topic Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin in Pet Lovers

Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

crawford5153 — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 16:34:06 GMT

The pet food manufacturers really gouge the people who own dogs who are on a very restricted diet. My dog has had pancreatitis 4 times and put in the hospital on IV's each time. Each time she had an episode it ran us close to $1,000 for vet care. She is now on a very low fat diet with only Royal Canin low fat canned food at $3.00 a can and she eats 2 cans a day not counting the dry good at $79 a bag, The treats are $9.00 a bag for 17 ounces. So it runs me around $225 for just her pet food and treats. But I have to do it as I want to keep her as healthy as possible as she is like a child to us. Just hubs, me and her; all the family I now have.

It is sad they take advantage of special needs dogs with the high prices; just like some drugs that people need to take are enormous.

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

Still Raining — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 16:35:26 GMT

Rant on sister. This is so true, but there we are needing it for our babies.

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

Daysdee — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 16:43:58 GMT

I agree. Everytime I purchase dry food for my dog who had skin issues it has gone up several dollars.

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

tends2dogs — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 16:45:51 GMT

My sister's Yorkie has had several bouts of pancreatitis. He took OTC famatadine (sp?) daily. She switched him to raw and hasn't looked back. He is like a new dog......a puppy....and he is 8 years old. He is happy to eat again and engage with people. And she has weaned him from the famatadine.

I would be careful about the treats you are giving your pup.

As far as the Royal Canin food, many of the prescription dog foods have a poor reputation. When my dog was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, the hospital said he should eat a low ingredient diet. They sent us home with Royal Canin. I read the label and it had at least 50 ingredients and I couldn't pronounce most of them. I said thanks, but no thanks. I started him on raw and it was a game changer.

I hope you can figure this out for the best for your dog and for you. Hospital visits are not inexpensive.

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

SeaMaiden — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 16:57:01 GMT

@crawford5153 wrote:

The pet food manufacturers really gouge the people who own dogs who are on a very restricted diet. My dog has had pancreatitis 4 times and put in the hospital on IV's each time. Each time she had an episode it ran us close to $1,000 for vet care. She is now on a very low fat diet with only Royal Canin low fat canned food at $3.00 a can and she eats 2 cans a day not counting the dry good at $79 a bag, The treats are $9.00 a bag for 17 ounces. So it runs me around $225 for just her pet food and treats. But I have to do it as I want to keep her as healthy as possible as she is like a child to us. Just hubs, me and her; all the family I now have.

It is sad they take advantage of special needs dogs with the high prices; just like some drugs that people need to take are enormous.

@crawford5153 I know what you mean. My golden is on the same low fat dry that you are using.

I buy it from Chewy.... the only good thing is that you can go through either mr Rebates or Ebates( they have a new name now but Ebates works in google) you can get money back for going through either one of those sites. I usually check to see who is giving more back at the time I am ordering.

I use ebates and Mr Rebates all the time when I shop for all my online purchases.and get at least a hundred dollars a month back as a check to cash just for shopping.

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

crawford5153 — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 17:21:35 GMT

Tends2dogsThe only thing she can have as far as raw is skinless chicken breast boiled on the stove. It is just so sad as she loves to eat what we do but cannot.

The treats are very low fat from Royal canin called Satiety, the only treats she can have. The least bit of fat is what triggers her pancreatitis.

What do you feed your dog as far as raw?

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

crawford5153 — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 17:23:08 GMT

SeaMaidenMy vet sent me a referral website to order her food and it is called Vetsfirstchoice. I do not have to pay tax which I did when I was ordering from Chewy as I was using them all the time. From time to time I get a coupon from vetsfirstchoice for $20 off an order over $200 or $10 on a $100 order. I am also on autoship so that helps a tad bit.

