Your Questions About Organic Dog Food Sensitive Stomachs
Sandy asks…
What is a good dog food to feed a 2 year old Boston Terrier with dry skin and a sensitive stomach?
admin answers:
Natural Balance Ultra Premium Dog Food
Actor Dick Van Patten’s line of Natural Balance dog food is expensive, but reviews say its ingredients are the best you can buy for your dog (aside from making your own homemade dog food). Notable for its organic ingredients, quality meats and lack of by-products, the top ingredients in Natural Balance dry dog food include chicken, brown rice, duck, lamb meal, oatmeal, pearled barley, potatoes and chicken fat, supplemented with healthy extras like whole ground flaxseed, dried kelp and vitamins, the flaxseed should help with dry skin.
Richard asks…
what is the best dogie food in stores?
would like to change, she’s using Pedigree at the moment and i like it a lot for her ( but ) not sure if that’s the best option.
admin answers:
Grocery store dog food or pet store dog food?
Most grocery store dog foods are about the same.
Pedigree is ok along those lines.
However it and the other grocery store foods are not premium foods and are filled with nasty things, and fillers.
Here is an article, be warned, after reading it you may never buy grocery store dog food again.
Http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aua8_e86SfcQtZoX4bDx2yzL7BR.;_ylv=3?qid=20090520142033AATh6mU
Some of the top premium dog foods are
Merrick
Solid Gold
Blue Buffalo
Here is a great website that tells you how to rate your dog food, AND has some ratings of a lot of foods so that you can compare.
Http://www.bulldogbreeds.com/discuss/viewtopic.php?t=642
And here are the ones that are scored
94-100+ = A
86-93 = B
78-85 = C
70-77 = D
<70 = F
Here are some foods that have already been scored. If you don't see your dog's food here, ask and someone will score it for you.
Dog Food scores:
Alpo Prime Cuts / Score 81 C
Artemis Large/Medium Breed Puppy / Score 114 A+
Authority Harvest Baked / Score 116 A+
Authority Harvest Baked Less Active / Score 93 B
Beowulf Back to Basics / Score 101 A+
Bil-Jac Select / Score 68 F
Blackwood 3000 Lamb and Rice / Score 83 C
Blue Buffalo Chicken and Rice / Score 106 A+
Burns Chicken and Brown Rice / Score 107 A+
Canidae / Score 112 A+
Chicken Soup Senior / Score 115 A+
Diamond Maintenance / Score 64 F
Diamond Lamb Meal & Rice / Score 92 B
Diamond Large Breed 60+ Formula / Score 99 A
Diamond Performance / Score 85 C
Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Ultra Premium / Score 122 A+
Dick Van Patten�s Natural Balance Venison and Brown Rice / Score 106 A+
Dick Van Patten's Duck and Potato / Score 106 A+
EaglePack Holistic / Score 102 A+
Eukanuba Adult / Score 81 C
Eukanuba Puppy / Score 79 C
Flint River Senior / Score 101 A+
Foundations / Score 106 A+
Hund-n-Flocken Adult Dog (lamb) by Solid Gold / Score 93 B
Iams Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Premium / Score 73 D
Innova Dog / Score 114 A+
Innova Evo / Score 114 A+
Innova Large Breed Puppy / Score 122 A+
Kirkland Signature Chicken, Rice, and Vegetables / Score 110 A+
Member�s Mark Chicken and Rice / Score 84 C
Merrick Wilderness Blend / Score 127 A+
Nature�s Recipe / Score 100 A
Nature�s Recipe Healthy Skin Venison and Rice / Score 116 A+
Nature�s Variety Raw Instinct / Score 122 A+
Nutra Nuggets Super Premium Lamb Meal and Rice / Score 81 C
Nutrience Junior Medium Breed Puppy / Score 101 A+
Nutrisource Lamb and Rice / Score 87 B
Nutro Max Adult / Score 93 B
Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Rice / Score 98 A
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy / Score 87 B
Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Wheat Free / Score 86 B
Nutro Natural Choice Senior / Score 95 A
Nutro Ultra Adult / Score 104 A+
Pet Gold Adult with Lamb & Rice / Score 23 F
Premium Edge Chicken, Rice and Vegetables Adult Dry / Score 109 A+
Pro Nature Puppy / Score 80 C
Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach / Score 94 A
Purina Benful / Score 17 F
Purina Dog / Score 62 F
Purina Come-n-Get It / Score 16 F
Purina One Large Breed Puppy / Score 62 F
Royal Canin Boxer / Score 103 A+
Royal Canin Bulldog / Score 100 A+
Royal Canin Natural Blend Adult / Score 106 A+
Science Diet Advanced Protein Senior 7+ / Score 63 F
Science Diet for Large Breed Puppies / Score 69 F
Sensible Choice Chicken and Rice / Score 97 A
Solid Gold / Score 99 A
Summit / Score 99 A
Timberwolf Organics Wild & Natural Dry / Score 120 A+
Wellness Super5 Mix Chicken / Score 110 A+
Wolfking Adult Dog (bison) by Solid Gold / Score 97 A
Laura asks…
Has your dog experienced stomach upset on Blue Buffalo food?
My vet said that some of her clients have a difficult time digesting organic foods and I noticed that since I began transitioning my puppy from her old food to Blue, her stools are often loose. Have you experienced this, and if so what other food would you suggest that isn’t necessarily organic?
admin answers:
ORGANIC just means it was grown with NO chemicals that is the only difference. From other food. ..any dog can tolerate organic.There is nothing in organic that is not in the non organic ‘regular’ food. Actually non-organic can have chemicals and treatments in or on it. It is the individual ingredients that a dog might be sensitive to. THE vet that said that about organic food is out of his mind…. Try a food with no grains, Like HONEST KITCHEN or ORIJEN 6-fish both are great. Most dogs cannot tolerate much grain and maybe the new food has too much grain and less real meat.(not by products or ‘chicken meal’ which is crap) …Grains just rot inside the dogs stomach they are very hard for a dog to digest and most cant., and they cause gas and loose stools etc. Corn is especially hard on dogs .
BUT it is NORMAL for a dog to get loose stool when you transition them too quickly to a new food. Some have loose stool til on the new food for a week or more before it firms up again.( you can add 1/4 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix!) to her food that can help firm it up while you are changing the food. It should take about a week (at least) to wean her off the old food and get the new food started completely. Try putting 3/4 of the old food and 1/4 new mixed for the first 2 days then 1/2 and 1/2 for a few days then 3/4 new and 1/4 old for a few days then all new. Some dogs can tolerate the change better if you do it gradually
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Castor & Pollux Organix Turkey, Carrot and Potato Adult Dog Food, 12.7 Ounce Cans (Pack of 12)
 | Twenty years ago, Brian Connolly and Shelley Gunton saw an opportunity to make high quality, healthy food for dogs and cats. As pet parents, they understood how people truly consider their dogs and cats to be members of their family-and are always seeking better quality products for their pets. That was the beginning of Castor & Pollux Natural PetWorks. We assembled a team of experts in animal nutrition, organic and natural ingredients, processing, packaging, distribution, veterinary medicine, a | |
| Read more |  | |
Your Questions About Dog Training Boulder
Nancy asks…
La Costa / Encinitas – Where do you go to let your dog off leash?
