[Dog_Obsessed]

I got a free sample pack of some Fruitables treats at the pet store the other day, which Lily loved. The thing that kept me from buying them before was that they are not grain-free (they contain oatmeal and brown rice.), and Lily is on a grain-free diet. We are not totally sure she has a problem with grains, but she has been sort of itchy which the vet though could be allergies. When we got her she was on IAMS, which contains corn, and she was not any more itchy then she is on grain-free, so I’m not sure if grains are really an issue for her or not. Would you think non-grain free treats would be an issue? Thanks!

[Pat G]

you can add eggs, l like to poach them, fresh veggie’s and fruit these help expand the kibble and are healthy.
I’m not big on giving a lot of treats so I save money there.

[DogFoodie]

I just opened up a package of Wellness Superfood treats. Here’s a link: http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/m/categories.aspx?pet=dog&pt=3&pl=18&ct=2. Click on dog treats if it doesn’t take you right there. I’d also be interested in other suggestion for something less processed.

[Zach M]

Thanks guys for all the input. Dogfoodie, I was about to order some VE beef treats, the beef and beef tripe and lung etc. treats. I think I will order them, and thanks for the other suggestions guys. BC, any good ideas for Super food supplements?

[Akari_32]

Slight change in wardrobe! Bentley wasn’t liking the hood his Ewok costume, and I found his old skeleton costume from last year which he loves. So put the Ewok on Ginger instead. She was a little confused at first, but a couple treats later, and she could care less. She’s been passed out in it day lol

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/Akari53/AB61D230-D83C-4815-92A4-B6F5752F5761_zps9nbnpwuq.jpg

[DogFoodie]

I like BC’s suggestions.

I’ll also add that my dogs bedtime snacks of choice are Vital Essentials freeze dried tripe treats. VE makes lots of treats I like.

[Naturella]

Akari, I absolutely wouldn’t shut them down unless they request that I don’t contact them anymore… I will probably still send holiday updates via mail, which they can feel free to read or not. I’ve been thinking about this for over 6 years, since I first met my husband in 2008. I just knew this would not be easy, I just didn’t anticipate the gravity it has on my relationship with my parents (Mom really. Dad is all cool, just Mom is the dominant partner, so Dad won’t say a word when she’s around). Anyway, I am on and off really, really terrified and on and off really ready and brave, and I hope I’m the latter tomorrow night. Thank goodness my school has a great crisis center for all kinds of problems, so if my Mom goes off the deep end and does do something irreversible, I will take myself straight to the crisis place before I have a crisis of my own. I do anticipate a lot of tears and screaming, that is fine. I think she needs to let it out how my actions make her feel too. I just don’t want her to do some irreversible things. Ideally, it will be a tough process, but as long as it is a work in progress, most of the time, that will be great.

As for Brian, yes, he treats me wonderfully, and to me our relationship is great, and plus, I really haven’t heard any significant bad things about him from close and trusted friends and “family by choice”. I would always listen to and consider concerns, even my Mom’s. Until I deem them not of importance to me, or not viable. So yeah…

Thank you all again for the support, I really, truly, deeply appreciate it. I will keep you all posted, and in the end, I believe it will all work out.

P.S. Akari, you are more than welcome to join in at anytime for the travels! I have no clue when and how they will happen (or if they all will, even), but I have hopes and I will do my best to work toward making them happen! 🙂

[Cyndi]

Naturella, I totally agree with Akari! As long as he treats you right and you are both happy, that is all that matters. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers that everything goes ok with your mom. Good luck!

Your mom needs to come here someday and look around. Age is just a number, and love is colorblind. It’s becoming so normal any more for interracial couples, it’s not even a big deal anymore. Not that I think it ever should have been, but, you know what I mean.

So happy for you that you’re happy and praying your mom comes around and welcomes your man to the family with open arms. 🙂

[Akari_32]

I agree! As long as he treats you right, and you’re both happy, thats all that matters :3

[Kellye P]

Ha!! Glad to know there are so many crazy pet parents out there. I must have a bit of hoarder DNA because I get nervous if I don’t have at least one extra of everything medical — eyedrops and pill prescriptions — and lots of extra food and treats.
If we are stuck here for a month, the dogs will be fine. Hubby and I will starve, but the dogs will be fine. 🙂

[Elsa R]

I think is important to look for the same attributes that indicate quality in human food. It’s better that the treats are fresh, pure, and minimally processed as possible.

