BajaNomad - Dogfood - Powered by XMB

Dogfood

grace59 - 9-12-2009 at 09:14 AM

I will be bringing my dog down to San Felipe with me at Christmas. I've heard that sometimes dogfood gets taken away at the boarder because it contains beef...my dog eats a chicken and rice food...will that be an issue to bring a bag of it into Mexico?

DianaT - 9-12-2009 at 09:27 AM

Grace,

Some time back they were asking about dog food when we were returning to the US, and they were taking dog food.

However, we go back and forth about every 6 weeks and we have not been asked about dog food for months. And with Maggie growling at the agent, and Tommy trying to make friends, it is obvious we have dogs.

We have received the red light a number of times entering Mexico and have never been asked about dog food. Take it and I doubt you will have a problem.

But, there are no absolutes. :lol:

Diane

toneart - 9-12-2009 at 09:37 AM

Grace,

I have never had a problem going into Mexico with several 35lb bags of special dog food. They have never questioned me about it. I have heard that coming back, the U.S. border people have not allowed dog food back into the U.S. I have been to secondary a few times, but they didn't take any away from me.

The big question is how the NEW Mexican border officials will view dog food. It is a whole new ballgame and we don't have experience with this new bunch. It is my guess that they may not take it away, but they may tax it.

The best question to ask should be directed to any Nomads who have passed through the Mexican border since these new border officials have taken over.....Can anybody report???

I will be facing the same question when I cross. That won't be for several weeks though.

DianaT - 9-12-2009 at 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart

The big question is how the NEW Mexican border officials will view dog food. It is a whole new ballgame and we don't have experience with this new bunch. It is my guess that they may not take it away, but they may tax it.

The best question to ask should be directed to any Nomads who have passed through the Mexican border since these new border officials have taken over.....Can anybody report???

Very good point. Our last crossing going down was right before the new guard took over----

DENNIS - 9-12-2009 at 10:01 AM

Just tell them that you eat it. Then, it's people food.
Who knows? This may just be the new Baja Burrito.

toneart - 9-12-2009 at 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Just tell them that you eat it. Then, it's people food.
Who knows? This may just be the new Baja Burrito.

Arf! MMmmmmm.... :yes:

grace59 - 9-12-2009 at 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Just tell them that you eat it. Then, it's people food.
Who knows? This may just be the new Baja Burrito.

Uhmmmm...Wouldn't that be the new Baja Grrrrr-ito? :lol:

Guess I'll have to wait and see what happens and then report to you all. I just hate to have it taken away as it is special food.

DianaT - 9-12-2009 at 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by grace59

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Just tell them that you eat it. Then, it's people food.
Who knows? This may just be the new Baja Burrito.

Uhmmmm...Wouldn't that be the new Baja Grrrrr-ito? :lol:

Guess I'll have to wait and see what happens and then report to you all. I just hate to have it taken away as it is special food.

We should be going back down soon, and hopefully it will not be a problem. But then again, you will be crossing at a different crossing and who knows.

If the food is in a bag, maybe you should duct tape a picture of a person over where the usual picture of a dog is, and call it cereal---very large Grape Nuts.

DENNIS - 9-12-2009 at 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart

Barf! MMmmmmm..... :barf:

Lemme just add a bit to Tony's reply.
-----------

Actually, I'm in the process of making dog biscuits for my pup and there's nothing in them that I wouldn't eat in public. YUMMY

http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/dogtreats_oatmealwheat.htm

toneart - 9-12-2009 at 10:44 AM

Dennis,

SIT!

Now....SPEAK!.....ROLL OVER! :lol:

Very good! (He's a quick study). :wow:

DENNIS - 9-12-2009 at 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart
SIT!

Now....SPEAK!.....ROLL OVER! :lol:

That translates to:

SIT...on the barstool

SPEAK...clearly when ordering mass quantities of Pacifico

ROLL OVER....when you hit the floor after falling off the stool

I am a quick study, as you mentioned. Thanks. SALUD

k-rico - 9-12-2009 at 11:10 AM

I'm trying to eliminate shopping trips form TJ to San Diego because now the border is a hassle in both directions.

