[Shasta220]

Okay, I’m just posting this for fun. What do y’all like to do, well, for fun? (Other than obsess over pet-nutrition, of course!)

I love dog training, I adore piano playing – I’ve studied classical piano for 12 years, and have been playing as the church accompanist for 5 years. I’ve also accompanied choirs and done all sorts of fun music events.
My favorite indoor hobby, by far, is drawing. I’m only good with pencil, and I can only draw animals (canines, equines, and….DRAGONS!!!) here’s one of my dragon sketches:

I enjoy riding horses once a week, and am working on training my pet cow for riding as well (he’s not quite old enough for me to sit on, but he’s good with ground work)

I like virtually anything outdoors such as hiking, shooting, and jogging.

What are some of your favorite things or amazing talents? 😀

[Shasta220]

Thanks XD Ms Maddy is keeping me from going to sleep right now… I’m on my tablet, all the lights are off, and she is taking up my pillow. Only because the countless pillows, blankets, and furniture is just not good enough for her royal highness *rolls eyes*

[Akari_32]

35 cents! Yay! 😀

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/Akari53/54A92325-0028-48DA-927C-D700656ACB6D_zpsnqwqmdz1.jpg

[Akari_32]

I just don’t even XD

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/Akari53/118864D6-FC58-4DD7-906D-894ED329D1F9_zpsnscs1a3g.jpg

[Shasta220]

Now that I finally figured out how to post pictures (THANK YOU SANDY!!!), I thought I’d share with you guys some of my pets.
Millie is the oddball….rescued as a tiny baby. You can see for yourself how odd her coloration is (we are calling it a chocolate & cream tortoiseshell)

And her half-brother (same story…he’s almost a year younger)

Here’s my anxious-crazy-goofball, Loki (we are saying Aussie and either Kelpie or BC) – pardon the dull coat on the left – that was the day we got him. Who knows what he’s been eating! Looks much better on the right 🙂

[Akari_32]

We buy cases of bottled water for drinking, and he took over an empty case. He sleeps in there LOL I gave him a paper bag earlier tonight, but I think he still prefers his empty water case, since its a little taller. Its pretty funny :p

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/Akari53/E45905C2-1658-4EE4-AC5A-63E9CD3C0AFF_zpsqyz9xqmr.jpg

God, Bentley is only half Jack Russell, and a year and a half. I can’t imagine him being full Jack Russell, and then adding in a few more crazy little beasts at the same time LOL Thankfully, he slept a lot when he was a puppy! XD

[Akari_32]

Here’s some vet-type questions for you guys. First one, which one of these shot packages should I get? I really don’t want to spend $55 just on his shots if I don’t need to, but I can.

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/Akari53/2203290D-7050-48DD-B332-EDE276825177_zpsiuggeswp.png

And also, what are these CHEM-whatever things?

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/Akari53/D2922A90-D2D6-4B5F-8391-6D8803716B21_zpsc0llwzfy.png

Do I need them? What do they do?

And lastly, I assume these are all good prices? And how’s $25 for a microchip sound?

[pugmomsandy]

I use photobucket to post pictures in the forum. On the other side, you can insert photos from your computer but you have to shrink them down first.

[Shasta220]

@pugsmomsandy How do you attach photos? XD

Congrats on the rescue. Sounds like you’re definitely on the right track diet-wise. Thank you SOOOOO much for rescuing! <3

[Akari_32]

And here we have the amazing jello cat, now seen only in captivity. It is said they have no spines.

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/Akari53/5A4A13A8-DA84-4537-BE86-291588E453C7_zpsim3nj52h.jpg

[Akari_32]

This has got to be worlds sweetest cat! He just wants to petted and rubbed and loved on. He’s not pushy about it, though. He’s so gentle. I tried to lock him in the back room with a baby gate, but he let himself out while I was preparing his food lol there a step over style baby gate in the opening of the hallway, and I think the only thing keeping him from jumping it is the dogs lol He’s already made himself at home in my sisters empty room (probably because it smells like Chester, her cat), so I just closed the bathroom and let him be. I happened to buy a little bed at goodwill today for Bentley, but this cat is freaking huge, so I’ll give it him LOL He’s now laying the doorway of the bedroom, where he can see me. He goes between napping, and just watching me. It’s pretty cute :3

Here’s some pictures of him! He must be a Maine coon mix. He’s very well built!

