What is the best food.

Question
I have a bull mastiff/pitbull mix female who is a little over a year old.  We were feeding her natural balance but with money being so tight we changed her food to Pedigree.  I know it is not better than the other one but is it okay. Plus she has loose bowels with any type of can food that she eats.  Alas she is a diva, and will not eat just the dry food.  Thoughts?

Answer
As far as I know Pedigree is OK.  Likely it is about the same as Science or Purina 1.  They are OK because I know of large, professional, successful programs using them.  There is very little solid, objective data available on different dog diets.  Most of what you read about dog chow comes from those selling something.  When I look at the fine results I see in some large programs feeding common brands, I question the claims of those selling the more expensive ones.  

If the dog never did eat very well, and has seen the vet since the problem existed, you may be over feeding it. A vet check still won't hurt. Many dogs will snarf 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. Some German Shepherds and other breeds may refuse to eat enough to completely hid their ribs. As long as you are feeding a concentrated, meat based chow, the best thing is to accept it.

The worst thing you can do is to bribe a dog with rich foods into eating more than it needs. Instead, Put down the dish with what the dog should eat, and give it 15 minutes to eat. Then take it up. Do not give it anything to eat until its next scheduled meal. In a few days, it should be eating what it needs. Continue to check its ribs and adjust the food as needed. This is not easy. I had a Shepherd go 3 days on a few nibbles. I was a wreck, but she was fine. It is almost unknown for a healthy dog not to eat what it needs. Unfortunately, in too many cases, it is less than the package says, and less than the owner thinks the dog should have. Many dogs are quite good at holding out for tastier chow. Like kids, sometimes it calls for tough love.