[pacer1978]

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for your suggestions. Sorry I have not been able to post in the last few days. I took Mia off the wet food as I kind of made that connection myself right before reading Susan’s response. Since removing her from the wet, she has not had another “episode”. I’ve only been giving her kibble so far and it seemed to fix the issue. To avoid another costly vet bill, I may go ahead and change her diet to include the boiled chicken/kibble combo as suggested instead of bringing her back for further testing, however I really would like confirmation that it is acid reflux that we are dealing with. I do believe that it is, it makes sense. I had forgotten a very strange behavior that she did a few times a few months back. After eating, she would put her face up in the air and take short, quick inhales while “licking” the air. It scared me and I looked it up. The same behavior she showed that night matched a YouTube of other dogs doing it and they were diagnosed with acid reflux. She only did it a few times, like I said a few months back and I had forgotten she had done that. But after reading the posts it kind of hit me. Thank you again for your time and suggestions. I’ll talk to my vet more about this. Have a great weekend and so sorry it took me a while to get back on here with a follow up to you all.

[pacer1978]

Thank you Anon, however I do not believe they did x-rays. I can say that no teeth were pulled and they are in good condition. I was not told of any complications during the surgery. It was just a random teeth cleaning with no adverse issues. Since she didn’t have any teeth removed, I wouldn’t think it could be a root remnants concern, though that was an excellent question.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 7 months ago by pacer1978.

[pacer1978]

Hello HDM,

I am researching the forums trying to find some answers to my questions and found this thread.

I hope you can help me with a quick question. I have been introducing my dogs to raw a little over time. I have fed them Nature’s Variety and right now they have Primal as well. Most of their food is kibble based (Earthborn, NV, or Fromme). My first question is whether the commercial raw foods are ideal or is it best to purchase the raw (human) food from the supermarket and make it yourself? I do have three dogs (2 Weimaraners and one mix-40lbs), so to keep cost down would be helpful. IS there a cost effective way of feeding raw?

On a side note, we received bad news last week that our 40lb dog, Lucy (the mix), has lung tumors. We’ve only had her for 4 years and took her in as a stray wandering our neighborhood. I have read recently two different perspectives. One, that raw is bad for a dog that already has a lower immune system, but also read articles claiming that a raw diet, with fresh Kale and Turmeric is a good idea to feed a dog that has cancer. Any ideas which is best? Should I discontinue the raw in Lucy’s diet altogether?

[pacer1978]

…mainly was just looking for what others may use as an alternative to either Heartguard or Frontline type of medicines for dogs.

[pacer1978]

Thank you HDM, you have helped me many times in the past and have always been very helpful. I really didn’t want to put them on anything such as heartguard. Where we live, it would be very unlikely that they would be exposed to heart worm after researching a lot about it in regards to the process of how a dog gets infected. However, since this was a last minute trip, I started to think about it a bit more when I realized that there is a stream in the back yard of the cabin we are renting. It is my understanding that mosquitoes live near water and since it is more “country” from where we live, thought there would be more of a chance of exposure.

I did some research on some natural tick/flea/mosquito repellents for dogs and I will try those.

[pacer1978]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. They are very helpful. I actually just purchased Primal Freeze Dried Turkey and Sardine Formula for Dogs, so I’m not sure “raw” that is. I should get that shipment in tomorrow and looking forward to how it goes. However, I do have two concerns, so maybe someone can help with that.

If I do incorporate some raw…how do I ensure I’m not overfeeding? I have one dog, Lucy (30-40 lbs) that is considered a little…shall we say, “chunky”. I’m trying to get her weight down a little since she isn’t very tall. She is a bit overweight, so I cut back on the coconut oil and kibble I give her as well. I am also getting Fromm weight management and will try that with her, but I’m concerned if I incorporate kibble in addition to a bit of raw, then I’m feeding her too much. Also, I know eating raw food is disgusting and unhealthy for us humans…but, I am still a bit concerned giving it to them. How do they not get sick from it? I understand the whole “related to wolves thing” and they can break it down where we can’t, but since they have been domesticated for so long, could raw be bad for them in any way? I’d hate to try this and be like one case in the article I read where one lady’s dog got severely sick from it and had major issues.