[Lihan Z]

My 6 month old corgi started losing his interest in dry food, he usually finishes his food completely within a minute. Now not only he can be easily distracted when eating, he also just stops when he has a lot left to eat. I don’t think he is being unhealthy because he’s super energetic as usual and he is still crazy about his canned food. His lost of appetite happened after our hiking and camping trip for a night, I fed him a lot of treats during the trip I’m not sure if that caused what’s happening now. Does anyone have the same issue? What should I do? Thanks…

He is eating wellness core dry food and Go! canned food and he has been eating them for about a month now.

[Dog_Obsessed]

I have a question regarding USA made jerky, I have heard from some sources that it is only the treats from China that have a problem, but from others that no commercial jerky treats are safe. Wellness makes a jerky treat with good ingredients that claims to be made in to US, is this safe to feed?

[Dori]

Better safe than sorry. Don’t feed manufactured jerky treats make your own. It’s really very easy. And never ever feed anything Waggin’ Train or Purina. There have been way too many recalls on jerky treats. Be safe.

[Karen J]

A lot of you have been a big help – I finally found a food she will eat (for now) Freshpet by Vital – beef and bison.

I’ve been giving her d-monnase and vit c either in soft cheese or cottage cheese and no grain treats when we train or boiled chicken.

It’s been about a week but twice there have been big puddles of urine, tonight by the front door when I got home. When I take her out her pee are little tiny ones usually, she has a doggie door.

The question: Am I being over anxious and give it some time, could some of it be behavioral, or should I get a second opinion from a different vet?

I’ve tried to not create separation anxiety, it’s not hard to leave without fanfare but almost impossible to ignore her when I get home.

[Julia R]

I have been feeding my dogs “Natural Balance small breed bites” for about 3 years now…I would love to know your opinion on it. I also give my dogs treats by “Blue” and “Zukes”
would also love your opinion on that.
Thank you

[Akari_32]

I don’t know if they’ve ever been recalled, but for the kicks I have a few of Purina’s pages on my Facebook, and Waggin’ Train comes in freaquently as a suggested page. So many people complain that the treats have made their dogs sick, and Purina honestly seems to not care. I’m fairly certain no recalls have ever been made, but the reviews are not good. If you want to offer jerky treats, it’s probably best to just make your own.

[Dog_Obsessed]

I have not fed these treats, but considering how many problems there have been with jerky treats being recalled, I would definitely steer clear.

[Dori]

I’m afraid my dogs think that every day is their birthday so everyday is special and lots of fun times, toys, treats, you name it. It just gets ramped up on their actual birthdays and since I have three dogs it can be lots of fun, funny chaos times around here. I’ve spoiled them to the very best of my ability! 😉 LOL!!!

Cyndi. I wrap presents but have to be on the floor with them as they play with the packages before ever opening them. Then they try to eat the wrapping paper so, of course, it adds to the hysterics taking the paper away. Just like little kids, they prefer the boxes, wrapping paper, etc. I guess it’s the crinkling and crackling of the paper. They also have toys that the stuffing is that sound that they love. The think the toys are actually the package.

• This reply was modified 11 years, 6 months ago by Dori.

[Akari_32]

Merrick treats coupons:

http://www.merrickpetcare.com/treats/best-treats-ever-print?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Nov+Treats+Email+1&utm_content=Nov+Treats+Email+1+CID_c9bda9bcf3b54b6ab9b0e7d91c5a215a&utm_source=email&utm_term=Save%20In%20Store

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/Akari53/615BF7B0-FE57-47C7-BDD7-5DC5F336A5A3_zps2iba25fj.png

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx294/Akari53/91EE8910-2635-4517-8F3D-BB5260FB5B53_zpsjbzfm7s8.png

[aquariangt]

Melissa is correct, never let anyone approach you. Usually simple as “my dog isn’t friendly” and they’ll stay away. I would continue trying some group classes, and if your teacher is prepared they should try keeping you behind a barrier if she is reacting badly. Let ginger start hearing and smelling other teams working around you, and gradually go into it that way. A shy dog class could be of use as well. Start learning what triggers and counter them with positive encouragement.

