Off Topic Discussions

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Here’s a place where you can talk about any subject not covered by another article. Well, almost anything. Our community guidelines still apply.

  • InkedMarie

    Aww poor boy. I look forward to hearing updates. By the way, I just got his notification this afternoon!

  • Pattyvaughn

    Poor Murphy! I’m glad he has you now, to broaden his horizons.

  • Dave’s Hounds

    Poor Murphy spent most of his 10 years tied up outside, he doesn’t know how to play but he is enjoying retirement and loves to cuddle, eat and go to the dog park.

  • Pattyvaughn

    Do Murphy and Jackson play together or is Murphy one of those dignified Southern gentlemen?

  • Dave’s Hounds

    Murphy is doing really well – he is on the slow kill method. He can actually hear now that his severe ear infections are gone.

  • Melissaandcrew

    Handsome boy. Congrats to you!

  • Shawna

    I LOVE the goofballs!!!
    How’s your rescue with heartworm doing?

  • Dave’s Hounds

    Thanks Shawna he is a complete goofball and is going really well.

  • Shawna

    He’s FANTASTIC Dave!!! Congratulations!!!!!!

  • Shawna

    I noticed James’ reference to Dr. Barbara Royal on the Darwin’s page and wanted to google here. Found this interesting (imo) quote from her.

    “Dr. Royal further explains, “When dry food hits the stomach, it is not what the stomach expects. The large, dry lump of material needs a huge influx of water just to break it up and let it pass into the intestines. This means an abnormal amount of water drinking, and possibly mild dehydration as fluid is taken from the body for this task. There are many ramifications for the kidneys, general health, and even incontinence issues.” http://www.theamericandogmag.com/nutrition/your-dog-needs-more-than-just-fast-food-to-thrive

  • Betsy Greer

    Awesome, Dave!

  • Dave’s Hounds

    He was found as a stray in Kentucky and taken to a local kill shelter. They contacted the rescue org who brought him to Cincinnati where I picked him up. He seems to be well taken care of – although scared to death of everything right now

  • InkedMarie

    What a handsome hound! What’s his story?

  • Hound Dog Mom

    Aw, he’s handsome. What a lucky dog to get to go home with you!

  • Pattyvaughn

    He’s really cute!! Congratulations!!

  • Dave’s Hounds

    Wanted to introduce my new Black and Tan Rescue Stonewall Jackson (Jackson). I picked him up yesterday he is about a year old

  • LabsRawesome

    Happy Father’s Day! Whether your kids have 2 legs or 4! :)

  • Pattyvaughn

    Hey all you dads!! Happy Father’s Day!!

  • losul

    Yeah the rosebreasted cockatoos are generally pretty quiet. Beautiful and expensive too. The loudest ones are generally the large white ones most commonly found in the pet trade- umbrellas, moluccans (salmon crested), sulfur crested. Seriously you absolutely wouldn’t believe how piercingly loud Daisy can get or how persistent sometimes. The macaws are mild compared to her. Our amazon is a yellow nape.

  • Hound Dog Mom

    Anytime I make a post with a link in the forums it sends my post to the spam folder. Haven’t had that problem on this part of the site though.

  • Storm’s Mom

    I did notice that.. and wondered the same thing. Hmm…

  • Hound Dog Mom

    There was a discussion about it a few months ago. I believe the concern was that they have several different single protein foods yet every protein has the same exact kcal. per kg. and guaranteed analysis. Don’t know how that would be possible.

  • Storm’s Mom

    Anyone tried/heard of “Wild Calling!” wet dog food?
    http://wildcalling.com/#!/products/

    Looks pretty good! ..but I don’t have as much experience/understanding of wet food calculations to determine the dry matter values to see if the protein level is alright (I *think* it is, but not sure..). Help?! Crude Protein (min.) 8.0%, Crude Fat (min.) 6.0%, Crude Fiber (max.) 1.5%, Moisture (max.) 78.0%, Ash (max.) 3.0%

    Picked up some cans of Pheasant and Rabbit today.. two proteins Storm’s never had before, so thought I’d try them to see how he likes them. Haven’t decided which of those ones he’ll have tonight…. it’ll be a “game time” decision ;-)

    Anyhoo, Dr Mike, another one for your ever expanding list of reviews perhaps?! heehee (if it’s not already on your list, of course!)

  • InkedMarie

    We had a rosebreasted cockatoo who was pretty darn quiet! What kind of amazon do you have? No more birds for me but I used to want a Mealy.

  • Lovinlabs

    Thank you, HDM! Should I look for a specific ingredient to help with her joints? As far as the puppy I find a food that has great ingredients then I read a review that it hurt or killed one of their pets! Does it just come down to what suites your own dogs belly?

  • losul

    Yes, and the really strange thing is that they build ultra large community nests with “separate “apartments, each couple being very protective of their own apartments.

  • LawofRaw

    Yeah I recall reading that about some U.S. states, a few years back. Blues are a man induced mutation and their natural colour is green like you said. They are indeed hardy birds. They’re also the only parrot species known to actually build their own nests like non-parrot birds.

  • LawofRaw

    I can definitely see it from my end. The cockatiel is perching on a hand belonging to an arm wearing a pink sleeve. There is built-in wardrobe in the colour brown in the back ground.

  • losul

    For some reason, I’m still not getting the picture

  • losul

    Blues are rare mutations in the states and can cost a lot of money. We used to have an ordinary green one, unsexed and I know about them being protective, and possessive especially inside of their cages.

    Many states in the U.S., they are illegal to own, even some of the northern states, because of their ablity to adapt to colder climates and thrive.

  • LawofRaw

    Beautiful cockatiel too! Sorry for your sister’s loss. Just goes to show how we humans can become so attached to pet animals, that they truly are part of the family. Cockatiels are very similar in behavourial characteristics to quakers.

  • LawofRaw

    Huh, I used to have a blue quaker parrot named Nicky. Well 2 actually, one male named Jamie, and the female, Nicky. I ended up giving them away to a parrot breeder because I believed it to be in their best interests as they were in season and let me tell you just how over protective a male blue quaker can be when in season irrespective of how human tamed in might be, lol.

