[Dori]

One of my dogs was very yeasty, the other two were mildly so. What worked for them was switching their diet and adding Mercola’s Complete Probiotics. The switch in their diet back then was to a grain, soy, rice, white potato, poultry free. All yeast, bad breath, horrendous gas issues, runny goopy eyes all went away. Also one of them had terribly dry skin. I later transitioned them to all raw and that is what they eat now.

Mercola Complete Probiotics is on the expensive side but I think it’s a really good company and product. It’s also a lot less expensive than being at the vet every time you turn around and being charged their outrageous prices for meds that don’t fix the actual problem, only the symptoms and then to add insult to injury they want you to feed your animals their horrible foods that the sell and get kick backs on.

[Dori]

Hi All again,
Just got another email from Steve thanking me for responding to him so quickly. He said that he will send me an email as soon as they are ready to go to market. Yey!

[Dori]

Hi All. I got an email from Steve today asking me whether I would be willing to add an egg per week to the bone-in formula. Also how would I be using the formula. As a meal, and asked be about palatability.

I did say that I would be willing to add an egg per week per dog. As far as palatability I suggested that it really would have to be very palatable because though I have three dogs that have never met a meal they would not eat and I’ve had multiple dogs all my life (I’m 65) none of which turned down a meal, there are an awful lot of people that are constantly on the hunt for foods that their dogs will eat; so unbeknownst to me, there appear to be a lot of picky picky eaters.

I’ll post any more that I here from Steve.

[Dori]

Absolutely, Patty. Those old days of believing everything and being swayed by the pretty packaging and just buying kibble, etc. are long long gone. I’m hoping enough consumers understand it and put some of those companies out of business by not buying products from companies that have absolutely no concern about the animals that are eating their foods. All they care about is how much money they can make. I pray I’m wrong for the animals but sooner or later you just know there will be another disaster. I refuse for me and my girls to be on that train when it derails.

[Dori]

Hi Marie. I knew about The Honest Kitchen. Since I purchase directly from them they telephoned me before the recall was even posted, there were no actually incidences in any of their food with the parsley so were being pre-emptive. I love those people. Sadly, I won’t be able to feed their food any longer. No, I don’t nor have I ever fed Bravo because of their recall. Never particular felt comfortable with that company anyway. I never knew why I felt that and then they had the recall. Somebody up there was looking out for my girls. Thanks Marie.

Patty. Makes me wonder how many times things have happened with Great Life that never got out. If they kept quiet about a minor issue then my gut tells me this is not the first time they’ve had issues.

[Dori]

Marie, there have been a number of what is known as a “silent recall” through the years and, unfortunately, you have to be googling and constantly researching and get on every dog food recall list on line that you possibly can in hopes that sometimes those in the know get wind of them. That’s what I do, anyway. I don’t rely on any one site for recalls. As you know The Truth About Pets is a really great one. I check that site out every single day as well as others. Anytime I find out about any company or brand that has done that I cross them off my list of foods. I don’t adhere to the thinking that anyone can have a problem so let’s give them another chance. Nope! Any company that has recalls worse, a silent recall, are not getting a chance to injure my girls. I’ve stopped feeding kibble and commercial treats for those reasons. I have been feeding commercial raw and now some home made with supplements and their digestive systems are now strong enough that if a commercial raw food company has minor issues I know they’ll be fine. I don’t really trust any kibble company. I’d always be nervous. The only company that’s not raw that I trust is The Honest Kitchen and I rarely feed that anymore because it contains alfalfa and Katie has recently become intolerant or down right allergic to it.

[Dori]

Just sent them an email requesting bone-in option.

[Dori]

Thanks, Marie. I was beginning to question my own thinking. Those were my thoughts exactly. I know as a consumer that purchases organic I would seriously be annoyed if all ingredients were not organic. It’s what your expecting when you purchase a product that has Organic in it’s name. When I got Shasta’s reply I thought maybe it was my way of thinking and not others but I really did think that most people who shop and purchase organic anything are expecting just that.

[Dori]

Hi Shasta. You had mentioned that you don’t have resources to do all organic. If that’s still the case than you might not want to have Organic in the name.