We recently moved to back to Encinitas from Colorado and can only find two places in Encinitas/La Costa that allow off leash dogs: Orpheus Park and Viewpoint Park. But those parks are only during certain hours on certain dates. We are used to taking our well trained, well socialized dog to any number of dog parks in Boulder. My dog is very active and needs exercise everyday! So are there any unofficial areas that people take their dogs? Thanks
admin answers:
Go to dog beach in Del Mar or Coronado!
Ken asks…
where are some good places to hike with my dog around Denver metro area?
We like moderate level hiking and enjoy 3 to 5 mile long total (round trip)
admin answers:
Wow – where to start. If you want to hike in the city, go to any bike store and get a copy of the Denver Bicycle Touring Club map. Highline, Cherry Creek and Bear Creek are some of my favorites. Do keep the dog on a fairly short leash, bring a poop bag, and listen for bikes. Nothing worse than zipping along at 15 miles an hour and see a dog on one side and the owner on the other with a leash between them.
If you want more mountain hiking, try Jeffco Open Space. They have dozens of great hiking trails from moderate to steep, but again on leash please. Http://jeffco.us/openspace/index.htm
My favorite are the Boulder Off Leash parks. Your dog must be obedience trained and have a special tag but Boulder has miles of great trails where you can legally walk off leash with the dog. Http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3051&Itemid=411
Richard asks…
where should you not go in las vegas with family/children?
any advice to stay away from encounters with prostitutes, gamblers, druggies, majorly drunk guys/women? we have young children and we’re going to vegas for the first time and im kinda concerned.
admin answers:
First…YES…my advice IS to have your kids/family stay away from prostitutes, gambling (well too much!), druggies(?), and majorly drunk people!!!
You would typically only encounter those people within the casino bars where any ‘working girls’ typically hang and when/where you’ll find any ‘excessively’ drunk people (bars/nightclubs are also in that proximity…but you, or at least your ‘young children’ will either be asleep, in your room, or somewhere else other than the casino area at that time anyway: clubs open at 10pm at the earliest!)
The ‘cards’ that are handed out along the sidewalks of Las Vegas Blvd (the strip) are easy to intercept. The private parts covered up in bikinis/stars/etc and 99.?% of the time are only handed out to ADULTS or large kids that look close to 18. They don’t want parents punching them out, or legal problems (The mayor’s been fighting them legally for years!).
“!” have been raising two very moral young boys in Henderson/Las Vegas just fine (I’ve lived here for nearly 20 years!). Granted we don’t hang out in casinos though we have gone to their pools, shows, shopping centers, Secret Garden, Gameworks, Circus Circus, etc…all the places you would be going. You will be fine.
I WOULD say, avoid the front of the Riviera hotel, but you have no reason to go there, nothing kid oriented at that property at all. (It has sculptures of women’s backsides sticking out of the exterior wall, advertising their ‘Crazy Girls’ show.) and you should probably avoid the Mandalay Bay’s restaurant/dining section (the furthest side) where there is a sculpture of a woman’s bust sticking out of the wall (many tourists, men AND women, pose next to it). Beyond that, and trying to sneak them into a nightclub/bar…you should be fine EVERYWHERE ELSE in town.
Next…I’ll start with clearing up the ‘false’ info others have given out…
*****Drinking is legal, just as everywhere else in America,..only for those over 21, NOT in ANY vehicle…and NOT in a backseat(!) of any vehicle. It is also illegal, just as with any other city in the USA, to be excessively intoxicated/drunk in public. The ONLY place walking down the street while drinking is allowed…is along the strip between the resort properties (The Strip)…anywhere else, ILLEGAL.
*****Prostitution is NOT LEGAL in Las Vegas…not even within Clark County which contains Las Vegas & “the Strip”. (The closest county where prostitution is legal is 45 mins -1 hour away).
*****Circus Circus is NOT the only hotel setup with stuff for kids…
Beyond that…
Vegas has TONS of things for kids…depending on their ages…here’s a LIST of “Family Friendly Stuff” in Vegas….
Shark Reef (Mandalay Bay) (again, watchout for the wall sculpture, it’s easy to block once you know it’s there…LOL)
The Lion King show/play (Mandalay Bay)
Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo (Flamingo Hotel across from Caesar’s)
“The magic and tigers of Rick Thomas”…(Sahara)
The Secret Garden…(Siegfried & Roy! So LIVE dolphins, tigers, lions, and more!)
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas…(Venetian)
The rides at the Stratosphere, for the bravest amongst you!
Visiting the Hoover Dam as a family is an excellent idea…(Hoover Dam, Boulder City, NV)
and OF COURSE…experiencing Circus Circus..their Adventure Dome rides, shows etc are a great fun time!
Extra/Bonus ideas…
***Gregory Popovich’s Comedy Pet Theater (Starts around $10/ticket…very funny, trained dogs and Cats!…that he has rescued from shelters!) We have booked this show for a corporate event of all adults (Vet industry!) and they loved it and were Amazed!)…(Planet Hollywood)
***Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden…(Mirage Hotel) The white tigers (two new tiger cubs!), white Lions(!), dolphins, etc should not be missed by any kids visiting Vegas!
***Don’t forget the pools…the only place(s) that can beat Vegas Hotel Pools…are ‘some’ water parks..and some properties here have up to 5 pools inter-laced with lazy rivers (bring your own inflatable tubes/rafts and save some good bucks…don’t blow them up till your in the pool area, easier to carry and won’t count as luggage on a plane! LOL!!!
***Gameworks for kids into video games and ‘party food’ stuff (Just outside of the MGM Grand)
***Coca Cola world next to the M&M world! (Just outside of the MGM Grand)
&
***”IF” you are a “daring” group of family members…you could try “Vegas Indoor Skydiving”…it’s NOT CHEAP…but a VERY Unique experience!