When you’re walking, keep your distance, but when another dog starts walking by, try some high value treats. It won’t help overnight, but keep reinforcing that another dog walking by is not a bad thing. Work on getting ginger to focus on you, and not on the dog walking by. And again, never let anyone approach you or you will continue to feel frustrated, and it’s not really her fault when that happens. I have one that isn’t necessarily fearful but doesn’t like strange dogs in her business, and I’ve been known to body block on walks when people who don’t have a recall decide to walk off leash 🙂 get comfortable doing that as well

[Kellye P]

USA Dog Treats,

You are so, so kind to help Duffy and me! I really appreciate the time you put into solving the mystery of my little boy!!!

I buy Keto-Diastix by the thousands. I have a bunch ordered from Amazon right now.
I test first thing in the morning, around noon, and then at 5. He never has ketones and his glucose levels are negative or very light on the color chart.

I cannot get Duffy to test positive for anything!! My vet was so certain it was Cushing’s. I made her promise to never say that word again if he tested normal. She is now forbidden to say it!! We have gone down every road so many times. All dead ends.

However, he is squirming and kicking and playing – and gaining ounces!
If melatonin and flax lignans turn out to be what helps him, I will have my vet publish a paper just in case somebody else is dealing with a mystery dog.
It might also be the Pet Wants Buffalo/Duck recipe. He eats it with great gusto.

Thanks again. You give excellent advice. 🙂

[Naturella]

Zach, I found my old menu for Bruno from May this year! LoL! Here it is, in case it helps or for reference of what has been to what is now regarding feeding. Only a little bit has changed really – I don’t mix foods anymore and I only feed twice/day, and I have sopped feeding dinner on Sundays if he gets an RMB. My additives also fluctuate sometimes too, and I may or may not use canned sometimes instead of THK/BDN.

Enjoy:

“Bruno’s add-ins (various canned such as Merrick, Wellness, Nutro Ultra, etc.; THK Love, Embark, Force, Keen; yoghurt/kefir, cottage cheese, coconut oil, raw eggs, pumpkin, flaxseed meal on occasion, canned sardines on occasion, RMBs (pork necks and chicken backs at the moment), and raw spelts (small fish), and natural dehydrated chews – bully sticks, ears, snouts, chicken feet and necks, tracheas, etc.) constitute about 1/4 (25%) of his daily intake. However, THK and canned are also considered balanced foods (right?), so I think I am at below 20% with unbalanced additives. I just use his body condition as a guide, and will start keeping track of his weight (IDK if I will measure him though) – he is very active and runs a lot, and appears to be in tip top shape.

Also, I will give you Bruno’s weekly sample menu. He is an about 13lb, 1 year old, active Rat Terrier mix.
Kibble mix is: Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch:Vets Choice Holistic Health Extension Original:Victor Yukon Salmon in 3:1:1/3 ratio.

Treats: above kibble mix or NutriSource Seafood Select or Castor and Pollux Organix Adult (the last 2 are from samples). Also available are Nutro and Old Mother Hubbard biscuits for special occasions. Also for special occasions (or to keep him busy when I’m busy too) I make him ice-cream with yoghurt, peanut butter, coconut oil and coconut butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and turmeric, and I fill anything I can – his Kong, marrow bone, hoof, other toys with holes – and freeze. Rarely I give raw veggies/fruits like carrots, cucumbers, watermelon, apple, pineapple core, mango, raw coconut, etc. (safe stuff).

Monday:
Breakfast: 1/4 cup kibble with teaspoon coconut oil and water to make it soupy
Lunch: 1/4 cup kibble with teaspoon THK chicken and water to make it soupy
Dinner: 1/4 cup kibble with 2 teaspoons canned and water to make it soupy

Tuesday:
Breakfast: 1/4 cup kibble with 2 teaspoons yoghurt/kefir and water to make it soupy
Lunch: 1/4 cup kibble with 2 teaspoons canned and water to make it soupy
Dinner: 1/4 cup kibble with teaspoon THK turkey and water to make it soupy

Wednesday:
Breakfast: 1/4 cup kibble with raw egg (no shell) with a sprinkle of flaxseed meal
Lunch: 1/4 cup kibble with teaspoon THK beef and water to make it soupy
Dinner: 1/4 cup kibble with 2 teaspoons canned and water to make it soupy

Thursday:
Breakfast: 1/4 cup kibble with teaspoon coconut oil and water to make it soupy
Lunch: 1/4 cup kibble with 2 teaspoons canned and water to make it soupy
Dinner: 1/4 cup kibble with teaspoon THK turkey and water to make it soupy