[Dori]

How about something simple and to the point:
Cassy and Loki’s Healthy Dog Treats

if appropriate with some they could be:
Cassy and Loki’s Grain Free Dog Treats

or, if appropriate:
Cassy and Loki’s Healthy Organic Dog Treats

Depends on which if any will be grain free or organic ingredients or in the instance of the Apple and Oats could be just Cassy and Loki’s Healthy Dog Treats

[Dori]

Hey Shasta. Music is always going on in my house. I often pick up one of my dogs and dance with them. I’m sure they are probably thinking mama is nuts but they do get a kick out of being in my arms and moving to the music. Dancing is always a good thing. When I saw this I had such a huge smile on my face I just needed to pass the smile along. So so sweet.

Have never understood why so many think animals are dumb. Not so! They know a good thing when they hear it.

• This reply was modified 10 years, 1 month ago by Dori.

[Dori]

Sorry about that Melissa! I was really aiming for people on this site who have cows. Just trying to give cow owners and cow lovers a smile.

[Dori]

Have you tried Primal raw. Really good company and great food. Don’t forget even feeding raw you should be rotating brands as well as proteins. I use Darwins, Stella and Chewy’s, Primal and Answers as well as others that don’t right now come to mind. Oh, I use THK Zeal though it’s not raw, but a really good food as well as a good company. Human grade and produced in a human grade facility.

[Dori]

Hey Patty. Thought you’d get a kick out of it. Yeah, I noticed the one with the ring in the nose. So glad you enjoyed.

[Dori]

I have literally walked out of training classes through the years that I have signed my dogs up for that have allowed the use of pinch, pronged or choked collars on dogs in class. I will not be a witness to abuse. To me there is absolutely no reason for it. Just as there are backyard breeders there are the same or more inexperienced people holding dog training classes. The have no license, no qualifications for training puppy or young dog classes nor have they a clue as to what they are doing. They put an add on line or in the local paper and call themselves trainers and run classes. It happens all over the country. People that don’t take the time to do their research on these people holding these classes assume that they are certified trainers. They are not. A good trainer, handler, a dog owner can be trained to walk with a dog using a harness. Yes, it takes longer and a lot of patience but it’s done all the time. The short cut lazy way is to put a choke collar or whatever else names they go by. The do hurt I don’t care where the collar is put on the neck. They are training dogs through pain and fear. That’s never been the way that I have ever trained or wanted to train any of my dogs. My dogs walk with me, heal and all the other things I’ve trained them all to do out of respect for me and, yes, for themselves. They don’t fear me or their leash or their harness. You would never be allowed to train your children to walk politely beside you with choke collars, or whatever, why is it that some think it’s okay for dogs? This is a subject I am as passionate about as I am invisible electronic fences, again, you would not be allowed to put shock collars on your children to keep them on your property and not to wander off, why is it okay to do that to a dog. To me it’s abuse, plain and simple. I would apologize for my rant, but I won’t. It’s my opinion and my way.

[Dori]

Hi Jakes Mom. Make sure it’s raw organic coconut oil. It’s very healthy. I’m not sure what type of coconut oil you’re cooking with. The amount to give them daily depends on how much your dog weighs, activity level (I think). I have three toy breeds and I give them approx. 1/4 tsp. per day in their food. I’m allergic to cats so I have absolutely no knowledge or information about cats in any way shape or form. I still brush my three dogs teeth two times a day. I have done that since adopting them at 8 and 9 weeks old. One is 14 1/2 years old (Maltese), I have two 4 1/2 year olds one is a Yorkipoo and one is a Maltipoo. I also feed commercial raw foods twice a day with extras. I have a Maltipoo that has too many allergies, intolerances and environmental issues so I no longer feed kibble ever and right now I can’t feed canned either. All three dogs have bright white teeth all the way back to their molars. None have ever had a professional cleaning.

[Dori]

Hi Melissa, where in New York? I’m thrilled to here “no one is getting eaten”. Thank goodness. Love the work you do and it’s wonderful to have people out in the world like you. Thank you for all you do.

I don’t know if I’ve ever taken a moment to thank you, I know I have meant to for quite some time.

• This reply was modified 10 years, 1 month ago by Dori.

[Dori]

Again, thank you HDM. We’re all drinking filtered water and we all, “fur babies” and humans, take milk thistle. I shall stay away from distilled water except for the clothing steamer and iron. Thanks, Dori.

