I’m sorry if these questions were already asked. There are so many posts, that I feel it may just be faster to ask instead of reading through every topic on the forum. I am mostly a kibble type since that is convenient and fast, though I do feed my dogs premium kibble: NV, NP, Earthborn Holistic, and Fromm for instance.
Here are my questions. If I do incorporate raw into their diet, how do I go about doing that? Where do you purchase this from? Is there a butcher you go through? How much does it cost typically? I have stayed away from raw thinking it would be unsanitary and very expensive. Plus, I try not to give my dogs bones since they inhale their food and seem to cough and gag a lot after eating one. My thought is that it gets stuck in their throat. Not to mention, I will come home to a pile of bile with sharp bones in the mix and that freaks me out. I’m afraid the sharp bones will do damage to them. Sometimes I will purchase the NV raw patties and freeze dried food and sprinkle or chop that up into their food, but probably don’t do it often for it to make any difference. I’m sure that their raw food is not the same anyway since it is probably still processed in some way.
I know many of you here believe 100% in the raw diet, but I remember when I first investigated it, I had read articles that didn’t support it. One lady explained how she switched to raw and her dog ended up extremely sick with contamination. Any ideas on that? I feel right now with supplements, treats, and premium kibble I am spending so much on their food as it is. I want the best for my dogs, however. I feel you shouldn’t take them on if you can’t provide for them the best you can. Who knows…maybe the raw is cheaper than what I’m spending right now. On the other hand, I’m the main person that handles the feedings in my house. I doubt on the nights I’m at school my husband will have the patients or agreeableness to feed and deal with raw food. Anyway, just looking for your thoughts on some of these questions. I always thought raw was too difficult to feed since there really isn’t a place for me to purchase this other than my grocery store. For some reason, I figured most people purchased it another way. Thanks for anyone reading!
Responsible breeders don’t sell puppies this way. Puppy mills do.
I am picking up our 10 week old Coton de Tulear puppy next week. The breeder has him on kibble and is sending some home with us. I plan to transition him to Nature\’s Variety Instinct Raw and give him raw meaty bones several times a week for teeth cleaning purposes. My question is whether or not I should alternate giving him kibble and the raw diet?
new mom, so glad to hear you are trying the marrow bones for treats. My beagle won’t eat green beans.. I even tried to hide them in his homemade food but he could distinguish them. I see your dog had a neck injury, well Henry fell and tore his ACL. Surgery is not an option because of his age. He is on pain pills and limps around. He does sleep a lot and I put his meds in very small pieces of braunschweiger and works like a charm. Wetting is a problem. I read that the meds he is taking can cause incontinence. So we got pads for hi,. Sometimes successful, sometimes not. I did find a chew at Tractor Supply called RedBarn Naturals Joint Firmula Bully Slices. Thry last a long time and Henry had strong jaws. My Vet looked and studied them and approved them for Henry. You may want to consider these if you can find them. They are made in the USA. Website is http://www.redbarninc.com
I’m learning a lot here. Charlie is loving marrow bones. I fill a 4-5″ bone with crunchy peanut butter or liverwurst once a week or so, he loves both. Oxtails are great but really expensive at my chain. While lying aroung and coping with an infection on his neck, he gained weight. Friends told me to add green beans to his diet reducing the dry food each day. WOW! He looks forward to the beans and is eating less and becoming sleek in body. I put his antibiotic capsule in the food and he gobbles all down without hestiation. The empty marrow bones are great for gnawing when empty. His look like intricate scrimshaw. Is it safe to give the neckbones from poultry and not have choking issues. The bones seem so tiny. Charlie is a med. to large dog but I worry about choking. All of you are so helpful and I thank you for sharing.
@pugmomsandy, My dogs eat Wellness small breed dry kibble twice a day..I plan on replacing a meal twice a week with a RMB..I’m afraid if I give then kibble with a RMB they might get stomach/constipation issues…My Toy poodle is susceptible to teeth problems I’m hoping the Turkey necks help keep her teeth healthy:)
Thanks for all the advice y’all. I appreciate all the feedback.