[pacer1978]

Can a dog overdose on enzymes? I give my dogs enzymes with each meal since I feed them kibble. I didn’t realize that some dog food already have enzymes in the food such as Nature’s Variety and Nature’s Logic. So, should I still give them enzymes with their meals when I feed them that brand? I switch brands now every few bags as recommended with the understanding that each brand may use specific nutrients, minerals, and vitamins more so than others. So, by switching the brands it ensures my dogs are getting a variety of those things. If I switch between brands, but maintain the same supplements and dosages, could I potentially overdose them on anything?
This is what they get:
Daily: Nordic Naturals Fish Oil for dogs, Swanson’s joint supplement for their hips, coconut oil, enzyme with each meal, and 1 TBS supergreens
Every other Day: Probiotic and Tart Cherry (as part of their superfood). I sometimes will give Mattie a probiotic every day depending on how her ears are…she is kind of “yeasty”.

[pacer1978]

HDM,

I meant to ask you about colostrum and glandulars. Do you switch that out between the bee pollen or “superfood”? Do you have a recommendation as to brand?

Also, I researched a little about it..colostrum is for the gut and glandulars is more for energy? Is that the jist of it?
Thanks again!

[pacer1978]

Hello again,

Just a quick question this time. Is it important to switch your digestive enzyme brand like you suggest with dog food? I am using Swanson Digestive Enzymes and about to run out. I wasn’t sure if I could continue with the same brand, or if it would be wise to switch up the brands as well. I am considering trying Dr. Mercola’s digestive enzymes for pets next if it is recommended. to switch.

Thanks!

[pacer1978]

OK..I don’t mean to beat a dead horse, but going back to the “supergreen” question I had earlier. I am making my own mix based on a previous post by PattyV. Because of cost (and to see if my dogs would even eat it), I’m introducing my dogs to the supergreens slowly, using only three items. I took PattyV’s suggestion form above and started them on Kelp (for the algae), Wheat Grass (for the grass part), and Tart Cherries (for the “superfood” part) this morning. I mixed 1c Kelp with 1c Wheat grass into a bigger back. Now, I know dosage depends on the size of the dog. Two are the same weight, but I have a smaller (40-ish lb) dog, Lucy. My problem is the Tart Cherries. Since that is in pill form, it is my understanding that I should give 1/2 a human dose for my bigger dogs which are 50-60 lbs and 1/4 dosage for Lucy. However, I can’t really measure it so I just guess as best as I can to what is 1/2 dose or 1/4 dose by opening the capsule. My question is…

1) 1/4 a human dosage doesn’t even seem significant. Is there a real benefit in giving that to my smaller dog? Will that small dose actually do anything for Lucy?
2) Also, for convenience, would it just be OK to throw in a full capsule per dog or is it best to keep the dosage as suggested?

Thanks again!

[pacer1978]

Patty: Then should I discontinue with the Langer’s FoS probiotic? I’ve been giving it to my dogs every 2-3 days. They weren’t having any digestive issues before..but, I started giving them supplements based off what I’m reading here. The enzymes make sense when feeding kibble and I started both over the last month.

I’m also not sure if this is coincidence with the supplements I’ve been giving over the last month, but wanted to run it by everyone on the forum that may be reading. Mia started to get a bit of diarrhea last night. I also noticed what appeared to be a little bit of blood in her stool this morning. I’m not as worried now as I was this morning after googling some causes. Some are as minor as a change in diet, which I just switched them from Solid Gold MMillenium to Earthborn Holistic. Perhaps I switched too fast because it stated that could be one of the causes. My other two seem fine, however. I know blood in stool could be a minor or serious issue, so I will keep an eye on her and see. But, now I’m concerned with reading that the Langer’s FOS may not be a good brand? Everything they get daily is below. Since this just started happening recently, the only thing that has changed in the last few days (since Sunday/Monday) is the food.

Swanson’s digestive enzymes
Coconut Oil
Dasuquin (joint/hip)
Fish oil (Pure Alaska Omega™ Salmon Oil) sold at Costco
Langer’s 15-strain FOS probiotic

[pacer1978]

I’d like to start my dogs eventually on some super greens. I’ve been making a note as to all the “super greens” suggested and kind of counting the cost to make my own mixture. I’d like to purchase the 1lb bags as suggested, but can’t purchase them all because of cost right now. So, I have a few questions…if you don’t mind.