[Dori]

Thanks HDM. I knew you’d have any answer for me. I’m going to read the article right now.

Wow! I’m so glad I didn’t switch them to distilled water.

HDM. I have another question on this same topic after reading the article. If distilled water removes toxins from the body, would it be advantageous to periodically give distilled water for a short time (say maybe a week, no more) as a way of removing toxins or am I missing something?

• This reply was modified 10 years, 1 month ago by Dori.

[Dori]

Thanks weezerweeks. Ziwipeak is actually a lot lower fat content than the raws that my girls eat. I’ve placed an order after Betsy’s post. I have yet to come across a kibble that Katie doesn’t have an issue with. Since she’s the poop eater in my crew, all dogs eat what she does. Thanks for your reply.

[Dori]

Love seeing so many people nominating Darwin’s food. Love the food, company, customer service has always been available to answer any and all questions and never make me feel like I’m asking too many questions and they can’t wait to get off the phone like so many other companies. Nice group of people, and, yes, seems to also be totally honest and above board.

[Dori]

I’m not sure anyone can afford it regularly but I really do need something to give them a break once in a while from the high fat content in raw. It’s crazy expensive. The higher quality canned foods are so expensive, I never realized just how expensive until recently when I started my search.

[Dori]

Great Betsy. Thanks so much. Have you ever found it in a pet store? I’ve only been able to locate it on line. I’ve been waiting to order it (I’ve actually got it sitting in my Amazon cart) until I heard from anyone here as to how it worked out. Other than raw, there are very few foods that Katie can eat because of all her issues. All three of my dogs (toy breeds) are real chow hounds but I’ve always gotta watch what Katie eats. The other two could eat everything and anything and be just fine. Again, thanks for your quick response. I’m off to Amazon to place the order.

[Dori]

Hi weezerweeks. I’d like to ask this question of you as stated that you only feed canned. Have you fed your dog Ziwipeak canned? I feed raw to all my dogs and THK Zeal on occasion to two of my dogs, the third can’t have anything with alfalfa which THK contains. (She’s got many many food allergies, intolerances as well as environmental allergies). I’m looking for possibly a canned alternative to feed on occasion as raw (commercial raw) is so high in fat that I’d like to give them a break once in a while. Though I think Weruva appears to be a great canned alternative, I’m concerned that they can no longer assure anyone that their cans do not contain bha. Thanks, Dori

[Dori]

As for me, I actually appreciated the video that came before the sign up. Again, Mike, I’ve said it often but I’d like to say it again, I so much appreciate all the work you and your associates do creating this site and keeping it up to date. My dogs appreciate the site even more which shows in so many healthy changes that have taken place with all three of them since I’ve been “lurking” and posting on your site. You and the other knowledgeable posters have changed the lives of so many dogs and their guardians. You’ve also given us a place that we can come to help each other and pose questions when something is amiss with our dogs and know that we will get everyone that has had similar experiences jump on board with knowledge, compassion and heart.

Hannah, Katie, Lola and I thank you.

[Dori]

Hi butchboy. I too would think that Darwin’s would meet the readily available criteria as it is available on line and also auto shipped so you’re never without it. Maybe it will make the list eventually as the continue to update and add foods.

[Dori]

Funny Patty, we were having two entirely different conversations. I hope you are like me. I like conversations that I have with myself. Sometimes I’m the only one that understands me. LOL! Eventually I do come to my senses and figure it all out, not necessarily in anyone else’s time frame. But that’s ok as far as I’m concerned. I do my best for me and the gals anyway. Hee Hee!

[Dori]

OH, thank God Patty! Life is crazy hecktic here and I swear to you I thought I’d finally lost it. In the mist of FINALLY having a contract on our old house that we’ve been carrying since we moved (other buyer’s mortgage fell through), insurance issues that I’ve been dealing with, had a bad fall a few months ago and still deal with the aftermath, my autoimmune illness that I’ve needed to have the chest port removed surgically can’t get scheduled because of the sinus fracture and multiple orbital fracture — anesthesiologist and surgeon won’t sign off (breathing tube issues) so I thought I was also losing my cognitive skills. YIKES!!!!! So happy we were talking cross purposes. Seriously, YIKES!!!! Been having a few really rough days here. TMI? I’m so sure but also too tired to figure out what I’ve typed that maybe I shouldn’t have and am just gonna send it.

