Rosetta

The other thing you need to remember with Vets is that the commercial food industry sponsors their university degrees and provide the nutrition information that they study. There is an awful lot of bias in the whole thing.

So, it isn't necessarily the vets fault entirely. They have been taught throughout their degree that the best diet is a commercial one and that raw is bad (commercial companies aren't exactly going to promote raw are they?)

It just amazes me that they have completed university degree(s), one would think they have a modicum of critical thinking skills.

The vet's degree would appear to be minimal in the areas of nutrition and behaviour issues. I was surprised at my vet's attitude when consulted about a behavioural issue - it was a "specialist" area and I needed to consult with a veterinary behaviourist. They can be very expensive for the average pet owner unfortunately and many people cannot afford it. Even some basic advice - found easily on the internet - would be helpful to people who don't have the resources to research for themselves but nothing at all was offered. I don't even ask for advice on feeding after seeing all the Hills products in the waiting room :)

Anyone seen that Seven Psychopaths movie? This story is weirdly similar.

I think she has framed it all wrong - she should have put up a sign saying there would be a $5 charge for "consultations" redeemable after any purchase.

Have had problems in the past with our full-coated Bichon, fleas and Advantix in the past, so he gets a Comfortis tab a probably once every 3 months and he's come pretty good The other 3 dogs (and cat, treated with advantage or frontline) are flea-free and seem to be fine with Advantix...

I won't use Advantix on my small breed as there have been reports of adverse effects on toy size dogs. I use Frontline and it does the job.

Who else could have investigated the complaints if not the RSPCA though? What were the options really - given that "official" complaints were made about animal welfare?

RSPCA did a full inspection of the premises while AWL were still on site and it passed with flying colours. if the problems are management based change management I would of thought. Would be fab if council pitched in a bit and built some new cages etc as well, quite happy for my rates to go to that, rather than rebuilding a park that floods every year and needs another few million thrown at it.

So agree with those sentiments. Its about time all councils showed a lot more dedication to seeking ways to help improve the animal welfare problem. While all this is happening what about the poor dogs coming into the pound environment now? What will be the PTS rate - will it be all a bit too difficult for most dogs to pass the temp test?

I believe the Logan area has quite good dog parks with separated areas for large and small - then again Logan is a large place as well and not part of Brisbane really.

Interesting point about the minerals though. I am still working through a large bag of TOTW so am not committed to changing over yet - all feedback and opinions are interesting IMO.

The minerals in TOTW are all chelated minerals. So it's good.

Someone said the VIP 3kg bag is about $14.89. That's very nicely priced! TOTW would be waaaaaaaaaay pricier.

Have you considered a plan B? There's a promotion here on Canidae Grain Free.

http://www.robbospetbarn.com.au/products/c-362/DOGS/FOOD/SUPER-PREMIUM/CANIDAE/GRAIN-FREE.aspx

It works out to be cheaper than TOTW and but still pricier than VIP.

Canidae has too high a protein content for my liking - and TOTW is a bit cheaper :)

Canidae protein levels vary from 20% in Platinum, to 40% in Sea. In between there are plenty of varieties of Canidae under 30% - this includes Grain Free Land at 25%.

What also has to be considered is how much food needs to be consumed from each brand as that can markedly alter the actual protein levels that are eaten by an individual - eg if brand A is 40% protein and the dog eats 100gm a day, then 40 grams of protein. If brand B is 30% protein but the dog eats 150gm a day, then 45 grams are consumed.

Sags

Yes I know. I was interested in a seafood grain free variety though and, from memory, the TOTW was lower in protein than the Canidae. I went for a bit lower in protein as I "add" something extra on top :)

Good point about the amount that is fed being significant though. The reasons I am looking for something else is availability and kibble size - the TOTW is a bit large for small mouths IMO.

Interesting point about the minerals though. I am still working through a large bag of TOTW so am not committed to changing over yet - all feedback and opinions are interesting IMO.

The minerals in TOTW are all chelated minerals. So it's good.

Someone said the VIP 3kg bag is about $14.89. That's very nicely priced! TOTW would be waaaaaaaaaay pricier.

Have you considered a plan B? There's a promotion here on Canidae Grain Free.

http://www.robbospetbarn.com.au/products/c-362/DOGS/FOOD/SUPER-PREMIUM/CANIDAE/GRAIN-FREE.aspx

It works out to be cheaper than TOTW and but still pricier than VIP.

