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Reply To: help with feeding please!!
Hi Jamie F:
I can understand a busy life with family obligations! Making sure your dogs are eating properly can certainly add to the already stressful routine of taking care of your family. However, I also hope you re-consider eliminating canned foods. Here is a post with information about the benefits of canned foods:
/choosing-dog-food/canned-or-dry-dog-food/
It’s possible the canned food does not agree with them or maybe you are over-feeding a little. When you add canned or fresh foods reduce the amount of kibble to compensate for the added calories. You could even alternate between fresh foods and canned. If you still decide to eliminate the canned I suggest you continue to add boiled chicken or other dog appropriate meat to their diet. Fresh foods are a healthy addition to a kibble based diet. To keep your dogs’ diet balanced when feeding unbalanced foods, such as boiled chicken, be sure to keep the amount to no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. Here’s info on adding fresh foods to a kibble diet:
http://dogaware.com/diet/freshfoods.html
You can find info on food calories here:
http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/
As pitlove has already mentioned, consider feeding a rotational diet for variety. Look for several kibbles with different protein and carb sources. Check out the four and five star rated foods on DFA. If you buy from pet stores take the lists with you to help narrow down your choices.
/dog-food-reviews/dry/4-star/
/dog-food-reviews/dry/5-star/
Here’s some info on rotational feeding:
/frequently-asked-questions/diet-rotation-for-dogs/
L M’s suggestion for soaking the kibble and adding broth would be another option if you decide to stop feeding canned.
The Honest Kitchen Perfect Form is a supplement that contains ingredients to help with digestive upsets and firm loose stools, however it’s not a probiotic. Canned plain pumpkin helps with both loose stools or constipation.
3.2 oz Perfect Form Herbal Digestive Supplement
http://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/nutrition/3-health-benefits-pumpkin-dogs
Probiotics contain helpful live bacteria that may help with digestion. Adding a probiotic to their diet may also help with their gas and with transitioning to new foods. You could try something as simple as plain yogurt that contains live cultures or plain kefir; be sure they contain no artificial sweeteners. Here’s some info on feeding yogurt & kefir:
http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.com/2012/05/foods-rich-in-probiotics-beneficial-for.html
Here’s some info on probiotics:
http://www.dogaware.com/articles/suppsdigestive.html#probiotics
I have used yogurt, kefir, and Swanson’s Ultra Soil Based Organisms when my dog had skin and fur issues in the past. He is doing well now so I don’t supplement with any at this time. I currently feed Actipet Ultra Probiotic to my cat for his skin and digestion issues. It has helped him a great deal. Good luck with whatever you decide.
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Search Forums
Recent Topics
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Easy Cat Pregnancy Calculator for Cat Owners
by
whatbreed ismycat
2 months, 1 week ago -
How do I keep a dog entertained passively?
by
George Lawson
2 months, 2 weeks ago -
Best enrichment toys for a smart dog? Others are getting boring.
by
George Lawson
2 months, 3 weeks ago -
Need healthier alternatives to Purina Moist & Meaty
by
Nicole E
4 months, 2 weeks ago -
dog vitamins
by
zoee lee
1 month, 2 weeks ago
Recent Replies
-
Shiba Mom on Maev Dog Food
-
alder wyn on Are you looking for dog dresses or puppy clothes?
-
Lis Tewert on Meijer Brand Dog Food
-
Emilia Foster on dog vitamins
-
Robert Butler on The Right Stuff
-
Jeffrey Clarke on Whole Paws Review
-
Adam Parker on Acid Reflux
-
William Beck on Football match with dog
-
alvin marrero on Has your dog stopped eating their kibble?
-
fnf gopro on What health issues are you trying to address with this supplement?
-
Kills F on My Dog wants to chase cars.
-
Nicole E on Need healthier alternatives to Purina Moist & Meaty
-
Dogfoodguides on Need healthier alternatives to Purina Moist & Meaty
-
malomurd on Poop pills for dogs with IBD??
-
malomurd on Recommendations for shelf-stable, high-quality wet or dry food