  • Hound Dog Mom

    Hi lovinlabs –

    Labs definitely are considered large breeds – it’s surprising that the parents are only 50 lbs. though, quite small for labs. I’d recommend you head over to the forum area, there’s an entire thread dedicated to large breed puppy nutrition and a list of recommended 4 and 5 star grain-free foods.

    http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/forums/topic/large-and-giant-breed-puppy-nutrition/

    As for your older dog, supplementing with fish oil is good – it’s rich in omega 3′s. You may also want to try adding some extra virgin coconut oil, coconut oil is rich in medium chain triglycerides which are beneficial for skin and coat health as well. With the addition of these oils and a switch to a higher quality 4 or 5 star food I’m sure you’ll see a big improvement in coat health within a few weeks.

  • Betsy Greer

    The picture didn’t show up the first time I posted it. If you’re in Eastern Virginia, keep an eye out for Nicky.

  • Betsy Greer

    My sister was heartbroken when her little Nicky was recently out of the cage and happen to fly right out the front door when my nephew and some friends came in from outside.

    The worst part was that they were moving across the country several weeks later and had to do it knowing that Nicky would never be able to find his way home again.

  • Lovinlabs

    Hi, I’m new to this site and very overwhelmed! I’m hoping all of you dog lovers can help me. I have a 11year old black lab and sadly did not know the importance of choosing her food when we adopted her at age 10 months. She has joint problems, dandruff, and her coat is anything but smooth and even her color is not as black as it once was? The vet gave me some shampoo yesterday and said to give her a fish oil pill everyday. After reading on the site you guys are filled with knowledge and I’m hoping you can help.
    My other question is we have just adopted a 8 week old black lab, who is now 11 weeks. I want to start his life off with the best food for labs. I’m not even sure now if he is considered a large breed after reading so much on here. His parents are both about 50 pounds. He is 20 pounds as of yesterday, and both dogs are eating Iams. The senior “kiara” is on fish and potato, and the puppy “bowman” is on proactive health smart puppy. I did purchase Blue yesterday but I’m taking it back after all of the scared things I have read. Sorry this is so long.

  • LawofRaw

    Oh they sure are. Their bite, albeit very infrequent, if at all, is much more a blunter feeling than say the sharper needle pinch type bite of a green cheek.

    Sunconure’s are quite the dancers too.

  • Hound Dog Mom

    Sorry for your loss. It’s hard when one of your best friends kills another one of your friends. I went through it numerous times growing up. I can’t even count how many of my pet rabbits and guinea pigs my shepherd got a hold of and killed.

  • losul

    Not only are sun conures very beautiful, they can make excellent pets for anyone or family desiring a parrot.

  • LawofRaw

    Rather than reply to each response, I am responding this way…..Thank you all for your sentiments. I’m kind of mourning his loss all this weekend whilst at the same time, not blaming my dogs, as they were just doing what nature designed them to do. I’m burying him in a garden patch tomorrow.

    As for ensuring something like that doesn’t happen again and heeding of such warnings I agree with a couple of comments suggesting not keeping such combination of pet species in the same room. I 100% agree and should I get another parrot (My Sunconure escaped a few months back from being startled by sudden sharp sounds after perching on my shoulder, so I’m now parrotless), in the distant future, my dogs will have to grow wings to get to any pet parrot I might consider owning again.

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com/ Mike Sagman

    Hi LawofRaw,

    I (too) am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Conure. Since our family used to have a Sun Conure ourselves, I know how much these sweet little birds can mean to any home. Thanks for sharing your story (and your warning) with our community.

  • losul

    Lol. Amazons are the only parrots where i would prefer a female over a male. The males are usually alot more temperamental than the females, Other species, usually the other way around, in my experience. We happen to have a male yellow nape like you. “Ole my Darling Clementime” and “Old Mcdonald” are his favorite songs.

    Some people say it’s easy to decipher the Amazons body language, i.e. eyes pinning, crest raised, tail flaring. It’s never really given me a clue that they may be about to bite, just that they are excited.

    We have an umbrella cockatoo that is unsafe to have loose when anyone but my self is around. I can do anything with her, easily trim toenails, wings, etc without toweling. She loves me and only me, way too much. But no one else is safe around her as she just doesn’t tolerate anyone else at all and will attack and do certain damage. Nor are the other birds safe around her. She put a nasty hole through the blue and gold’s cheek once

    Anyone thinking about a cockatoo as a pet, I would seriously rethink that, unless maybe a little goffins, or a bare eye corella. Even though they are cuddly, highly intelligent and charming. They can and usually are, very attention demanding, their screams are absolutely nerve wracking, much more so and often than the macaws even, and they tend to be one person only birds. They can also very quickly destroy things. Plus they produce endless amounts of feather dust/powder-they don’t have oil glands like “new world species”. If you check the classifieds, they are the #1 parrot available for rehoming, sometimes never finding final homes. They shouldn’t be bred or sold at all for pets for most people, IMO. They are usually considered extreme pests in the wild and in their native habit, Lawof Raw would probably agree with this being from “down under”. With that said, anyone want to adopt our sweet adorable Daisy?

  • Pattyvaughn

    I’m glad our Amazon hasn’t figured out cage latches or our lives and limbs would be in danger.

  • losul

    We have two that are extreme escape artists and the cages have to be key locked and other openings secured. The amazon actually dismantled the latch a couple of times and got out anyway. Industrial grade locktite was finally the cure for him at least so far..

  • losul

    Really sorry to hear about your conure.

    While we are usually vigilant about supervising when our parrots when loose in the same room with our dog, not so when they are caged, so thanks for the reminder.

    I always cringe at the cute photos of a predator animal foregoing instincts and cuddling with a prey animal. It only takes one time….

  • Betsy Greer

    Thanks, Dr. Mike! I wouldn’t have pestered you. I know you’ve got a “few things” on your plate. : )

  • Betsy Greer

    I always separate Sam and Bella when I can’t supervise them (and often when I am supervising them). I know they’re crazy about each other, but Sam’s “playfulness” at about 75 pounds totally overpowers Bella’s at about 16 pounds. He could so easily injure her without intending to so I’m always keeping my eye on them.

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com/ Mike Sagman

    Hi Betsy,

    Thanks to your comment here, I discovered that Disqus had held your two comments in its spam filter. Not sure why this happens – but I think it sometimes has to do with the links.

    In any case, I’ve released them so you should now see them in their appropriate threads.

    I’m not always aware of these issues unless I receive a message in my “Contact Us” form in the footer. Or by direct email.

    So, when a comment doesn’t appear within 5 minutes or so, be sure to let me know.

    Actually, Disqus does a fairly commendable job dealing with an astounding amount of spam we get every day.

    Thanks for your understanding and patience.