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

Maltichonmom17 — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 18:23:51 GMT

My girl has been prescribed the Royal Canin Urinary SO dog food after having bladder stones. I agree that the food is really overpriced. I wouldn’t even mind the high price if I thought it was a high quality dog food but the basic ingredients all seem to be the same low grade as what would be found in cheap, store brand dog food. I just don’t feel the level of quality of the food justifies the insane prices. Then there’s all those chemical ingredients that leave me uncomfortable.

The only treats she can have are also the RC Urinary SO dog treats. However, these things are too big for her and they’re harder than rocks. Couldn’t cut them in half, even the food processor couldn’t cut them. It was ridiculous and just $9 tossed in the garbage. So she’s left with the option of no treats at all.

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

GingerPeach — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 21:27:38 GMT

@Maltichonmom17 wrote:
My girl has been prescribed the Royal Canin Urinary SO dog food after having bladder stones. I agree that the food is really overpriced. I wouldn’t even mind the high price if I thought it was a high quality dog food but the basic ingredients all seem to be the same low grade as what would be found in cheap, store brand dog food. I just don’t feel the level of quality of the food justifies the insane prices. Then there’s all those chemical ingredients that leave me uncomfortable.

The only treats she can have are also the RC Urinary SO dog treats. However, these things are too big for her and they’re harder than rocks. Couldn’t cut them in half, even the food processor couldn’t cut them. It was ridiculous and just $9 tossed in the garbage. So she’s left with the option of no treats at all.

I don't know if this would work for these treats, @Maltichonmom17 but if something is too hard for my small dog, I put it in enough water to cover and microwave it for maybe 30 seconds or so.

That should not only make it softer (you can adjust the timing to get it softer or leave it crunchier), but should make it easier to cut into two or more pieces.
Of course, make sure it's cool enough before giving it to her. Not that you wouldn't know that already.

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

tends2dogs — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 22:45:23 GMT

@crawford5153 wrote:
Tends2dogsThe only thing she can have as far as raw is skinless chicken breast boiled on the stove. It is just so sad as she loves to eat what we do but cannot.

The treats are very low fat from Royal canin called Satiety, the only treats she can have. The least bit of fat is what triggers her pancreatitis.

What do you feed your dog as far as raw?

@crawford5153 I feed him a raw brand called Primal. He eats the beef. I can't change his up because there may come a day when he can't eat beef and then I will have to try another protein.

I know that fat is what triggers pancreatitis and my sister's dog is doing fine on raw beef. How big is your dog? Perhaps you could cut up the raw chicken and feed it to your dog. I know that raw sounds gross and I swore I would never do it, but never say never. He is thriving quite well on it.

All the best~

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

tends2dogs — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 22:49:59 GMT

@Maltichonmom17 wrote:
My girl has been prescribed the Royal Canin Urinary SO dog food after having bladder stones. I agree that the food is really overpriced. I wouldn’t even mind the high price if I thought it was a high quality dog food but the basic ingredients all seem to be the same low grade as what would be found in cheap, store brand dog food. I just don’t feel the level of quality of the food justifies the insane prices. Then there’s all those chemical ingredients that leave me uncomfortable.

The only treats she can have are also the RC Urinary SO dog treats. However, these things are too big for her and they’re harder than rocks. Couldn’t cut them in half, even the food processor couldn’t cut them. It was ridiculous and just $9 tossed in the garbage. So she’s left with the option of no treats at all.

I agree with everything you wrote about the Royal Canin food. That is why I refused to feed it to my dog. The vets at the hospital looked at me like I had a hole in my head.....whatever.

My guy can't have treats either. I have tried carrots, apples, bananas. It is all good.

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

spent2much — Sun, 15 Sep 2019 06:06:03 GMT

Please read this before you put your dog on prescription dog food:

https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/worlds-biggest-dog-food-scam/

I have learned that the best possible dog food is from your kitchen. Many feed raw and have proven success with it. I just can't bring myself to feed raw, but I cook all our Golden's food... meats, veggies and quinoa. I find meat on sale and I buy large bags of frozen veggies at Costco. No more kibble!!!

