[Pitlove]

Barky, more likely than not (and this is my experience from working pet food retail), Whole Foods has not been keeping up with expired or close to expiration foods. That also means, it’s not a big seller. I’m usually the one at my store that checks the expiration dates and if we end up with foods that are close to expiration and haven’t sold, we usually don’t order the food again because it means its not popular.

[Pitlove]

“I’m amazed that you feed 1 cup per day to such a small dog.”- Because Science Diet

[Pitlove]

I’ve seen lots of Pugs at healthy weights and I highly doubt they are all on Science Diet rX foods. Pretty illogical to say thats the only way a specific breed of dog can maintain an ideal weight.

[Pitlove]

Finding a quality all life stages food could work. I’d say go through the list of 5 star foods to see which make ones that are AAFCO approved for all life stages. Since you have a small breed puppy it will be much easier than if it was a large breed.

[Pitlove]

Glad your dogs are doing better. I was pretty happy to see them come out with the LID canned line myself. I’m not using canned anymore for particular reasons, but I did get some when I was still using canned.

[Pitlove]

Orijen Senior is a good senior dry kibble. Probably the best one out there.

[Pitlove]

is the 1 cup daily the suggested feeding amount for his current weight or ideal weight? Exercise is important, but especially for me living down south we can’t always play outside or go for walks because its too humid. My dog is still his ideal weight because I feed him less than the recommended amount due to his reduced activity.

[Pitlove]

Nature’s Variety actually now makes the raw boost that they sell by itself so you can mix it in. I imagine its expensive to buy that + the food, but if your budget allows for it, you could certainly try that. Should be avaliable at Petco.

My dog is very picky and his favorite food by far is Fromm. And it’s also my favorite brand of food. If you can find a retailer (its going to be a small independantly owned shop) or buy online, I think Fromm is worth looking into. They don’t offer the raw boost however. Other brands that are now doing the whole raw boost thing are Natural Balance Wild Pursuit and Merrick Back Country.

[Pitlove]

Fromm Family Classics

[Pitlove]

Hi Tom- Welcome to the site first off. If you like Nature’s Variety there is no reason not to try the Salmon just because there is no raw boost. The raw boost doesn’t really give enough of a benefit for it to make much of a difference and there is often inconsistancy with how much raw boost you get per bag. EVO is a good food, but since being given up by NaturaPet has gone to Proctor&Gamble and now Mars. For some that is a complete turn off as they are worried about recalls and quality changing etc.

[Pitlove]

Benadryl doesn’t cure allergies either. It masks the problem so they get relief, just like a holistic med would. If its environmental thats all you can do is block the histamines, so if Shirley wants to go a holistic route there really isnt any harm.

[Pitlove]

I second everything C4C said. Also welcome fellow cat owner/lover.

I do canned in the morning (Whole Earth Farms) and dry at night to help my budget. Shes eating Taste of the Wild dry right now, but I’m going to switch it as I’m too worried about Diamond. Definitely don’t give up on canned even though shes drinking a lot of water.

[Pitlove]

Like I said, your dog is past the point where the calcium/phosphorus ratio needs to be worried about. So I wouldn’t worry about that. I like the Fromm Gold and most large breed adult formulas because they are lower in fat than regular adult formulas which helps keep my pitbull at an ideal weight when its summer and humid down here in the south.

I would say they are important. Some large breed formulas contain trace amounts of glucosamine and MSM. Fromm Gold has chicken cartilage as the natural source of both. However, some argue that there isnt enough of an amount of either in foods to make it theraputic. Others say its made a huge difference in their dog. I feel that excersize is the key to keeping joints mobile, but when they do get older a supplement can be useful too aside from continuing regular excersize.

[Pitlove]

From Dogs Naturally: Small size dogs or cats – 1 tsp. – 1 tbsp.

That says minimum daily intake so I guess you could feed it twice a day?

• This reply was modified 9 years, 9 months ago by Pitlove.
• This reply was modified 9 years, 9 months ago by Pitlove.

[Pitlove]

Blue has lower meat content in the Basics line (as does every single protein line of food). DFA bases its reviews on meat content.

[Pitlove]

Cara, since your Dogue De Bordeaux is past the point of puppyhood, her body can correctly absorb calcium. Any skeletal or growth disorders that you dog might have would have already been apparent as they usually happen during their critical growth period. Something your dog is past.