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/Akari53/13BB068A-DA57-4E25-9CC4-EABAF43B9A11_zps0eou7ahm.jpg

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/Akari53/E59D56BA-672F-47CA-A89B-B0E593994C05_zpstu3f5xg0.jpg

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/Akari53/5DFA0F18-A97C-48AA-9DDB-25E9BDA13C83_zps24xuqkfh.jpg

In the last pic, I was texting the girl that gave him to me, instead of petting him, so he plopped down at my feet and stared at me LOL

[Akari_32]

After trying all kinds of products to help Bentleys skin with these seasonal allergies, we were at the grocery store and saw this stuff on the clearance rack. The poor guy is always bright red and itchy and getting new welts every day, so we are really grasping at straws trying to do what we can with these allergies that can’t helped with food. I bathed him last night with it, and today he looks great. His skin looks much better, and he’s not itching so much (hardly at all, actually). Not to mention his fur is really soft :p Is it ok to use this on a regular basis? Here’s the back of the box:

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/Akari53/F6F17D8E-1326-44FF-8A3A-B2EA6B5DD9A1_zpsy2ahxzof.jpg

I figure it’s just like the Beyers dog stuff we’ve been using on him. It’s not a soap really, it’s lipids and moisturizers. But the Beyers doesn’t do much for him, while this has helped loads after just one bath. What do you guys think?

[Jjennilee]

InkedMarie – that sounds worth a try if i can figure out what their normal food is LOL mostly roast chicken is probably best and that might even be a good healthy treat since they do love icecubes… Infact they will only drink water if it has ice in it lol … I told you they were picky LOL…

Crazy4cats – Ty they are my joy with 2 sons that will never give me grandbabies they are a suitable fill in for sure… they have their own strollers , high chairs etc… they are truly spoiled family LOL if I ever figure out how to add a photo here i will do so .. Im glad they are not the only one with the life source bits issue … when I contacted blue they treated me like I was out of my mind … But my trigger would actually have a few pieces in his mouth and figure out how to get the ones he likes out without eating them hes a riot…

Husband and I went to go do some shopping and found a pet food we had seen before but over looked … I quickly looked it up and it gets a 5 star here who knew… its Pet Fresh? stuff is in a tube .. .Ground it up to look like ground meat ( it kinda smells like bologna ) so far 3 meals and they are begging for more .. this is a first for them praying we are onto something …. I called the vet and she said it was a find food no issues that she has heard of so praying this works… just to see my dodger eat like he means it brought tears to my eyes…

Ya i have to admit I am a bit smitten with these pups.. only dogs we have ever owned that I can truly say are my dogs LOL although shelties are awesome family dogs these two are rarely 5 feet away from me ( and that is not one bit of a complaint 😉 )

[Newfs]

Hello,
I recall to my question.
Very counting on your answers.
Regards
Newfs
” Hi,
mine near 11 monthly Newfoundland is fed Fromm Family Gold and very nicely grows on her (the last bag is Fromm Gold Adult Dog) . Unfortunately the fodder ends, and it is not known when will be the delivery 🙁 . On this period to the fly to change him the fodder. I know that these which to the pre-pond have a content of cereals, but these which are in Poland and do not have cereals, and have a suitable quantity of the limestone {calcium} are in cosmic prices. Please for the prompt which from fodders would be for him best:
– Enova ADULT Breeders BAG GRAIN-FREE SIMPLE!
Complete food without cereal with fresh chicken meat. It can be administered to dogs from 2 months to 7 years old.
food without grains
addition of fresh chicken meat (min. 20%)
contains glucosamine and chondroitin supplement
Ingredients: dried chicken meat (min. 23.3%), fresh chicken meat (min. 20%), potato flour, dried green peas, chicken fat, dried beet pulp, flaxseed, dried egg protein hydrolyzate, dried yeast, fish oil, dried carrots, dried tomato puree, dried seaweed, sodium chloride, glucosamine, chondroitin.
Analytical constituents: crude protein – 31.5%, oils and fats – 19.5%, crude fiber – 3,5%, crude ash – 6,5%, calcium – 1.25%, phosphorus – 0.95% , moisture – 10.0%.
Extras: antioxidants. Dietary supplements in 1 kg of feed: Vitamin A – 15,000 IU Vitamin D3 – 1200 IU Vitamin E – 150 mg Copper (as copper sulphate pentahydrate) – 10 mg.
Analysis
protein: 31.5%
fat: 19.5%
Crude fiber 3.5%
ash 6.5%
humidity 10.0%
omega – 6 2.7%
Chondroitin 250 mg / kg
calcium 1.25%
phosphorus 1.0% – 0.95%
copper 10 mg / kg
selenium 0.2 mg / kg
iodine 2 mg / kg
Vitamin A 15,000 IU / kg
Vitamin D3 1200 IU / kg
Vitamin E 150 IU / kg
Niacin 135 mg / kg
– http://www.enovapetfood.com/photoVideoGallery.aspx?cid=4685&mid=18465
– http://www.farmina.com/?q=en/content/product/chicken-pomegranade
– http://www.farmina.com/?q=en/content/product/nd-ancestral-dog-codfish-orange-31
– http://www.samsfield.com/adult-large
– http://www.samsfield.com/adult-salmon
– http://eshop.fitmin.cz/en/Products/Detail/FITMIN-11210921/Fitmin-dog-Solution-RabbitandRice-13kg
– http://eshop.fitmin.cz/en/Products/Detail/FITMIN-11210921/Fitmin-dog-Solution-SalmonandPotato-13kg
What do you feel about above-fodders ? “

[Newfs]

