What should I feed my dogs?

Question
QUESTION: I have two terrier mixes. The smaller one who is 17 lbs eats Eukanuba Small Breed Weight Maintenance. According to the vet, she should weigh 15lbs, so she is not very overweight. The larger dog who is 35 lbs eats Science Diet Lite Adult small bites. Her weight is just right. I recently became educated about the terrible ingredients in these foods and have been doing research to see what food I should begin giving them. Neither have allergies that I am aware of. What would you recommend?  I don't mind paying more for food than I am now, but I can't spend a whole lot more. I just can't make a decision, and I want to switch them ASAP!  Thanks.

ANSWER: Well, I think it's great  that you've looked into dog food ingredients! You have many choices, depending on what you want. I think it's reasonable that both of your dogs can eat the same food, which will make it easier to find something that works.

If your budget is small, Canidae, Kirkland (only at Costco), Diamond Naturals, and Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul are excellent choices. They have quality ingredients, but don't hurt the pocketbook too much. If you want to spend a bit more (for a little better quality) try Wellness, Innova, Fromm, Nature's Variety Prairie, Blue Buffalo, Nature's Logic, and By Nature.

Personally, I think grain-free foods are the best you can buy, because they most closely mimic a wild dog's diet. They are the most expensive, but the quality you receive is worth the added cost. Grain-free foods include Nature's Variety Instinct, Innova EVO, Orijen, Wellness CORE, Fromm Surf & Turf, and Taste of the Wild.

The best thing to do is contact the companies (through their websites) and ask about samples. That way, you can find the food your dogs enjoy the most. Any of the ones I listed will be a good to start with. Just remember that all dogs are different, and not every food will work for every dog. If you notice itching, more shedding, eye boogers, persistent diarrhea (if it's more than a few days), or anything else just a bit off, then try another one.

Good luck, and feel free to ask more questions if you're still confused.

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

QUESTION: What do you think about Aretmis brand and Merrick brand?  I haven't priced Artemis, but I like the ingredients I saw online. The only thing I didn't like about the Artemis food is the tomato pumace and the thing about the Merrick Turducken was that it had whole clove garlic in it. Any opinions on these brands and ingredients would be appreciated.  THANKS!

Answer
Of these two, I would definitely pick the Artemis. It's got more meat (compare the amount meats and meals it has to Merrick), and I trust the company much more. There are personal and moral reasons as to why I won't feed Merrick. The man who owns the company also owns one of the largest rendering plants in the US, which makes me concerned about the meat quality, and they support a radical Christian group whose agenda I also don't agree with. The itself is not poor quality, and if you can get over the company's problems, then certainly it's good to feed. The ingredients themselves are good, and I know many people who feed it without any problem. My conscience won't let me, though.