Dog food?

Question
QUESTION: Hi ,
I have a bullmastiff mix with sherpherd.he is a 1yr old now what is a good dog food to feed him that is not so expentive.right now I am feeding him 6 cups of dog food and he is 85lbs. I try to get what is affordable but he acts like he is still hungry.

ANSWER: If you have been buying what is on sale, it would be better to choose one thing usually at a good price and stick to it.  I have seen good evidence most dogs will will thrive on the common brands.  I haven't seen any evidence they do better on any of the premium foods.  If anybody tells you  they do, ask for proof.  All you will get is speculation about the ingredients.  If you have been largely feeding Purina, Iams, Pedigree, etc., it should be fine.   

Many dogs will wolf down more than is good for them and look for more. Others refuse to eat more than than they need. Evaluate the dog as illustrated in this link, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx You may want the vet to confirm your judgment. Adjust the dogs food and exercise as needed to reach its ideal body condition.  I have to laugh at the people that buy expensive foods with no ''fillers'' in them and then add canned beans or pumpkin to fill the dog up.  



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: so if I feed my dog dry pedigree that's good enough? that is just as good as the pro plan with the chicken and rice. when I took my dog to the vet that when I discovered that I was not feeding him enough. I was feeding him 4 cups and the vet said that was not enough. He looks a lot better since I added two more cups of dog food. I just figured with the chicken and rice that would fill him up.But its more expensive.

Answer
Your are putting me in a tough spot.  I have extensive experience with Pro Plan chicken and rice and have seen thousands of dogs thriving on it.  I have no doubt it is as good as anything.  Pedigree?  Well I do know the dog guide school that had me feeding a Shepherd the Pro Plan put her on Pedigree after they decided to keep her as breeding stock to try to put a little more weight on her.  So it must be OK.  

Those are the folks that have this in their puppy raising manual:''Note, German Shepherd puppies will look very thin through their puppy hood.''

No one food is best for all dogs.  Our one small Lab, 65 pounds, needed 6 cups of Pro Plan to keep his ribs from showing.  Most of our similar ones dig fine on 3-4.  Your dog might need enough less of something else other than the Pedigree to make up the difference in price.  However, if he is doing well on the Pedigree, there is always a strong argument for leaving well enough alone.