Hi,
mine near 11 monthly Newfoundland is fed Fromm Family Gold and very nicely grows on her (the last bag is Fromm Gold Adult Dog) . Unfortunately the fodder ends, and it is not known when will be the delivery 🙁 . On this period to the fly to change him the fodder. I know that these which to the pre-pond have a content of cereals, but these which are in Poland and do not have cereals, and have a suitable quantity of the limestone {calcium} are in cosmic prices. Please for the prompt which from fodders would be for him best:
– Enova ADULT Breeders BAG GRAIN-FREE SIMPLE!
Complete food without cereal with fresh chicken meat. It can be administered to dogs from 2 months to 7 years old.
food without grains
addition of fresh chicken meat (min. 20%)
contains glucosamine and chondroitin supplement
Ingredients: dried chicken meat (min. 23.3%), fresh chicken meat (min. 20%), potato flour, dried green peas, chicken fat, dried beet pulp, flaxseed, dried egg protein hydrolyzate, dried yeast, fish oil, dried carrots, dried tomato puree, dried seaweed, sodium chloride, glucosamine, chondroitin.
Analytical constituents: crude protein – 31.5%, oils and fats – 19.5%, crude fiber – 3,5%, crude ash – 6,5%, calcium – 1.25%, phosphorus – 0.95% , moisture – 10.0%.
Extras: antioxidants. Dietary supplements in 1 kg of feed: Vitamin A – 15,000 IU Vitamin D3 – 1200 IU Vitamin E – 150 mg Copper (as copper sulphate pentahydrate) – 10 mg.
Analysis
protein: 31.5%
fat: 19.5%
Crude fiber 3.5%
ash 6.5%
humidity 10.0%
omega – 6 2.7%
Chondroitin 250 mg / kg
calcium 1.25%
phosphorus 1.0% – 0.95%
copper 10 mg / kg
selenium 0.2 mg / kg
iodine 2 mg / kg
Vitamin A 15,000 IU / kg
Vitamin D3 1200 IU / kg
Vitamin E 150 IU / kg
Niacin 135 mg / kg
– http://www.enovapetfood.com/photoVideoGallery.aspx?cid=4685&mid=18465
– http://www.farmina.com/?q=en/content/product/chicken-pomegranade
– http://www.farmina.com/?q=en/content/product/nd-ancestral-dog-codfish-orange-31
– http://www.samsfield.com/adult-large
– http://www.samsfield.com/adult-salmon
– http://eshop.fitmin.cz/en/Products/Detail/FITMIN-11210921/Fitmin-dog-Solution-RabbitandRice-13kg
– http://eshop.fitmin.cz/en/Products/Detail/FITMIN-11210921/Fitmin-dog-Solution-SalmonandPotato-13kg
What do you feel about above-fodders ?

[oknisha2008]

Hii,

I totally agree with the above thread. Being in India we do not have much medical assistance for pups with knuckling over. If they gain weight all of a sudden you this problem . Here is what we did with our pup last week.My heart bled as he was knuckling and unable to walk literally. He is a large breed Indian royal breed called Rajapalayam. We did a casting at home using a toilet roll card board . He was first wrapped in cotton and then the cardboard roll which was slit on one side was put with the cut portion facing inwards and bandaged him and wound with a paper tape to give more strength. He is absolutely normal since Sunday. We have decided to keep him again on cast for three more days to give him more strength.. Trust me catch him young. I am attaching the link to see how he was and how he is running around with the cast.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203285081473095&set=a.1346764434453.51249.1391572440&type=1&theater

[Sharon Buchanan]

Sue ~
I purchased the book by Dr. Becker that Patty mentioned, but we’re going to have a setback here in one day – and a rather expensive one at that. We finally got our winter snow which means delayed freezer delivery, delayed food delivery from MPC – it’s been sent but UPS won’t be able to make it up the mountain until it stops snowing and someone decides to clear the road. Mystery has just two servings of chicken that will get us through Friday morning. I wonder if I should just thaw a flank steak and cut it up for him. Hmmm…

Other than the coming food shortage, everything seems to be going well. When I cut the chicken up, I weighed it out and put it baggies. When I finally get going with larger amounts of meat, I’ll use the vacuum sealer to create a variety of single portions. I’ve found that if I pull out portions two days ahead of time, they’re completely thawed when I’m ready for them.

As for clean up… that’s getting a little easier. At first, Mystery was a bit put off by the one paw out to be cleaned at a time. I use an old soapy rag to wipe his paws as he comes out and then use the same rag – washed and soaped up a second time, to clean inside the crate. He’s getting used to the routine.

The one with the biggest problem is Falkon, my little Maine Coon carnivore. I had been giving him some of the raw chicken but then read that feeding raw and kibble can create digestive problems so I stopped. He now spends dinner time slipping his big polydactyl paws between the crate bars and into Mystery’s bowl. Because he’s poly – he has the usual four “fingers” and an additional two “thumbs”, it doesn’t matter that his claws are clipped, he uses those opposable thumbs to snatch some food and even grabbed a bone that Mystery dropped yesterday. Mr. Mischievous!