Friday:
Breakfast: 1/4 cup kibble with 2 teaspoons cottage cheese and water to make it soupy
Lunch: 1/4 cup kibble with 2 teaspoons raw organ meat (whatever I have) or raw meat/fish (whatever I have) or 2 teaspoons of canned and water to make it soupy
Dinner: 1/4 cup kibble with teaspoon THK chicken and water to make it soupy

Saturday:
Breakfast: 1/4 cup kibble with teaspoon coconut oil and water to make it soupy
Lunch: 1/4 cup kibble with teaspoon THK turkey and water to make it soupy
Dinner: 1/4 cup kibble with 2 teaspoons canned and water to make it soupy

Sunday:
Breakfast: 1/4 cup kibble with 2 teaspoons pumpkin with a sprinkle of cinnamon and water to make it soupy
Lunch: 1/4 cup kibble with 2 teaspoons canned and water to make it soupy
Dinner: 1/4 cup kibble with teaspoon THK beef and water to make it soupy
RMB to cap it out

On days when Bruno runs a lot (i.e. Dog Park days) I may switch his next meal’s add-in with raw egg or raw meat/organ meats/fish (or canned sardine) for added natural protein “post WOD”. Or give him a dehydrated natural chew like a bully stick, a cow/lamb/pig ear, or tripe stick, or you know – “richer” stuff to make up for the calories burned and supply some lean meat for his muscles. I really just kind of gage his body condition and appetite for stuff as far as additives go. And sometimes, if I’m out of canned, I put his plain dry kibble in a dispensing toy and let him play with it and eat it as is. I also do some training daily and reward with about 20 kibble bits, and, if I want to stress on something – an Old Mother Hubbard or Nutro biscuit. Oh, and I almost always add water (as you can see) for added hydration.”

[Naturella]

Zach, let’s see… Bruno is 14.5 lbs (could go up to 15 lbs eventually if he isn’t yet, but in late September he was 14.5 lbs). 14-15 lbs is a healthy weight for him. He is a small terrier mix of sorts (could be Jack Russell +/- Miniature Rat Terrier +/- Chihuahua +/- something else for all we know – he was found in the bushes, so we sometimes joke that he is a Bush Terrier, lol).

For kibble – I never go below 4-star foods (so far) and I rotate brands and proteins with every bag now (I used to rotate AND mix brands before). Thank goodness my guy is small, so foods last him a while. But, I supplement with a teaspoon of raw, organic, unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil every other day or so (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday at breakfast), 2 heaping teaspoons of plain yoghurt/plain kefir Monday and Friday at breakfast, a raw egg once/week (Wednesday at breakfast), a half can of sardines in water once/week (Saturday at breakfast), and a raw meaty bone once/week (Sunday for dinner always – no other food for that meal). Also, for all meals that do not include the above additives (the dinner meals), I add 1-2 teaspoons of THK (alternating between Love, Embark, Force, and Keen, and also BDN), and I add water to make it soupy. Sometimes I would use canned, and still add a tad more water. And also Big Dog Natural (BDN; air-dried) green tripe, so you add that and water to the kibble, let it rehydrate as with THK, and serve.

As far as how much I take away – as per the feeding calculator on this site, and his food bags recommendations, he should have about 1 cup of dry/day, give or take small caloric differences in his brands of food. So, what I do is, I feed 3/4 cups/day of most recipes to account for the additives. On Saturday, when I feed the 1/2 can of sardines I feed 1/4 cup kibble for breakfast instead of the usual 1/4 + 1/8 cup. On Sunday, when I feed the RMB for dinner, I feed no kibble or THK, nothing. Just RMB. On Wednesday, when I feed the raw egg, I feed 1/4 cup kibble. All other meals, even with additives, are 1/4 + 1/8 cup of dry per meal. Of course, I make minor adjustments based on activity, body condition, etc., but that is his norm from which I can adjust.