  • Betsy Greer

    So sorry about your bird. What a horrible, heartbreaking situation to come home to. : (

  • Betsy Greer

    The other night, I included legit links in a few posts; ie: The Truth About Pet Food; Nature’s Logic, and it seemed to automatically dump my posts into the abyss. They still haven’t popped back up. So I wonder, how can a spammer do that and the posts not get dumped into the same apparent spam folder?

  • KarenC

    Awww. What a sad thing to find. RIP little birdie. I’ve always wanted pet birds, of any sort, but have been too scared because of the dogs. I’ll heed this as a warning to be very careful if I do decide.

  • Melissaandcrew

    Why would they only live 8 yrs? I have a 15 yr old and 3. 14 1/2 yr olds. Two of the 14yr pluses just had their teeth cleaned. One of them went to a cardiolgist for clearance due to a heart condition first but both did just fine. They also had two small growths removed at the same time.

  • Pattyvaughn

    Good!!

  • Pattyvaughn

    I’m so sorry to hear about your conure. I had my long ago beagle do much the same, except all that was left of 3 birds was 2 tail feathers. He got in the cage with them. I don’t even know how. And their cage had been hung up. When it comes to dogs hunting, they can be extremely clever. I don’t think there is much someone can do to ensure that a bird kept in the same room as a dog is safe, other than move the bird to another room.

  • InkedMarie

    reporting this person for spamming links

  • Pattyvaughn

    I’m probably kind of funny, but why would anyone go to a website that they have no info on???

  • Julie Mayfield
  • Julie Mayfield
  • InkedMarie

    I am SO sorry. I had a cockatoo & cockatiel (do not have them any longer due to recurring respiratory infections) but 6 years ago, my pbgv tried to dine on my tiel for lunch. Luckily for me, my son was home because I froze, the bird was fine after surgery. After that, the birds were not allowed out if the dogs were out and the birds got their own room. Again, I’m so sorry

  • LawofRaw

    A word of advice/warning: If you have pet birds and pet dogs separated by only the tall and wide standing cage like mine is, then don’t! Get them separated by a greater means.

    My Cinnamon Green Cheeked Conure parrot has been killed by one of my dogs (I suspect my JRT). I came home last night from work, when I was shocked to see him lying on the bottom of the cage, half his right wing was protruding through the cage’s waste/droppings separator. I thought maybe it was maybe a sudden heart attack or something unknown that it died from as leaving for work in the morning, showed no signs of what was to come, as he looked and sounded like his chirpy self as usual.

    As it was dark and my back yard’s sun room’s artificial lighting is not so bright, on closer inspection, I noticed a reddish tinge in colouring on parts of its wings and his head direction was positioned at 90 degrees in relation to its body. I then spotted 2 plucked feather tails about a metre outside the cage. It belonged to my dead parrot. I then knew that somehow my JRT must have gotten enough of a grasp of part of him and attempted to pull it out from in between the cage bars (Which mind you is of a more heavy duty build than common indoor type cages, but also a little more wider in length between each bar), but couldn’t and in attempting so, probably broke his neck from the pressure against the cage. I’m not sure how 2 of his tail end feathers were plucked. Despite me finding him on the cage bottom about 10 cm from the front cage edge, I’m pretty sure the way I described above in what I believe may have happened, happened. He probably had an enough life in him to flap his wings enough to move himself a little away from the cage edge after my (probably) JRT lost her grasp. There was no sign of cage bar damage. There was however, evidence of the cage front bottom edges slide out separator being moved out about a cm or 2.

    I’ve gotten carried away by describing in detail what appeared has occurred and my apologies for a somewhat graphic detail, but the gist of this post, is the message that no matter how much you think that a dog may have warmed to your pet bird, or your perception leads you to believe that a pet dog and a pet bird can be friends, then most likely the contrary is true. After all, dogs are dogs (domestics wolves, natural instinctive predators) and hence any pet owner of both dogs and of course cats, and birds, should make every effort to physically ensure the possibility of my latest experience, is zero.

  • Pattyvaughn

    That was soooooo funny!!

  • LabsRawesome
  • InkedMarie

    I did, looking forward to it. Hope he has dry, canned, dehydrated/freeze dried and pre made raws!

  • losul

    HDM, it was very disturbing to hear of this unfortunate incident, even after the fact. It must have been agonizing for you, and especially when something like that just happens out of the blue with no apparent reason. Know that my thoughts and best wishes are with You, Gus, and the rest of the tribe.

  • the baglady

    PLEASE HELP ME AGAIN..a few months ago I asked for advice on food for my 7yr old and 4 yr old min. schnauzers who had been fed the KD Science Diet crap all their lives. I changed to the Castor/Pollux organix chicken/brown rice/flaxseed and chicken/peas/flaxseed as well as their wet turkey/carrot/potatoe foods. . They both have started refusing to eat until they are starving and they also are drinking more water than normal and now the reports are making me realize I need to change brands again but I can’t remember the foods that were suggested. I always add Mercola complete probotics, Mercola digesive enzymes and Vet Classics 3-6-9 omega. My 7 yr old is losing teeth and has horrible breath as well as skin yeast at times. Otherwise, they have normal labs and each weigh 14 lbs. I would really like to reverse all health problems caused by the Science Diet food as well as help his dental problems but he refuses brushing and I’m afraid to have him put to sleep for cleanings due to the problems Schnauzers can have. Please tell me what I need to do. I was told by a vet to expect them to live only 8 yrs and these are my children and I live in constant fear of losing them, especially the 7 yr. old who really is my closest buddy and brought me thru some tough times and I feel so guilty of not knowing any better about the Science Diet garbage. I really appreciate all the info and knowledge this site has brought me over the past months and I tell everyone I know including my new holistic vet about you guys.Thanks so much.

  • Pattyvaughn

    Did anyone notice the little article about the Editor’s Choice Report? I’m waiting with baited breath!

  • Melissaandcrew

    HDM So sorry to hear about Gus, and for not seeing this earlier. DFA has not been updating recent comments for me. Sounds like a seizure to me as well, but who really knows what brought it on. Our doxie has seizures from time to time and they seem to be worse when she eat heavy fish based food or is startled.

  • Betsy Greer

    HDM, I’m so sorry to hear about Gus! That must’ve been a terrifying situation for you guys. I’m glad he’s stable and hope whatever caused the seizure is something that can be “fixed.”

  • Hound Dog Mom

    Thanks Shawna. To be honest I don’t know much about seizures.I’ve been looking up potential causes…there are so many so it’s hard to say. I read one of Dr. Becker’s articles on seizures and most of the potential causes just don’t sound like they’d apply to him. The only one that’s got me scared is brain tumors – she said that often when older dogs suddenly start having seizures it’s due to a brain tumor.