I appreciate the list of meat to bone percentages you posted from the FB group. When I cut the whole chicken up for Mystery, I didn’t worry too much about the ratio, I just figured, if he found the chicken himself he’d eventually get around to eating the whole thing, skin and all. Using the calculation given, Mystery’s chicken was a little over 8 lbs., multiplied by 31% means there was 2.48 lbs. of bone. So now what do we do? I guess we are supposed to strip the meat from the excess bone. Next time. I can’t wait for the raw conference.

I took a look at the photos and videos you posted on phanfare. A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E!!!

Edit: I just took Mystery outside and the steps from the porch to the sidewalk are missing. Our footprints from when we went out two hours ago – gone. My boots sank upward of my ankles. Pulling out whatever red meat I have in the freezer.

• This reply was modified 11 years, 10 months ago by Sharon Buchanan.

[Sue’s Zoo]

RescueDaneMom, (Sorry, everyone, I know this is off topic) Here’s a recent photo of Loki and Michonne (please ignore the back yard). Loki is a 7-month old 84-pound male (breeder said he’s probably the largest she’s ever had, so not exactly representative of the breed) and Michonne is a 4-month old 40-pound female. I cannot praise the breed or breeder enough. Mine came from Solace Shilohs in Seattle. We have always had GSDs (some rescues, some from breeders) but after losing the last ones, I decided to try to find a breed without all the potential health issues. It seems like we always ended up with the ones that had something rare yet still specific to GSDs. So I researched (primarily on dogbreedinfo.com) and came up with the Shiloh. All the great qualities of GSDs but breeding is carefully controlled to attempt to eliminate as many as possible. Of course, we get Loki who ends up with a heart problem. We must be a magnet for dogs that need special care.

Loki is so huge, not sure if his ears will stand but guessing they will, just later than normal as he still has a lot of growing to do. Anticipate 140 to 150 pounds as his adult weight. Michonne is much more the norm and will probably be about 110. And they are SO enjoying their new diet! We have an older GSD to transition, then the two cats. Also any number of 21-23 years old when home from college and my 86-year-old mom and 4 horses at a boarding stable. Thus the Zoo 🙂

And here’s a link to other photos on my Phanfare page for the dogs:
http://albums.phanfare.com/isolated/7Xjb0XLd/1/6201469

• This reply was modified 11 years, 10 months ago by Sue's Zoo.

[Sharon Buchanan]

Sue ~
It appears whomever created the spreadsheets, both agree on the percentages because the only difference between the two is that liver and organs are split on the one you provided. I copied column B and pasted so that I could see side by side, the monthly requirement for Mystery at his current weight and what it would be at full grown weight – just so I would order the right size freezer.

Patty ~
I ordered the fridge tonight. Took Mystery with me and for the very first time – he didn’t throw up. It’s about a 25 minute trip to Home Depot though we stopped at the vet first to get his actual weight, 58 lbs, and walked around outside for a few minutes before getting back in the car. We spent about an hour in HD and then I popped over to the grocery store for some milk and a whole chicken and a container of chicken livers. They had a turkey back so I also got that so I wouldn’t have to cut the chicken up or give him kibble again tonight.

When we got home I put the turkey on the counter and he must’ve smelled it because he kept trying to nose up to it. I removed the meat from the bone – I just didn’t want to bother with any unnecessary mess, put it in a large stainless bowl and set it down for him in his crate. He went at it like it was the best thing he’s ever tasted – and it probably was. My little five month old Maine Coon, Falkon, got wind of it and jumped in the crate to steal a piece. Unless I close the crate door, I imagine Mystery is going to have to share all of his meals with Falkon from now on. (Falkon steals all kinds of food – peas from my colander, bread from the table, crab chowder from a pot on the cooktop (I have all induction so there’s never the possibility of him getting burned), the kitten is brazen.)

All in all, I’m really pleased. Taking that first step wasn’t as hard as I anticipated. I snapped a shot of Mystery and Falkon in the crate. I also took a shot of Mystery laying on the floor. Obviously, his butt looks a little large because of the way he’s laying but you can still see how he looks a little on the thin side. Even so, I’d rather he be a little thin than too fat at his age.

(Bizarre how these photos look stretched.)
http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag112/FlutePixzy/IMG_9011_zpsd11a7caf.jpg
http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag112/FlutePixzy/IMG_9022_zps5654dd12.jpg
http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag112/FlutePixzy/IMG_9021_zps00e611a3.jpg
http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/FlutePixzy/media/IMG_9021_zps00e611a3.jpg.html

• This reply was modified 11 years, 10 months ago by Sharon Buchanan.
• This reply was modified 11 years, 10 months ago by Sharon Buchanan.

[Akari_32]

Make a photobucket account and use the IMG or direct link codes. That’s what I do for other forums.

[Sharon Buchanan]

Patty ~

You know, way back when, I remember giving our Sunset the DinOvite but stopped when we moved to Prague. I’d completely forgotten about that.