Dry foods I have tried that he has done well on and could eat the kibble with no problems are: Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Puppy (his first food when we got him, before I knew much about dog food – not a bad food though; Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy, Vets Choice Holistic Health Extension – Original, Allergix Chicken and Turkey, and Lamb and Brown Rice formulas, Dr. Tim’s Kinesis Grain Free (slightly bigger kibble, but oh well, he managed it just fine), Nutrisca Chicken and Chickpeas, Earthborn Holistic Grain Free (Coastal Catch and Primitive Natural), Victor Grain Free (all formulas) – (LOADS of samples, enough to consider him having eaten it and done well on it as a brand), Nature’s Variety Instinct (on samples he did well, on the actual food, Rabbit recipe – not really, so I stopped feeding it), Now! Fresh Adult (1 lb sample, he did well on it), NutriSource Grain Free all recipes (samples), Annamaet Grain Free (samples), Wysong (various samples), and I have a lot lined up – Back to Basics Red Meat, Canidae Pure Salmon, Dogswell LiveFree Salmon, Wysong Nurture with Quail, Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast. He’s had one-time samples of Stella and Chewy’s and Primal too, loved them. On occasion I would give him a small piece of a fruit/veggie, or a piece of organ/meat as a tiny treat, but those are sporadic enough for me to not account for. Same with edible natural chews – he can chew on and “eat” his antler daily, but sometimes I give half a 6-inch bully stick, 1/3 cow ear, 1 piggy snout (small) or 1 lamb ear, homemade doggie ice-cream treats, and those I don’t account for in his meals.

Hope this helps, I tried to be pretty extensive… LoL

[Crystal J]

Thank you all for your replies. I feel more comfortable now. Both my dogs seem to do really well on this diet. I do also feed an egg or a little bit of meat sometimes. For treats I use Ziwipeak or Orijen treats, or bits of meat, I give veggies to Victor but Hitch won’t eat them, I give tiny bits of cheese to Hitch but not Victor because even the smallest bit gives Victor stomach issues.

[Cyndi]

Looks ok to me. My dog would like those, I know that, lol! I have also used ground turkey, mixed with an egg and cooked for treats. The raw would be fine too, I just wouldn’t use that many of them in a day or you’ll end up with a meatball for a dog, lol!

[Dori]

I am one of the regulars that feeds a rotational diet. The more quality foods that you can incorporate in your dogs diet the better they will be for it. None of us would eat the same food day in day out ourselves, not a healthy diet. Canines, like us, need variety. I feed many different brands and many different proteins within each brand. I rotate brands and proteins with each meal my three girls eat. I feed twice a day. I also rotate supplements and treats. The treats I feed for the most part are organic fresh fruits and veggies. No store bought treats. Too many recalls for my liking.

[aquariangt]

2 of mine did well on orijen, 1 did not. He has had issues on other rich things as well though. I know plenty of people that love it.

I kind of like their treats, the dogs love them. They do get a bit crumbly which can be irritating

[pugmomsandy]

I’ve only used the new Orijen treats which my pugs love, but pugs don’t snub any kind of food or treat 99% of the time. Mine already eat raw and they eat different forms of food so they are used to food/treat changes.

[InkedMarie]

I don’t know if they’re safe but considering there are hundreds of other dog treats out there without recalls, why feed them?

[Dori]

I wouldn’t add any more food to his meals. Just feed the amounts that you normally would. He’s used to getting treats, bones, etc so that may be making the difference but I would still hold off and add them back into his diet slowly as you planned. Don’t rush anything especially when he starts with those cute puppy dog eyes and you’re tempted to give him treats. He’s been sick on and off for at least a couple of weeks if not a little longer even so his tummy needs a little more calming down inside.

[Naturella]

Hey, all!

Many of you know Bruno was a little sick these past 2 weeks – it turned out to be food related with NVI Rabbit. First bout was horrible, 3 days of vomiting and jelly poop, every 2.5 hours or so, day and night… Poor guy was on bile and pushing water out… But then we stabilized him with Perfect Form, chicken, brown rice and pumpkin. I slowly introduced canned food (just chicken) and then I got a can of NVI Rabbit to try and introduce it and the kibble again, to see if that was the culprit for his sickness. Sure enough, about 3 or so days in on the kibble, just like the previous time, he started vomiting again, all night, and I took him completely off of NVI again. Recovery though was much quicker, same ingredients – boiled chicken, brown rice, pumpkin and Perfect Form. Stool was good, and when I started him now on Holistic Health Extension Grain Free Chicken and Turkey (something he’s had before and done well on), still with Perfect Form and pumpkin, and some of the chicken and brown rice stuff, but just for one day during the transition, stool is just fantastic – small, firm but not rock hard, no vomiting, all is well.

