Feeding a Low Quality Kibble...

[Aspen and Misty]

I am considering moving back to Pennsylvania for my senior year of high school. I would of course be taking my dogs, Nova and Konnor, plus my three rabbits. I am hopefully going to be living with a friend. I already pay all the cost for all of my animals, including vet bills. However, at the moment I live with my mom and do not pay rent. If I move in with my friend between rent, vet cost, my own personal needs (which are few) and the maintenance on my car it seems money is going to be tight. I currently pay $36 a month for the dogs to eat Chicken Soup brand dog food. I have seen bags that are the same size as the size I feed for $8 or $10 and we all know that’s because they are not as good nutritionally. My question is during the school year (November to June) do you think there would be any long term affects on the dogs health if I fed them a cheaper priced food? When I moved back in with my mom in June and stopped pay rent I could afford the Chicken Soup again and they would be switched back.

Ashley

[SalemWitchChild]

I had fed Purina for years before switching to Flint River Ranch. It's about 8-10 dollars for a 20lb bag. I never had a problem with their health. I know it's not the best (Nor even a middle quality food) but after feeding it for 20 yrs I'd say you would be ok to feed it for a few months without a problem.

[sammy101]

they should be fine,even though its low quality.It wont be permenment(spll?) so i wouldnt worry about it.

[Rachel]

Ashley, I too used to feed Purina without any problem. I'm thinking that maybe some of the newer Purina variations may even be better. What I am concerned about is that you will be taking on so many adult responsibilities while still in high school. I don't know anything about your situation, but would hope that you are not making these decisions without giving it a lot of thought. You are a very sweet girl and deserve to have some help in the areas of which you spoke. You might want to see if you could discuss your situation with a high school counselor or some other responsible person who could help you assess your options.

[lizbud]

In a word, no. I don't think it would hurt the dogs.

[SalemWitchChild]

Ashley, I too used to feed Purina without any problem. I'm thinking that maybe some of the newer Purina variations may even be better. What I am concerned about is that you will be taking on so many adult responsibilities while still in high school. I don't know anything about your situation, but would hope that you are not making these decisions without giving it a lot of thought. You are a very sweet girl and deserve to have some help in the areas of which you spoke. You might want to see if you could discuss your situation with a high school counselor or some other responsible person who could help you assess your options.

lol. I got married, moved out, got a full time job, and started working on my own family..all while attending high school.. lol.. It's not easy but well worth it.

[lute]

it's not terrible. it's not permanent. they won't hate you for it.lol

[Sevaede]

lol. I got married, moved out, got a full time job, and started working on my own family..all while attending high school.. lol.. It's not easy but well worth it.

As did I, minus the family part.

[Aspen and Misty]

What I am concerned about is that you will be taking on so many adult responsibilities while still in high school.

My family has always been tight on money. I have had a job since I turned 16 and am now 18 (my little brother got a paper route when he was 14, when he turned 15 got a second job, worked both, paid for all his personal needs and went to high school). I have always paid for my pets food, vet bills and my own clothes and such. I also currently pay for the gas in my car, my cell phone bill and any extra things I want to do such as going out with friends etc. The only new added cost if I move out will be rent, maintenance on my car and some personal needs such as shampoo, deodorant, etc. However I will suffer a large pay cut. I can make all my current payments every month and still have $200-300 left over. However I currently make $8.35 an hour, while if I move to PA if I make $6 an hour I will be lucky. That’s really where my concern lays; with such a large cut in my pay will I be able to make ends meet. Currently I am talking to the family I want to move in, messing with my budget and stuff and seeing if it is even financially possible. My largest cost is the dog's food though, which is why I was wondering if switching them would be bad.

Thanks everyone, this certainly will help out a lot. I am concerned with Konnor the most. He has eaten chicken soup since a puppy. He was switched onto Bill Jack and he lost 10 pounds in one month. However, I plan to try different foods (my first food will be Purina) and see how he does. If there are any negative affects I will switch them off of it.

Jen - I never thought about switching them before I leave, thanks for the tip! I do plan to take it very slow though, especially with Konnor.

Ashley