I did call Primal to talk with them about their food and was thaaaat close to placing an order until I looked at the Primal thread on dogfoodadvisor. What a catastrophe, wading through all that. In the end, I decided not to order any – a setback in my confidence.

I was looking at some the photos folks have posted here of their dogs eating RMB and I think it was HDM that had a pic of one of her dogs eating a whole quail. What? I want that! Minus the feathers of course. I did give Mystery a bone last week when it was warmer outside He went at it for over an hour while I enjoyed some quiet time over the waterfall and pond. Since I let him chomp away at apple tree branches, I wasn’t worried about the dirt too much.

I did try to give him a bone in his crate one day when temps were below freezing but he wouldn’t touch it. I opened the door of the crate and he brought the bone out with him. I tried to get him to stay on the 8’x6′ linoleum scrap but couldn’t keep him there. OCD kicked in, the bone came up and I set about steam mopping the crate, linoleum and wood floor followed by soap and water. I think I’ll try taking the tray out of the crate and start training Mystery to stay on it while eating.

I so appreciate that you shared the list of foods you’re feeding. With that, you’ve given me a better idea of what a diet should look like than anything I’ve come across so far. Thanks! I’d also read somewhere that balance doesn’t have to happen with every meal – it could happen over the course of days. That’s a little freeing. I’ll let you know when we get to our first raw day.

[Dori]

Having the hardest time getting photo onto gravatar.com. I’ve followed all the steps. Takes all my info but photo never shows up. Any ideas would be gratefully appreciated. As always, thanks to all in dogfoodadvisor.com land.

[Tucker]

Hi Patty, RDM, and everyone who has been so helpful. Hope everyone is having a wonderful day wherever you hail from. I think Tucker’s OCD is making me OCD…lol

After reading everything here, following the links, talking to my breeder, my ortho surgeon who is the Pioneer of reconstructive surgery, and a bunch of stores, and an AKC trainer and show people I have finally come to a conclusion. To all of you newbies out there as overwhelmed as I am wanting to do the very very best for our kids I hope this helps you on your journey for perfection. I understand the madness 🙂

First anyone who is considering food from Costco… DONT! My Dr. was adamant about not using there food for all of the reasons that are listed in the thread. So if it helps anyone, that is what I got from the doctor’s mouth and he is old school conservative. As a side note, I asked about the antlers and he said he wasn’t as concerned about the calcium as the little horns or pieces breaking off and getting stuck in the gums and causing abscesses. he has gotten a couple. Who would of thought? just wanted to share the 411.

As for the food I am starting off with Earthborn Meadow Feast. You get grain free, perfect calcium balance and a slightly higher protein percentage than most of the standard stuff with grain. There seems to be a lot of problems with soft stool ramping the protein in such a jump so this should help for a smooth transition and eliminate both the chicken and grain as potential itchy causers.

Then jump to Earthborn Coastal Catch with 32% protein – same family of foods with a moderate protein jump. Best chance of easy transition.

If all goes well with the protein the we jump to the Wellness Core Puppy with 36%. Get a blend of meats and see how the itchies hold up. I’m guessing not an issue since his diet will be so well balanced he will be GLOWING by that point!

If there are any issues with soft poop from protein I will slide a bag of Dr. Tim’s Kenesis in there to stay at 26%.

Tucker is 4 months now so that rotation will take him to 8 months. Should I do another round to a year old or does the debate start all over again at that point lol 🙂 If all is good I would guess we head to the higher proteins for the 8-12 months and beyond? I am in Los Angeles so fortunately I can get just about anything.

As for toppers the store gave me samples of THK zeal, embark, and love. Now I see what you are talking about. That is quite expensive. But as a topper just a little here and there not bad at all. I also got a can of PetKind wild salmon and Lamb Tripe. Is anyone familiar with these? Are they OK?

I didn’t focus as much on the toppers reading, but figured that was the next step in the evolution here so I bought a few to get ready 🙂

I have small bags of other 5 star foods on the list that I am not going to use in the rotation. Is it OK to use those as training treats or best to stick with what he is eating.

Also if there are a few magic toppers or daily doses you all swear by I would love to know.

Thank you again for helping me figure this all out. It feels right and makes sense.

After speaking to everyone else out there I can confidently say there is no better place for nutritional advice than right here! Thanks

ps. how do we get a photo up there like some of you have? I would love for you all to meet Tuk

[GizmoMom]

This page has a list of approximate bone content in each cut of meat.
http://preymodelraw.com/page/articles.html/_/raw-chat/common-cuts-a-photographic-guide-to-raw-meaty-r15

[Jenmarlew]

Thanks for your response Patty. I’ll keep him where he is. He’s not emaciated by any means, he’s just not bulky. He does have the really bad flatulence that Bouviers are known for. Any ideas for that? I was thinking probiotics, maybe yogurt? Or is there a supplement that is recommended?
I’ll have to figure out how to post a photo.:-)

[lmnordrum]

Puppy goes to the vet on Monday and I’ll ask for his opinion on her weight.