Except Bruno always acts like he is starved! Maybe he was a bit undernourished while he was on the chicken-brown rice-pumpkin mush (all ingredients blended with some water until porridge-like), but now he’s almost back to normal (I will start him back on his regular THK this week, and add his regular add-ins one at a time over 2 weeks), but he always licks his bowl looking for more food, and when he eats, he rushes like he never has. He gets a total of 3/4 cup of HHE per day plus the pumpkin and Perfect form. Before he would get the same amount, with additives, of HHE Lamb and Brown Rice (lower calorie by 20 kcal/cup than current HHE). Before that he was on 1/2 cup of Earthborn Holisitc Primitive Natural (higher calorie by 40 kcal/cup than current HHE) with additives, but didn’t appear starved.

So, question is – should I give him as much as he wants for a bit and let him self-regulate (he’s never been an uncontrollable eater, even as a puppy), or up his daily intake some in a controlled manner? Does he need that? Or should I start introducing some treats again here and there?

Thank you all in advance! 🙂

• This topic was modified 11 years, 7 months ago by Naturella.

[Kayla]

When I first got him, I feed him 4 cups because he was under weight from the Shelter. Once he got to the 40’s, I dropped it down to 3 1/2 cups.. mainly 3 cups. 1.5 in the morning and 1.5 at dinner time… I mix a little bit of wet food and a little bit of water in his kibble. Plus, few treats through out the day when he is behaved. On the back of the bag of kibble, it says to feed him 3 to 3 1/2 cups for his size. He is just now shy of the 50 pound mark but not actually 50 pounds but I’m sure within a month or so he will be 50 pounds.
I don’t think he will get any bigger than 65 pounds, but I don’t know.

Um, his paw size? Not sure. I’d say there big not huge…

http://tinypic.com/r/puj9x/8
http://tinypic.com/r/1hceic/8

[Kayla]

Okay, Dexter is really testing my buttons! I woke up this morning and I saw him eating a pair of jeans…I immediately took it away from him and said No, bad boy! He has learned how to grab clothes from the hamper. :/ I feed him 3 cups of kibble…little bit of wet like 1 to 2 spoonfuls and treats through out the day when he is good. I buy him chew toys but instead he wants to chew on things he isn’t allowed too. He is becoming the troubled pup here!

http://tinypic.com/r/o935lg/8

Do I need to take him to the vet? Or call the vet place? :/

[DogFoodie]

LOL BC, I’m definitely not that organized!

I have a couple of boxes of chews and treats in my dog food horde. I seems like I pull it out only once a week, on Sundays, to give one to each of my doggies; hence the name, The Sunday Box.

Yesterday, Sam was so cute with that Himmy. He even took a nap with it in his mouth because he didn’t want Bella to take a turn with it even though he was sleeping. By the end of the day, it started to get small and he would have the whole thing in his mouth with his teeth closed tight around it when I’d try to take it from him. I figured he was seconds away from swallowing the thing whole. I’ve found the remains of a bully sticks about three inches long while I was doing poop patrol and the Himmy was shorter (albeit fatter) than that. But the sound of him chewing it was making me nervous. It sounded worse than him eating a big fat turkey neck.

Needless to say, I got my reading glasses on and stuck my head in his mouth to inspect his teeth after I took it from him. Everything looked fine, but I was almost sorry that I let him have it as long as I did. He just loved it so much I hate to take it from him.

[Dog_Obsessed]

Yeah, I kept getting adds for DentaSticks so I finally looked them up. The ingredients were horrible. I guess it is better to give treats with bad ingredients once and a while then to give food with bad ingredients every day, but I prefer neither one.

[Kathy H]

I am starting my dog on a homemade cooked diet. I prepared for her the other day a cooked chicken/turkey with quinoa, baby green peas and a cooked carrot. This is why:
She had bouts of diarrhea and started to vomit after three days. Vet said the dog food is becoming an issue these days. It was a new bag, same dog food I have feed her for years but I have noticed her having this issue (without the vomiting) all this past Summer with every new bag. After a day or two, she would settle out back to normal. This time she did not. I had wondered about it being the dog food but after a week ago my vet confirmed my suspicion. Her bowels checked after the very first meal. 🙂

Tonight I cooked the following for her, what I am needing to know is what I put together tonight, is it a good complete nutrition? She is 16 and in good health. I plan on doing three or four different meal batches (freeze the bulk) each week to feed her a change up in her weekly of meals. I plan on making her a batch of fish (baked flounder) with good calcium source, omegas and fiber in the batch.