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Castor & Pollux Organix Small Breed Adult Dog Food, 4.25 Pound Bag
 | Twenty years ago, Brian Connolly and Shelley Gunton saw an opportunity to make high quality, healthy food for dogs and cats. As pet parents, they understood how people truly consider their dogs and cats to be members of their family-and are always seeking better quality products for their pets. That was the beginning of Castor & Pollux Natural PetWorks. We assembled a team of experts in animal nutrition, organic and natural ingredients, processing, packaging, distribution, veterinary medicine, a | |
| Read more |  | |
Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix Dry Puppy Food, 15 Pound Bag
 | Twenty years ago, Brian Connolly and Shelley Gunton saw an opportunity to make high quality, healthy food for dogs and cats. As pet parents, they understood how people truly consider their dogs and cats to be members of their family-and are always seeking better quality products for their pets. That was the beginning of Castor & Pollux Natural PetWorks. We assembled a team of experts in animal nutrition, organic and natural ingredients, processing, packaging, distribution, veterinary medicine, a | |
| Read more | | |
Castor & Pollux Organix Turkey, Carrot and Potato Adult Dog Food, 12.7 Ounce Cans (Pack of 12)
| Twenty years ago, Brian Connolly and Shelley Gunton saw an opportunity to make high quality, healthy food for dogs and cats. As pet parents, they understood how people truly consider their dogs and cats to be members of their family-and are always seeking better quality products for their pets. That was the beginning of Castor & Pollux Natural PetWorks. We assembled a team of experts in animal nutrition, organic and natural ingredients, processing, packaging, distribution, veterinary medicine, a | |
| Read more | | |
Your Questions About Organic Dog Food Coupons
Susan asks…
question about dog food?
My dog is a german shepherd/rottweiler mix she is about 70 lbs. And she is 1 1/2 years old. I was wondering what would be the best brand of dog food for her? Because I really want her to live a long and happy life.
also she has a sensative stomach and she sometimes pukes when she eats. Is their a certain kind of dog food that would be good for that? thanks
admin answers:
I’m very happy that you are concerned about what food to feed her, some owners just go out and buy any random food they have a coupon for.
When you’re looking for a good dog food, look at the ingredients. There should be sources of meat (chicken, lamb, bison, fish, etc.) listed as the first few ingredients. If the first ingredient isn’t a source of meat, don’t buy it. There should be no corn, artificial colors, or artificial flavorings like sugar or corn syrup. Here’s a list of ingredients to avoid in dog food: http://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=badingredients
Here’s a list of some high quality dog foods:
Wellness
Solid Gold
Innova
Orijen
Canidae
Merrick
California Natural
EVO
Nature’s Variety
Fromm
Artemis
Timberwolf Organics
Taste Of The Wild
Chicken Soup For The Pet Lover’s Soul
Blue Buffalo
Any food that is rated anywhere from 3-6 stars at this website- http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/
====================================
Stay away from these foods:
Foods you find in the grocery store
Purina
Iams
Ol’ Roy
Hill’s Science Diet
Pedigree
Beneful
Kibbles ‘N’ Bits
Royal Canin
Any food that is rated 2 stars and below at the link posted above.
Best of luck!!! ♥
Add: Apricot Toy Poodle- Vets are paid to advertise what they are selling in office, which are usually crappy foods.
Richard asks…
organic food for my puppy?
well, my puppy is a little over a month old.
and i feed her pedigree. but i researched on it and found out that pedigree isn’t so good after all..
i hear that organic food is great for them.
what kind of organic food would be good?
& by the way, why is pedigree sooo bad ?
admin answers:
We give our shih tzu Blue Buffalo. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula (dry food) does not use animal by-products and their gluten-free recipes do not contain any artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Their food also does not have corn, wheat or soy, which have been known to trigger allergies.
You can go to the website: http://www.bluebuff.com and read more about the products they have. You can also request a free sample (and a $3 coupon) so you can see if your dog is going to like it before you buy a larger bag.
Their treats and canned food were on the recall list so I don’t recommend those.
You can also check this website for higher quality foods:
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/
Sharon asks…
What kind of natural / holistic / organic dog foods would you recommend?
My dog currently eats beneful, its the only brand he has eaten and I want to change his food to something more healthy. He does throw up every once in a while due to him not being able to digest some of the ingredients properly. I read that beneful, pedigree, the more “well known” dog foods contain ingredients that isn’t necessarily healthy and that they are just to used as fillers. I was thinking about switching his food to Karma organic or any of these on this website – http://www.naturapet.com/. Any thoughts or other recommendations?
admin answers:
Wellness super5mix
its natural with no corn, by product or fillers
high quality 5 star rated brand
i have my dogs on wellness n they never looked better
and if u join the mailing club at wellnesspetfood.com they send out coupons every month
good luck!
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Castor & Pollux Organix Small Breed Grain-Free Adult Dog Food, 4.25 Pound Bag
 | Twenty years ago, Brian Connolly and Shelley Gunton saw an opportunity to make high quality, healthy food for dogs and cats. As pet parents, they understood how people truly consider their dogs and cats to be members of their family-and are always seeking better quality products for their pets. That was the beginning of Castor & Pollux Natural PetWorks. We assembled a team of experts in animal nutrition, organic and natural ingredients, processing, packaging, distribution, veterinary medicine, a | |
| Read more | | |
Your Questions About Dog Training Denver
Sharon asks…
Where is the best place to live in the usa if you are into dogs?
Schutzhund, Ring, Personal Protection, AKC obedience, etc. I know lots of people travel long distance to train dogs (if they can with lots of money … it would be best if you lived in the area where good dog trainers and great vets lived in your area. Which part of the US is known as ” dog state” ?
admin answers:
Denver, Colorado.
John asks…
Where can I buy a ferret from a pet store in Colorado?
I live in the denver area. Not really interested in adoption.
admin answers:
Lets talk about adopting instead of purchasing through a pet store.
Advantages: Shelter workers have had a chance to see what the personality of the ferret is like. (looking for a snuggler, a thief, a sleeper or something in between?) They probably have assessed the medical issues (if any) and treated or started treatment (just like cars, a new one can be a ‘lemon’ while a used one usually has some history attached to it).
They probably have worked on any issues such as biting, fear, chewing etc. A ferret who has started to learn is easier to train than one who hasn’t started. Biggest advantage: at some point in their life, they’ve been let down by a human owner…..you can turn their experience around.
Do you really think that a pet store ferret (normally very young) has had any proper training, any proper handling (other than a finger stuck through the cage?), any proper food (most pet store sell crap food, honestly. Most shelters use better food than you give your cat or dog)?
I mean, why would you spend big bucks at a store when you can usually get a ferret much cheaper (also the cage and supplies) from a shelter? Perhaps you don’t wish to submit to the ‘ferret proofing’ checklists and background check that most shelters will do to protect the interests of the ferrets. Most shelters see their animals as victims of abuse they must protect and seek a better life for. Most pet stores see their animals a a commodity they must make the maximum profit on. If you can’t provide a hazard free home for the ferret then you shouldn’t own one..bottom line. PLEASE research ferrets before you purchase them…they are NOT a pet like a rabbit or even a cat. They need to exercise (NOT IN A CAGE) and need mental stimulation. They like human interaction. They are WORK…they make messes, and will frustrate the h*ll out of you when they tear your house apart….but they will melt your heart every time you see and play with them. OH YES…they don’t smell MUCH—but their urine does, so unless you plan on cleaning their litter pan/ messes up daily, don’t get a ferret. Did I mention work?