I usually buy 44 pound bags of Purina dog chow at Walmart.

Do any of you buy dog food in Mexico? If so, where, what brand, and how much does it cost? I suppose I could just go to Calimax and look but I thought I'd ask.

DENNIS - 9-12-2009 at 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico

Do any of you buy dog food in Mexico? If so, where, what brand, and how much does it cost? I suppose I could just go to Calimax and look but I thought I'd ask.

Yeah....it's all over the place in the larger stores, Purina too but, usually in smaller bags. Costco has some of their own name product and all of it everywhere is expensive compared to US product.
Just my observation.

vandenberg - 9-12-2009 at 11:23 AM

We've been buying dogfood here in Loreto for years. Both in dry form and in cans. Mainly Pedigree, which is one of the better brands. Get it at issste, when they have it, and other times at the vet or the Pescador market. Also at Ley's in Constitution when we make a run there.
My dog eats mainly the canned variety and the wife complains that it's almost cheaper to feed the animals (both cat and dog) hamburger, chicken, or fish with some veggies.

DianaT - 9-12-2009 at 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg
We've been buying dogfood here in Loreto for years. Both in dry form and in cans. Mainly Pedigree, which is one of the better brands. Get it at issste, when they have it, and other times at the vet or the Pescador market. Also at Ley's in Constitution when we make a run there.
My dog eats mainly the canned variety and the wife complains that it's almost cheaper to feed the animals (both cat and dog) hamburger, chicken, or fish with some veggies.

We even have a new pet store in Bahia Asuncion that has lots of dog food---but variety is limited.

I like the way your wife thinks---besides, we have found that the natural diet of raw and cooked chicken, beef, a little fish and veggies along with a little kibble thrown in is really very healthful for the dog--- :spingrin:

DENNIS - 9-12-2009 at 11:52 AM

WOW...Times have really changed down here. Fifteen years ago, you would have to look far and wide for any kind of pet food. It was garbage cans and table scraps.
Just the other day, I saw a periodical from the Mexican Kennel Club all about German Shepards. No...I did not see that at Anthony's. I saw it at Calimax....I think.

Bringing Bags of Dog Food Through San Ysidro Border

Gypsy Jan - 9-12-2009 at 12:00 PM

Last week, some friends brought down about ten big bags of dog food in their truck.

They were diverted to the Mexican secondary inspection. The officials looked at the bags in the bed (while the three dogs in the back seat were barking/growling/smiling/waving tails) and then waved them on. No hassle, no problems, our friends were back on the road in less than ten minutes.

Sorry, I can't help out with info about the Tecate crossing, if that is where you are going. Your experience may be vastly different, but I haven't heard any negative reports to date.

How about Beef?

Posada-BushPilot - 9-12-2009 at 12:20 PM

Anyone know if US Beef is permitted these days? I love to take a bunch of costco ribeyes down in my engle.

DENNIS - 9-12-2009 at 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Posada-BushPilot
Anyone know if US Beef is permitted these days? I love to take a bunch of costco ribeyes down in my engle.

Costco does it. I doubt it would be denied entry just for being beef but, for an excessive amount.

Howard - 9-12-2009 at 12:45 PM

I can bark from first hand experience. Around 4 months ago, I flew into Loreto on Alaska airlines with my dog in the hold of the plane. I was going to be down there for several weeks and driving home so I brought a sealed bag of dry Pedigree. I just happen to get the red light and when he saw the dog food, he looked at the ingredients and sure enough, it contains some type of beef. He under no circumstances would let me keep it. Went to the Tienda, bought some Pedigree and in Spanish it stated it contained beef. So the moral of the story, either beef is not allowed in Baja or his dog was hungry or probably both. I do know that any type of beef is not legal to bring into Mexico. Pork, chicken, etc. is OK.

noproblemo2 - 9-12-2009 at 12:55 PM

We crossed Tues. this week, had both dog food & meats, in secondary the mexican agent wasn't concerned with any of that, just wanted to know how we paid for the 3 skylights for our casa, told him with my debit card and he said go ahead!!!