As far as the chewing goes – I have been trying to distract him whenever I catch him chewing his nails or licking/chewing his legs, hips, or butt with chew toys, rawhides, bones. Bauer doesn’t really care for toys – but man on man he absolutely loves bones and antlers. If I am holding it for him, he would chew and chew on them for hours. He gives up faster if he’s having to hold them between his paws on his own. They have really helped clean his teeth a bunch too. His teeth were HORRIBLE when I first got him. I have been trying to brush them, but nothing has worked as well as the antlers have in cleaning those back teeth up. The plaque/tartar build up was disgusting and black when I first got him. It’s so much better now. As far as the bones/antlers go – the redirect seems to work whenever I catch him in the act of licking/chewing to switch out for the bone or antler. But it’s when I am not home during the day and can’t reprimand and redirect – that’s when it’s the worst. I come home and he’s got a new raw spot, or the one he had is now even worse. I try to not let him be home alone for more than 4 hours at a time, but I do believe that some of it is just boredom. I take him on a long walk in the morning to try and wear out some of his energy too. I think I am going to have to diaper him if he doesn’t leave his back legs and butt alone.
As far as his weight issues go, I have another vet appointment on Tuesday so I am going to ask her to do a lab work up on him. It worries me that he hasn’t gained weight. I am definitely going to be switching to a grain free dog food (I know Sor recommended Halo) and I am going to the meat store in a bit to pick up ingredients for Satin balls. I have been giving Bauer fish oil supplements as well as glucosamine/chondroitin pills just bc my goldens always needed it for hip/joint issues and I figure that even though he’s severely underweight and still young right now – hopefully he will eventually gain weight and he won’t always be young – so preventative measures are always best.
Katie
Boobear27,
What are you feeding for dinner? Necks have alot of bone compared to meat. Could tend to make harder than normal stools. Just FYI. And raw fed dogs have small, formed stools that turn ashy in color BTW. For dinner, I would suggest some muscle/organs or whatever they are normally eating. I can feed 3 meals a week of RMB without worrying about nutritional deficiencies. I give my pugs 1/3 to 1/2 a turkey neck or 1/2 a duck neck. Actually I should give them 1/2 a duck neck, but I gave the whole thing! Generally speaking, they would only need 6 oz a day total of raw food so when I give them a big bone like that, they only get a small snack for dinner. Chicken necks are alot smaller and easier to measure out. I gave mine chicken wings when I first started too.
Hi Katie,
Bless you for taking on this big boy. He’s lucky to have you.
I would think it’s likely that the chewing and biting could be food intolerance / allergy issues as much as it could be compulsive behaviors. Would you be in a position to try to distract him every time you catch him chewing? A quick walk, a quick game of fetch, a doggie massage? Also, maybe give him something healthy to chew on that is tastier than his nails or fur. That’ll give him some extra calories also. Try bully sticks or raw, meaty bones like a turkey neck for snacks and chewing satisfaction. Samoan81’s suggestion for satin balls is a also a great idea.
I think I’d get him off of the grains though and would definitely increase his protein. His body needs more protein to repair and rebuild. I wouldn’t use anything less than 30% protein. He’s an adult now, so you don’t have to be as concerned with Calcium levels ~ which are what you limit with a large / giant breed puppy ~ not protein. While she mostly suggests foods with grains, the Great Dane Lady has a list of foods she recommends along with some great advice. Have you visited her site: http://www.greatdanelady.com/. Also, here’s a link that’ll take you right to the page of foods she recommends: http://www.greatdanelady.com/articles/criteria_list_of_better_foods.htm.
Also, one food I’ll suggest you try adding to his diet is Abady granular. It’s usually very well tolerated and is very calorie dense, about 800 kcals per cup. Their website is very strange, but I would suggest calling them and telling them what’s going on and get their recommendations. They’re extremely helpful over the phone. Here’s their website: http://www.abadyfeeds.com/ and here’s their phone number: Tele: (845)473-1900 * Toll Free: (877)-99ABADY .
Have you tried giving him some pureed pumpkin for the loose stools? That usually helps a lot.