I love our 9 ferrets. I wouldn’t trade them for anything. They take a lot of work, and it just ticks me off when people buy one thinking it’s just like a hamster they can keep caged up all day, and clean the cage once a week. Look at it this way…
If you’d like to stay in your bedroom all day, every day, and poo in the corner for a week, then go ahead. But a ferret doesn’t deserve the same thing. Before you purchase a ferret, call up a shelter in your area and ask to see some ferrets first. Go look at someone’s home. Too smelly? To ferret proofed? Get a good look at what life is like with a ferret before you buy one, decide he’s not what you thought he’d be, and then take him back or abandon him. News flash, domesticated ferrets WILL die if abandoned outside.
Most ferrets are abandoned or surrendered because their owners DID NOT do the research on what they were getting into. If you think a pet store ferret is going to come home with you the first day and lick your fingers like a puppy, then please don’t buy one. You couldn’t be further from the truth.
Mandy asks…
How do i get my puppy to come to me everytime i call?
My puppy hasn’t started puppy classes yet as there is a set 6 weeks programme. I want her to start learning now though as she is already 13 weeks. She knows the basics sit etc but she doesn’t always come to me when I call especially when she is distracted. Anyone have any training techniques for this?
admin answers:
First imprint yourself on your puppy. Do this by cupping your hand around his muzzle and very gently blowing your breath on his nose. Let her become accustom to your smell. Do this 4 or 5 times each day for about a month more if need be. Place clothing you have worn but not washed in her bed where she sleeps. (change it out every couple of days)
/
Then when you talk to her or call her do it in a normal tone and not harsh unless she is in danger of being injured. Teach her such words as “come” or “come here” and point to where you want her to come. When she does this reward her with a treat or petting her telling her she is a “good girl!” with enthusiasm.
/
I trained my dog to know about 15 or 20 commands today when “free” he never goes more than about 50 feet from me usually about 10 feet. He “stays” on command instantly. I very seldom have to raise my voice to him unless he is in danger of being injured. I have been told by hundreds of people he is the most well mannered dog they have ever seen.
/
When he does something bad which is very seldom or when someone comes in the door and he would be in the way he has a command that sends him immediately to his bed. I learned this from my uncle with his dogs. He told his dogs to, “Get in Texas” and that pup would run and get in its bed and stay until called. I have trained my pup to, “Get in Denver” he goes and gets in. My dog has never been caged because he was taught from a puppy how to act and what to do. It takes time but well worth the effort.
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Your Questions About Organic Dog Food
Betty asks…
What is the best dog food for a rottweiler puppy?
I have a 4 month old German rottweiler puppy who has a very dull coat and is not very energetic. I want to switch to an organic/natural dog food but I also want it to be for large breeds (to keep up with her growth). Help! I do not know what to get! I have been feeding Science Diet Large Breed Lamb and Rice, but she doesn’t like it and it hasn’t helped with the coat. Am at my wits end.
admin answers:
I use Eagle Pack Holistic for Large and Giant breeds for my mastiffs. It gives them a shiny coat, they all have good muscle tone, and the puppy food is specially formulated ofr large breed pups so it doesn’t have too much protein.
Steven asks…
What kind of food should I feed my 2 year old Frenchie?
I have always fed him castor & pollux organix dog food but recently he has had skin issues (almost like hives) and he is licking his paws. This is an organic dog food but i am guessing he is allergic to something. Can anyone recomend a good dog food for this breed and condition?
admin answers:
Castor and pollux is a middle grade food, not bad, just there are better foods out there. I would go for wellness core, evo, orijen, taste of the wild, solid gold barking at the moon, or other grain free food, or a homemade diet of boiled chicken for a few weeks, I prefer to keep rice optional and it has to be brown rice if you are going to feed rice.
If the allergies persist after the 4 weeks of boiled chicken, the allergies are not all caused by food, although most are so I highly doubt your pup will need to see the vet if his food is switched to grain free or higher quality. At that point I would seek a holistic vet that isnt going to put your dog on meds that cover up the symptoms.
Www.dogfoodproject.com can help you with all the other stuff you want to avoid in dog food, but to get the good food, a feed store or pet boutique will be your first stop. I would ask what grain free foods they have and then pick from those. With some dogs, grain free is too rich and their poo is loose. If your dogs poo is loose after a week, try lowering the amount you are feeding by 1/4 cup per day and mixing in plain mashed pumpkin. The amount on the bag/website is typically too much anyway, but always start with that, then increase/decrease as needed.
I have also heard people have an issue with their dogs weight once they get it down to the right amount for solid poo. If this happens, I recommend adding boiled or raw chicken to his food(feed raw separately from kibble, preferably a 4 to 5 hours before the kibble is fed). If that does not help him add on weight, I suggest seeing a canine nutritionist or asking this forum: www.bigdogsporch.com Many have dealt with that issue on the forum so they will definitely give you some advice.
Chris asks…
Any thoughts on BLUE Organic Dog Food?
I recently switched my dog (two year old German Shepherd) from Purina to BLUE Organic Dog food, and I was wondering if it is as good as it claims to be. Any thoughts from people who have or do feed their dog BLUE??
I feed him the Blue Adult Life Protection Formula – Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe.
admin answers:
If you mean the blue stuff in the shiny foil bag with the wolf on the front , yes its very good……But oh my god its expensive.
Try some taste of the wild, its just as good if not better and costs a lot less.
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Your Questions About Dog Training Colorado
Mary asks…
Are there any Public access service dog test evaluators around the area of Colorado Springs, CO?
I was wondering if there are any service dog public access test evaluators around the area of Colorado Springs, CO. If there are, do you charge money for the evaluation? I have been diagnosed with severe social anxiety, and I fear going out in public, so I thought that having my dog Toby would help. He has already passed the CGC test a few years back, and is super well behaved.
admin answers:
Like “Lil_Farfa” said, you can’t just bring your pet out with you no matter how well-behaved he is. In order for a dog to legally be a service dog (in the U.S.), it must be trained to do something that helps you that is directly related to your disability. A dog for emotional support, its presence, comfort, petting it, looking at it, companionship, etc. Is not a service dog – this is clearly stated in the law.
If you are disabled AND your dog does a trained task/trained work specifically for your disability (i.e. If you have a panic attack, the dog is able to safely lead you away from the situation because during a panic attack you zone out/freeze and cannot do so yourself; a guide dog does guide work; a mobility dog does mobility work) AND your dog behaves impeccably/invisibly in public (which is much more than the CGC test measures, as that test is meant for well-behaved pets and service dogs are on a completely different level of behavior and temperament than that), then your dog is a service dog that can be taken in public places. Anything short of that is breaking the law.
If you are disabled, you can have your dog evaluated to see if he has what it takes to become a service dog after much training (6-12 months) and, if he passes, have him trained to help you. If he is too old (you said he passed the CGC a few years ago, so it might not be worth training him at his age) or doesn’t have what it takes to be a service dog, you could try finding another dog to be your service dog.