DianaT - 9-12-2009 at 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Howard
So the moral of the story, either beef is not allowed in Baja or his dog was hungry or probably both.

His dog thanks you very much. :lol:

noproblemo---where did you cross?? And were they taking most people into secondary?

Thanks

DENNIS - 9-12-2009 at 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Howard
I do know that any type of beef is not legal to bring into Mexico. Pork, chicken, etc. is OK.

Makes no sense in spite of where we are. Costco brings in beef every day. Walmart too. That doesn't sound too illegal to me.

Bajahowodd - 9-12-2009 at 01:24 PM

I don't know if this is a residual from the mad cow thing, but I'll bet that the major retailers have some sort of waiver, or certification.

Howard - 9-12-2009 at 01:42 PM

Bajahowodd

Mad cow disease it exactly the concern for no beef according to the customs inspector. I was very surprised that I could bring in pork ribs if I wanted to. In fact I brought in 3 lbs of Costco Bacon for a friend and no problemo.

Bajahowodd, I am still waiting for a better offer than one velvet Elvis and two cold Pacifico's to get rights to my name Howard for you to use on this forum! I will be in Loreto the end of October and will be there until October 8 if you would like to get into any serious dialogue over a cold one. If you are there, I will bring my good friend, Don Julio along to enhance the negotiations.

Bajahowodd - 9-12-2009 at 01:44 PM

Howard- I see you only associate with the best! :yes:

DENNIS - 9-12-2009 at 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I don't know if this is a residual from the mad cow thing, but I'll bet that the major retailers have some sort of waiver, or certification.

That makes even less sense. If a product has a health issue, why would big business be exempt from importing and selling it?

Howard - 9-12-2009 at 01:49 PM

Life is too short to drink bad Tequila. Don (Julio) whispered that in my ear one evening. I was hoping that it was Lupita or Rosa but later found out as I woke up on the floor it was unfortunately him and not her. I just hate when that happens!

Howard - 9-12-2009 at 01:51 PM

Dennis

You are talking about one of the big Oxymarooon’s, Mexico authorities and using common sense.

DENNIS - 9-12-2009 at 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Howard

You are talking about one of the big Oxymarooon’s, Mexico authorities and using common sense.

I mentioned that.

Quote:

Makes no sense in spite of where we are.

Bajahowodd - 9-12-2009 at 01:59 PM

Dennis- I know you barely make it out to the main road to shop the new Calimax. But try this. Costco Mexico is 50% owned by Comercial Mexicano. Since both stores in Ensenada are adjacent, go check and see if they have US beef at Comerci. You could do some comparison shopping while you're at it. :lol:

Woooosh - 9-12-2009 at 04:14 PM

I have five labs and buy all their bagged dog food stateside every two weeks or so. I also have an ice chest to transport meat (bacon, pork ribs, rib eyes, etc) from CostCo and carne asada from The Butcher Shop back down. Been through secondary lately with it all in the back of the SUV and was waved through after a polite hello. Not what they were interested in.

IMHO- In addition to weapons and cash- they probably are looking for big ticket items with receipts for import tax collection. There is so much stuff flowing through there every second- it would be silly to waste even five minutes looking at a supply trip. By that I mean reasonable amounts of people or dog food a visitor might bring for him and his own pets.

[Edited on 9-12-2009 by Woooosh]

Bajahowodd - 9-12-2009 at 04:17 PM

Are you saying that you can't get decent dog food at a reasonable price in Rosarito?

I'll See Your Five and Raise You Eight

Gypsy Jan - 9-12-2009 at 04:30 PM

Five Great Danes, two rotts and a German Shepherd.