Peace & Blessings,
Betsy
@neezerfan My dogs did great for their first time:) I was really nervous to give it to them at first, but they turned out doing just fine. I got it at the Turkey meat section at Stop and shop from a brand called Shady brook farms and it was already cut to a nice small size for my small dogs. They were pretty inexpensive as well I bought some that had to be sold that same day and put it in the freezer as soon as I got home.
I would say 1 is enough for them. How did they do? Did Stop&Shop cut them lengthwise by any chance?
How many turkey necks do you give a dog? Since it was my small dogs first time I gave them both one small size maybe half of a Turkey neck to start off with..Is one enough for them since they are small dogs? I don’t wanna cause any issues with them.
I rescued Bauer, a Great Dane that was a neglect case out of my county shelter. He was being starved and left outside on a chain. Needless to say – he is severely underweight – weighing in at only 103 lbs – when he should be around 145-155. My vet seems to think he is about 2, and that he was being starved for so long during his formative puppy growth stage that he will likely never get to be a full mature male size. That doesn’t bother me. I just want him to gain some much-needed weight.
When I first got him, he had every known parasite and worm imaginable, plus coccidia. I have had him for over a month now, we have been through two rounds of panacur, and his body is now worm/parasite free… but he is not gaining any weight. His ribs and spine poke through, and the definition behind his rib cage and above his hip bones is disturbingly sharp. I have seen very little improvement in a month. He’s gained a pound. I have been feeding him the 4Health Lamb and Rice for Adult dogs twice a day. 4Health is what the Great Dane rescue told me to feed him, saying Danes need a lower protein formula dog food. I have also been cooking him chicken or steak and feeding him homemade meals for one meal a day. I have him on Dyne supplement too, he loves the taste of it. But he is still not gaining weight? His stools are still really loose. Not remotely firm. They seem to be really grainy as well, and light in color.
On top of his emaciation – he’s constantly biting his paws, chewing his toenails, and/or licking/chewing his anus or the top of his hips. He has chewed/licked three different hot spots on his back legs/hips area. He does not have fleas. I have him on Trifexis. I am wondering if this could be food related as well? Or maybe he just has allergies? I have a feeling that it could just be boredom/separation anxiety too. He came to me chewing his nails. This isn’t a new issue. But it does seem to be getting more and more intense right now – particularly with his the hot spots.
I am new to Danes. I have always had golden retrievers/flat coats/labs or aussies in the past – so I have dealt with my fair share of obsessive lickers. But Bauer goes beyond licking, he’s chewing out his fur.. I know it’s got to be painful. And I have never experienced a dog that literally eats his toenails. I mean he seriously splinters them apart and chews them off. It’s neurotic behavior.
Any advice is greatly appreciated and welcomed. Thanks!
Katie
I rescued Bauer, a Great Dane that was a neglect case out of my county shelter. He was being starved and left outside on a chain. Needless to say – he is severely underweight – weighing in at only 103 lbs – when he should be around 145-155. My vet seems to think he is about 2, and that he was being starved for so long during his formative puppy growth stage that he will likely never get to be a full mature male size. That doesn’t bother me. I just want him to gain some much-needed weight.
When I first got him, he had every known parasite and worm imaginable, plus coccidia. I have had him for over a month now, we have been through two rounds of panacur, and his body is now worm/parasite free… but he is not gaining any weight. His ribs and spine poke through, and the definition behind his rib cage and above his hip bones is disturbingly sharp. I have seen very little improvement in a month. He’s gained a pound. I have been feeding him the 4Health Lamb and Rice for Adult dogs twice a day. 4Health is what the Great Dane rescue told me to feed him, saying Danes need a lower protein formula dog food. I have also been cooking him chicken or steak and feeding him homemade meals for one meal a day. I have him on Dyne supplement too, he loves the taste of it. But he is still not gaining weight?
On top of his emaciation – he’s constantly biting his paws, chewing his toenails, and/or licking/chewing his anus or the top of his hips. He has chewed/licked three different hot spots on his back legs/hips area. He does not have fleas. I have him on Trifexis. I am wondering if this could be food related as well? Or maybe he just has allergies? I have a feeling that it could just be boredom/separation anxiety too. He came to me chewing his nails. This isn’t a new issue. But it does seem to be getting more and more intense right now – particularly with his the hot spots.