[Dori]

You are very special theBCnut. You just didn’t check in early enough. 14.99, 19.99 I still think it’s a huge bargain. I’d pay twice as much. There is so much that goes into all they do here. I honestly was expecting to have the yearly be more expensive. Uh Oh! Mike, this is not for your ears.

Patty, what is EC in relationship to Darwin. A lot of these initials I’m always have to look up. You guys are all so much younger than I and up on all the initials. I told try to figure them out then I get tired and ask. Silly me. I should just ask to begin with.

[Dori]

It was there when I signed up, they also told me about it when I called them to place my first order. It’s an auto subscription only type deal. If you don’t want to keep getting email letting you know of your next delivery you have to actual cancel altogether. As you know they email you before your next order and you can change how often you get your delivery, change the foods, change amounts of food delivered.

[Dori]

Hi Bunker. Yes, I too was surprised that Answers Detailed didn’t make the list. Here in Georgia you can find it in a number of places and anyone who carries their goat milk can order the food.

The real shocker for me was that Darwin’s is not on the list. I thought surely it would be. Huh?

So, Mike, I guess I’m going to take this opportunity to nominate both Answers Detailed and Darwin’s.

• This reply was modified 10 years, 1 month ago by Dori.

[Dori]

On the question of why didn’t Weruva made the cut, I don’t know, maybe it’s because they can no longer say that their cans do not contain bha?

I’m thrilled that THK and Primal are on Dr. Mike’s list. Primal is my most favorite of the commercial raws. I wasn’t surprised to see Ziwipeak on it. It’s always gotten good reviews everywhere especially their canned food that is bha free. I looked into it once because I thought it would be nice to have something different on hand other than THK as a change from their raw diets but it is incredibly expensive. One of my dogs can’t have THK because of the alfalfa.

I was surprised though that Answers did not make the list. Also Darwin’s didn’t make the list. That kind of shocked me as I was sure it would be.

I’m so thrilled that the Editor’s Choice is up and running. Truly excited.

• This reply was modified 10 years, 1 month ago by Dori.

[Dori]

You didn’t mention which food you have her on now, Yvonne W.

I’ve got three little Velcro dogs myself.

• This reply was modified 10 years, 1 month ago by Dori.

[Dori]

Aimee, I’m with you. Collars are on my dogs when outside for tags only and leashes on their harnesses for walking. There has always been a misconception about collars high up on the neck to have more control of the dog and somehow people turned it around to be less painful when in fact I learned years ago that the opposite was true. Good to have you say it.

[Dori]

Too too funny. Don’t get the clapping part? How can you get clapping wrong? Now I’ll have to watch how people clap. Hmmmmmmm.

[Dori]

Come on Patty. That’s what would make the video so funny! It’s not fun for the rest of us if you all had rhythm. How could we laugh out loud.

[Dori]

OH! My reply to losul never got posted.
losul, I was thinking that Patty and her family would go entirely “nuts”. Not to mention her dogs.

I also said:

Patty, if you try it you have to get someone else to video it so you could post to us. We are in serious need of some chuckles. The picture I have of you and your crew is seriously funny.

[Dori]

Hi Betsy, for Sam’s sake I hope it is the Bug Off and not the food. I thought I had food issues with Katie. It’s gotta be really rough his being able to eat only two different foods. I’ll start off really slowly with the Bug Off Garlic and all the dogs, slower on Katie then the other two.

C4C. Absolutely ear gunk, etc. can be from poor nutrition, intolerances and allergies. My three girls had nasty ears all the time when they were on grain inclusive foods. No sooner did I clean their ears out when they’d be all gunky again. A little while after I switched them to grain, white potato, white rice, soy free diets their ears cleaned up completely and have never had a problem again. Katie who has seasonal allergies also doesn’t have ear issues when she has the seasonal issues. It’s all so interesting.

[Dori]

Hey theBCnut. Good Morning. Have you ever heard of any dog having issues like what Betsy’s going through with Sam and the Bug Off Garlic or just plain garlic cloves. I placed an order yesterday for the Bug Off Garlic but now I’m afraid to give it to any of them when it arrives, especially Katie. Do you think Sam could be having reaction to CC food? I waiting to hear how long she’s been feeding him the CC.