I don’t mind two or three meals; at issue is housetraining and how fast puppy will have to go outside. But that’s just part of having a puppy. (I have not had a dog in about 20 years!) So I’ll plan on 3 meals a day, measured out. For training I am planning on using low value treats like frozen peas or even pieces of kibble. The breeder uses Cheerios (which is oat and not corn.) Still on the fence about Cheerios.

I have a photo taken last week and you can see the belly but I can’t figure out how to post it within this forum. Its quite a belly though! Here’s a link to pup on my Pintrest (which is in the process of being created): http://www.pinterest.com/pin/384494886908431455/

[RescueDaneMom]

Hi BlueEyedGirl-

First, if you want to upload a picture as your avatar you need to go to gravatar.com. You can also add a picture to a post using photobucket. Copy and paste the image link into your post and it should show up.

Now onto the food…Wellness Core Puppy is a great food, but it is a BIG step up from Hill’s. To play it safe, you might want to gradually step up the quality food. You could start with Nutrisource Large Breed Puppy. Nutrisource has a reputation of being an easy food to switch to. Then you could transition to Wellness Core. 3-4 foods in a rotation is good. That would be my minimum. If your dog doesn’t have intolerances or allergies then you could find many foods to keep switching through.

Because you don’t know if she is a large breed or not, I would play it safe and feed large breed puppy appropriate food. Feeding lower calcium won’t hurt a small/medium breed dog. In my opinion, it’d be better to err on the side of caution.

I think that the amount of calcium that they get from treats is pretty negligible. However, if you are very concerned, I think dehydrated/freeze-dried tripe would be a good choice. Tripe has balanced Ca/P and I believe it is lower in calcium than some other treats. Freeze-dried liver may also be good.

There are more knowledgeable members on here that can give you more feedback and correct me if I’m wrong. I hope this was helpful to you. Have fun getting ready for your pup. It’s so exciting getting ready to bring a new dog home. 🙂

[Akari_32]

My $1 per pound isn’t applied toward cheaper foods (such as Purina, etc). It’s applied to 3 star rated foods and up. For example, tonights shopping trip…

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/Akari53/securedownload_zpsceedb94d.jpeg

Less than $10 for these four bags! If this was a lesser brand, I’d have not gotten it unless I was either getting paid for it, or paying less than 1/2 of what I just paid for this. So, I have a standard of quality when it comes to what I pay vs what I’m getting. Thats just me, though. Can’t vouch for other people 😉

I will fully admit to gratefully taking advantage of the free whatever-size-bag coupons Pedigree and Purina have sent me. I plan on mixing these lower quality foods with something much better, like this Wellness. I can’t bring my self to feed JUST one of those yucky corn filled foods (if they can even be called food!)… But right now I’m in a do what you have to position. We’ve all been there!

[Akari_32]

I bought some vitamins (got paid $3 for $60 worth a vitamins, whoop whoop! Making money and buyin’ good stuff! :D) and I was wondering if any of these (besides the fish oil, obviously) would be beneficial for the dogs. Here they are:

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/Akari53/359C7140-088D-4093-A747-4E3BEB5377C9-157-000000AC6B1E1E90_zpscefb10e1.jpg

Mainly Haley I’m more concerned about things like vitamins with. She’s old and doesn’t keep weight on, but is otherwise healthy and active. I just have to feed her as much as 130 pound Dweezle gets. Her ideal weight would be about 65 pounds, and I guess her to weigh 60-ish. I can get an exact weight if you want me to. She’s not that bad, but she is a little thin. She’ll be 11 in January. She’s got a slight limp in after vigorous activity or after up after being down for an extended period (goes bewteen all four legs). I’ve had her on ProSence vitamins and so far they seen to be helping her get her weight back up and she seems a little more peppy.

Dweezle is good weight and healthy, just old, pretty old for his size actually. He’s 10 in march. Not at all active, just a big furry lump :p Family history of hip problems, but he so far seems to have avoided that, thankfully. His sister has hip dysplasia, and they had to do something like cutting the tendons in both legs…? I dunno.

Bentley is our young little maniac. Just turned 1 in August. Super active, drives us all nuts. Grass allergies cause him to chew his feet and hind legs, but otherwise healthy. He’s been on ProSence fish oil for several months and getting the hair on his backs legs back. Being so small, grass gets him all over, poor dude lol

[Akari_32]

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/Akari53/B5FFDB48-76A2-44FE-A357-A840540C5E4E-2800-0000068E8A917F27_zps1e25165d.jpg

It does say at the bottom there that it’s measured dry. Missed that the first time! Derp…

So that would mean my 8 pound dog would be eating almost a whole pound of food?? That seems like a whole lotta food for such a small dog! I’ll have to weigh how much he’s getting now, to compare. That’ll give me an idea for the other dogs, as well.

[Akari_32]

Alrightly, so here’s an incomplete list of my phone internetting. Walmart mobile site wasn’t cooperating, so I didn’t get around to prices and bag sizes (more or less going off the top of my head), and Pet Supermarkets website just plain sucks, so I didn’t bother. Both are like 3 minutes away, so I can finish those parts tomorrow or whenever in person.

