FirstMate Dog Food: Dog food review of the popular Canadian brand

Рет қаралды 3,990

11 ай бұрын

In this video, I will be reviewing FirstMate dog food. I will discuss the pros and cons of this brand. I will also compare FirstMate to other popular dog foods on the market using the PSS (pet food scoring system)
FirstMate claims to be a premium dog food brand that is made with high-quality ingredients. The company uses a unique vacuum infusion process to deliver healthy fats and oils throughout the kibble. FirstMate dog food is available in a variety of formulas, including grain-free, grain-friendly, and limited ingredient diets. The company also offers a variety of wet food options.
Instagram: @animaldocrea
KZfaq email: animaldocrea@gmail.com (please no medical advise questions)
None of my videos are sponsored in any way. I do not receive any perks, free food, or "kick backs". The content provided is my own opinions based on my Veterinary Doctoral degree, continuing educations, and personal experiences in practice.
Helpful websites, often sited on this channel:
AAFCO: petfood.aafco.org/labeling-la...
American College of Veterinary Nutritionists: acvn.org/
World Small Veterinary Association Nutrition toolkit: wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/...
Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Text: www.markmorrisinstitute.org/s...
Free access to the Merk Manual: www.merckvetmanual.com
Please note that these videos are for educational purposes only. They are not intended for diagnosis or treatment of any animals. If you have questions regarding your pet's health or are having a pet related emergency, please contact your personal veterinarian. My Credentials:
Bachelor of Science, Animal Science: Emphasis in Animal Biology
Honors: Cum Laude 3.85/4.0 GPA
University of Florida, 2005
(relevant coursework includes but not limited to: MAC3472 Honors, CHM2045, CHM2045L, MAC3473 Honors, CHM2046, CHM2046L, ANS3043, ANS3317L, ANS3384, CHM2210, CHM2211, PHY2053, PHY2053L, ANS3006C, ANS3206, PHY2054, PHY2054L, CHM2047, MCB3020, MCB3020L, VME4103, ANS3440)
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine
University Of Florida College of Veterinary Med 2009
3.4 GPA/4.0
Small Animal General Practice 2009-present

Пікірлер: 39

@lyndabell1966 6 ай бұрын

I can't express how thankful i am for you. Im so overwhelmed with the Purina problems happening that im trying desperately to find a safe kibble for my little Kona dog. You are so appreciated ❤❤

@AnimalDocRea 6 ай бұрын

I’m not sure there really is a “Purina Problem” to be quite honest and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend changing because of the hype. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ic2PqJB02tStm5c.htmlsi=h_KVdIm71UQjQQds

@lyndabell1966 6 ай бұрын

@@AnimalDocRea I'm feeding him diamond naturals small breed. I watched your video on this too. I can see from all that you have talked about, that it is most likely the cause of such sickness and death, not necessarily a brand but more because their poor little bodies will eventually be far too overtaxed.

@sandihedstrom4480 7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for the details on the minerals!

@lillyvillegas6348 11 ай бұрын

I appropriate your videos, I’ve learned so much. Will you please review Open farm dog food.

@leochengpengli1284 11 ай бұрын

Smash the like button guys, the doctor is a treasure!!

@AnimalDocRea 11 ай бұрын

That is so sweet, thank you!

@susankilstrom6852 3 ай бұрын

totally agree!

@carolkuang40 4 ай бұрын

Your reviews are super helpful! Could you review First Mate's Cage Free Duck Meal & Blueberries Formula for cats?

@yannaren8680 11 ай бұрын

Hi Dr Rea, thank you for all your hard work to help us finding the right food. I have 2 small mokie, weight 9 and 12 lbs, 6 and 8 year old, for small breed what age should they be considered as senior dog? is it normal 7 yo or 10 yo? thank you!!

@AnimalDocRea 11 ай бұрын

I start recommending bloodwork at 7 then tailor my food recommendations on the results of the labs and my physical exam. Dogs of that size can transition to a senior anytime really after 7.

@kimberlykindell6397 11 ай бұрын

Could you review Forza 10 Renal dry dog food please?

@bigkitch12 6 ай бұрын

Interesting the differences between a vet review from a nutritionist review.

@AnimalDocRea 6 ай бұрын

I actually am a vet and also a “certified animal nutritionist” so I guess I’m technically both! Board certified veterinary nutritionist are also vets. I think you mean the difference between an evidence based nutritionist (most vets are going to be evidence based) and a holistic based nutritionist ( often a lay person that has sat for certification through an independent certification company). I Agree holistic nutrition is a totally different philosophy from evidence based. I know and understand both philosophies ( I even prescribe traditional chinese herbal remedies on occasion in my practice) but the evidence based approach resonates with me more. Thanks for watching and expanding your knowledge base.

@SA2302 7 ай бұрын

Could you please review Nature's Recipe Whole Grain, Chicken and Rice Recipe dog food (kibble)? It's very well-rated from pet owners from what I can see online and it's made in the USA, but I don't see many reviews of this brand? Also, is it okay to mix wet dog food with dry kibble for dogs who need/want that little something extra to make the kibble more enticing? Do you ever review wet dog food? I'm curious about this brand's wet dog food line as well. Would love your thoughts before making the switch! Thanks!

@AnimalDocRea 7 ай бұрын

I do have some wet food reviews but you have to do a bunch of conversions to compare to the standards so I don’t do that much. I have a video on that conversion process if you want in the foundations playlist. You can mix dry and canned if you want. I don’t think I have a natures recipe review but I’ll put it on my list to look into.

