I really want to switch Koda from TOTW. but i need to find one with a price similar and the variety. I ran across Hi-tek on dog food advisor and I don't know much about dog food. Does anyone know anything about the brand that makes it? if they are good? also I don't know much about adult stage food... whats the difference (Koda is 2) but we also have a 5 month old puppy, and we would like to feed them the same if possible, is it ok for a puppy or no? please any info helps. thank you.

Well, if you were looking at this food then I'd say that there aren't many better. Dog food adviser is my "go to" for dog foods that I know nothing about.

In my opinion, your pup should stay on a good puppy food till he's about a year old. The food that I referenced would quite probably do for him since it is a good quality, high protein food - but my preference would be to stay with a puppy food for a bit longer.

I found that food on dog food advisor. That site is a great source, and also my go to for any food related questions, but it can only help you so much. They strictely only rate by ingreidents. That is very important but there are also other factors to look at that I dont know much about. Im more curious about the "adult dog food part" and the maker. And opinions on the ratios of protein and etc.

I would stay away from Hi-Tek's grain inclusive formulas. Their grain free formulas are okay, could do with a bit more meat. Also they are lacking in variety when it comes to grain free formulas to choose from. They do make their own food though which is a positive. I wouldn't feed it personally, but I also wouldn't discourage others from feeding it.

I also personally prefer to keep puppies on a puppy specific food until 12 months but others do not and that's okay. It's more of a personal decision and both sides have their arguments. Out of curiosity, since the 2 dogs don't live together why the need to have them on the same food? Puppy foods tend to have different ratios and levels of various things which will vary from food to food. I have neither the time nor the desire to look at each individual food specifically to go into further detail.

In short, while I wouldn't go around recommending Hi-Tek's grain free formulas, it's a decent food for people that would like to include it in their rotation. Foods I do particularly recommend include Orijen, Acana, Fromm Four Star, and Farmina N&D.

Thank you val! Love your input. As for your question about the puppy, its not a big deal to be on diff food, just easy when she comes home on weekends so she doesnt have to bring any home. But most likely we will keep her on puppy.

Val another questions, between TOTW and hi-tek grain free, what do you think? Arcana, orjein, and fromm are out of my price range. I will have to look more into the other one you posted.

I wanted to ask, since Eric and I are feeling the same way about switching to a better food that's similar priced to TOTW. I totally agree with Orijen, Acana, Fromm, didn't research Farmina. When your buying a 20-30 pound bag, we're talking a $20 difference in price. I researched Hi-tek Eric, and apparently after the review they switched formulas, complaints ensued. I'm not a hundred percent sure, but if the food says all life stages, then it's suitable for puppies(high protein/fat, if memory serves me it needs to be 30% protein/20% fat minimal for puppies, and it needs calcium). With Fromm, Orijen, Acana they may be suitable since they are high protein. I did want to ask others if Merrick is suitable? It's closer to my price range, grain free, has variety and rated 4.5-5.0 at dog food advisor. The other one was Wysong, but I think that may be even more expensive than all the ones mentioned, but it was rated for dogs and cats and maybe an option since I could feed both on it. Anyone have opinions on Merrick and Wysong?

Eric, I've been looking online, that's the only way I can get any of these products, when buying 4-5 pound bags it's close to the TOTW price range. If you're talking 20-30 pound bags it's about a $20 difference. So far Merrick is the only one that seemed within $5 to TOTW when buying larger bags. I feel for you, I was so happy that I could afford TOTW, and now the air is out of my sails, just not happy with everything I have heard and read with TOTW.

Renee im feel exactly the same as you. I did earthborn for a lil while thinking about going back to that. Not sure its any better. I might end up just breaking and get something more expensivex idk though i really cant afford it.

the thing is, you have to dig deep, I was unaware that TOTW and a few others of that type, I'd have to pull the notice back up, is a Diamond food product. Nowhere on the label does it say that. If you type in TOTW recall, dog food advisor pops up a paid only thread, Diamond was sued and others like TOTW was involved, so it limited my choices again. Freaked me out. I don't know if Eartborn was one of them. I know Merrick has been around since like 1979, and made here in Texas, and everything else I mentioned above. I may dig into Canada based dog foods and see what's available that way, I'll keep you posted.
Btw, I tend to read peoples comments after looking at the ratings at dog food advisor, that's how I got my info on Hi-Teks formula change.

The following is a list of all the brands currently associated with the Diamond Dog Food Recall:

4Health
Apex
Canidae
Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul
Country Value
Diamond
Diamond Naturals
News Release April 6, 2012
News Release May 18, 2012
Kirkland Signature
Natural Balance
Premium Edge
Professional
Solid Gold
Taste of the Wild
Wellness
I wanted to add that these products are associated with Diamond, hence why I'm avoiding.

Short on time here, but real quick response to questions.

Eric, between TOTW and Hi-Tek (grain free) I'd choose Hi-Tek. As i said before, it's a decent food.

Renee, I had forgotten Merrick and that is another I would strongly recommend. Solid food and company that makes their own food.

Yay Val, Thank you!!

Eric take a look at Merrick, it's around $10 more, the reason I was interested was that it was a meat based protein vs a plant based protein 5 star according to dog food advisor. They also had several flavors in the no grain category. Hope that helps some. The Earthborn was rated a 4 star and was plant based protein, although in between price of TOTW and Merrick.

Merrick wouldnt work for koda. 3 out of the 4 flavors have turkey in them and koda is allergic to turkey. If it wasnt for that i would go to merric for sure..

Eric were you looking at the whole earth farms recipe then you are correct. The merrick grain free line has 4 out of 7 without turkey, i did not check their classics because they all contain rice.