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/Akari53/16B63D82-68FD-4880-8D5D-733C91E45F7D-1675-0000035899CB7923_zps049a1f73.jpg

So far, all three of the dogs do good on anything I’ve tried them on, so I get to play around with everything on this list over time. Lots of options. These are all 3-4 star foods (I hope, anyways! I tried to keep it 3 and above). Grain free isn’t working out very well, so far, going by only local options, but that’s ok. I’d like opinions on my list so far! And I’ll look into the online stuff when I have computer based Internet access in a few days.

[Akari_32]

Here we go!

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/Akari53/EE72B89E-1269-4BB0-A1D9-B6C9136F946A-182-000000F99A995F78_zpsb208f076.jpg

• This reply was modified 12 years, 2 months ago by Akari_32.

[pugmomsandy]

The one on the left has poor body condition, where the one on the right needs to put on a lb or two.

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u651/pugmomsandy/pictures%20for%20posting/IMG_28831024x768_zps49daa9d5.jpg

I would take measurements of your dog and keep a log of it and his weight over time.

[pugmomsandy]

I bought Epigen from the Wysong website. I use various canned foods as toppers. As far as foods for weight loss goes, I’ve never fed low fat, just normal. I have pugs so they gain weight easily and I get obese fosters too but they still lose weight on regular (5 star grain free) kibble and regular fat canned foods and even home made raw food in which I leave the skin on.

Also I wanted to point out (if you didn’t know yet) about the “body condition score”. You should take this into account as well, not just weight alone. That being said, my pugs are heavy but not fat. They are very strong and muscular. They look like some of my other fosters that weigh 17-20 lbs. They gained weight when I started feeding them higher protein kibble and raw food.

This one is 23 lbs but does not need a diet! For me, I only go by body condition. And he’s been wearing that harness for a couple years whether he was 18 or 23. That photo was last year so he does have new harnesses!

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u651/pugmomsandy/pictures%20for%20posting/IMG_2697640x479_zpsbe52d943.jpg

[Tigerlily]

Well that is quite frustrating that I was given incorrect information.

I am quite familiar with standard poodles and all too aware and educated on the genetic predispositions in my breed. Also, in general, those of us who are knowledgeable and involved in the breed consider them to be a “medium to large breed” and we are careful to promote slow and steady growth to avoid orthopedic issues. I have always been careful to feed foods with moderate calcium levels to my puppies. That said, because poodles are closer to the “medium” end of the spectrum (or should be, in my opinion), I am sure that my precautions are just that – precautions.

I am not going to entirely rule out the two Acana formulas, but I am pretty happy with Dr. Tim’s at the moment so I may consider the grain inclusive version of Kinesis for the puppies. If puppy owners are reluctant to order online, I can suggest they feed Fromm Chicken a la Veg. Or, heck, maybe I’ll just raise the puppies on the Fromm. 🙂 A large percentage of my of my poodles’ diet is raw, but at this point I do plan to raise the litter on kibble.

On another note, does anyone know how to add a photo above my name?

[pugmomsandy]

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u651/pugmomsandy/pictures%20for%20posting/IMG_5170952x1024_zpsec466d4d.jpg

[pugmomsandy]

Nature’s Logic, Amicus (for toy breeds), Epigen (this is actually dog/cat food), Nutrisource small/med breed puppy (it’s for all life stages) and Nature’s Select Hi-Pro are the smallest kibbles I’ve used, and Simply Nourish small breed is tiny too.

I actually emailed EVO before asking about the size of the kibble and they actually sent me a photo.

[michelleshort]

Since my Chi started having problems with her teeth, i have been trying to find the smallest kibble possible. I’m finding it difficult to locate actual photos of the kibble, surprisingly. If anyone can recommend a tiny 5star small breed kibble i would be very appreciative.

[pugmomsandy]

I would just use the commercial grinder and get a refund on the smaller one! I grind poultry and pork ribs in my grinder as far as bones go. I like the 10 mm grinder plate best. The stuff comes out more like chili meat size instead of mostly mush.

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u651/pugmomsandy/pictures%20for%20posting/IMG_5170952x1024_zpsec466d4d.jpg

[pugmomsandy]

sandyandmila,

My freezer is the one under Patty’s freezer photos. The first two pics are Patty’s and the third one is mine.

[pugmomsandy]

Love the freezers HDM!!