@melissasjogren 11 ай бұрын

Could you review Authority dog food, I believe it’s pets smart brand. 😊

@pandora_3314 11 ай бұрын

Great video, I had my dog on this for a while but stopped as he was allergic to the chicken fat, in spite of being told the protein was removed so it should be okay. Nope, it wasn’t. Could you please review a prescription cat food: Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Fiber Response dry food. I’m curious how a prescription food stacks up. Thanks!

@AnimalDocRea 11 ай бұрын

I actually really love that food. One of my top picks for certain conditions. I can do a formal review on it.

@pandora_3314 11 ай бұрын

I’m glad you approve of it. Just wondering if it’s appropriate for my senior cat or if there’s something better. She’s been on it for a few years now and is doing fantastic on it. Thanks!

@mcbeezee2120 3 ай бұрын

Yeah, we had a terrible bout with a food allergy with our 12 year old. A few months ago, wanted to try Farmer's Dog food. Big mistake. Make a long story short, we tried Hill's z/d for a couple of weeks, but it seemed it did nothing for her terminal itching. She has now been on Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach(salmon)/ Farmina's Cod/Spelt/etc, and she is back to her old, normal, no itch self. We were thinking of giving her a LITTLE bit of the Hill's z/d to see if it triggers her(it has hydrolyzed chicken liver), but not sure if we want to take that chance. I found a study done in Japan(?), where out of 400 dogs, a hydrolyzed protein did NOT help about 40% of them.

@AnimalDocRea 3 ай бұрын

That number seems really high, I’d be careful and evaluate that study with how they determined if it did not help because that data seems way off. If it was investigator or owner reporting subjective results, then that’s not really accurate. How were the dogs determine to have food allergy alone? I just haven’t seen anything close to those numbers in any papers and I read JAVMA monthly

@pandora_3314 3 ай бұрын

@@mcbeezee2120I’m sorry you and your dog are dealing with allergies, it’s so frustrating. I’m not sure what was in the Firstmate food that triggered my dogs allergies, I just assumed chicken fat but he’s been on Science Diet Lamb and Brown Rice for over a year now with no reaction. It contains chicken fat and hydrolized chicken liver. It’s so hard to pinpoint what it is. I hope your dog continues to do well on his new food, good luck!

@tricogustrico 11 ай бұрын

I wonder how they managed to get the calcium so high, duck feathers?

@tricogustrico 9 ай бұрын

Good reason not to buy pet food made in Canada @@ZaryaTheLaika

@ChristineClark-ft8tq 11 ай бұрын

I would love a review of Royal Canin Adult food, I’ve only seen you review puppy. Brand is Getting pricy but worth it if it’s actually worth it lol, feed my dog the Rottweiler formula. Wondering if there “breed specific” formulas are a marketing gimmick or actual targeted nutrition for breeds?

@AnimalDocRea 11 ай бұрын

Mostly marketing, there are no breed specific standards. They are taking creative license

@AnimalDocRea 6 ай бұрын

@lu-annjuleaw9124 id find a vet willing to work up her obesity. Lots of other causes hormonally in an addition to thyroid and it may be you need to see an internist over a general practitioner. Maybe ask your vet if referral is an option for you.

@George.J 11 ай бұрын

No, you didn’t miss anything but you were probably surprised that 4/10 was so low so you thought something wasn’t adding up 😂 I have a request for a cat food review: Yora adult dry cat food. The only animal protein source is insect.

@AnimalDocRea 11 ай бұрын

Nice, I did that Jiminy’s review and was really impressed

@edschulhof6303 11 ай бұрын

@@AnimalDocRea In 1941, 91% of all commercial pet food was wet food sold in tin cans. World War II meant no tin was available. By 1946, 85% of all pet food was dry kibble. World War II is over. People need to stop using dry kibble! LOL Cats need animal muscle meat for most of their diet. That's where they get their taurine and other nutrients. Otherwise, it has to be synthetic. Cats get about 80% of their daily moisture requirement from food. Kibble won't cut it. (These comments are for a normal, healthy cat)

@edschulhof6303 11 ай бұрын

"canard sans cage" Are you only reviewing dog food so I don't disagree with you? I would have used "La Vie En Rose" for the French music. LOL. I love the idea of a "Bingo" score card.

@AnimalDocRea 11 ай бұрын

I review what people ask, sorry 😞 I need more cat requests!

@edschulhof6303 11 ай бұрын

@@AnimalDocRea That's ok. I would rather talk about French opera with you than disagree about cat food! How is Carmen? : )

@AnimalDocRea 11 ай бұрын

@edschulhof6303 potty training is a wreck

@edschulhof6303 11 ай бұрын

@@AnimalDocRea That's the French for you! LOL. The first day I let the kittens out of the kennel to have the run of the house, Panda P'd on the couch three times. Sacré Bleu!

@blueback21 Ай бұрын

So much wonderful information, but the fact that you’re so unorganized and can’t remember your scores is a bit concerning

@AnimalDocRea Ай бұрын

It’s an impromptu first impression, honest and genuine first look at a product. Im looking at it real time. I don’t rehears, I don’t pre-judge, and I’m not a professional actress. I also try not to heavily edit the footage to keep it real and make my audience feel like I’m working through the products with them. I’m sorry you find my sincerity concerning, but I’m glad you find the information to be wonderful.