[Dori]

Betsy. Oh no! I hope it’s not the Bug Off Garlic. I just put an order in for it yesterday. Have you been giving Sam the Bug Off Garlic long enough for it to have caused his ear problems? One just one week cause this? How long had you been feeding him the Canine Caviar. Yikes, we’ve got to get to the bottom of this before I give any to my girls, especially Katie. Crap!!!!!

[Dori]

Hi Shasta. No I’ve never tried local raw honey. Do you know anything more about it? Where do you buy something like that? Also wondering if and when I find it, how much do you give? I swear I’m willing to try anything that anyone has had any luck with. This seasonal allergy is prove to me awful for her and it’s just started. I just heard on the news this morning that this allergy season is predicted to be one of the worst in history here in the South. YUCK YUCK!!!!!!

[Dori]

Shasta220. I totally agree with you. I can’t imagine why anyone would recommend Hills to a person seeking help for their dog. It’s a horrible food.

[Dori]

I was born in NYC. Lived in L.A., New Jersey, San Francisco and Carmel California. Cape Cod Massachusetts, and now Atlanta, Ga. Do I like to move a lot? Yep! Got that from my dad. I’ve also lived in multiple homes in all the different states that I’ve lived. I have a fabulous husband, and presently am the proud “mom” to three fur babies. Hannah 14 1/2 year old Maltese, Katie 4 1/2 year old Maltipoo and Lola 4 1/2 year old Yorkipoo. All are the loves of my life. Hee Hee! That includes dear old hubby.

Hey, theBCnut. Years ago I had a yellow napes Amazon her name was Cleo. Loved her to pieces. Really interesting bird. Incredibly intelligent too. My son used to have two ferrets. Tons of fish, at one point we had six aquariums and two ponds going at the same time (we had so many funerals). We had iguanas. When they died he insisted that we do the whole Egyptian mummified type burial. Gerbils, hermit crabs. At some point I used to kid that we had to move because we outgrew our backyard cemetery. I have Cleo’s (yellow napped Amazon) ashes as well as all our other deceased dogs. The deal is (and we have it in writing) that when the time comes all our ashes are to be mixed together and scattered on the Cape Cod Bay where at some point we’ll all be together again. Faith, gotta have it. You never know. Anyway that’s our story.

[Dori]

The vets have just been taking your money. To me it sounds as though this is entirely a food issue as well as the touch of arthritis. A fabulous commercial raw diet is Darwin’s. It can only be purchased on line on their site. If you ever think about adding a commercial raw you can try them. They are an auto delivery service also first time buyers get a great deal. Anyway you can check out their site and see what you think. A lot of us swear by them. And yes, commercial raw is more expensive than kibble BUT, you save so much in vet bills it’s not even funny. Since on raw my dogs only go to the vet for their yearly physical. That’s it. Before that I was with Katie at one vet or specialist constantly. Expensive, time consuming and lots of used up gas. I hate the fact that they put your dog on steroids. They cause so much damage, the steroids as well as some vets. I’ve never known of any dog or person (myself included) that was ever made allergy free with the injections. Please check the ingredients in the Natural Balance. If she’s itching on this food than I would change it. It’s obviously got ingredients that she can’t tolerate.

[Dori]