Do note that a service dog can actually make your Social Anxiety Disorder WORSE, not better, due to the access challenges of stores/restaurants/etc. That are guaranteed to sometimes happen as well as every time you go out, you’ll get: lots of questions from the public, the public trying to distract your dog by petting/talking to/etc. It, lots of people staring at you and making comments to their companions about you (for real – not imagined like SAD can make you feel is happening), etc. The plus is that you’ll be forced to interact with the public because of your dog, but that will happen even when you are feeling extremely anxious or just want to run a “quick errand” (there’s no such thing with a service dog at your side!). I have SAD, so completely understand it. It can be hard to go out with my service dog (who is not for SAD, but for other disabilities) sometimes.
Have you first explored other therapies, like talk therapy; using a stress ball in your pocket; medications; exercise/stretching (or yoga, if you believe in it); breathing techniques; etc.? These should be explored first before trying a service dog and can still be used in conjunction with a service dog if there is one in your future.
John asks…
Does anyone know of apartments that allow pit bulls in colorado?
I have been looking for an apartment but I have not had any luck finding ones without pet restrictions =(.. my dog is so loving and it’s unfortunate that everyone has to suffer since some people don’t know how to raise thier pets. If anyone does know of a place around the northglenn, thornton and westminister area that allows them please let me know. Thank you so much!!
admin answers:
I don’t know of any specific apartments in your area. But, I have two pit bulls and over the past ten years I have lived in three different places that were rentals. So, while you may have your work cut out for you, it’s not impossible to find a place to rent. Sometimes you need to be a bit of a sales person. Sometimes, it’s all in the approach you take. Here are some thoughts:
1. Try not to have the pet conversation over the phone with a prospective landlord. Go meet them. If they like you, it will be a little harder to say no to your face. Bring a very cute picture of your dog with you.
2. If the landlord is at all receptive, bring your dog to meet him/her. Make sure your dog is immaculate. Ideally, it’s obedience trained and you can demonstrate this at the meeting. If your dog has an obedience certificate, CGC or titles–bring those as well. If your dog does any kind of therapy or compassionate visiting bring a letter from the agency you volunteer for.
3. Put the landlord’s mind at ease about potential property damage. If you don’t already, start crating your dog when you aren’t home. Assure the landlord your dog will not be loose in the house when you’re not there. Offer to have the landlord see where you are living now if that’s practical. Offer an extra pet deposit.
Insurance can be a sticking point for some. Insurance companies that restrict coverage based on a dog’s breed often have 10 breeds or more they won’t cover: Dobermans, German Shepherds, Akitas, Chows are commonly on the list as well as Pit Bulls. Some landlords feel that just eliminates too many potential tenants and they either shop for other insurance or ignore the restrictions altogether.
Good luck in your search.
David asks…
Where to certify my husbands dog as a service in utah?
My husband has bi-polar disorder and I would like to get Daisy certified as a service dog, where in utah can I get her the training needed for this?
Every apartment and house I have looked for and i can not find any that accept pets. My husband would be heartbroken if he had to give Daisy up. What do I do???
admin answers:
If Daisy already provides him help to calm down at home… Then she is already an Emotional Needs Dog & housing must recognize his right to have his Emotional Needs Dog with him in the home
He will need to talk with his doctor & get his doctor to write a prescription about Daisy being an Emotional Needs Dog and briefly describe how Daisy helps
Service Dogs are given broader access than Emotional Support Dogs
The best way to find a SD trainer is to see who Delta Society has listed
See if this link will work for you… This is an SD trainer in Utah that is listed in Delta Society’s database
http://www.deltasociety.org/page.aspx?pid=453&reid=p%2bP6agK6Fdo%3d&bbsys=0&bbrt=0
I have a friends.. A couple in Colorado who helps asses Service Dog candidates & also help provide knowledgeable support for owner-training support — I would highly recommend you contact Marcia & Patrick to see what they can help you with & if they know of owner-training resources in your area
http://www.tinkers-dream.org/
When you talk to Marcia… Let her know Remie sent you to her (see my AV? That is my SD Remie)
Feel free to email me for on-going conversation or more info… I am set up for email in Yahoo Answers — I would email you, but you are not set up for email
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Wellness Canned Cat Food, Turkey and Salmon Recipe, 5-1/2-Ounce Cans, 24-Pack
 | Wet Cat FoodHydration is extremely important to a cat's overall health. Since cats do not have a strong thirst drive, it is important for a cat to ingest water with his or her food. Wellness wet cat recipes are a delicious and healthy way to increase your cat's moisture intake. Wellness Canned Cat RecipesWellness Canned Recipes provide sources of protein and essential fatty acids. They’re made with high quality proteins and are free of added growth hormones and steroids. Recipes also include i | |
| Read more | | |
Your Questions About Organic Dog Food Sensitive Stomachs
Ken asks…
Precautions when switching my dog to a raw food diet?
I’m thinking of trying a raw food diet for my dog for the first time. I understand that dogs are much more resistant than humans when it comes to parasites and bacteria which may be in the raw meat. What are some precautions that I can take? I heard soaking the meet in apple cider vinegar for a bit will take care of any parasites, etc. Thanks.
admin answers:
You don’t have to soak it in anything. I just wash the dog and cats meat like I do mine. Run it under cold water for a few seconds. After they are done eating you can wipe up their area with 50%white vinegar and 50% water. My dog with a sensitive stomach has never had a problem with bacteria. We tested apple cider vinegar for riding of ecoli bacteria in my biology lab and it did very poorly and if you were to use apple cider vinegar you want it to be raw and organic.
EDIT: Vets hardly know anything about dogs diets and raw chicken, pork, beef, fish, bison, lamp, goat etc can be fed with no problem. The bones clean the teeth without brushing. Their is no risk with raw unless you don’t feed it correctly.
Betty asks…
Why has my 6 month old boxer puppy stopped eating hard food?
She will still eat moist dog treats, chicken, and cheese, but not her regular food. Also, she has diarrhea, but that might be from not eating the right foods. Any ideas?
admin answers:
Having 2 boxers and raising two litters, I can tell you that an occasional treat is fine but they have very sensitive stomachs and then gas; I would stick to one type of food and leave all treats alone for awhile; I feed mine Newman’s Own Organic dog food; diarrhea is probably from the treats and not regular foods; all dogs will get an upset tummy from time to time but with boxers you have to watch what you give them; food changes need to be done slowly and your dog is the best indicator of something not right; water is up to the dog as to how much and is not detrimental in any way ; water doesn’t cause diarrhea ; diarrhea is a loss of fluids so they need the water to compensate; boxers are a great dog with a fussy tummy and prone to gas and upset so watch what you feed. Good luck and enjoy puppy, socialize and train; they love to learn tricks and learn quickly; they love to run and explore and of course be a part of the family daily.