Another thing to consider with a dog's health problems is vaccinosis - over vaccination. Dr. John Robb is our pets' hero. protectthepets.com

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

Maltichonmom17 — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 16:04:17 GMT

@GingerPeach wrote:
@Maltichonmom17 wrote:
My girl has been prescribed the Royal Canin Urinary SO dog food after having bladder stones. I agree that the food is really overpriced. I wouldn’t even mind the high price if I thought it was a high quality dog food but the basic ingredients all seem to be the same low grade as what would be found in cheap, store brand dog food. I just don’t feel the level of quality of the food justifies the insane prices. Then there’s all those chemical ingredients that leave me uncomfortable.

The only treats she can have are also the RC Urinary SO dog treats. However, these things are too big for her and they’re harder than rocks. Couldn’t cut them in half, even the food processor couldn’t cut them. It was ridiculous and just $9 tossed in the garbage. So she’s left with the option of no treats at all.

I don't know if this would work for these treats, @Maltichonmom17 but if something is too hard for my small dog, I put it in enough water to cover and microwave it for maybe 30 seconds or so.
That should not only make it softer (you can adjust the timing to get it softer or leave it crunchier), but should make it easier to cut into two or more pieces.
Of course, make sure it's cool enough before giving it to her. Not that you wouldn't know that already.

@GingerPeach, thank you for that useful information, that’s a great idea. Such a different world with the small fur babies. My last dog was a big, overgrown Lab who never met a treat he couldn’t bite. 🐾🥰

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

Maltichonmom17 — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 16:01:13 GMT

@tends2dogs wrote:
@Maltichonmom17 wrote:
My girl has been prescribed the Royal Canin Urinary SO dog food after having bladder stones. I agree that the food is really overpriced. I wouldn’t even mind the high price if I thought it was a high quality dog food but the basic ingredients all seem to be the same low grade as what would be found in cheap, store brand dog food. I just don’t feel the level of quality of the food justifies the insane prices. Then there’s all those chemical ingredients that leave me uncomfortable.

The only treats she can have are also the RC Urinary SO dog treats. However, these things are too big for her and they’re harder than rocks. Couldn’t cut them in half, even the food processor couldn’t cut them. It was ridiculous and just $9 tossed in the garbage. So she’s left with the option of no treats at all.

I agree with everything you wrote about the Royal Canin food. That is why I refused to feed it to my dog. The vets at the hospital looked at me like I had a hole in my head.....whatever.

My guy can't have treats either. I have tried carrots, apples, bananas. It is all good.

@tends2dogs , I’m glad you have found a system that works for you. I’d love to find a better quality food system for my fur baby.What I dislike more than the low quality of the SO food is the high sodium level that is there to encourage the dogs to drink more water. I worry about the long term effects of the high sodium levels. So frustrating.

Even more frustrating is the seeming difference of opinions amongst vets that I have read about on the internet. There seems to be two opposing philosophies on the long term usefulness of the SO food. One side believes, my vet being one of them, that the SO diet should be used for the rest of the dog’s life to keep the urine pH balanced and ensure no more bladder stones form. Especially so since my pup is half Bichon Frise, which is a bladder stone prone breed.

The other side believes that if the dog has struvite stones, which my dog did, then keeping the dog on the diet for six months to a year is sufficient and then they can transition the dog back to a normal diet. Struvite stones, unlike the calciym oxalate stones, apparently only occur after a UTI infection and the second group of vets believe that once the dog is free of stones and no bladder UTI is present, the prescription diet is unnecessary.

We all want for the best for our fur babies and want them healthy and happy and sometimes it’s really hard to figure out and decide what way is the right way.

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

Icegoddess — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 16:20:59 GMT

@Maltichonmom17 , I don't know about dogs, but my cat has to be on the urinary formula diet. When I got some new kittens, one of them insisted on eating Queso's urinary formula food, so the vet said he would rather Queso eat the kitten food than let the kitten eat the urinary formula food strictly because the kittens needed the food for growth. All that time we had no problem with Queso's urinary problems.