Is this a good mix of nutrition for her?

Proteins:
1 lb Laura’s beef 96% fat free
2 scrambled eggs, cooked without oil-along with the shells ground into a powder-(calcium)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt for the calcium and the probiotics
Fiber:
1 cup baby peas
1/2 large sweet potato
1 cup cooked white rice (all I have in pantry right now)
1 TBLSP Dried homemade mix of rainbow chard/kale, organic–high in vitamins A, K, and C, as well as fibre and protein
1 TBSP Ground flax seed–high in good omega’s

I feed her a meal of this tonight and she licked her bowl all over the kitchen floor, trying her best to make sure she didn’t miss a drip in her bowl, LOL!

Just want to know if this will be a good recipe to make for her. I am also going to give her some liver for treats during the week, not a lot, and some other things to keep her calcium and lot of vitamins up, not to miss anything.

Sorry for the book! 🙂

[Dog_Obsessed]

Hi everyone. I was wondering if anyone had advice on how to effectively brush a dog’s teeth. When I first adopted Lily, who is ~3, the vet said that there was some plaque on her teeth, not enough to need a professional cleaning, but that we should brush her teeth. Well, I decided to wait a week or two because she was new to our house. Then, I took the doggy toothbrush I had bought for her and put some TropiClean toothpaste on it. I put it near her mouth, and somehow expected her to open it. Not surprisingly, she didn’t. I then searched google for “how to brush a dog’s teeth” and I found something by the ASPCA about how to slowly acclimate them to having their teeth brushed with treats. I began to touch her teeth while she licked peanut butter off my hand, and then tried lifting her lips and giving her treats. Now, two months later, she has made a ton of progress, though i have not been able to really brush her teeth with a toothbrush. She will let me lift her lips for a few seconds and open her mouth for a split second as long as I am giving her treats, or let me rub toothpaste on her teeth. Sometimes she lets me touch the brush to her mouth. She is not a huge fan of any of this, but tolerates it. I also changed toothpaste, I now use CET poultry favored enzymatic toothpaste which she loves.

I give Lily “dental” Nylabones to chew, the flexible non-edible kind. These actually work for her, she chews them but doesn’t destroy them to much. I kind of doubt it helps that much though. She also sometimes gets edible chews, such as Himalayan chews. I know RMBs can help with teeth, but neither me nor the rest of my family is quite ready to use raw bones. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on her getting more accustomed to tooth brushing, because while she is making progress I am not sure if I will ever really be able to thoroughly clean her teeth. Thanks!

[Kristin C]

So I am giving the raw beef ribs a thumbs down. Yes, they gnaw off the meat and the bone is clean. The problem I had today is that both my girls didn’t want to give up the bone afterwards. I was running around the yard trying to get them to drop it. Even my youngest one grumbled at me, but they weren’t aggressive just playful and protective. Once I got them into the fenced area I took out one of their chicken dinners and they both came running inside. So they will be sleeping it off in the garage for a while:) And I will be sticking with consumable bones and treats! I feel like the ribs are more like the marrow bones where they could break a tooth, another reason I am only trying this once.

[Cheryl O]

Many of the freeze dried raw diet foods that are ‘enthusiastically recommended’ have a significant amount of liver. I’ve heard that because of the high Vitamin A content of liver, this can be toxic to dogs. I’ve been feeding Stella and Chewy mixed with Wellness grain free. Also been giving Orijen freeze dried treats. Any comments?

[Karen J]

Wow this is all so helpful. Just got can of Merrick, BB Wilderness and Holistic select wet to try. Got test bag of Orijens kibble, beef and lamb family. Moist treats, grain free Natural Balance and just gave her some Vit C wrapped in boiled chicken breast. Will have to get cheese I think and proper dose. Also put Cranberry relief…also some Stella and Chewy.

When I make her food to wet she won’t eat it.

So that’s where I’ve started and sounds like of what I put one can each of the Merrick appears to be a favorite of the forum.

Always open to more advice, I’m starting to put together a menu for Trixie.

[Karen J]

Trixie a 1 year old Terrier Mix/Chinese Crested 12.8lbs, has some crystals in her urine, no infection no stones. I’m getting not one straight answer from any one on what to feed her.