If you feed table scraps , they are smart to know that dog food isn’t as good and will not eat the dog food to get the good stuff; they are smart smart smart. – can’t blame them for trying
Richard asks…
What do you feed your Jack Russell Terrier?
I have an amazing jack russell, he is almost 10 years old and we rescued him when he was 2. We buy his dry food from whole foods (it has a lot of vegetables and organic grains) which he absolutely loves. Now, wet food is another story. I have tried a few brands but his stomach is very sensitive and the past couple nights he has been throwing it all right back up!
He just had a check up so I know there is nothing wrong with him, I just want to know what other owners feed their Jacks and find out if there is maybe a gentle senior brand of wet food we can give him. thanks!
wow these answers are very helpful, so jacks really don’t need wet food? maybe i will make him chicken and rice (very bland) but he loves chicken, and that would be easy on the stomach. thanks
admin answers:
I feed my Jacks Eagle Pak Holistic dry kibble. They also get a dollop of canned Pumpkin, not the kind used to make pies, and to the on on a diet I use green beans as a filler. I add just enough hot water to stir in the green beans and pumpkin. I feed twice a day. My Jacks also get vegetables such as carrots and broccoli. I play Flyball with my Jacks and they are in excellent physical condition.
My opinion would be feed the dry kibble until they can no longer eat the dry. It is good for their teeth as well as helps them eat slower if they are a dog that devours their food.
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Your Questions About Dog Training Books
John asks…
How train puppy not to jump up?
I have a 3 mos old puppy have trained to sit, stay, come, go to kennel etc, but do you have any ideas on how to train him not to jump up on people besides telling me to buy a dog training book?
I am looking for specific ideas that worked for you.
admin answers:
UUURRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!
This question is asked so many times, and I am SO SICK of people recommending leash corrections, kneeing the dog in the chest, and hitting. Besides being unneccesary and ineffective, have any of you ever tried to knee a 3 month old pup in the chest? Unless you are about three feet tall, ain’t gonna happen!
Now that I have vented…this is soooooo simple. No one pets the dog unless he is sitting (or at least standing) first. If he jumps, turn around and walk away. If he sits and then you reach to pet him and he starts to jump again, turn and walk away. He wants attention…he will learn very quickly what he needs to do to get attention from people. The hardest part is not going to be training your pup, it’s going to be getting other people to comply. Make them! If necessary, ask them to have the pup sit so they can give him a treat and then pet him. They will be more amenable if they believe they are helping you train him to sit.
Mark asks…
How do you stop a puppy from barking?
Our black lab/golden retriever puppy is about 16 weeks old. We bought a dog training book that says to hold a treat up to his nose because they can’t bark and sniff at the same time when he is barking. But that is not working because he might think he is being praised. What do you suggest we do?
admin answers:
NEVER EVER BEAT THE DOG, OR HIT IT when it barks or else it will turn aggressive. I know alot about dogs, and usually you ignore the dog or look at them straight in the eyes and say no in a stern voice and then ignore them but don’t put them in a time-out, because their cage is eathier their home, or when they crap in the house. Just ignore the dog because all they want is attention and that’s why they’re barking or because they’re trying to protect their property! GOOD LUCK! Contact me if you have any questions at shopacholic009@yahoo.com
Richard asks…
Can any one tell me of any dog training books?
Can any one tell me of any dog training books
admin answers:
I’ve tried various dog training books which are ok but through experience the best method is to go to puppy traing classes where the pups can socialise with other dogs. You also learn and it is like a good workout when you take part. You also meet friends with similar interests
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, 30 Pound Bag
 | Twenty years ago, Brian Connolly and Shelley Gunton saw an opportunity to make high quality, healthy food for dogs and cats. As pet parents, they understood how people truly consider their dogs and cats to be members of their family-and are always seeking better quality products for their pets. That was the beginning of Castor & Pollux Natural PetWorks. We assembled a team of experts in animal nutrition, organic and natural ingredients, processing, packaging, distribution, veterinary medicine, a | |
| Read more | | |
Your Questions About Organic Dog Food
Maria asks…
What is the healthiest and most cost effective dog food on the market today?
I have a Labrador Retriever. He is going on 10 years old now and I want to make sure I am feeding him the best I can. He means a lot to me, and I want to make sure he remains healthy and keep him with me for at least another 10 years if that is remotely possible. Currently he seems healthy and isn’t over weight. Is organic dog food worth the extra cost? What about human grade dog food?
admin answers:
Cost should not be a factor when it comes to your pets nutrition.
Natural, raw, or holistic dog foods are best.
Here are a few suggestions I think you should try:
Timberwolf Organics
Merrick
Solid Gold
Taste of the Wild
Artemis
Innova Evo
Wellness
*** Do not feed your dog Science Diet… It is no better than bottom of the shelf generic brand dog food. Do some research on canine nutrition, and learn how to read the labels. Read the ingredients… Should not contain corn (non-nutritional “filler”) or by-products (low quality proteins… Beaks, feathers, etc).
Carol asks…
What kind of Innova dog food should I use for a dog with a tumor?
He is on nd Prescription now, but he has started to bite his paws. I think it’s from this food. I want to switch to an organic dog food. What type do you suggest?
admin answers:
I would ask your veterinarian before you switch to anything because the N/D is a diet formulated for dogs with cancer and since it is a prescription you really need to ask first. I think that Science Diet is the only company that currently manufactures a diet designed for dogs with cancer, but I am not positive.
I have heard of a study where the dog with cancer was put on high level of fish oils and it helped some, but there have been no definitive tests saying that it helped.
Joseph asks…
How much dog food should a Border Collie eat?
My Border Collie is 11 months old and a bit small for her size due to being mistreated by the person she was rescued from. She does not eat very much at all. I give her one cup of high quality dry food (Purina Pro Plan Selects for puppy) with a small scoop of wet food (Newman’s Own Organic dog food) every night and she usually only eats a small portion of it. She weighs 30lbs. How much SHOULD she be eating?
admin answers:
First of all, don’t ever go by the guidelines on a dog food bag. Those are meant to sell dog food. Most of them are way over what a dog should eat to be a healthy weight. I have had BCs for 21 years. I stop feeding straight puppy food at about 16 weeks of age to keep the puppy’s growth rate slow and steady. You may want to consider giving her half adult/half puppy for the dry. I feed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. She may not be able to eat all of what you are giving her at one time. It’s better for them to eat more than just once a day. Two of my adult males and my adult female (18″ tall, 30 lbs.) eat 2/3 cup with a T. Of canned 2x a day. My other adult male eats 1 cup in the AM and 1/2 cup in the PM with canned. They are all very active and maintain a healthy weight very easily. I feed Prairie Nature’s Variety dry kibble, Merrick and Eagle canned. I hope this helps!