I am new to Danes. I have always had golden retrievers/flat coats/labs or aussies in the past – so I have dealt with my fair share of obsessive lickers. But Bauer goes beyond licking, he’s chewing out his fur.. I know it’s got to be painful. And I have never experienced a dog that literally eats his toenails. I mean he seriously splinters them apart and chews them off. It’s neurotic behavior.
Any advice is greatly appreciated and welcomed. Thanks!
Katie
I gave my Toy poodle and Rat Terrier their first Turkey neck this morning for breakfast. At first they weren’t really interested in it when it was frozen so I let it defrost and after that they loved every bit of it they were in turkey neck heaven:) I think next time I’m gonna try chicken necks and see how they will like those.
My 12 lb JRT gets about 1/5 to 1/3 of a turkey neck depending on the size of it.
“Safe” depends on your dog. They are considered an acceptable item in the raw world for a dog to have, but if the dog is too aggressive of a chewer or gulper, it would be an issue. make sure youwatch them.
@Cyndi Thank you for your reply:) My dogs eat dry kibble..Is it ok to give it to them after their kibble or would it cause stomach problems?
Turkey necks are perfectly safe to give your dogs, except they may be a bit big for them. I have a border collie mix and she’ll eat a half of a turkey neck for part of a dinner. Chicken necks and duck necks are smaller. Now that I think about it though, some of the pug owners here give their pugs turkey necks, so I guess they may not be too big. You don’t have to freeze them for any amount of time, just thaw them out and give to your dogs. You don’t have to cut anything really off of them unless there is a lot of skin on them, then you might want to take some off. The ones I get from my butcher don’t have a lot of skin so I just give them as is.
I’m a RMB first timer:) I apologize in advance if I have too many questions. Are Turkey necks safe for a Toy poodle and a Rat terrier? My Toy poodle is more of a gentle chewer and the Rattie is more of an aggressive chewer.
I just bought some Raw turkey necks at the meat section at Stop and shop it’s from a brand call Shady Brooks Farm and it’s already cut in half..Would these be ok for them to eat? Do I give it to them straight from the package? or do I freeze them first and for how long do I freeze them before I give it to them? Do I cut of the skin and meat or leave it on?
Canned plus dry is better for a dog. Whole Earth Farms canned food is pretty reasonable and good quality. So is Petsmart’s Simply Nourish and Costco’s Kirkland Cuts in Gravy. Giving him bones to gnaw on will help keep his teeth clean. The food you asked about is fine to feed in a rotation with other higher protein foods or with some added canned food. You can even just put a scrambled egg with his kibble.
Many vets want to see dogs on nothing but dry because of the old mistaken belief that dry keeps the teeth clean, but kibble fed dogs get nasty teeth too. The only way to guarantee good clean teeth is to brush them every day. The second best strategy is to feed raw meaty bones every few days.
Do you have a kong toy? It may not have the dental effects of bones, but for everyday use they are great! We put canned pumpkin in ours, and freeze them overnight. Gives the boys extra fiber, as well as something to do when I leave for work!
She can cut the meat off the rib bone and yes restuffing cowhooves and marrow bones can add variety. Also stuffing them with something that is not tripe allows them to eat it in the house!
-
This reply was modified 12 years, 2 months ago by
pugmomsandy.
So, Pattyvaughn, a followup question:
If I switch to Earthborn Great Plains in an effort to figure out allergies, how do I handle treats, bones, chews, etc? We usually give quite a variety of treats when we’re training, sort of like a trail mix variety so he never knows what he’s getting. I only give top shelf, high quality, made in US treats, but still….there’s quite a mix!