  • Pattyvaughn

    Low phos levels are a natural result from the seizure, not a cause for the seizure as I understand it.

  • Shawna

    Very interesting aimee!!!!

  • Shawna

    I’m so sorry HDM!!! I hope for your and Gus’ sake that it was just a one time thing!!!

    My daughter’s Chihuahua, Peachy, started having seizures after the apartment complex my daughter lived at sprayed for bugs. She would have several grand mal seizures a week. Our holistic vet suggested adding extra vitamin Bs and magnesium to her diet til the bottles were gone and low and behold that did the trick.

    Also, I’ve heard holistic practitioners say things like — if low normal is not normal for your dog (or you) than there is something amiss. I’d check his current phos levels against those on previous blood tests..

    You and Gus are in my thoughts and prayers!!

  • Pattyvaughn

    I’m glad he seems himself this morning. If he will get stressed about not going on walks then take him on a shorter leisurely stroll. If he is a pretty laid back guy then don’t worry about it. Managing his stress level right now is an important part of taking it easy, more so that lying around.

  • Hound Dog Mom

    Hi Marie –

    Thankfully he seems to be back to his normal self today. He ate up his breakfast and I took the girls for a walk this morning, when he saw the leash come out he started jumping all over excited – he was very disappointed he got left behind. I’m going to keep a good watch on him for the rest of the week and keep him as quiet as possible. Hopefully it’s not something that’s going to happen again and he’ll be able to get back to his regular routine soon.

  • InkedMarie

    Oh crap! I am so sorry that happened! I’m shaking up here. Please keep us posted on his condition, I hope it never happens again & he has no lingering effects. Are you ok?

  • Cyndi

    So sorry to hear about Gus! :( I will pray everything is ok and he recovers quickly. I can’t imagine what you’re going thru. Get well soon Gus!!!

  • Crazy4cats

    Hi-
    How very scary. I’m sorry to hear about Gus. Best of wishes to you and your family . Hoping for a speedy and full recovery.

  • aimee

    Interesting.. you’ll have to ask your vet if it is significant/relevant or not. I’m just looking at it from a basic physiology aspect. .

  • abdpac

    Years ago I adopted a yellow lab who had torn both ACLs at about age 2. He had a TPLO on one side, no surg on the other. By the time I adopted him, both knees were horribly arthritic with many loose bodies. I used Glucosamine Chondroitin supplements. I also utilized viscosupplementation (injectable Hyaluronic acid preparation).

    I work in orthopedics (with humans) and they way I explain how Gluc/Chond works to patients is this: They are building blocks of healthy cartilage. We THINK the way they work is by making the cartilage that remains healthier, and therefore less painful. With regard to hyaluronic acid preparations I explain it similarly: They are derived from rooster combs or thru bacterial fermentation in a lab. We know that arthritic knees have lower concentrations of hyaluronic acid than healthy knees. The hyaluronic acid is extracted from rooster combs, purfied in a lab, and then we inject it into your knee. We think the cartilage absorbs it and becomes healthier and less painful. Also, it may help the joint to secrete a healthier joint fluid.

    Nothing has been proven to regrow cartilage. No supplement. No injection. The supplements won’t necessarily help with an acute injury. The idea is that it will slow the progression of arthritis which develops when you have chronic instability. Each time the knee buckles, the articular surfaces smack into one another and do damage (even microscopic damage) to the hyaline cartilage which is irreversible. Over time, that cartilage loss becomes severe enough that it is termed “Arthritis”

    I would agree with the other posters that swimming would be beneficial. They have a doggie rehab pool at the holistic vet in my area, you might want to check with holistic vets in your area. Also, keeping your dog at a healthy weight will also help, avoid walks on uneven ground and pivoting or twisting activities.

    My friends in the total knee business tell me one company is developing a TKA for dogs, but not yet in trials that I know of. I have never heard of an ACL (CCL) brace for dogs, but if your dog is young, acutely injured, and without arthritis, I would look into it. Good luck!

  • Hound Dog Mom

    Still can’t see down votes though and those are what I’m really curious about!

  • Hound Dog Mom

    Thanks aimee – I have the results of the blood panel in front of me and looks like you may be right. His phosphorus level in on the line that separates normal and low – all other values were well into the middle of the normal range. I wouldn’t have known to consider that and didn’t think that it was an issue as the vet said the blood work looked good. I think you should’ve been a vet.

  • aimee

    Hi HDM,

    I’m so sorry to hear this. How traumatic for Gus and your family.

    I don’t know if this will give you a clue or not but take a look at Gus’s Phosphorus level.

    Dogs often pant post seizure panting blows off CO2 and this results in respiratory alkalosis. A transcellular shift in phos occurs lowering the phos. blood level.

    There is nothing scarier in my opinion than not knowing what is wrong… Sure hope your boy is OK

  • Hound Dog Mom

    Thanks guys. I’m just hoping this was a one time freak thing and not something that’s going to be recurring.

  • Alexandra

    How horrible! I hope Gus is ok! Keeping you and Gus in my thoughts.

  • Pattyvaughn

    You described the aftermath of a seizure to a T. WOW, how scary! I hope it was his one and only. I’ll be praying for peace and health for you and Gus.

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    Hope he gets to being his normal self soon.

  • Hound Dog Mom

    Just got back from the emergency vet clinic, had a big scare tonight. I thought I lost Gus. I still don’t know for sure what happened. I came home and the dogs were outside in the yard – Gertie and Mabel were going absolutely nuts. So I called them in and Gus didn’t come – which is not normal. Finally after calling him for about 5 minutes I went outside to get him. At first I couldn’t find him, I thought maybe he escaped somehow. Then I saw him, he was laying in the bushes and wouldn’t get up. He reeked of urine and was shaking. I had to have my dad and boyfriend carry him into the vehicle. It was after hours and my vet was closed so I had to drive an hour to the closest emergency clinic. I honestly thought he was dying but on the ride to the vet’s he started to come around a bit. By the time we got there he could get out of the vehicle himself but was very unstable. The vet did a full blood panel, urinalysis and 4DX test – all tests came back normal. The only abnormalities were that his temperature was high and he has a heart murmur (which he didn’t have at his last vet visit). This is just bizarre, he was completely fine this morning – ate breakfast, went for his walk, etc. The best the vet and I could surmise was that he had a seizure. He’s home now and doing better.