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Your Questions About Dog Training Classes Denver
Ruth asks…
looking for a dog training school in east haven, CT need major help!!?
im looking for a school near my home (east haven connecticut) to become a dog trainer (mostly for aggression behavior) but as im googling i keep getting these lame online schools and places too far away or dog training places that doesnt train to become a dog trainer . im getting really frustrated and think they need to better the search engines. so i come to ask you guys for help. if you offer training or know a place that does that would help so much!! thanks !!
admin answers:
We are in VA and we recently purchased a franchise called Bark Busters. It is an At-Home Dog Training Company and it is the largest in the world. If you decide to join, you go to Denver Colorado for training for three weeks, after which you become Dog Behavior Specialist. After a year, you return for a one week class and then become a Master Dog Behavior Specialist. If you are interested, the website is www.Barkbusters.com.
Hope this helps!
James asks…
How are your New Year’s resolutions for your dog coming?
A couple of months ago, I asked this question.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ap35p0OUSN3Xl7J0jPh.Hgzty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071227144926AAlJc9W
Did anyone have any goals for this year with his/her dogs that is making good progress?
I said Miss would become my first agility dog. Next week we’re going to sign up for the class.
I still plan on giving a “thank you” donation to the shelter I adopted her from, but now I have to save some money for agility.
I’m still working on finding a better vet.
“Some raw meaty bones” became a switch to a complete raw diet, and she’s doing GREAT!
“I will STOP buying crap for her. She’s a DOG.”
That one’s tough.
I haven’t joined the ASPCA, but I did join a local dog training club. I’m getting more involved in dog showing and training.
How is everyone else doing?
admin answers:
Well I still haven’t found a trainer to try and start an obedience class in our rinky-dink town, but I’m still trying. I have started working my two dogs in the conformation ring. One finished her UKC Ch and is now starting on her AKC. The other one went to the Rocky Mtn. Cluster in Denver, and placed first in his class two of the days, so he’s off to a good start. As for all the loves yeah, that’s working out great. Still not getting very far with getting them ready to get their CGC’s yet though. I really need to buckle down on that.
Richard asks…
which is better?a german shepherd or a siberian husky?and why?
i cant decide between the 2..
ive read that huskies actually are temperament and that they arent really good guard dogs,and i dont need my dog trying to run away whenever possible.
i live in denver colorado
huskies look more cooler,but german shepherds are more intelligent..
thanks for that insignificant answer john,kudos on that one!
and i need facts on which is better.im not just going for looks ya know..
in response to dog judge,i live in denver colorado,which is ideal for the husky,but again,temper is a problem,and also shedding,umm..i am an outside person,and dog weight has no problem at all
yes and huskies tend to run away,as all dogs but thats their instince right?outdoors..
and in the summer it gets hot round 80-110 F any given day.and in the winter it snows like no tomorrow and temps get low roughly bout 10-40 F
admin answers:
You could get a list a foot long here.
Put up more information. Where do you live, what do you like to do, inside or outside person, dog weight issues.
We don’t need to convince you, you need to decide what you’re looking for.
Update – I had two Huskies and I’ve had LOTS of German Shepherds in obedience classes. For a lot of reasons, Huskies are healthier. Smaller dog, fewer structural problems. Either dog could tolerate the Denver climate. Both dogs shed, and although Huskies shed more, I don’t think that it’s really a make or break issue. Huskies are renown for running when loose because they are SLED DOGS! With proper training, you can overcome this, but it’s an issue that will need to be addressed. GSDs are more trainable for a novice. I would lean toward the Husky because of the health issues (hips in particular). That being said, if you decide to go after a GSD make sure that you do all of your homework about hips. Both parents and as many other relatives as possible MUST be OFA certified. If not, find another breeder. Hips are not that much of an issue with Huskies for a lot of reasons.
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
AvoDerm Natural Stews Adult Dog Food, Salmon and Wild Rice, 12.5-Ounce Cans, Case of 12
 | Avoderm salmon and wild rice stew provides quality protein sources that are ideal for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources. We use only quality ingredients in all our formulas to provide healthy, balanced levels of protein, fat and nutrients for adult dogs. Our foods are naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols to ensure freshness and palatability. | |
| Read more | | |
Your Questions About Organic Dog Food Delivery
David asks…
What is the best premium/organic dog food out there? I’ve been told Wellness, Innova, Solid Gold or Canidae!!
I recently brought home our new puppy who came with a supply of Pro Pac. I am switching the food because of the corn and other unsatisfactory ingredients. I would like to get the most nutritious food along with one that will leave his stools firm and less of them. Wellness has A LOT of veggies…is this really normal for a dogs diet? I was liking the Solid Gold ingredients but then came across Innova’s ingredients and also Wellness and Canidae’s. One brand will seem perfect and then when I read another’s ingredient’s and then that one seems better. I am looking for other’s who have experience with one of these 4 brands (or another I haven’t come across. How is it working and how are they stools? 🙂
admin answers:
Consider Canidae dry dog food, all life stages…….this is an ALL NATURAL, HUMAN GRADE INGREDIENTS, NO FILLERS OR BY-PRODUCTS, no corn or wheat, no beet pulp or SALT, no foreign ingredients, all USA ingredients, and it has vitamins & enzymes that are good for dogs !! This food is made in the USA, in their OWN plant, and has a money-back guaranteee, if you are unhappy, for ANY reason !!….MANY BREEDERS RECOMMEND CANIDAE, and MANY Yahoo answer people have used Canidae for YEARS, with much SUCCESS AND SATISFACTION !!…..i RESEARCHED THE HECK out of dry dog foods, after all the recalls started, and I CONCLUDED THAT CANIDAE, DRY DOG FOOD, ALL LIFE STAGES, IS ONE OF THE BEST DRY DOG FOODS AVAILABLE ANYWHERE, AND IT IS REASONABLY PRICED, AND VERY AFFORDABLE !!!….check their Web site, Canidae.com for more information, and a list of dealers near you, by Zip code !! Canidae is rated 5 stars out of a possible 6 stars on one survey, and rated 112 points, or an A+, out of a possible 100 points, on another dry dog food survey !!…i switched my 2 dogs, and my daughter in law switched her 3 dogs to Canidae, and we are both happy, as are the 5 dogs !!….my JRTerrier loves CANIDAE, and eats HALF as much, as his previous dog food, and leaves me HALF AS MUCH RESIDUE, on the grass !!!…i pay $ 34 for a 40lb bag, here in TX, & get free delivery also, from Metropetservices.com !!…if i can be of further help to you, email me !!
