, so any ABC member who let a pet store near one of their puppies risks being struck off).

Therefore - the only possible source of puppies in pet stores are the puppy mills, backyard breeders and other irresponsibles, or brokers (who themselves source pups through mills or BYBs). Doesn't matter if it's Petco or anywhere else. If a pet store sells puppies, that's where they came from.

I have no idea about the euthanasia bit.

 

[LILYLARUE]

Break my heart!!!!

I don't know if all Petsmart's use the adopt-a-pet through the humane league/aspca, but I sure find that a wonderful idea and wish all petstores aided in adoptions.

Coming from Lancaster, PA where we are the Puppy Mill Capital of the world, I think it is a huge stance against the puppy mills here in this county.

If only I had millions of dollars and people to organize raids! I drive the bus to every single mill and BYB and rescue all them poor pooches. Well, then I would have to build a bigger house too, cause it would be hard to let any of them go!

 

[BxrMommieNAZ]

Thank you, I didn't think of that! That is, there would be less dished out per meal. Also had no idea PetCo would carry quality food.

Couldn't find any at Petsmart so just assumed none would sell it. I also was told that PetCo gets there pups from puppy mills and will euthanize if they aren't sold. So I just didn't shop there for that reason. Wondering if it's true?

PetCo doesn't sell dogs at all. They have fish maybe some small things like mice and rats and that's about it. Any dogs you see on the weekends at PetCo are rescue group dogs and are adopted out through individual rescue groups. PetCo does a lot of good things, let's rescue groups use their facility and let's low cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinics use their property as well.

And they now sell Wellness, Natural Balance, and Solid Gold food so IMO they are quite a bit above PetSmart in their practices.

 

[BxrMommieNAZ]

Break my heart!!!!

I don't know if all Petsmart's use the adopt-a-pet through the humane league/aspca, but I sure find that a wonderful idea and wish all petstores aided in adoptions.

Coming from Lancaster, PA where we are the Puppy Mill Capital of the world, I think it is a huge stance against the puppy mills here in this county.

If only I had millions of dollars and people to organize raids! I drive the bus to every single mill and BYB and rescue all them poor pooches. Well, then I would have to build a bigger house too, cause it would be hard to let any of them go!

Yes all PetSmarts and PetCo's as well do NOT sell dogs or cats they are in conjunction with rescue groups and/or Humane Societies.

 

[4everdogs]

Thank you, I didn't think of that! That is, there would be less dished out per meal. Also had no idea PetCo would carry quality food.

Couldn't find any at Petsmart so just assumed none would sell it. I also was told that PetCo gets there pups from puppy mills and will euthanize if they aren't sold. So I just didn't shop there for that reason. Wondering if it's true?

Your Petco has puppies for sale??? I have never seen puppies for sale at Petco. I have seen adoption events on the weekends, but those are homeless dogs from shelters/rescues who are looking for homes.

 

[LILYLARUE]

No, I'm sorry if you misunderstood me. I heard that from someone that they sold puppymill dogs, so I never went. This was years ago. Once I got my pups, I just automatically went to Petsmart cause they were closer to my house. Now that I know it's not Petco's practice, I shall go immediately to purchase good quality food. Just goes to show, what a rumor can facilitate huh? Guilty here.

Thanks!!! I appreciate you clearing up the rumor.