1- Due to cost, if I started my dogs out on the top 3 super greens, what would be suggested?
2- How often do you add/remove different super greens to the mixture to ensure optimal health and that they aren’t missing some vital nutrients?
3- How often do you give it to them and the dosage? Is it every day?

[pacer1978]

OK….sounds good

PV:
If I switched as often as you..wouldn’t that upset their digestive track and cause diarrhea, even if you rotate it in before the other runs out? I looked into Brothers and I fear it is a bit beyond my price range when the shipping is added. Although, reading about the food made me want to buy it. I think it would be best for Lucy, who tends to have watery eyes all the time. Also, why do you do that only in the winter? I understand it is obviously colder then so is that the main reason? Immune systems are lower and by doing that, it boosts their immune system? I’m thinking of switching out between NV, Earthborn, and may try Nature’s Logic. I noticed all of those can be purchased through the websites you told me about in a previous post. Brothers I believe needs to be purchased directly through them and their shipping is too much. Thanks again everyone!

[pacer1978]

OK…so switch the actual brand..not just the protein source? I was going to do Earthborn Great Plains with the Bison, then switch through their different proteins, but that is not good enough. You are saying you should switch complete brands at least every 3 months? Am I understanding that correctly, PV?

Thank you for your suggestion, Inked…I never thought to switch that often for kibble.

[pacer1978]

How often do you all rotate a dog food brand? I had them on Solid Gold MMillenium for two bags and they seem to do fine. But, was told from the above thread that is Diamond. I wanted to stay away from them…the whole reason I switched from Kirkland’s to begin with. I just did an auto delivery for Earthborn, so I will start them on that once MMillenium is done. Is it every 6 months/seasonal or more at your discretion. If the dogs seem to be doing great with a particular brand, is it still advised to switch?

[pacer1978]

I’ve been opening mine up and doing a “best guess” since I was told 1/4 a dose for my smaller dog (35-40 lbs) and 1/2 a dose for my bigger dogs (55-60 lbs). It is kind of a pain, plus I may not really be able to get the right measurement that way. What would happen if I just gave them all three 1 capsule every other day? Can you get too much probiotic? I’m using what was recommended to me…the 15 strain FOS from Swanson’s. Thanks again…

On a side note..I got my enzymes in the other day and they kind of have a grape smell to them. How weird…the dogs actually like the way they smell too, or seem to. They were always excited when breakfast and dinner time rolled around, but now they are crazy excite..I think it is because the coconut oil. They LOVE that stuff.

[pacer1978]

Hello,

I’ve been trying to find a good “Green Food” to incorporate in my dog’s food since they sometimes want to eat grass as well. I was thinking Spirulina or do you recommend more of a green food power? I had purchased Swansons Green Max, but realized it had caffeine in it, which I was told is harmful so that will be returned. Luckily, I haven’t received it yet to start giving it to them. I then found another option, below. If this is recommended over Spirulina, are the ingredients all OK for dogs? I don’t want to end up giving them something harmful that I’m unaware of. Thanks!

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/swanson-greenfoods-formulas-super-green-max-plus-9-oz-255-grams-pwdr-SWR067

[pacer1978]

Would this have been a better choice in regards to the ingredients?
http://www.swansonvitamins.com/swanson-greenfoods-formulas-super-green-max-plus-9-oz-255-grams-pwdr-SWR067

[pacer1978]

Just checked….it shows Green Tea Extract 20mg on the Super Green powder. This would NOT be suitable for my dogs then, correct? Dang it!

[pacer1978]

Yesterday I purchased Swanson’s Premium Digestive Enzymes…maybe I got the wrong ones from what you are recommending, PattyV. I also purchased a super green powder (I will check for the caffeine, hopefully it is not in there).

Just to confirm between the enzymes and probiotics…Probiotics is every other day and enzymes every day since I only feed kibble. Can you confirm the dosage that I should be giving them for the enzymes and probiotic? I have two that are 50-60 lbs and another that is about 30-40 (but working on getting her to lose some of that weight). She is a little “chunky-butt”. Thanks to all for the help!!

[pacer1978]

Sorry…forgot one more question….what is your thoughts on Dr. Mercola products? Can you get the same results on Swansons? Swansons seems to be cheaper.