Maybe she needs more time to adjust. Do you still have her old food? Maybe one meal of her old food, and one meal of raw until her poop situation is stable. You can even (instead of using her old food) feed some canned food or feed her some dehydrated food (they generally have veggie matter that will give her fiber) with her raw meals or feed her pumkin daily. Raw poops are usually alot smaller and can be firm but it can be concerning when they seem constipated. The vet can also administer an enema. Does she chew the bones down or is she a gulper? If she’s a gulper, you might consider feeding ground food or tie the piece of meat onto something so she can’t swallow it whole or smash the bones with a mallet. I mostly feed ground but do give necks and pork ribs whole. And mine still eat kibble too.
Beef rib bones, cow hoof, and I think trachea is just cartilage, no fat, and some empty marrow bones, braided bully stick.
I have already written on different topics, but basically right now, what I really want to do is get started. I have read almost non-stop on this subject, ordered a couple books, but need to start a beginning program. Right now I have a 3 year old Sheltie who is on a Hills I/d diet (dry and wet) and will be getting my new Sheltie Pup next week who is being fed ProPlan Focus Puppy Chicken/rice, with Pedigree Wet chicken/beef. I want to get both of these dogs switched over to a much better diet, preferably raw or combination/mixture of that.
How can I get this started? Just by adding a little raw meat/organ meat/meaty bones a little at a time, with their current kibble? The puppy will be easier, I think, but the older one is on the Hills diet for a reason; must have as low fat as possible…..also has issues with sensitive stomach.
Please advise ASAP.
P.S. I ALREADY HAVE ABOUT A HALF BAG OF PRIMAL FROZEN NUGGETS (sardine and turkey formula) to finish using up so I thought I might just start back in mixing some in with the kibble for awhile. I had started this once, but then I had to go out of town for a bit, and decided to start back again later. It’s later, so I’m ready to begin again.
I have gotten my dog into the habit of having an after meal snack/treat, which was originally intended to be for the purpose of teeth cleaning, and something he thoroughly enjoyed chewing on……the CT Dental chews. However, over time, he has started chewing the smaller/thinner ones so quickly, that he swallows larger pieces and then regurgitates them. This has become a growing concern to me, obviously. He loves to have something for “dessert” that is chewy. Other than raw bones, are there any suggestions out there, that would be nutritious and enjoyable as a “chew”? It has to be very low fat, non-greasy and help with tooth care. I’ve given him raw bones, but he gets bored with them once the meaty parts are gone, plus I don’t want to give him too many of those. I need something he can spend some time on, as he loves to chew. I’d love to find some type of bones or chews that would fit this description and would give him some real chewing action. Suggestions welcomed!
Is chicken quarters, chicken breasts and beef liver all you’re feeding her? How much of each? That’s really unbalanced. If you’re feeding too much of the bone-in chicken that could be causing constipation. She may also need some fiber if that’s all she’s getting.
Personally I would suggest checking out a book with balanced recipes (such as “Unlocking the Canine Ancestral Diet” by Steve Brown) or getting a pre-mix (such as The Honest Kitchen’s Preference or See Spot Live Longer Dinner Mix) and feeding the balanced mix as at least half of her meals, you can feed raw meaty bones and offal for the other meal or just feed raw meaty bones a few times a week supplementally. You may also want to get her on a quality multi-strain probiotic supplement. Loose and/or mucusy stools can be normal during the initial transition as your dog’s body is adapting and detoxing. My dogs didn’t have any issues at all switching to raw but I know some others’ on here have had problems so maybe they can give you a more detailed time frame of how long it should take the dog to adjust.
Hound Dog Mom,
I have read several of your posts, the last one being about puppy food…..I have thoroughly enjoyed your obvious experience, so I want to ask you this: you and others do talk often about food rotation. I have become familiar with that concept over the years and use to do it some. Many others say it is not necessary or hard on the dog’s system. And I’m sure it can be, if you don’t do it correctly. So tell me your opinions on the correct process of rotating dog foods. And whether or not it would be different when the rotation is from raw to cooked to, from kibble, to any of them, etc. You catch my drift here? Some say you must “fast” the dog for 24 hours, some say, to just do it gradually.
Also, I’m getting a new Sheltie pup next week (12 weeks old) and want to know the best foods/diet I can start him on, once he gets through the adjustment period. At this point, I’m not ready to go the raw way (outside of maybe some raw beef bones), but I’d like to start this little guy off on the right foot and improve from there.
