Protein and growth - Q for Burns ?

charlotte85 · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 10:19 am Post subject:

Hmm... this is all somewhat worrying, especially since I've just opened a big bag of Burns! Confused

Gibson's always been on the skinny side, and a lot of what Scubabe says rings a bell - some people have commented that she looks like there's a bit of whippet in her somewhere. She's never looked out and out unhealthy though, so I thought she was just naturally lean, but now I'm definitely considering trying her on something different to see how she does. I might give her a go on JWB and see if she fills out a bit.

Feebarn · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 10:51 am Post subject:

Burns isn't a bad food... so don't think that its harming your pup... these are individual cases. They are also opinions. And not to take away from the stories... there are many many reasons why a dog could be skinny least of all the food. We are sailing close to demonising Burns food here which could get the site owners in a bit of bother!

It is very easy to listen to the negatives and ignore the positives... I'm anxious... espescially re the above that people don't think that this is a bad food which will harm your dog! There are many many people that feed there dogs on Burns and have no problems. They just haven't chosen to talk about it on this thread.

BenLora · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 11:06 am Post subject:

I think Feebarn you have a good point there.

I haven't thought Burns was bad and as I said in my post my friend's lab who was fed exclusively on Burns is in great condition. In the past I have read a few negative points on Burns but did keep my dogs on it. One of my main reasons for changing was simply other food was cheaper and seemingly just as good quality.

I would also like to add that I have emailed the Burns help line for advice with my other dog who has liver problems and I found them very helpful.

Eileen

charlotte85 · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 11:13 am Post subject:

Thanks Feebarn, much-needed bit of perspective there Smile

As I've said before Gibson seems perfectly healthy and I'm certainly not trying to demonise Burns - she loves it and while she's skinnier than I'd like to see her, she's still growing and certainly isn't losing weight. Since I'm planning to switch her to adult food in the next couple of months though, I am looking around to see if there may be something that would suit her a little better.

I certainly don't want to get anybody into any bother with Burns, or imply that it's not a good food, but if others are having similar problems I have to consider the possibility that it's not the best option for Gibson. Hope I haven't worried anybody unnecessarily. Smile

Eve · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 11:25 am Post subject:

Charlotte I don;t think it is anything you have said - it is just the fact that quite a lot of negative opinions have been expressed about Burns and the concern about a libel action is being raised - so it really isn;t what you have said - it is the other negative comments that have given rise to the concern being raised...

That being said Burns know what I think because I told their helpline on a few occasions before being moved off it by the vet...and I have to fight not to go over to the Burns stand each time I see it at Crufts or other dog shows to tell them exactly what I think....

Eve Neo and Baby Bramble

Feebarn · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 11:31 am Post subject:

Eve... next time you see them... go over and tell them!!! More people that challenge there claims the better. It might just help them make a better product! Wink

lablandi · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 11:34 am Post subject:

With a puppy that I intended to show I struggled terribly with Burns puppy food - it just would not give her the bone desirable for the ring - and she certainly had enough when she left the breeder.

I changed her to it because of a few tummy problems, but had to give up for the reasons I have said above.

jem_d · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 12:06 pm Post subject:

I have to say that this thread does worry me a little. Although I don't feed it now, I have fed Burns in the past, I think it is amongst the best foods (although not the only one by any means), and does tend to keep the dogs lean (no bad thing IMO).

That said, I don't think any one food suits all dogs, and some dogs do suffer digestive problems which require them to have special prescriptive diets. In this case, few other dog foods would suit them either.

Basil · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:17 am Post subject:

VickyBo · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 6:21 am Post subject:

Very interesting thread (together with the one on less expensive foods)...

We have found that we are having to feed Bo considerably over the recommended amount of Burns otherwise he starts to get ribby...

He's 29 kg, they recommend 300g, we're giving him 400g+ a day (plus a few scraps and treats). He's on 2 meals a day, but it does seem a lot in his bowl each meal.

He's active and bouncy, but do you think we should be looking at something higher in protein for him??

Thanks for your advice...

Vicky and Bo