I agree that the Mex authorities have a lot more to worry about than a supply of sealed dog food bags going south.

DENNIS - 9-12-2009 at 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Dennis- I know you barely make it out to the main road to shop the new Calimax. But try this. Costco Mexico is 50% owned by Comercial Mexicano. Since both stores in Ensenada are adjacent, go check and see if they have US beef at Comerci. You could do some comparison shopping while you're at it. :lol:

They do, I'm sure. What Costco doesn't sell goes across the street to ComMex in one grind or the other.
I've seen Costco sales labels in ComMex. I know they're one and the same.
I'm hoping in the future I'll get more permits to mingle with the real world in Maneadero. I'll be able to give current events to all you folks who live a million miles away from here.
How else will you be able to tell me what's happening in my back yard.

noproblemo2 - 9-12-2009 at 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter

Quote:

Originally posted by Howard
So the moral of the story, either beef is not allowed in Baja or his dog was hungry or probably both.

His dog thanks you very much. :lol:

noproblemo---where did you cross?? And were they taking most people into secondary?

Thanks

We crossed San Ysidro, not too many being sent to inspection area, but we were in our RV so we know to expect to go there. We show our FM-3s they come in & look and are very polite to us.

Paulina - 9-12-2009 at 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by grace59
...I just hate to have it taken away as it is special food.

If your dog has dietary needs and requires this special food, it might be a good idea to get a letter from your vet along with your international health certificate just in case.

P<*)))>{

DENNIS - 9-12-2009 at 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulina

If your dog has dietary needs and requires this special food, it might be a good idea to get a letter from your vet along with your international health certificate just in case.

P<*)))>{

Good idea. Make sure it's in Español.

oladulce - 9-12-2009 at 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter
Grace,

Some time back they were asking about dog food when we were returning to the US, and they were taking dog food.

However, we go back and forth about every 6 weeks and we have not been asked about dog food for months...

We always visit secondary at Tecate going North, and they always ask about cat food. (Most recently, 3 wks ago).

If a bag of dry food is open, the US guys will take it even if it was purchased in the US. An unopened bag of (cat) food is ok to bring across but be sure to declare it to the agents. If they see your animals (at Tecate), they'll do a thorough search looking for contraband kibble anyway, and you'll be out of there alot faster if you declare it from the start.

I've never had anyone ask about pet food when we drive in to Mexico. Amiga, nomad "C.P." had a bag of Iams cat food taken away when she flew in to Loreto though.

After her experience I had to bring in some emergency rations of cat food when i flew in to Loreto. I confess, I brought 4 bags of kitty kibble disguised in Costco coffee bags to mask the smell. :saint:

DianaT - 9-12-2009 at 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oladulce

Quote:

Maybe they discriminate against cats? We almost always cross back into the states at Tecate, the last time being a couple of weeks ago, and they don't ask about the dogs---other than casual conversation about what breed they are----

Always have a good conversation with all but one of the custom's agents, at the booths. Last time we were sent to secondary was many months ago when our passenger had some fruit that was not allowed. That time we had 4 dogs with us and they still didn't ask about dog food.

I wonder what is different about having a cat?

[Edited on 9-13-2009 by jdtrotter]

Bajajorge - 9-13-2009 at 08:09 AM

I have never been questioned about dog food in numerous crossings. Traveling both north and south. Once asked for dogs papers when entering Mexico. Showed proof of US dog license and shot card, all was OK.

Howard - 9-13-2009 at 08:18 AM

The rules for going to Mexico are completely different when you drive across vs when you fly. The dog food with beef is just one example.

fishingmako - 9-14-2009 at 06:51 PM

There is no problem with dog Food at Tecate or any other crossing, as well as Dogs, they are looking for Dogs off the street, they can tell, not hard.

DENNIS - 9-14-2009 at 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishingmako
There is no problem with dog Food at Tecate or any other crossing, as well as Dogs, they are looking for Dogs off the street, they can tell, not hard.

Are you talking about going north or south?