Alternative to vet dog food?

The vet has my dog on a low allergen food, Science Diet z/d. I think this is ok, but I hate paying the vet four times what I was paying for a quality, name brand food before. Any ideas how to get this food for less or another quality low allergen food instead?

 

Hi Mitch,

We use the z/d Ultra for one of our dogs. I've tried other foods, including expensive organic with no grains, but nothing else has worked. I finally gave in. If your dog has an allergy you will probably have to use the food as treats as well.

Newt

 

What exactly is your dog allergic to? In our area there is a vet hospital with an allergist that will help owners pin down the exact ingredients the pet is allergic to (wheat, corn, soy, beef, etc.) which will help them determine what the pet can eat or not eat without a reaction. Pets are being diagnosed more frequently with allergies, and I think some pet food companies are trying to catch up, so keep an eye out for comperable foods.

A couple other tricks - check with other vets in the area to see what their pricing is. You may be able to get the food cheaper through another vet office with a prescription from your vet.

Also I have heard that you can ge Hills foods from Petsmart for less than what many vets charge but you have to see the Petsmart vet for the prescription. If the price is different enough, you may want to see the Petsmart vet for the food issues and retain your normal vet for everything else :-)