Dog food is a huge part of being a responsible dog owner and
with so many brands on the shelf it’s a little of a nightmare to know what to
do. Do you carry on the brand you’ve always used, or do you dive in and try
something new and if so what! Some have high protein levels, some are to
maintain a healthy coat, others are for dogs who work in the field.
First point to note is that no matter what you decide to use
introduce the change slowly! Last year we discovered the brand our gorgeous boy
was on was actually not very good for him, it was too high in cheap calories
and he’s such a large specimen of a large breed there was nothing to help him
grow healthy bones and hips which is much needed later on in life.
Our first array into the Hills plans was when he was a pup and having had to fight for three days in a pet hospital they sent us home with
Hills Science Plan to get back to healthy levels. It is branded as the vet’s
number 1 choice. We then having used this up carried on his regular food until
a recent trip to the vet pointed out he had become a little overweight. It was
at this we were also asked to if we’d like to review Hills Science Plan for him
and as it happens it seemed a perfect time to start a change over. Hills Science Plan Adult Light Large Breed Chicken dry is formulated to help dogs
maintain an ideal weight. The website gives you a very easy to follow guide for
how much your precious dog should have over the course of a day. We have to do
ours in two separate meals as they definitely feel hard done by if we let them
gulp it down all at once!
 |
| The temptation was too much! |
The important thing for us was that it contains good levels
of glucosamine and chondroitin which will help him maintain healthy joint and
cartilage which as I mentioned previously is hugely important for such large
dogs. Of course as far as our boys main concern was the taste! Which he has a tendency
to just inhale small kibble without really eating it with the Hills not only
was the taste great for him but the larger kibbles allowed him to slow down a
little and actually chew. Not only did that mean his meal lasted longer and he
felt fuller for longer but it meant he didn’t gulp down huge amounts of air at
the same time! A win win really for all of us.
The kibbles also allowed us to keep them in our pockets and
use them as treats as we trained! He loves the taste of the food – we had
extreme difficulty trying to get a picture of him with the kibble without him
diving in! And his coat has become a little softer and shinier and he has lost
a little weight and managed to maintain a healthy size. All in all a great food
which our dog loves, our vet loves and provides him with a great diet. I also
like the added touch that the bag seals such shut again! Great for flinging in
the boot as we head off on holiday!