When the kittens graduated to adult food, I was hoping Queso would also be able to eat the higher quality cat food, but soon after the switch he had another incident with the straining and continually trying to "go". So, back to the urinary formula along with all the cats since Sambo again insisted on eating Queso's food. Not sure what it was about the kitten food that kept him from having a problem, but I couldn't keep them on that because it encourages fat in adult cats.

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

shoobee — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 17:33:31 GMT

I buy frozen green beans and steam some every am. Give it to my dog as a treat. And if there is a canned food your dog can eat you can make treats.

Put can in fridge overnight so it slides out better. You have to use can opener that goes around outside to open it. Oven at 350. Slice then cut to size you want. Start at 25 minutes then check if you want crunchier do longer. Turn off oven and let them cool off in oven-it helps to set them. Keep in fridge for about a week's. My dog would not eat just the food but loves it as a treat.

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

Maltichonmom17 — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 21:20:33 GMT

I know @Icegoddess wrote:
@Maltichonmom17 , I don't know about dogs, but my cat has to be on the urinary formula diet. When I got some new kittens, one of them insisted on eating Queso's urinary formula food, so the vet said he would rather Queso eat the kitten food than let the kitten eat the urinary formula food strictly because the kittens needed the food for growth. All that time we had no problem with Queso's urinary problems.

When the kittens graduated to adult food, I was hoping Queso would also be able to eat the higher quality cat food, but soon after the switch he had another incident with the straining and continually trying to "go". So, back to the urinary formula along with all the cats since Sambo again insisted on eating Queso's food. Not sure what it was about the kitten food that kept him from having a problem, but I couldn't keep them on that because it encourages fat in adult cats.

@Icegoddess, that’s an interesting observation. My pup had no problems when she was on the Wellness brand puppy food. At one year, she transitioned to the Wellness adult formula and it was six months later when she developed the bladder stones. Never really thought until you mentioned it. Makes me wonder. 🤔

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

Dazlin — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 22:15:49 GMT

I was just about to start a new message about prescription diet foods, then saw this post.
My Maltese has recently been put on Hills prescription diet...she hated all of it. I then switched flavors and she'll eat a little of the Chicken Stew, cans. They raised the price to $3.30 a can, or 3.08 by the case, which I dont think would work for her since shes not too fond of it. I did quite a bit of comparison shopping, and found Hills Chicken stew, same label, very similar ingredients and nutrition content, protein, fat, fiber the same...but no prescription...its sold in stores. It even has the same dog on the label as the prescription can. Under $2.00 a can. Best prices at Petco. I dont get it!! I'm going into petco with my prescription food, and will go over everything and compare. I did all this online, but I'd like to see for myself and talk to them. Theres ALOT online about the bewares of prescription food vs. store bought. One thing, for Teaspoon, phosphorus is to kept very low, yet neither food lists phosphorus content on the cans...but, as I see, the nutrient content and ingredients are almost identical. Key is to keep the protein low.

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

shortbreadlover — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 22:39:07 GMT

my vet told me that the reason that they charge so much for speical pets foods is that they can and they know it.

Re: Outlandish prices on special need dog's food by Royal Canin

deb5555 — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 11:55:44 GMT

@spent2much wrote:
Please read this before you put your dog on prescription dog food:
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/worlds-biggest-dog-food-scam/

I have learned that the best possible dog food is from your kitchen. Many feed raw and have proven success with it. I just can't bring myself to feed raw, but I cook all our Golden's food... meats, veggies and quinoa. I find meat on sale and I buy large bags of frozen veggies at Costco. No more kibble!!!

Another thing to consider with a dog's health problems is vaccinosis - over vaccination. Dr. John Robb is our pets' hero. protectthepets.com

How many ounces of meat per day do you give your golden?

Could you share your recipes?