  • Pattyvaughn

    I couldn’t see who upvoted my comment 5 seconds after I posted, until after I fiddled around for a while.

  • Cyndi

    I just noticed that. Pretty snazzy, lol!

  • Shawna

    Did you guys notice we can see who up voted comments now.. Just hover your pointer over the up arrow…

  • LabsRawesome
  • Pattyvaughn

    WooHoo!!

  • Storm’s Mom

    Aaaaaaaand.. done!! Storm and I are alive and well ;-) That wasn’t so bad….!!! ;-)

  • Pattyvaughn

    You did GREAT!!!

  • LabsRawesome

    Pop some tags!! Turn up your speakers! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCkafcszYns

  • Shawna

    WAY TO GO Storm’s Mom!!

  • Storm’s Mom

    4 hours left to go on the 1st fast for Storm and I!! I think I can, I think I can!! (and I hope when I get home from work I discover that Storm could, too! ;-O) He did look at me when I was leaving for work with a bit of surprise/disgust… like “Umm, you forgot something!! Wait, you are PURPOSELY not feeding me this morning?! Pffft” lol

    As for me, a colleague came by around 1:30pm and offered Oreo Double Stuffs (she didn’t know I was fasting, of course) …which was like the worst possible time to offer something like that lol …nearly killed my resolve lol ..but it didn’t!!! (we were both rather impressed lol) I think I got this one in the bag!! :-) Hasn’t been tooooo bad, really!!!

  • Cyndi

    Oh ok. No problem!

  • Shawna

    Yep, that’s it. I found it and am working on a reply right now. Thanks :)

  • Cyndi

    I remember a post from someone that wanted help convincing her dad that Science Diet wasn’t a good food. Might that be the one you’re thinking of?

  • Shawna

    While on my phone and in a situation that I couldn’t respond, I read a post from a person asking for help to justify to their vet why Science Diet is no longer a high quality food. Did anyone answer that post or does anyone remember what thread it was on. I’d like to take a stab at it but don’t remember where it was now.

  • Cyndi

    Here is a great article I just read on yahoo about aging pets. Totally makes sense to me! If it’s ok for people, for medical reasons, why not give it to pets if it helps them!

    http://news.yahoo.com/vet-recommends-medical-marijuana-pets-pain-192422828.html

  • Cyndi

    Ha ha, good to know!

  • Melissaandcrew

    Don’t feel bad..Disqus hates us all equally..lol. For the past three days my right side comments are not updating making me unable tpo follow conversations or recent comments.

  • Brinny

    Okay. So I was wrong. Lol!
    I hope one day to feed my dog raw. Right now it is just really inconvenient for me.

  • Cyndi

    Yeah, that’s what I was thinking. I first saw those on the show Pitbulls and Parolees and it seems that dogs love them.

  • Pattyvaughn

    These don’t have fill. They are more of a hammock. Often they are made of that vinyl mesh that is used on patio funiture, so the water just goes right though, beads up, and drips off. They are very hosable for kennel use, too.

  • LawofRaw

    Ahhh OK then. Then that one would be more appropriate for what you’re looking for.

  • Pattyvaughn

    It’s not about understanding how it works, it’s all about understanding how it doesn’t work today.

  • LawofRaw

    You know, I’ll bet it is of the same type. It would make sense that it would be. :) You’d want it to be waterproof though, if you plan on leaving it outside subject to occasional rain. Waterproof in the way that it doesn’t allow water penetration to the bed’s internal filling. I don’t know if the Kuranda is the same in that regard, but the tough grade bed I bought, is tear and wear resistant on the bed’s lining (obviously), but its soft foam filling, or whatever the filling is made of, is not necessarily resilient. Maybe the Kuranda is of the resilient material all the way through.

  • Cyndi

    Here’s one:

  • Cyndi

    & as soon as I got done posting that response, I blinked and all the posts changed order! Lol!

  • Cyndi

    Just when I think I understand how it works, it changes… Doesn’t take much to confuse me, lol!

  • Pattyvaughn

    Today Disqus seems to be putting older posts first again even though it agrees that my preference is for newest.

  • Cyndi

    Thanks LawofRaw. I don’t need anything indestructable or anything, just something that won’t get ruined being left in the rain. My dog doesn’t tear up her beds, just her toys, lol! She has yet to meet her match on that. I wonder if the bed you’re talking about, that you bought, is the same type. The ones I’m looking for kind of look like an army cot.

  • LawofRaw

    Haha, yes I know how you feel about when your dog eats just about anything. My Tenterfield Terrier is like that. My JRT is a little more cautious. The recent policy for both I’ve just taken out, is going to cost me just a whisker under $60 per month, which includes only a 10% discount for the second pet. So a little dearer than what you pay for 3 dogs. But the coverage as you describe is pretty much in line with what my dogs will be privy to. 80% reimbursement, but for up to $12,000. There were some allowing up to $10,000, then $11,000, and one even up to $20,000 etc, all depending on really how much premium one is willing to pay. I’m guessing your “deductible” is what we down-under refer to as the “Excess” of which this policy I chose, has zero excess to pay. But that’s why I’m probably paying a little higher as well as the fact that generally, things are a bit more expensive for similar items when compared to the U.S.

  • LawofRaw

    Yeah, I think it is important to have. There’s insurance for just about anything, so why not pet insurance. Especially since pets really are like family and worth the peace of mind.

  • LawofRaw

    Yep, the best one I know of which is the only one endorsed by Mother Nature, is called raw meaty bones, lol :) . Personally though, I use an Oral B battery operated tooth brush.

  • LawofRaw

    I’ve never heard of Kuranda myself, but speaking of tough dog beds, I recently bought a Purina brand one (probably 6 months ago now), that is apparently made from the grade of fabric that the military use for their field attire. It’s ironic that I would buy anything Purina, but the bed’s quality really does match it’s higher price tag, as my Tenterfield Terrier, found it to be a match, finally, and now he doesn’t bother trying to tear it apart.

  • Pattyvaughn

    My husband would have done exactly the same. LOL!!

  • Cyndi

    Awesome! Good to know! I had a feeling there might be a cheaper version out there. I’m definitely going to get one now. I can only imagine what that looks like, 2 big bloodhounds sleeping together on one of those beds, lol! Thanks HDM!!