I feed Fromm Gold Large Breed Adult to my pitbull. Its lower in protein than I prefer, but I don’t feed the recommended amount (I feed less because hes not as active right now) and he maintains his ideal weight. Also hes picky and this is a food he eats happily. No canned food or anything else on it to enhance flavor. Perhaps this could be a food that would work for her. The fat is lower too than the regular Adult formula which I liked.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 9 months ago by Pitlove.

[Pitlove]

“I have read that it’s actually not good to keep dogs on puppy food for too long, due to them causing growth at a much faster than normal rate which can lead to hip and other health problems. But opinion seems to be all over the board on this one.”

This is true ONLY if the food is NOT correctly formulated to meet the needs of a large breed puppy. There is nothing all over the place about that. That is why even if a food says “Large Breed Puppy” on it, I STILL email the company for the max amounts of calcium and phosphorus to make sure its actually safe. Fromm Gold Large Breed Puppy is and it is an excellent food and company at that. I would highly recommend it. If fact I’m feeding the Fromm Gold Large Breed Adult to my pitbull.

Your pup should be on the LBP food til hes a year old to play it safe. Their bodies can start absorbing calcium correctly at 10 months, but I think feeding them a good LBP food til a year is a lot better. Most people would say tranistion. I don’t need to for my dog, but I built up his stomachs health and strength. Fromm is an easy to tranisition to, easily digestiable food. If anything add a probiotic (LifeWay Kefir at Walmart is a good one) to the food if you don’t want to tranisition. It will add healthy bacteria to his gut and make him able to digest a new food easier.

[Pitlove]

All I can say personally is that I have heard there is research linking Green Tea Extract to toxicity in dogs. I haven’t seen the research myself. Many would say the dose makes the poison, as is true for dogs and chocolate. The Green Tea Extract in the Wellness foods tends to often be the last ingredient meaning it makes up the least amount of the food. They have their reasoning for its inclusion on their website if you care to read their side of it. I’ve forgotten what it says off the top of my head.

From what I’ve gathered others are also concerned about it containing caffeine. Again, I don’t know that there has been studies done long term with dog foods that contain trace amounts of it showing that it has toxic effects. Perhaps someone else knows and can link some of the research they have come across.

[Pitlove]

Also to add on to the credibility of Primal, they use veterinary nutritionists to formulate their food. This is confirmed by my vet who is a Science Diet fanatic because of the same reason. She feels that is an important quality for a dog food company to have. So, she does also like Primal.

[Pitlove]

I think losul gave you some good advice and good information about beef heart. The beef heart might be a little more expensive, but it sounds like its well worth it over chicken hearts. And I agree with C4C, a lot of people notice a big difference in their dogs overall health when fresh foods are added to their balanced kibble.

[Pitlove]

Hi Kevin- You’re right there is a lot of debate about whether or not yeast feeds off of carb heavy foods. I don’t think there is a concise answer out there as far as I know. I know that low glycemic foods are recommended for diabetic dogs, which obviously need to avoid carbs. IMO it is not going to hurt your dog to try to feed a low glycemic food to see if it controls yeast better.

Also regular bathing with an antifungal shampoo is what has made a noteable difference for my dog with some yeast problems.

[Pitlove]

Not sure about CoQ10, but I’ve heard Krill Oil is suppose to be for heart health

[Pitlove]

Hi Rebecca, welcome to the forums. I couldn’t find a review for it either. Seems as though Stop&Shop doesn’t provide a Guaranteed Anaylsis for this food. Dr. Mike might have went to go review it and was unable to find any info on it.

[Pitlove]

I second what C4D said and unforunatly the only senior food I’d recommend (kibble wise) is around 80$ a bag and thats Orijen Senior.

[Pitlove]

Classic pitbull, being excited when they see you 🙂 such wonderful dogs. I second what Jo said and wanted to wish you and your pittie the best of luck in dealing with his condition. I have a pit myself and he’s my world. I can’t imagine worrying I might lose him. Keep us updated.

[Pitlove]

Hi Dianna- What makes you think he doesn’t like the size of the kibble? Most of the kibbles that are for LBP’s are larger because the dogs mouth is larger. I feed Fromm Gold Large Breed Adult and the kibbles are a good size for my pitbull. The kibble is the same size for the Fromm Gold Large Breed Puppy. I can see Wellness being smaller because even though its appropriate for LBP’s its “marketed” for puppies in general which could also mean small breeds.

The Eukanuba LBP formula is actually not too bad and is correctly formulated for your Bull Mastiff pup, so if he is willing to eat that perhaps go back to what you know he likes.