Thanks for your insight and great discussions…..
Newbie here too. I have been using the grind mixes w/ bone to add to dry food and on their own occasionally. I use the boneless ground meat w/ the See Spot Live Longer miix & when Harry gets a large turkey neck. Besides that Tripe is our go to favorite thing from MPC & Hare Today. I just got a new small freezer & there’s quite a big order in my shopping cart as we speak. Going to try the goat & rabbit grinds as Harry can’t have poultry (except bones)
Interestingly enough, my girlfriend when I just met her (now my fiance), had a Yorkie with luxating petalla. I remember spending hours walking around pet stores, talking to vets and doing research online. A friend of mine has recommended me to look into Pooch & Mutt products (really popular supplements company in UK) as they have started selling directly in the US through http://www.bestdogremedies.com
We were skeptical, but after trying everything else, we have realized that there was nothing to lose. We have ordered some Mobile Bones and Bella has gotten a new lease on life.
I don,t know what exactly the nutrident but I am agree with pugmomsandy. You should try some oral gels as well as beef rib bones, roasted trachea, cow hoof and pig snout. This will surely help your dog.
http://www.compundiapharmacy.com/
If you are someone who pays attention to what your dog eats for food, you should pay the same attention to treats, especially if your dog has issues. I have one dog who can have Milk Bones but I don’t give them. Heck, mine eat The Honest Kitchen treats. Talk about spoiled!
are milk bones bad? when i take my puppy to play with my friends older dog he always gives my little guy milk bones. Also Cyndi and Marie can you look at the treats i posted in the treats section. I want to see what you guys think of the ingredients and what not. Thank you 😀
Cyndi is correct, I doubt many here feed Milk Bones
I don’t think there are too many people here that feed their dogs milk bones, but thanks for the warning…
I don’t know what that product is (nutrident) but I wanted to suggest ProDen Plaque Off (a seaweed) and some oral gels (Petzlife Oral Care or Mercola and other similar products). Have you tried raw chicken feet? I’m not sure what the size difference would be to compared to duck feet. My boys also like beef rib bones, roasted trachea, cow hoof and pig snout. Just throw those away when they become soft enough to swallow whole.
I have an undersized toy poodle. She was underweight and sluggish and a poor eater when I brought her home. She has thrived on Hill’s ID canned food, occasional kibble added, and Milk Bones Mini treats. At one point I was unable to find the Minis, and switched to the next larger size… I believe Small. She developed very severe constipation. When the vet took an X-ray after nothing we tried seemed to cure this, we could see a compacted, granular substance in her colon. It suddenly dawned on me that this must be the larger size of Milk Bones, which are more dense than the Minis. When I switched back to Minis again, all signs of constipation disappeared. I am posting this in case anyone else has or may have this situation in the future. In toy dogs there’s not a lot of margin for error!
Muggsy recently went through a bout of bad colitis diarrhea. Had the vet do a fecal, UA & blood work to rule out other causes. I guess I knocked Muggsy’s system out of whack by switching his 1/2 Party Animal canned grain free & 1/2 home cooked diet around too quickly.
With held food for 24 hrs & then gave him boiled rice & beef (a novel protein for him). I also always just used pumpkin & dig enzyme/probiotics, but to no avail this time. Still had issues so I got some Vetri-Science Fast Balance. This stuff worked like magic!!! No more diarrhea !!!
I keep it on hand now. I’ve needed it once ’cause I took him to the bank & the bank ladies gave him Milk Bones <sigh> (I figure it’s like letting your kid have McDonald’s) & he had some soft poo. One dose of Vetri Science & back on track!! I’m sure I”ll need it when I transition him from beef/sweet potato to turkey/quinoa.
The vet said it’s not hard to get a dog’s gut bacteria out of sync. If your vet rules out all other causes, see what they think about the Fast Balance.
I believe so. I bought some from the grocery store and there is not alot of meat on them at all. My little dogs ate them fine and pooped normally.