  • aimee

    I have the vanilla mint paste right now.. Once I had brought home a poultry flavored paste on the same day that I had a dental appointment. My husband saw it and said WOW That’s a weird flavor that the dentist gave you LOL

  • Pattyvaughn

    I never used to be able to sleep if I was hungry, but I have found that lately I can. However, it’s after 10 here and I’m going to go find food now. I think scrambled eggs are calling my name.

  • Hound Dog Mom

    Hi Cyndi –

    We use Kuranda beds at my shelter. They’re very durable – only the most destructive of dogs destroy them. They’re pretty pricey though. I have Coolaroo beds in the garage for my three when they’re outdoors – similar to Kuranda beds but much cheaper (under $30 bucks each). The coolaroo beds definitely wouldn’t stand up to highly destructive dogs like the Kuranda beds but they’d be fine for most dogs. They looked a little flimsy but I was amazed at how durable they are for the price – Gertie and Gus have had theirs for nearly two years now and I got Mabel one last summer, they’re all still intact. Gertie and Gus usually sleep together too and it holds both of them no problem (about 180 lbs.). I ordered mine from Jeffers but a lot of sites sell them.

  • Hound Dog Mom

    If I could even make it until bedtime that’s when I’d lose it too. I would never be able to go to sleep hungry. I basically have a fourth meal every night before bed, I can’t sleep unless I’m full. I know it’s supposedly horrible for your weight to eat after eight at night but I’m not fat so I don’t care lol.

  • Pattyvaughn

    Some days that is harder than others.

    I can’t go 2 nights, at least not and sleep at the same time.

  • Cyndi

    I have a dog related question about dog beds. Does anyone have any experience with a Kuranda type dog bed? I’m interested in getting Bailey one, probably for outside when she lays on the deck, and I am wondering how they would hold up. I wouldn’t leave it outside all the time, but if I forgot, I want something that wouldn’t get ruined, like her comforter that I put on the deck for her and have forgotten out in the rain, many times. It would be nice to get some feedback on them before I saved up the money to buy one, because they are a bit expensive.

  • LabsRawesome

    Me Too. You’re Welcome.

  • Storm’s Mom

    Oh my gosh, that brought tears to my eyes! ..in such a wonderful way!! Thanks for posting that!!

  • LabsRawesome
  • Hound Dog Mom

    I always go mint – I like my dogs’ breath to smell better after brushing than it did before. The meat flavored toothpastes are so gross. Mine don’t seem to mind mint, I wouldn’t say they come running when I pull out the toothbrush but they don’t put up a fuss either.

  • InkedMarie

    Really? Mine was long til I was 13 and shags were in style. You’ve seen my picture on the forum; mine is almost always that short and Ive kept the grey for the past year.
    Brave are the kids who have to have no hair because they’re going through chemo. I just do this to raise money for them!

  • losul

    O.K. yeah I’ll try that. Maybe just with some coconut oil on my finger to start. Thnx

  • aimee

    Good Luck!

  • aimee

    losul,

    Start over then. Different location different words and different ‘tools” don’t even use a brush at first. The link above has some good instructions.

    I won’t do bones either, too risky IMO

  • losul

    Very good. Thank you Aimee!

  • aimee

    Yes it is battery powered. I had to condition the dogs to the vibration. As far as pastes gels etc… I have CET that I use but I also use whatever is flavorful, like meat drippings from dinner. The benefit is primarily mechanical. IMO what is on the brush isn’t of much importance other than to serve as a positive flavor experience for the dog. I would not consider using anything that my dog didn’t really really like. I want my dogs to come running to me to have their teeth brushed… and they do!

    Here is a good link very detailed.

    http://www.toothvet.ca/PDFfiles/HomeCarePack.pdf

    Here is one one teaching a dog to the Dremel

    http://www.lincolnlandac.com/site/view/190693_TrainingEverydayBehaviors.pml

  • losul

    Good idea, dusk till dusk would probably work better for me, or maybe I should first try abstaining from dusk until dawn, lol.

  • losul

    Mine doesn’t like it all either, but I really have to persist cause we don’t do RMB’s.

  • Red

    Yes we have tried a bit of that recently at the dog park. An underwater treadmill would be preferable (she is a runner so it’s a bit challenging to get her to focus in the water at the dog park), but there are no clinics around where my mom lives that provide the service (I am housing the dog right now while she went for laser treatments in my city). Right now I have it wrapped in a tensor bandage when we go out. Not even sure if that’s advisable but it keeps her off of it temporarily.

  • Pattyvaughn

    Do you have some place where you can swim your dog for exercise? Swimming puts the least strain on the joint while keeping the muscles toned.

  • Red

    Thanks Patty. Surgery is off the table for us, unfortunately.

  • Pattyvaughn

    My JRT tore her ACL and had to have surgery. The vet said to keep her on a joint supplement. I feed chicken and turkey necks for the cartilege in them and I feed a joint supplement with HA in it and a dash of MSM. It’s all from my experience, but I feel like the MSM was a big help with pain relief and I think she moves freer with the HA, but I never tried taking her off the chicken necks to try and gauge how much what individual thing did versus what the combination did.

  • InkedMarie

    Two of mine absolutely hate having their teeth brushed. I’m surprised I don’t have blood when we try. Bones and enzymes from raw seems to work

  • Pattyvaughn

    When I fast, I usually do it from dusk to dusk, or from lunch time one day to right before bedtime the next. I’ve never done 2 nights except when I’ve had a bug and the thought of eating was the problem.

  • Red

    This is really far off the mark, but does anyone have experience with ACL/CCL injuries, and how glucosamine/chondroiten/MSM can help??

  • losul

    A powered spin brush? Probably very effective, but i doubt I can get mine to agree to that, I can’t even seem to get him accustomed to a dremel tool for his nails.

    So you don’t use any paste or gel at all?

  • aimee

    Hi Losul,

    I use a Crest spin brush. I’ve always found it a challenge to maintain the proper angle while getting a circular motion, with the spin brush I can focus on the angle.

    As far as “paste” I consider its primary function to be a flavoring agent. I have used chicken baby food when I initially conditioned my dogs to brushing.

  • losul

    Thnx, I’ll just stick with the regular human toothbrushes then and I’ll look into those pastes/gel.

    I was thinking about making my own concoction, maybe montmorillonite/bentonite clay based. Is stevia safe to use then for dogs?

    I’m curious to know what Dr Sagman uses with his dogs?

  • Betsy Greer

    I have as much faith that you CAN do this, as I do that I cannot. ; )

  • losul

    Hey you two. thanks for instilling confidence in myself that I could actually be able to do this, lol.