I’m now using filtered water not tap.
I crumble Stella & Chewy onto her Blue Buffalo kibble but take out the dark bits. Was told I should get “low ash” kibble.
Was told not to give her kibble and wet food?
Was told to give her only freeze-dried raw.
I’m putting Cranberry Comfort powder on her food.
I give her bully sticks as treats and Natural Balance dental chews.
I was told to stay away from all fish products.
The vet wants to put her on some prescription food, I don’t believe that is best for her.
I’m so confused.

Karen

[Dog_Obsessed]

Thanks for the replies! It is probably time to toss the moist treats, because I have had them a while. They have citric acid, sorbic acid, and mixed tocopherols listed as preservatives.

[Naturella]

Kayla, my bad… Here is the link: /forums/topic/homemade-treats/

[theBCnut]

You can freeze canned, just put it into an appropriate container. You can freeze kibble, put it in a ziplock and squeeze all extra air out. Let it come completely up to room temp before opening the bag so you don’t get condensation on the kibble. Moist treats either go bad as fast as a moist human food or they have so many chemicals in them that you should be afraid, very afraid.

[pugmomsandy]

I’ve made the pumpkin dog treats from this site. It’s very easy and quick and I actually added just a pinch of cinnamon. I used brown rice cereal instead of cream of wheat.

http://www.all-natural-dog-treat.com/homemade-dog-treat-recipes.html

[Dog_Obsessed]

How long is dry food good after opening, if kept in its original package an sealed? I have heard up to 6 weeks. It takes Lily 4-6 weeks to finish a small bag, and I assume it would take her up to 8 weeks when mixed with wet food. I usually keep wet food for about 3 days in the fridge, does anyone know if it can be frozen? Also treats, I have heard it is just until the expiration date for dry treats, but what about moist ones? Thanks to all that reply.

[Dog_Obsessed]

Thanks everyone! Two more things I am wondering, first of all, how can I get sample bags online? I tried searching them on chewy and petflow, but I did not get anything relevant. Also, I was told by one of the pet store employees I should avoid chicken for Lily because she might have allergies. The Lotus dog food I bought does not have chicken, so if it helps then maybe that is the problem. I also heave some treats that have chicken though. Does anyone know if it is a good idea to avoid it no matter what? Thanks!

[Cyndi]

I FINALLY dehydrated (in my oven) a little bit of the deer liver I had gotten from a friend of mine. My Bailey is funny, she will eat chicken livers raw, no problem, but any other kind of liver she will not eat. So, before I dehydrated some of the deer liver, I gave her a little slice and she wouldn’t eat it. Damn mutt! So, I sliced off about 20 little slices and cooked them in the oven on low for a few hours and she LOVES it. It didn’t even smell all that bad while cooking, but it sure was gross slicing it up, lol! Next weekend I’ll do the rest and I’ll probably have enough treats to last a month. Yay for free liver treats! 🙂

[Kayla]

Thank you BC!! That helped me understand a lot and great advice and tips!!! I decided to not leave food on the counter or anywhere he can reach it! As for the incident…he hasn’t done it again and hopeful will be the last! I have gotten to the point where I can hear him if he is in the kitchen and I say ” No, Dexter” and he comes to me and sits down so maybe he is learning. Today, I actually caught him in the kitchen but this time he jumped up and his two front paws was on counter in-front of the sink and it looked like he wanted to do the dishes… He just smiled soo big and I said Dexter, what are you doing? And, he came to me and sat down lol Smart pup!

I also think that he was abused in the past! Because every time, I say NO in a stern voice he freaks out and ducks like he is in trouble. Sometimes he goes a hides under the bed or table. I did raise my hand to test it, and he actually ducked down and curled up a little and tried to hide and his face looked so sad. I felt terrible, I was omg.. you poor thing! So, I am thinking he was abused. 🙁 It is sad how people mistreat animals, makes me so mad!

I started to basic train him with treats and when he sits, lays down or stays..he gets a treat! Now, he sits patiently in the kitchen while I am making his food! I think that is understandable, he is young and every-time I take him out he gets overly excited and wants to say hello to everyone including other pets. Sometimes he tends to drag me around because he gets so excited… I am trying to train him not to do that. Ha Thank you for your thoughts and advice!!

Dexter is around 45 close to 50 pounds and around 1 years old! Still young and tons of growing to do. I think, once he feels comfortable and everything he will grow out of it and not try to push my buttons at times but lately, he has gotten better.