Budleigh Offers Food for Thought

Dear Budleigh,

So what is the best dog food? I feed Roscoe, my beagle, a nutritious mixture of dry and canned food that the vet recommended. Roscoe seems satisfied since he eats it all in four seconds. And he’s healthy. But I wonder if he’s really enjoying his meals? I’d really appreciate an average dog’s perspective. No offense.

Thanks!

Jacob, of Roscoe&Jacob


Budleigh
Thursday, May 18, 2017

Dear Jacob,

On advice of counsel, I’ve been told not to recommend specific brands of dog food until such time as they pay my Giant.

However, since I’m a terrier rules don’t apply to me. So I’m not afraid to name names. The best tasting, most nutritious and economical dry food for Roscoe comes in that big bag with a picture of a dog on it.

It’s also available in a smaller bag that features a picture of a dog. Only a smaller dog.

There! Now I’ve done it. Let the law suits begin!

<strong>At the pet store, Budleigh solves the dilemma of “healthy” versus “good tasting” by eating whatever’s closest.</strong>
At the pet store, Budleigh solves the dilemma of “healthy” versus “good tasting” by eating whatever’s closest.
Among Giants nowadays, “nutritious” seems to be the popular buzz word, just slightly ahead of “Comey” and “impeachment”. But as you smartly point out, Jacob, dogs appreciate food that’s good tasting even if it’s not nutritious. Even if it’s unhealthy. Even if it’s a loaf of corn bread. Left on the kitchen table. Uncovered.

Sorry! Drifted off there for a moment.

What is “good tasting” varies among dogs. For example, I have a fairly refined palette that includes everything my Giants toss in the big bin under the sink, access to which is restricted due to national security concerns.

My dog park friend Roxy the Boxer, however, insists that food tastes best when you’ve run it down, torn its throat, and savored the taste of hot, fresh blood in your jaws. He says that a lot. In fact, that’s all Roxy ever talked about until he was captured, forced into a van, and, I’ve heard, taken away to a farm where he could run and run, never to be seen again.

My point is: Chicken! If Roscoe is like me – and I’m certain he wants to be – he’ll really enjoy a dog food with chicken. I’m not sure what chicken is, but it also comes in cans. And maybe in corn bread.

To assure dog food quality, always check the ingredients. They should break down as follows:
50% – Chicken, fish, beef, lamb, stuff from the bin under the sink
50% – Goes to Budleigh
50% – Grains (That is, if corn bread is a grain)
50% – Prey (Increase percentage for Roxy the Boxer)
50% – That grey stuff the gardener spreads on the gladiolas
50% – Cicadas
50% – That stuff on my right hind foot
50% – Goose poop
50% – That stuff on another dog’s right hind foot

If this math is confusing, Jacob, ask Roscoe to explain. I wouldn’t expect an average Giant to understand.

No offense.

Budleigh

Read more Ask a Terrier columns.

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