Feeding a diet high in grain would not be good for all dogs, as there could be issues, but for some it would be fine. Then to much protein can be equally as damaging for some, did I say all dogs are individual before... I think so.
Dogs need whatever they need, and whatever gives them what they need is good food... where it comes from is irrelevant as is the price. To keep it simple, if a dog needs high spec food FOR A REASON sobeit, sadly for too many owners it's just brand snobbery.
PG - out of interest what are you feeding your champions??
Cost is CHF 91 a sack, which lasts him 3 months and counting (since he only has it for breakfast, dinner is raw food). I think that compares well with that German site that charges € 57 for a 13.5 kg sack and is also much better value than the Fenrier and, frankly, most other brands in Fressnapf et al
As others have said, the main thing is that he likes it (although he doesn't mind a bit of variety too), and I feel fortunate to have found a solution that is good for him, good value and convenient for me
We had a similar problem with one of ours, the stud dog. He would started scratching his face a lot not long after we got here, and it was spring and we just put it down to grass fleas from the fields when they go running, but the other were fine. We did the normal spray and flea/tick collar, but it made no difference, in fact was getting worse, so had a real close look and the skin was 'moist in a couple of area's, with what looked like ulcers starting to form. We took him to the vet who diagnosed a 'hot spot', did a test and the next day called and said he's developed an allergy to the Purina food, after 3 years of chomping merrily on it. Anyway, some meds and a recomendation from the vet of really bland food ( rice with chicken or egg) later to settle his system. We searched and experimented, with various feeds over the next months. We found Multifit light from Fresnapff to be excellent for the old fella, and switched him to that and he's on top form, as good as when he was a 4 year old... just a little greyer. So much, so we tried the other 2 on it, with zero ill effects. Occasionally we noticed the young dogs coat going a little dull/dry, so for him it's a little light on oil/fat I think, but a couple of squirts of salmon oil, or a tina of tuna in sunflower oil mixed in as a treat now and again fixed that and 3 years later they are all fit and well.... and CHF39 for a 15kg sack and zero hassle, and if you order online is over CHF 35 they even deliver for free!
We tried orijen (I think that's the spelling), but it made our pup into a diarrhea machine, just as innova had in the US. We switched her to rice and ground meat and just got into feeding her this. She's not a big dog, and I don't mind making up a pot of rice and meat with vegetables for her and then serving it throughout the week. She eats what they feed her when she stays at the kennel with no problem and other than these super premium foods, she's flexible. She gets fish oil regularly too. Seems to be a reasonable weight, nice coat, good energy at 7. She hardly ever has gas, either , a huge relief.
For me, I found the smell of a lot of dog food to be nauseating when I was having chemo last year. Plus, I had to have small bags since I couldn't lift much over 5 kg. so it seems to work for all of us.
If it doesn't work I'll need to try other options. Poor thing
There is obviously something going on with your dog, and if the food change is helping with the skin condition, I'd perceiver with it and the squiggies should ease up as the dogs system gets used to it. So monitoring it for now is the best option IMO, but if there is no change by mid-week think about a chat with the vet.... hope it works out though
My lab and flatcoat are both on Royal Canine and since we're now for 2 years in Switzerland I'm also interested in finding it by lower prices.. In both Qualipet and Fressnapf it is about CHF 95 for 15 kilo sack. In Russia I could get it for CHF 75 for 18 kilo sack via my breeder.
Could anyone please tell me about custom charges on dog food if I order or bring it myself from Germany? Do I have do declare it?
Thanks for advising to change food mark to some cheaper local brand - it probably makes sence... But I saw it many times in Russia when some food is no longer imported - dog owners who's pets were used to it try to find another brand with following allergic reactions/hair and stomach problems and so on. My dogs are both healthy so maybe I don't have to hesitate, still I'm thinking of what I'd feed them when we're back to Russia or go somewhere else. In this aspect worldwide brands are preferable as you can find it everywhere on earth.
And just a small remark: I don't buy RC in Fressnapf anymore - the food in sack was too dry, not like the same food I bought in Russia, or in France or in Qualipet here. I've checked it twice buying a 15kg sack there in two different stores during 2 months.
Zoo is great but they wont ship to a Swiss address anymore.
YOu ahve to put a German billing address and a swiss ship to address.
I just created a fake German billing address and entered my home address here and it worked.
I import Dog food because my dog's food is extremely expensive here, i.e. 15kg in CH is 80CHF, vs. in Germany its 36CHF.
Good luck! If you are relocating, stock up!
BTW - If you are looking for a good, cheaper brand, Josera has lots of good feedback.
(IIRC, there was a period - maybe 5-7 years ago? - where they stopped delivering food products to CH, but the policy has since changed. I order regularly from them, probably once a month. Easy-peasy.)
Wow - German variety, German prices... delivered from Switzerland.
(Terra Canis is not sold at Qualipet or Fressnapf.)
Plus, Zooplus carries some products that are not available in Switzerland.
My dog eats royal canin as well! the regular one for small adults.
Edit: went to look at the site. Shipment is 4.90€, and an 8kg pack of dog food is 32.90€. Worth it if it's not taxed at customs!