I noticed on MPC that they have lamb necks for a limited time. Are these an alternative to turkey necks ?
Hello everyone, and Hound Dog Mom in particular (I’ve heard you seem to be the expert):
I was just given the link to this forum and I am thrilled to have found it. November 2nd I will be bringing home a purebreed English Labrador Retriever (8 weeks old). In the past, I have been very concious about what food I give to my dogs and have stayed away from any products having anything to do with Diamond, or any that have been recalled for one thing or another. Little by little I came across companies like Orijen, Acana and Nature Variety Limitied Ingredient (for my older dogs). I thought I’d have no problem with my new little guy with any of these foods, until I started reading more about the long term effects of calcium/phosphorus to large breed puppies. The more I read, the more confused I got. Also, I find that the really good quality foods are VERY high in calcium 38%+. At this point I am at a loss as to what to buy. I want a a natural, holistic food, grain-free that kibble that I can feed my little guy without worrying of any long-term negative effects on his health/bones…or kidneys (due to high protein).
Can someone please give me a list of 3-4 different ones (I’ve been reading that a rotating diet is best) that would be available in the Miami area or at least through Amazon.
Thanks in advance for your help!!
Mine love gnawing on beef rib bones. They don’t seem fatty either.
My Bailey is 50lbs. and has been on a raw diet for 5 months. I give her a half a turkey neck, along with gizzards or heart and liver, 2 or 3 nights a week for dinner. She has never had any problems with them. A turkey neck is basically one long bone with a lot of meat on it, not a bunch of little bones. I think they would be totally fine for a smaller dog. It would take a bit longer for them to eat it, I would imagine, but I’m sure they’d do fine with them… Good for cleaning teeth too!
So, Pattyvaughn, a followup question:
If I switch to Earthborn Great Plains in an effort to figure out allergies, how do I handle treats, bones, chews, etc? We usually give quite a variety of treats when we’re training, sort of like a trail mix variety so he never knows what he’s getting. I only give top shelf, high quality, made in US treats, but still….there’s quite a mix!
I am needing to give my dogs something to gnaw on to clean the teeth. I give them Deer Antlers at the moment but they are getting tired of them and rarely chew on them. What are the down falls to feeding turkey necks? I can get them from my grocery and they are cut in halves so it makes it easier with small dogs. My husband is against it because he feels they are loaded with tiny bones and he is afraid a bone will get lodged in one of the dogs throats and he has me a bit worried about it too. How often do you give them and has anyone had any issues with them?
Ok more about Henry Beagle. Filling the marrow bones was a good idea for awhile but he gets the fillers out so fast it is a quick fix. We buy the marrow bones and he goes thru them in a shirt time. His jaws are strong. I need a treat that I can feed him and keep him busy for awhile. I did buy treats at Tractor Supply that was turkey chew that kept him busy for longer. It listed ingredients as turkey and blueberries and other fruit. I will look them up again and see what you think. They were listed as made in USA and all natural.. He follows me constantly barking. The only salvation is his bedtime is 10 pm and he quiets down and goes to sleep around that time. He is like a little baby. Any good chews out there that are safe.
As to your exact question, I was told by a vet who specializes in dog allergies that some intestinal parasite infections can cause allergy type reactions in dogs. In fact, when I took my dog in, they gave me an anti-parasitic medication to give him for a few days without even testing for parasites (it’s easier/less expensive to give the treatment and see if the symptoms go away than it is to test). In my case, this didn’t work, but it might in yours.
On another note, my guess is that your dog likely isn’t allergic to all the things you mentioned (bones, antler, etc.) but is much more likely to be suffering from an environmental allergen (pollen, dust mites, grass, etc.). The only way to find this out is to take your dog to a vet that can test for a reaction to environmental allergens. It’s very much the same as how they test people for allergies – they have to shave off some of the hair, then they prick the skin in a bunch of small spots with various possible allergens. If your dog is allergic, there will be a skin reaction in the corresponding spot.
Basically, you’re going to go crazy if you keep trying to guess. I strongly recommend heading to the nearest vet that can do a skin test for allergic response – even if that means driving a long distance.