Hi Lea J. I feel like this is my mantra but I will say it again. I have a 4 1/2 year old Maltipoo, Katie, has had severe food allergies and intolerances as well as environmental allergies since we got her at 9 weeks of age. I’ve tried any and all suggestions out there. Went through a ton of food, most of which to no avail. What finally worked for her is commercial raw foods. I like Primal Pronto the best. I also rotate her foods with Darwins, and Answers raw. I’ve tried Stella and Chewy’s raw and Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw which I didn’t like at all. Anyway, I have three small dogs that I feed 1/4 cup twice a day. I do add and/or feed sardines (canned in water, not oil), coconut oil, probiodics, digestive enzymes, fresh fruits and veggies. Their treats consist of fresh fruits or veggies. I don’t use store bought treats. To many issues with Katies allergies. My 14 1/2 year old Maltese has arthritis in her right hip and also two degenerated discs mid spine. I rotate supplements as well as their foods. I haven’t found any particular joint supplement that has worked miracles. I have just ordered Sprintime’s Joint Health and Fresh Factor. Some people have been reporting that they are having good luck with these. Anyway, I think I’ve digressed here from my mantra which is: Grain, Soy, Poultry (in all forms), White Potato and Rice Free food as well as anything else you think your dog may be allergic or intolerant to. Your allergy list really doesn’t seem to be that bad though I wouldn’t doubt that she has more problems than just the ones you named. Full disclosure, I don’t believe that food allergy testing for dogs can be trusted. My dogs allergist/dermatologist as well as their traditional vets all would not do the testing. They said the tests are inaccurate, misleading and cost a lot of money. When vets tell you they won’t take your money, you know they are being accurate. To this date there are no known food allergy testing on animals that are accurate. As far as kibble goes, I can’t really recommend any because I’m not comfortable in my knowledge of their ingredients anymore. I figured out most of Katie’s food allergies by her reactions to the foods I was feeding and then comparing ingredients with other foods trying to figure out what was bothering her. She has many many issues. She just recently became allergic or intolerant to alfalfa. Allergic or intolerant to me is all the same. All I’m sure of is that either way, she can’t eat it so I don’t care whether some people say that it’s not really an allergy, it’s an intolerance. It’s all trial and error really and constantly researching ingredients. What works for my dogs may not work for others but eliminating the obvious typical allergens is a good place to start. It’s an incredibly long road in helping our allergy prone dogs but the work is well worth it for them. Exhausting on us. Oh, Spring is finally here in Atlanta where we live so for the last two days I’ve been giving her Benadryl twice a day. I hate having to do that but there is nothing I can personally do about environmental outdoor allergies. Trust me, if there was a way I would have found it by now. This is the first time I have ever had a dog with allergies and I’ll just say it keeps me on me on my toes with all things food related for her. Katie’s how I came across this site a couple of years ago and I, she and my other dogs have benefited immensely. Good Luck. If you need any clarification on anything I’ve said or any more questions please ask.

[Dori]

Hi DarcyW. A diet that is high in fruits, vegetables or grain can cause a higher urine pH. Fruits and vegetables should be 20% or less of their daily diet, NOT for each meal if you’re feeding twice a day as most of us do. Is the Spring water that you’ve switched to. There are quite a few companies that are not that reputable and have at times be caught using tap water. They may have all changed their ways, I don’t know. Also try using reverse osmosis spring water. That might also help. If I come up with any other thoughts I’ll chime back in.

[Dori]

Hi Mountainhound. Though I have no objection to any of the ingredients specifically, it does seem as though there are an awful lot of lentils, peas and garbanzo beans. Just thought I’d add my thoughts for anyone thinking about this food. I feed raw, but if I were to go back to feeding kibble I would not feed this change up. When I was feeding kibble Acana Pacifica was in my rotation, none of the dogs did particularly well on it. Not anything really bad other than my allergy prone sensitive stomach girl who couldn’t eat the Acana. I eventually switched to all raw because of her. They are doing fabulous now EXCEPT Spring has come to Atlanta and, of course, allergy girl also has environmental allergies. So bad that I’ve had to put her on Benadryl twice a day for the last couple of days. I hate it!!!!!

[Dori]

Hey Shasta 220. I have to admit that I’ve used quite a few different water additives for my dogs teeth and none of them ever did anything. The only thing I have ever found that helps their teeth is a raw diet and brushing their teeth twice a day. I brush their teeth after their breakfast right after I brush my own after my breakfast and before their bedtime right before I brush mine before my bedtime. I have found that kibble was the worst for their teeth regardless of the fact that the old myth continues that kibble helps with cleaning teeth. Ridiculous.

[Dori]

Some have my same area code others not too far I don’t think. I’m gonna make calls Monday morning and start making appts for Hannah. Thanks so much. I want to find someone good not too far since she’ll probably need on going or intermittent sessions.

[Dori]

Betsy. How did you find the chiropractor that you use for your dog? I’m gonna check out your guys website. Oddly enough she doesn’t seem to be in the least bit of pain. It’s the odd gait that she has plus both back legs trembling when she’s standing still. My traditional vet gave me rimadyl for her to see it would make a difference. She thought maybe the trembling might be coming from pain so I tried it but it didn’t make a damn bit of difference so I stopped giving it to her and put the bottle away.

[Author]

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