Canidae has too high a protein content for my liking - and TOTW is a bit cheaper :)

I know all dogs are different, but TOTW didn't suit my lot at all. They did the most foul farts I have ever smelt in my life - at one stage, I thought there must be a toxic gas leak and we left the house. We then had to evacuate the car as I realised the smell was coming from them. True story.

Same here with my Lab. She has way too much diarrhoea and farts. Coat was also getting bad. Had to stop the Wellness Supermix for large breed and also the one for Senior.

Are you referring to TOTW or Wellness?? My dog disliked the Wellness.

True. The link would apply to most US Made premium food we discussed in this forum, but may not be for VIP which is made here.

But still, when it says 'meat meal', it could legally mean anything including euthanised cats and dogs, dying, diseased or disabled farm animals (like the recent scandal, horse meat!). These are plausible example and nobody can rule that out. If the human consumables could include the recent horse meat scandal, I wonder what happens to dog food....especially it's opently legal to do so when it is declared merely as 'meat meal'.

I have been told that it is illegal in in Aust. I have no reason to disbelieve the manufactures of dog foods.

Horse meat in beef pie is supposed to be illegal as well :)

The 'duck and meat meal' stmt is just dodgy. What's that really mean? Is this the ratio of 1% duck and 99% any meat under the sun. I give the benefit of the doubt that in this post someone know the council who help the company source the meat, but still it doesn't mean anything. 'Meat meal' literally means anything including pork or meat that your dog may be sensitive to.

Also by the way, the minerals found in VIP doesn't seem to be chelated minerals. As a result it's likely the minerals will pass through the dog system instead of being absorbed.

I made an enquiry to the company about the meat content in the duck and meat meal product some time ago as I too found it confusing and they replied that the only meat included was chicken and duck - have to believe them I suppose, unless we prepare our own dog's food from scratch then we have to trust that they are doing the right thing.

Interesting point about the minerals though. I am still working through a large bag of TOTW so am not committed to changing over yet - all feedback and opinions are interesting IMO.

Wow - HRT on their arms - who knew

Amazing the breeder even thought to ask the question.

Miah is seriously cute Jules :D My little Jack liked bully sticks also for a while and I thought I was on a winner for teeth cleaning :) Alas it was not to be - maybe he figured out what they were :laugh:

I would be cautious - it can upset the tummy. Perhaps you could try the children's strength?

I use the human grade variety chicken roll as well - I guess I just feel a bit more confident about the ingredients :)

Probably LDH as they have the Brisbane contract

This is why I shudder when I see those "Free to Good Home" ads - most people would not have a clue where their dog ends up

So the Council will just go back to killing all the dogs that come in will they??

Really is the Ipswich community happy with that state of affairs? I always thought the Ipswich mayor was such a good guy too. I can't take any of the dogs myself as my little dog is a bit anxious - I wonder if donations of food or money would help. Its awful to know this sort of thing is happening and not really be able to do anything

I am a big supporter of AWL Qld - the Ipswich Council seems to have lost the plot here

I am surprised the AWL website does not have something about this - wouldn't they be looking for some foster carers?

Poor little dogs - victims of throw-away attitude towards animals these days.

Here is Daisy with her 87 year "young" new mummy

Maree

CPR

I love this story - you can tell the lady just loves her Daisy. More Daisy in her new home pics please :D

Just came across this page listing herbal treatments for dogs - quite interesting.

http://www.dogster.com/dog-food/herbs-for-dogs

Aww - this brought a tear to my eye. Such a gorgeous little thing is Daisy - great outcome for all

Oh I would love to give my little poodle (5kg) something enjoyable to chew but I am so spooked about stories about bones getting stuck etc - I am real worrier I'm afraid

I thought I might give him a chicken neck - are they quite soft and easily digested?

Hello, I am currently doing research into the quality and duty of care of Vets in Canberra, ACT, if you have any stories regarding an experience/s with any Vets in Canberra and the region I would appreciate hearing from you with your stories....maybe your loved one wasn't treated correctly or failed to be treated as you saw fit

I understand you have had a very upsetting experience losing a pet and feel the vet was at fault. But you are honestly better off seeking redress through the proper channels as suggested in the other thread - Vet Board, private legal action, etc - rather than trying to gather any information via this method. I hope you can get some outcome that will go some way to helping you and your family cope better with your loss.

Not a comment about personal relationships so much but I have come to care much more about animal welfare issues than human welfare issues as I have gotten a bit older.