    I think i would be alright till bedtime, then i’d probably blow it. I’d be counting hamburgers instead of counting sheep.

  • Betsy Greer

    I decided to forgo my annual wellness blood screening at work because they only had afternoon appointments left and there was no way I was going to try to make it through what would end up being a 24 hour fast. : )~

  • Pattyvaughn

    Dog food is made from what is left over after people have gotten what they want from the animal or dog food would cost a whole lot more than what it does already. Their are exceptions to that rule I’m sure, but they are the rare exceptions.

  • Brinny

    Hi guys,

    I was looking up the differences between dog and cat food. I have always heard that dogs should not eat cat food and vice versa.

    I stumbled across this article with Dr. Nestle saying “All pet foods are made from the byproducts of human food production,” Dr. Nestle explained. “No matter what the package says, your dog is not getting whole chicken breasts, but what remains after the breasts have been removed for human food.” and I was wondering if there was any truth to this. To me, it sounds kind of unbelievable if you consider all of the higher quality kibble out there.

    Here is a link to the article:

    http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/01/health/01brod.html?_r=0

  • Pattyvaughn

    When Micah was a wee pup, we had to give him a bite of food every 2 hours to keep something on his stomach or he would puke, thank goodness he outgrew that.

  • Pattyvaughn

    I just got the Vital Essentials freeze dried food and it does make an excellent no mess, very tasty treat. I also dehydrate any kind of meat and use it for treats.

  • Storm’s Mom

    Ok ok I’ll doooooo it!! ..on Thursday(s) :-) Wish me/us luck!!!

  • Storm’s Mom

    This is part of why I chose to do it on Thursdays haha.. I usually have very few meetings on Thursday, and I can always postpone my “work alone” work for a few days to get it all done on Thurs instead ;-) Plus we work at home on Fridays, so if I do snip at someone on Thurs, I’ll be “out of sight, out of mind” on Fri so hopefully whatever damage I do on Thurs will have blown over by the time we all return to the building on Mon ;-)

  • Storm’s Mom

    Ahhh!! I’ve decided we’re both going to do this!! …on Thursday(s). I’m not putting it off lol (I thought about doing it today…), it’s just the best day for a whole raft of (mainly work-related) reasons. He gets fed twice a day – 7am and 6pm (except Fridays when he eats around 7pm) – so I figure we’ll just skip breakfast to start (and I will skip lunch, too), and then all meals after a few weeks. I’ll report back on Friday.. if Storm hasn’t killed me on Thurs haha ;-)

  • Hound Dog Mom

    I find that a regular human toothbrush works best (child’s toothbrush or one with a compact head – soft bristles). I’ve tried all different types of “dog” toothbrushes and didn’t like any – with the finger brushes I don’t feel like they’re getting a good brush, the “c” shaped brushes designed to get both sides of the tooth were impossible for me to actually keep on the teeth while brushing and with the duel-head brushes the large head was always too big and would make their gums bleed and the small head was way too small and didn’t get all their teeth. I switch between different types of toothpastes/dental gels. Right now I’m using Vet’s Best dental gel, some others I’ve used in the past and liked are Clean Well dental gel (made by HappyTails Spa) and KissAble (made by Cain & Able).

  • Hound Dog Mom

    Yeah some dogs puke up bile when they don’t eat at their normal time. I’ve heard that, for this reason, it’s good to change up the times of a dog’s meal so they’re used to eating at different times.Gertie had a lot of problems with this (still happens every once in awhile).

  • losul

    Anyone have suggestions for best type of toothbrush and for toothpaste- homemade or commercial?

  • losul

    I’d never heard about hunger pukes before. I assume that would be because of the digestive juices pre-flowing in anticipation of a normally routine meal (s) and then not getting it?

    He’s used to eating twice a day, plus usually nightly treats

  • Hound Dog Mom

    I, like Sandy, try to use “food” for treats whenever possible. I make “kongsicles” where I either fill the kong with layers of grain-free kibble and pumpkin or a dehydrated food (like Grandma Lucy’s) and freeze – my dogs get one of these a day. I often use freeze-dried foods as treats – such as Nature’s Variety and Stella & Chewy’s medallions. I use ZiwiPeak air-dried food (jerky like) as training treats. I do give some grain-free biscuits (I’m using Nature’s Variety Instinct at the moment). My dogs also get a natural chew type treat nightly (pig ear, bully stick, dried trachea, etc.). Sometimes when it’s hot I get yoghund frozen yogurt for them as a special treat. My dogs get a lot of treats so I like to keep them as healthy and balanced as possible. :)

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    I tend to use foods as treats and also just treats. Some of them are Vital Essentials freeze dried nibblets, Pure Bites treats, Stella & Chewy’s freeze dried Carnivore Crunch or Kisses, also would use Fresh is Best freeze dried meats. Occasional sweet potato treats. There’s a section in the Forum for some homemade frozen treats too.

  • Cyndi

    I don’t eat in front of Bailey either the day I fast her. I already feel guilty as heck when I sneak my dinner while she’s outside, lol!

  • Arthur’s Mom

    Can anybody recommend healthy dog treats?

  • Hound Dog Mom

    Oh and just as a side note to you and Storm’s Mom – if you do fast your dog start small. Depending on how often your dog is used to eating you may need to start with only, say, 12 hours for a few weeks (early breakfast, late dinner and nothing in between), then 24hours (breakfast to breakfast), and ultimately 36 hours, if you wanted to do an entire day long fast. You may get the hunger pukes if you go too fast.

  • Hound Dog Mom

    Oh man – I don’t think I could do it. If I fasted for a whole day I’d be the most miserable person on the planet lol. I don’t eat in front of my dogs on their fasting day though – I would feel guilty if I did that!

  • Storm’s Mom

    I think I need to sleep on this one haha..

  • losul

    lol yay!

    If you commit to it, I will too.

    Well I’ll try anyway, hehe

  • Storm’s Mom

    Hmmm, HDM’s post already had me thinking about fasting Storm for one day, but this idea of ME fasting with him?! hmmmm I might just do it!!! :-)

  • losul

    I’m having all the same problems as everyone else, plus it won’t let me reply to HDM at all on that particular post. When I click on reply, it enters a downvote. I didn’t leave it that way though. It already had a downvote for whatever reason (maybe someone else tried to reply too) and I upvoted it. Really weird. I think I have less borders (unused real estate) on my screen now though.