Here’s Patty’s:

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u651/pugmomsandy/pattyfreezer_zpsd85861b4.jpg
http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u651/pugmomsandy/pictures%20for%20posting/pattyfreezerdoor_zpsc423d9a8.jpg

And mine from last Oct/Nov:

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u651/pugmomsandy/pictures%20for%20posting/fulldogfreezer765x1024_zpsb5463b60.jpg

[Hound Dog Mom]

Okay. Nobody get too jealous, I know they’re pretty fancy…

http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/a501/hagelult/IMG_2178_zpsa8325af0.jpg

http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/a501/hagelult/IMG_2179_zpsef1b1200.jpg

http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/a501/hagelult/IMG_2177_zps406c6920.jpg

http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/a501/hagelult/IMG_2180_zpsebd6ace9.jpg

[pugmomsandy]

Yes, the Nutrisource Small/Med Breed Puppy food is very tiny (triangle) as is Nature’s Select Hi-Pro (tiny triangle as well). I have a picture of it. Let me go look…

This is Nutrisource Small/Med Puppy on the left:

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u651/pugmomsandy/pictures%20for%20posting/nutrisourcepupandgflamb_zpse9d9aadf.jpg

And the next smallest would be Nature’s Logic and Amicus and Epigen. Some dogs are just light weight. Do you have pictures of her? Are her ribs/spine showing? There are alot of high calorie canned foods too. Have you tried using coconut oil on her food? It smells really good and adds calories.

• This reply was modified 12 years, 4 months ago by pugmomsandy.
• This reply was modified 12 years, 4 months ago by pugmomsandy.

[Honeybeesmom1]

Thank you, Patty! You’re always a life saver. The photos I saw were shocking. I can’t imagine something that size on Honey…and I felt so bad for the ones that had it.
Yeah, my vet is my age (44) and I’ve always trusted him – ten yrs. now.

I hadn’t noticed anything wrong when he uses bathroom…but now I’ll watch more closely.
And I’ll start a high fiber diet.
I look him over through out the day…and I can tell when he’s in pain from it.
Today seems to be a good day, though.

[somebodysme]

UPDATE: I did stop giving this for four days(Aug. 1,2,3 & 4) and what happened was, she started getting yeasty and stinking so I started her back on it and the stink went away immediately, like the next day! OH and not only did the rash not improve but it actually got much worse. She’s been back on the probiotic for 3 days(Aug 5, 6 and 7) now and the rash is calming down and the pustules are gone. GAH! When I was looking up yeast information, I saw dog photos of skin infections from yeast and it looks just like what she has. So I’m guessing it’s yeast because she’s been on Anti-biotics and cortisone (also Ivermectin) so much since she was a puppy that it’s just killed all her gut flora. UGH!

[mah4angel]

Okay! Testing (I haven’t used Photobucket since my Myspace days HAHA) 😀

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff227/mah4angel/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20130718_006.jpg

• This reply was modified 12 years, 4 months ago by mah4angel.

[pugmomsandy]

mah4angel,

You need to load up the pictures into a sharing site like Photobucket and then put the image code or direct link in here.

On the reviews side of DFA you can post pictures from your hard drive.

[ShihTzuOwner]

So I was looking at your suggestions and Wellness Core seemed the best out of all based on availability from where I live, and it’s balanced protein to carbohydrate ratio.

The puppy formula out of all of them would be more appropriate for my 2 month old.

I also saw this one

Basically, the same as what I’m feeding my puppy currently but for that same reason, it could still trigger the itch he has.

So if anyone can just guide me between these two brands or suggest other brands, it would be really appreciated.

[pugmomsandy]

Hmmmm…I will say that a pug’s weight is not everything as mine are overweight but have good body condition. Pugs are a bit squatty! And they do tend to get overweight quickly. If you haven’t yet looked up a “body condition score” chart, please do. For me their body condition is more important than their weight.

Take a look at these two – one with poor body condition and the other could probably gain a pound.

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u651/pugmomsandy/pictures%20for%20posting/IMG_28831024x768_zps49daa9d5.jpg

This is my overweight pug at 23 lbs:

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u651/pugmomsandy/pictures%20for%20posting/IMG_2697640x479_zpsbe52d943.jpg

but he definitely doesn’t need to lose weight. He has a 22 inch chest and 17 inch waist.

Also I wanted to mention that anal glands shouldn’t be expressed unless needed. Mine only had them done once because I didn’t know that groomers do it automatically!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA9SeHAEyQ4

A better diet should help with all their issues. If you can feed them a 5 star grain free kibble and wet food without white potatoes (food coloring and sugar), it should help with their ears/itching/yeast problems and hopefully anal glands. The anal glands might be damaged though from frequent expression. And normally the pugs only need 1 cup max per day of a good kibble. Mine eat 2/3 cup a day and that leaves room for treats (grain free also). And they also eat raw foods which gives them solid stool.

My pugs have been a good diet for a couple years now and they don’t have any issues and haven’t taken any kind of medication in years either nor do I take them to the groomers. They only get a bath about twice a year, maybe three times.

I would highly recommend changing their diet. It would save them so much misery and save you so much money on vet visits and medications.

pugvillage.com is another site for pug lovers too.

• This reply was modified 12 years, 5 months ago by pugmomsandy.
• This reply was modified 12 years, 5 months ago by pugmomsandy.

[Frank J. Casella]

Betsy and Cyndi, speaking as a photographer, that picture seems to be flipped. Chances are it’s a stock picture and the dog most likely has not touched either food. In marketing and advertising, what a company says in their copy has to have some truth do it, but not so much with the pictures where their is a grey area.