[pacer1978]

It seems that both of you recommended Swanson’s brand for Probiotic and Enzymes. I’m also thinking of trying a green food of some sort. I guess I’m still a little concerned with going to human supplements since I know there are some ingredients out there that are toxic to pets and I don’t know all of them. If I add the three below supplements, these should be helpful, correct? I can finish up the Dasuquin and Nordic Naturals supplements (designed for pets) before trying the below options. What are your thoughts? Also, if they have been on Dasuquin and it seems to agree with them (no joint issues), should I just keep them on that? The only issue is cost…they are fairly expensive to give to my three dogs. Thanks again!!

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/swanson-ultra-spirulina-il-4-natural-blue-green-algae-6-phycocyanin-500-mg-180-caps

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/swanson-premium-digestive-enzymes-180-tabs

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/swanson-premium-glucosamine-chondroitin-msm-500-400-200-mg-240-tabs

[pacer1978]

Also, just out of curiosity..I hear that some vitamins/supplements don’t absorb as they should and aren’t high quality. I purchased the 15 strain brand that was recommended from Swanson’s and then read afterward in a review somewhere that it only had 3 billion of the bacteria versus some other high number that it should be. How can you tell a quality brand from another? What makes Swanson’s recommendable?

[pacer1978]

Thanks again. Do you recommend any particular brand of Enzymes? I purchased the probiotics you had recommended and I’m going to start giving it to them 3 days a week. They don’t have any major digestive issues to warrant everyday. But, if you recommend enzymes…which brand and how much should I give? That would be daily, correct?

[pacer1978]

Hello All,

HDM..you answered some questions I had in another thread. You had mentioned probiotics to me in that thread, but after reading this one here, since I feed my dogs kibble, would you recommend probiotics or enzymes for them instead?

My dogs also want to eat grass. What does that mean? Should I start them on a “green” supplement as you mentioned? Is there one that you recommend?

Thank you!

[pacer1978]

Ok, I’ll check the site out.
What is your opinion on vaccinations and things like Frontline and Heartguard? I took my dogs off of that and only get them rabies shots since that is the law. I don’t ever board them and they are all inside dogs. We don’t live in the “country” so to speak and not near standing water, so not a lot of mosquitoes so don’t really feel the need for all of that. But, I get the “disapproving” looks when the vets mention that they need another heartworm test or some other vaccine. If we move out further into the country where there is tall grasses, I can understand and most likely will put them back on preventative medicine like Heartguard, but the research I did on it explained how hard it is for pets to actually contract it. The article made sense and Mattie was having bad skin reactions a few years back and was diagnosed with Canine Atopy or something like that. She was put on a very strong and very expensive ($100/mth) medicine. It just makes me wonder with all the chemicals in vaccines and topicals for fleas that it would have some side effects. Of course, something else could have caused it since at the time I wasn’t aware of what was considered “good” versus “bad” dog food nutrition. I always thought Iams, Pedigree, and Eukanuba to name a few were good dog foods. But, now I know that they are mostly fillers and are less than 4 stars.

[pacer1978]

P.S- Are you learning all of this in veterinarian school in regards to the supplements and what supplement/herbs help what issues? I’m wondering why veterinarians don’t suggest these types of supplements for our dogs..especially the cheaper alternative with the human supplements. It seems like all they want to do is give them shots to “clear” things up, only for the allergy/rash to return. Do you think it is because of the money?

[pacer1978]

OK…great. I know the Dasuquin I give the girls does have the MSM in it. I pay about $70-$80 for 150 tablets. I’ll have to check out what you recommended if it is that much cheaper. I feel that Mattie is doing great on the Dasuquin since she hasn’t had any hip/joint issues so far. My male, before he passed, had mild hip dysplesia. I wish I knew a lot of what I know now. I had just started him on the Dasuquin 2 weeks before he died from bloat. Anyway, thank you for answering all of my questions. I know I had a lot of them and you help others as I’ve seen your responses everywhere. I appreciate all the help. Good luck with your schooling. I am going to school myself, though not for veterinarian medicine. I could only imagine how rich of a career you will have serving our furry friends!