    Anyway HDM, I’ll reply here instead. Good post. I think I’m going to go the 1 day a week fast with my dog like you do. Here’s the kicker; in order to do that without feeling guilty, I think I’ll have to fast along with him. It certainly won’t hurt me to skip a few meals. Just yet another way my dog makes me healthier :)

  • Pattyvaughn

    I just got a weird one. I clicked on your reply to Losul about fasting and it was about 8 characters wide. You know how replies are stepped so that the column gets narrower, but they only do that a couple times, this one kept on doing getting narrower.

  • Pattyvaughn

    My reply box is the right size, but every thread is taking 3-5 minutes to load.

  • Alexandra

    I have small reply boxes and missing words on the right side of everyone’s comments on my iPad.

  • Melissaandcrew

    I’m on my smartphone and the box is fine. Not sure about the lap top…

  • Cyndi

    Yes, I just noticed it on the other thread when I replied to you. The box was only one letter wide. Seems like the more comments there are, the smaller it is. How weird!

  • Hound Dog Mom

    Does anyone else have really tiny comment boxes? For some reason with some of the posts I just made the bod was only wide enough to fit a few words across. There always has to be some malfunction going on with disqus..

  • Hound Dog Mom

    Boy you’re brave. :)

    I’m too scared to do anything with my hair. I’ve never cut it in my life lol

  • Pattyvaughn

    Beautiful!!!

  • Melissaandcrew

    Hi there-

    I have never had pet insurance on any of my dogs.I did look into it at one time, but back then, they excluded too many “breed specific” common issues for me to feel it was worth it. I opened a Credit card account to have in case of emergency-and put $100 a month into a savings for them. When I had just 3 dog, it was 100 per dog, plus any OT that I worked. The account built up quickly and I cancelled the card as I do not believe in debt. To this day, I still put $$ into that account “just in case”

  • Cyndi

    Okie Dokie! No hurry, just wasn’t sure that you’d see it…

  • InkedMarie

    I will check as soon as I get home from taking my grandaughter to school!

  • InkedMarie

    Thanks Cyndi. I’m fortunate that my two sons became men with no serious health issues; so far, our three grandchildren are healthy. I know of too many sick kids so I do my part.

  • Cyndi

    & Marie, I posted a reply/question to you in the forums section (it has to do with tattoos) :)

    http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/forums/topic/all-natural-dog-shampoo/

  • Cyndi

    Well Marie, you ARE in the right place to post something “way off topic”! Lol! How awesome that you did that!!

  • InkedMarie

    hmm, pic didn’t work. Let me try again

  • InkedMarie

    Way off topic here but thought I’d share anyway. This past Saturday, I participated in my fourth St. Baldrick’s event. This is a national event where people get donations “on their heads” and the money goes to children with cancer. On our heads means we get our heads shaved!

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    I need something like that to chill them out so I can cut their nails!!!

  • Betsy Greer

    As mysteriously as I couldn’t log on for the last several days… now I suddenly can. Go figure.

  • Betsy Greer

    Oh my gosh, I remember that, too. That was absolutely hilarious!

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    I log in with my email address and password, not through FB.

  • Betsy Greer

    Ignore me… sorry, but I’m talking to myself trying to figure this out! : )~

  • Betsy Greer

    Hey there guys,

    Does anyone else log in to DFA through Facebook? I haven’t been able to log in for the last few days. I used to be able to log in using the Facebook icon below the comment box. When you’re not logged in, you know how you see a Twitter icon, maybe a Goggle one, etc… when I click on the Facebook icon, it takes me to a Discus link now instead. : (

  • Hound Dog Mom

    I have insurance on all three of my dogs. Mainly because bloodhounds are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t and I want to know I’m covered in the event of an intestinal obstruction, perforation or poisoning. I believe it’s around $70 a month for all three and my policy has a $400 deductible and 80% reimbursement for up to $10,000 annually (per dog) and no per incidence limit. In my opinion it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind it gives me. I can’t even count the number of times my dogs have almost given me a heart attack with the things they get into.

  • Storm’s Mom

    I have pet insurance. I got it because I want to always be able to say to the vet “do whatever you have to do to help him”, regardless of my own financial circumstances at the time. I have enough in financial assets to cover his likely expenses for a lifetime, and I thought/think about just using that, or putting a certain amount of money in a separate account every month (the route I would recommend if you already have quite a bit in the bank, and have the self-discipline to not touch it, ever), but since I can easily afford insurance, and for as long as I can do so, I thought I’d just go the pet insurance route. The other two options are too tempting for me to dip into for other things, and I want to make sure I don’t shortchange Storm, basically, because my own lack of self-discipline.

  • LawofRaw

    What does anyone think about pet insurance? I’ve taken out to policies for each of my 2 dogs, today. Never know when accidents or illness can occur.

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    LOL! There’s actually a recipe book called “Paleo Chef for Dogs”!

  • losul

    I’ve never had homemade yogurt, but can remember making our own cottage cheese. It was just whole milk, which had a lot more butter fat in it back then I think, let it clabber well in a large jar on the counter and then season it and wrapped it in cheesecloth and hang from the clothesline to drain the remaining liquid (mostly water I think). Yum, it tasted nothing like today’s store bought either. It was also yellowish from the cream.

  • Shawna

    Lol, my parents make their own yogurt.. It tastes NOTHING like the store bought stuff. Considerably more soured and potent. Veggies maintain some of their sweetness when fermented. Nice combination of sweet and sour.

  • Hound Dog Mom

    I’ll have to see if the olives I get are pasteurized, with my luck they probably are. I love greek olives and green olives (not a fan of black). I love sauerkraut too but the only time I eat it is on Reubens (which is probably my favorite sandwich) but I’m sure all the corned beef, bread, cheese and thousand island cancels out the benefits of the sauerkraut lol

  • Shawna

    Me too – the Greek ones at least. Unfortunately though, most commercial products are pasteurized after being fermented. Edan Foods used to make a sauerkraut that wasn’t but the gov stepped in and required they pasteurize it.. :(

  • Hound Dog Mom

    So olives have enzymes? :) This is good news, I love olives.

  • Shawna

    Bwahaha, yep I do remember that video! I watched it over and over again. SOOOO funny!!

    No, normal fermented foods do not ferment to alcohol at least in the time frame it takes to eat them. Think yogurt, kefir, pickles, Greek olives, sauerkraut etc.

  • Beth Knuth

    My heart breaks for you at this time. It is so hard, God bless you and comfort you. We have a burial garden, everyone is there, I have instructions for myself to be cremated and put there too, as do my husband and son. My thoughts are with you. Beth