My personal favorite LBP food is Fromm Gold LBP so its unfortunate that it didn’t work out for him.

[Pitlove]

Glad to hear it Chantelle. Hope you have continued success with the food.

[Pitlove]

Yes! Someone tell Dr. Mike!

[Pitlove]

Hi- A lot of customers at the small pet store I work at use the Primal Raw Meaty Bones (they are beef marrow bones) and we have yet to have an issue. Perhaps trying the beef would be better. Them splintering like that is definitely concerning and I would not try to feed that bone again.

As for her arthritis, make sure she has comfortable things to lay on and I would definitely suggest a supplement like this one: http://www.chewy.com/dog/naturvet-arthrisoothe-gold-hip-joint/dp/48764
Also is she still getting excersized? Its kinda like how they tell humans that they need to continue to excersize to keep their joints from stiffening when they get older. I think continueing regular excersize for older dogs is a good idea to keep the joints mobile. Obviously only do what she can handle, but it should help. Was she a rescue? She seems young even for a pit to be having arthritis.

[Pitlove]

New suggestion; upvotes on the forums cuz I totally would upvote both your posts

[Pitlove]

Brie- Sounds like a good idea, let us know if switching proteins helps at all and keep us updated.

I’m sure that once her discomfort goes down she will probably be in better spirits about meeting people (hopefully). I also really can not imagine why some guy would continue petting her when she was growling! WOW! Some people are just dense as can be. In my opinion, while she is in “retraining” and “resocializing” I don’t think for one second that it would be rude to tell someone how to approach her and to back off if shes feeling uncomfortable. The reason I say you should be stern with people is because we all know the stigma pitbulls have. I deal with it, even though my boy is super friendly. I’ve even just mentioned to people that I own a pitbull and they go “is he aggressive?” Depending on where you live, you could face some serious consequences if she were to be provoked enough to bite someone. In parts of Texas, there are shelters like the Houston SPCA that euthanizes any and all pitbull and pit mixes before giving them a chance for adoption. And of course as you know they are banned in some counties and parishes in certain states still. My point being do not hesitate to put someone in their place who is aggravating her before she does.

As for her ears, make sure you are doing regular cleanings with an ear wash. My boy used to get yeast infections and regular ear washings after his bath has eliminated them completely. Also my dog gets the same dime sized domes you’re talking about. I believe its a skin condition called seborrhea, though it has not been diagnosed. I have some of the anti-fungal vet shampoo still, but when I’m out I’m going to give this shampoo a try.
http://www.chewy.com/dog/veterinary-formula-clinical-care/dp/43539
have a look at it and see if it could work for your pup. And also look up seborrhea and see if that matches the discription of her problems. It sounds just like my boy and I think thats what he has.

[Pitlove]

How dare Aimee be in this thread!! Lol joking. Darn spammers making Dori look like shes crazy 😛

[Pitlove]

I think weezer might have thought you were Yorkieville on accident. He/She has a picture of a yorkie as their profile picture.

[Pitlove]

I know. Just thought it’d be funny to hear his answers. 🙂

[Pitlove]

Hi Bruno- I’m curious to know who is formulating your special pug food. Do they have any type of background in canine nutrition? I’m unaware of any special dietary requirements Pugs have that would require a breed specific food, so could you please explain your idea behind “California Gold Pug Food”? Pugs are small to medium sized dogs that are brachycephalic, with a variety of genetic and health problems they are predisposed to. How does your Pug specific food address those issues?

• This reply was modified 9 years, 9 months ago by Pitlove.
• This reply was modified 9 years, 9 months ago by Pitlove.

[Pitlove]

If it makes you feel more comfortable and because he needs to lose a lot of weight, you can certainly do it slowly so he doesn’t lose weight too fast. If he is 48 lbs try feeding him as though he’s 45 or 46 lbs and see how he does. Then just go from there. I would imagine that like with humans, a dog gaining weight or losing weight too fast wouldn’t be healthy so I think you have the right idea.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 10 months ago by Pitlove.

[Pitlove]

WellnessCORE Reduced Fat and the regular WellnessCORE are good ideas. I like the suggestion for Nature’s Variety as well. My dog didn’t like it, but it doesn’t mean it’s a bad food.

Are you feeding them for the weight they are currently? It sounds like you might be since you seem to be doing everything else right. If you are, that would mean that you are maintaining their current weight which is not what you want.