[pacer1978]

Thanks Hound Dog Mom….just to confirm one small detail. It was stated to give a dog 1/4 tsp per 10 lbs of the coconut oil. For easy measuring with an eye drop, I converted tsp to ml. 1 tsp = 1.23 ml.
My two bigger dogs are about 55-60lbs and my smaller one is about 35-40. So…
1.23 x 6 (per 10lbs) = 7.38 ml of coconut oil
1.23 x 4 (per 10lbs) = 4.92 ml of coconut oil

These seems a bit high to me. Is that accurate?

So, to reiterate…my dogs receive:
Mattie (12 yrs, 55-60 lbs, Weimaraner): Daily- 1 Dasuquin (for joint for older dog), 7.38 ml of coconut oil (for overall health), and will start on probiotic once received (for overall health/digestive support)
Mia (4 yrs, 55-60 lbs, Weimaraner): Daily- 2 fish oils (skin/coat/shedding/flaky skin/slight allergies), 7.38 ml of coconut oil, and will start on probiotic once received
Lucy (approx. 10yrs old??, 35-40 lbs, mix): Daily- 1 Dasuquin (joint for older dog), 2 fish oils (skin/coat/shedding/slight allergies), 4.92 ml of coconut oil, and probiotic once received

Is this too much or OK in your opinion? You seem to be knowledgeable and offer assistance to many on the forum. Are you a vet or what is your background?

[pacer1978]

Hope you all don’t mind me asking one more question. If I give my dogs Nordic Naturals Omega Fish Oils and Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, do I still need to give them Dasuquin/Cosuquin? Wouldn’t both oils help with joints or am I wrong? I just don’t want to be spending money where I don’t have to if there isn’t more of a benefit or “over-supplement”.

Also, is it OK to give all the dosages in the mornings? I sometimes get home late since I take evening classes and that means my husband has to feed the dogs. I know he won’t keep up on giving them the supplements adequately and giving it to them in the mornings is the only way I can ensure they are getting everything.
Thanks again!

[pacer1978]

Thanks Hound Dog Mom…is this by chance the correct website that you order from?

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/swanson-ultra-soil-based-organisms-90-caps

I did notice that they also offer a pet probiotic. Do you recommend the human probiotic over that because you had mentioned that they are higher quality? If that is the case, why are there “pet” supplements to begin with? Thanks again!!

[pacer1978]

Thank you for your responses. I wasn’t sure if the human supplements would still be beneficial for dogs. So…this is what I plan on doing. Can you let me know if this is recommended? I switch dog food every now and then (all 4-5 star brands). Currently, I have them on Solid Gold MMellenium. I give Mia (4-yr old Weim) and Lucy (guessing age to be around 10, not sure of breed, she is a mix) 2 Nordic Naturals fish capsules for dogs per day. I give Mattie (12-yr old Weim) and Lucy 1 Dasuquin per day. I will most likely start Mia on this soon as well. I plan on starting them on Coconut oil (heard there was a good brand through Costco or Cocotherapy was also good). Also considering probiotic..or prebiotic? Which is better? Any brands you would recommend for the pro/prebiotic?
They issues they experience:
For the most part, they are healthy with the occasional allergy bouts (chewing/licking paws). Lucy gets watery eyes..which has gotten a little better after getting her teeth cleaned (they pulled 4 teeth). Weims tend to get bad hips as they age, hence the Dasuquin. Mia sheds a lot for a Weim and Lucy does as well, Mattie not too bad. Mia also tends to have what appears to be flaky skin and usually a rash or irritation on her chest (most likely from the mat in her cage since I crate her during the day. She gets in trouble and tears papers up around the house when I don’t). I keep the mat clean, so I’m not really sure why this keeps happening. I’ve tried different types of mats thinking maybe she is allergic to the material, but that doesn’t help. I’m mainly just looking to improve their overall health and wasn’t sure if doing all this would be wasting money or actually helping. Thanks again!!

[pacer1978]

Thank you all for your suggestions. The problem that I have is finding these foods are not always easy. I also did think of purchasing online, but the shipping charges are crazy! I haven’t had any luck finding Fromm or some of the others you suggested or it seems the bags are so small for the cost. I also looked into Holistic Health. I read a lot about them and was pretty set on trying them out. But, again..can’t find it anywhere but online and including the shipping charges, it pushed the price of a bag to almost $100.

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