Evo mix or plain?

[lovemybaroo]

I just switched Baroo to Innova Evo red meat, and I have noticed that many people use this mixed with the regular Innova. I have just given him that by itself, and he loves it, but it has no grains, so is he getting the right amount of nutrients?

[nomrbddgs]

Grains are not everything. My boxenji cannot have grains in any form-she does great without them. As long as you have a balanced program you will be fine with the nutrient quotent.

[MacPack]

The only reason I mix with regular Innova is the Evo alone makes their stool a bit soft. I backed up and mix 3/4 EVO and 1/4 Innova and they love it and it seems the right combo to keep coat and stools firm enough.

I love the EVO, and so do they.

Anne in Tampa

[renaultf1]

Ruby's been on EVO Red Meat for about 5 months…nothing else mixed with it. Loves it and there is no problem with it. She's never had anal gland issues, so I attribute some of that to the food she is on. Every other day I put salmon oil on it. The only thing I don't like about it is the size of the kibble...kind of small IMHO for any sort of teeth cleaning. But because Ruby actually sings for her dinner (I say "tell me" and she will baroo for it) and runs to her crate for it, I'm going to take some time to figure out if I will change it. She was never that excited for her old food.

BTW, grains are not normally the part of a wild dog's diet, so that was one of the reasons I picked the EVO to begin with.

[nomrbddgs]

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[renaultf1]

@nomrbddgs:

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As long as the coyotes do that in your yard and not mine :D. All kidding aside, very interesting. We have a lot of coyotes in our area and the only thing we've had evidence they've caught/done damage to are deer and small animals.

[nomrbddgs]

I WISH!! I could do with a few less rats and mice. The deer ate all the corn. We actually have two packs that I swear rotate between raiding the garden and herb garden.

[lovemybaroo]

Well I guess I will keep him on it plain then. I guess he really likes it, because I haven't seen him eat that much since I have had him. I haven't noticed a difference in his stool, but I will keep an eye on it. It seems like good food, so I guess I will shell out the $45 a bag every couple weeks!

[tanza]

Evo is great food… How is Baroo doing? Didn't you have him neutered the other day?

[MacPack]

Evo also comes in a larger kibble that I get for mine, I like for them to have something to crunch. I think it is "large dog" but it is just 'normal' sized kibble.

Anne in Tampa

[renaultf1]

@MacPack:

Evo also comes in a larger kibble that I get for mine, I like for them to have something to crunch. I think it is "large dog" but it is just 'normal' sized kibble.

Anne in Tampa

I've seen the large dog bites for the EVO reduced fat version locally but not the red meat version. Ruby isn't on the reduced fat because she's so active and it is tough to keep weight on her.

Which flavor do you use…

[gbroxon]

@nomrbddgs:

…If they can't catch mice or deer, they will eat anything.

Exactly. But they don't need grains. From what I've read, wolves, coyotes, wild dogs will eat grain if they have to, but it doesn't seem that they'll choose it over meat.

[lovemybaroo]

Well I was watching him and I guess it does make his stool a little runny, so I guess we will be mixing after all. Any ideas about what kind to mix with? I would prefer something a little less expensive, but I don't know what that would be. The only pet store in our town is small and doesn't have a good variety, so I might have to end up spending the extra money either way for shipping. I do like the Innova though. It seems to be good food, so it is worth it. There are just so many kinds I don't know what to pick.

[tanza]

Well remember you just started with the Evo.. a change in food can take over a month for their system to adjust…. I would give it a chance before deciding to add something else... and all the Innova is good food, don't think it matters which one... Canidae is good, California Natural is good..... and if you are putting money into one good food, then why look for a cheaper one to mix? Then you are defeating the purpose of a high quality food and will wind up feeding more due to the lesser quality...

[lovemybaroo]

I will keep that in mind and see how he does.

[Duke]

I have mixed Canidae (some good grains in this food and not as expensive as Innova products) with Innova (Evo) or Merricks or Blue Buffalo (fish). The common denomenator has been the Canidae. Both my kids like all four products. I choose to keep the Canidae a consistent part of their mix. Sometimes I'm out of it - but I get it and we're back to basics. I thing switching up on their food with the Innova-Merricks or Blue Buffalo really help them to enjoy what they eat. Some here may disagree - but they're fed well and don't seem to have any problems. I know they're getting good - high quality food.

[tanza]

@Duke:

I have mixed Canidae (some good grains in this food and not as expensive as Innova products) with Innova (Evo) or Merricks or Blue Buffalo (fish). The common denomenator has been the Canidae. Both my kids like all four products. I choose to keep the Canidae a consistent part of their mix. Sometimes I'm out of it - but I get it and we're back to basics. I thing switching up on their food with the Innova-Merricks or Blue Buffalo really help them to enjoy what they eat. Some here may disagree - but they're fed well and don't seem to have any problems. I know they're getting good - high quality food.

Yes, Canidae is a good quality food… I used it for years, but don't find that I like the senior version as well as the regular, so have changed.

[lovemybaroo]

Does anyone know anything about Natural Choice dog food? This is what the foster mom is feeding our new dog, and if it is a good food I might keep that, but if not I will switch. I just haven't heard anything about it. Is that the kind you can get in the grocery store? If it is I looked at it and didn't like it. She is getting her off of the puppy food soon anyways, so if she is going to switch I would rather wait to switch it to something both dogs like at the same time.

[nomrbddgs]

I use Nutro Natural Choice for sensitive stomachs. I think it is Chicken, Oatmeal and Rice. I had taken them off it and found their coats didn't have the same sheen and were kind of rough. It does depend on your dog though, I haven't had any problems with it either upsetting their stomachs.