[Pitlove]

Very well said C4C. I know I’ve certainly felt that way.

[Pitlove]

My tips for weight loss are: feed for ideal weight, not current weight. Watch calories from all sources including treats. Also cutting back on treats if you give them often helps. No free feeding. Feed 2 meals a day (I feed 2 meals a day 12 hours apart). High protein and low carb/calorie helps as well, however my dog has been his ideal weight on foods I consider low protein (23%).

Edit: I should add that it doesn’t take a weight loss food to help a dog lose weight, but I’ve heard it can be beneficial to make sure the dogs nutritional needs are still being met.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 10 months ago by Pitlove.

[Pitlove]

Good luck! Hope everything works out for your guy. Great that they didn’t do a steroid.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 10 months ago by Pitlove.

[Pitlove]

Well, it’s still good information to have that those 2 are actually ok for large breeds. Though I would never recommend them over my other favorite LBP foods.

Best of luck with Orijen! It’s an excellent food.

[Pitlove]

Since you tried different proteins and he is still having diaherra, look at the carb source (rice, peas, potatoes etc) and see if they are the same in both the TotW recipes. I believe TotW mainly uses peas, so consider that he is intolerant to peas and try a food that does not contain them. I know you want to do grain free, but because you know he can handle chicken and rice, try a food that is chicken and rice based. Or at least find a grain free food that does not use peas as the carb source.

[Pitlove]

Brushing your dogs teeth is the best way to clean the teeth. Others on here use Raw Meaty Bones. I’ve tried them, but my dog gets confused on how to eat them. He has an Elk Antler he chews on regularly and because of the way he chews it, its similar to a Raw Meaty Bone and I feel that the antler, along with his regular teeth brushings has helped keep his teeth in good condition.

[Pitlove]

It is possible that she has become intolerant to something in the food. My suggestion is switching to another brand that makes limited ingredient diets with a single protein and carb source. Since she has been eating a grain inclusive food try something grain free and without any chicken. I would also add a probiotic to her new food 1) to help tranistion over to it and 2) to help calm her stomach down and add some healthy bacteria to it

Zignature Lamb Limited Ingredient could be a good one if shes never had lamb before:
http://www.chewy.com/dog/zignature-lamb-limited-ingredient/dp/36736

See if there is any improvement on the new LID food. Tranisition her over slow, maybe even longer than 7-10 days. If after she’s eating the new food and she is still throwing up, I would take her to a vet. Could be something besides the food.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 10 months ago by Pitlove.

[Pitlove]

i went to go try to contact them myself and see if I’d get an answer and they want my address and phone number and all this info. No thanks…

[Pitlove]

very smart move to avoid TotW if they wouldn’t out right give you the as fed levels. they should have no problem providing that information if what they say is true.

orijen puppy large is a good choice as well since they finally re formulated the food to be appropriate for LBPs. it was not some years ago. honestly better to avoid taste of the wild anyway because it’s manufactured by Diamond.

[Pitlove]

Yeast infections in the ears are very easily managed with regular cleaning of the ears with an ear wash. My dog has had one yeast infection in his ears and not a single one after that with regular ear cleanings.

[Pitlove]

Michael- Thank you for being a responsible LBP owner. As far as I know TotW is NOT formulated appropriately for a large breed. What you can do however to confirm that, is email them as ask for their as fed levels of calcium and phosphorus and put it into this calculator

/best-dog-foods/best-large-breed-puppy-food/

If it comes in at a ratio of 1.5:1 or higher it is not safe.

Two foods I love that I will recommend to you that ARE formulated correctly for a LBP are Fromm Gold LBP and Precise Holistic Complete Large/Giant Breed Puppy.

[Pitlove]

My vet and I had talked about the constant licking because my dog does that as well. She said paws usually is associated with environmental allergies and butt is associated with a food intolerance. Mine licks his butt and has bad gas when he eats beef. If I don’t feed him anything with beef he’s fine.

[Pitlove]

You have some good information on your site. One thing I’ve realized about my dog and probably others is that they could be more like people than we think in terms of food. I know I personally do not like the taste of certain foods (even some junk foods) and I would imagine that some dogs pickiness has to do with that as well. My dog is picky and refused to eat just about any food I put in front of him without canned. However, with the current food hes eating he loves it and has been eating it for 3 weeks without canned. Keep in mind my dog has never had cheap quality food, and I actually did at one point feed him a food with animal digest and he didn’t like it either.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 10 months ago by Pitlove.

[Author]

Posts