Helen asks…
what is the best Organic/Natural dry dog food for small breed dogs??
admin answers:
Consider Canidae Dry Dog food, all life stages…..this is an ALL NATURAL, ALL HUMAN GRADE INGREDIENTS, NO BY-PRODUCTS, NO FILLERS OR CORN OR WHEAT, NO CHEMICALS, NO BEET PULP OR SALT, ALL USA INGREDIENTS, and it has lots of vitamins and enzymes that are good for dogs !!!…….they make this food in THEIR OWN PLANT IN THE USA, and have a money back guarantee, if you are unhappy, for ANY reason !!……MANY BREEDERS RECOMMEND CANIDAE, and many Yahoo answer people HAVE USED CANIDAE WITH MUCH SUCCESS AND SATISFACTION, FOR MANY YEARS !!!!…..go to Canidae.com, for more information and dog owner’s testimonials, and a list of dealers, by Zip code….after MAJOR RESEARCH after all the recalls started, I CONCLUDE THAT CANIDAE DRY DOG FOOD, ALL LIFE STAGES, IS THE BEST DRY DOG FOOD AVAILABLE, ANYWHERE, AND IS AFFORDABLE FOR ALL DOG OWNERS !!!!…..my JRTerrier loves Canidae, and eats HALF as much as his previous dog food, and leaves me HALF as much.residue !!……try Canidae dry food, all life stages, and i believe you and your dog will be happy with it !!…….if you have any other questions about Canidae or my research, email me !!….PS..here in TX, i pay $ 34 for a 40 lb bag, including free delivery, from Metropetservices.com
Steven asks…
Has anyone used Nutri Source dog food and did you like it?
admin answers:
I have never used NutriSource. It looks like a decent food but I can’t find an ingredient list anywhere.
There are several things you need to be aware of when purchasing dog food:
1. There are different levels of quality when it comes to dog food. For example, Ol’ Roy is about on par with McDonalds, Eukanuba with Chilis, and Flint River or Life’s Abundance with just growing food yourself and cooking it.
2. There is “Low grade,” (Ol’ Roy or any other brand found in Wal Mart), “Premium,” (Eukanuba or any other brand only found in pet stores), “Super Premium,” “Holistic,” and “Organic,” which are usually found in speciality stores or by direct delivery.
3. Many times when a dog food company has many different “formulas” it is only to take up shelf space. Walk into any petstore and Science Diet takes up more space than any other brand because they have more formulas. While not every dog has the same nutritional needs, dogs don’t really need specific formulas for different things. The most important is that it is made with good quality ingredients (which, in my opinion, Science Diet is not.)
4. The ingredient list is more important than the “Guaranteed Analysis.” A food that lists 44% Protien and Corn Meal as it’s main ingredient will not be digestible to dogs. They will actually end up defacating most of the protien because corn is undigestible to dogs. It won’t hurt to feed them corn (unless they are skin allergic, which is common), but it won’t help either and shouldn’t be used as the main source of protien.
5. Ignore the foods whose claim to fame is that they “never use hooves, hair, or intestines.” While many people think this is a plus, it’s not. While most excellent dog foods (holistic or organic) DON’T use these parts, it’s NOT their main selling point, either. In the wild, dogs eat everything. Hair, hooves, intestines, etc. (Ever given a dog a $2 cow hoof from a Petstore? They go NUTS!) The question is not with the inclusion of those ingredients, but their quality. Most of the time, animals sit out and rot for days before they are skinned, and the only the diseased animals not good for human consumption are used in dog food. Some foods still use these ingredients but they are “human grade,” that is, they are not rotten, not cleaned with bleach, etc. So just be careful of buying a food JUST because they don’t use these ingredients, but also be wary of foods that do. (Also be aware that foods who use those ingredients can count them towards weight, so “Beef meal” listed first might be mostly hooves and hair, which is bad.)
6. “Chicken” listed as the first ingredient is actually bad. This is because pure chicken is like 70% water and gets to be first on the ingredient list because it’s so heavy. You want something like “Chicken meal,” which is pure chicken with the water removed. If that’s first, you know that chicken is really the main ingredient.
7. Wheat, corn, and soy are all generally bad for dogs and can cause allergies. It won’t kill them, but should not be a part of their daily food regimine.
8. Most dog foods (even Premium ones like Eukanuba) are preserved with a chemical called BHT, which increases shelf life to like 2 years and is also a known carcinogen (it causes cancer in dogs). Look for a dog food that is preserved with Vitamin E (“Tocopherol”). The shelf life will be much shorter (less than 6 months), but you won’t be essentially feeding your dog cancer, either.
I use Life’s Abundance and my dogs love it. I know someone who uses the Sam’s brand and his dog loves it. Don’t go on taste to determine quality. (What kid would refuse icecream for broccoli?) Cheap dog food is essentially a treat; it’s mainly just preservatives, fat, corn, wheat, and flavoring. If you had a choice, would you feed your kids fruit juice fortified with preservatives and high fructose corn syrup, or pure juice straight from the tree? It’s a no brainer. Leave the treats for training and fun and feed your dog a quality food.
(PS Don’t listen to the uneducated who say, “WHY WOULD YOU RESEARCH THIS?! LET THE EXPERTS TELL YOU WHAT TO FEED YOUR DOGS!!” Any good pet owner will research things for themselves, and just because someone has been a breeder for 20 years doesn’t make them intelligent. Actually, the fact that they’ve been a breeder for 20 years and have never looked into this makes them rather unintelligent in my book. Good luck!)
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Your Questions About Dog’s Life Ending
Sandy asks…
How do Christians know that suicide is against God’s will?
We commonly end a dog’s life if it is old and suffering. Not because we think of them as expendable but because we love them and have compassion for them and don’t want them to suffer needlessly. We can’t even get their permission, but we as a culture generally assume that it is better that way. We can and do get people’s permission to end their life when their suffering gets to be too great but Christians say no because it is not God’s will. Is God not compassionate? Does He not love us the way we love dogs? How do we know that His compassion does not include allowing us to end our life when we have had enough of it and are in great pain? Or is it just certain humans that have told us about God’s will for their own agendas?
Thanks for your answer Maka, but y’know I don’t really care what Mother Theresa’s opinion is. That’s actually part of the problem, we have HUMANS like her telling us what God’s will is and then developing public policy around that. Though now that you have brought it up, the Marquis de Sade, and many other ‘sadists’ who followed, thought that suffering was a good thing too. I beg to differ.
bugs, some generalizations are not only useful but needed in order to have any public discourse about issues like this. Can you really say that in general Christians are not against assisted suicide? Do you really think that religion has no influence on public policy in this issue?
admin answers:
It’s not. According to the bible, it’s better to kill yourself (or have someone assist your suicide) than to be killed by a woman:
And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech’s head, and all to brake his skull. Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A women slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died. — Judges 9:52-53
Suicide is a noble thing if it results in the death of your enemies (including civilians):
And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left. And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life. — Judges 16:29-30
Suicide must be a good thing since Jesus did it:
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. — John 10:17-18
Joseph asks…
Do you find German shepherds not showing much happiness in expressions?
A GS owner friend and I started to notice that German shepherds are not happy dogs a lot or show it as expressions in body language. Lobo is a very happy, affectionate (most of the time once in a blue moon aloof for like one day), incredibly loyal, makes people happy, outgoing, and the most friendly. Beyond excited when he sees me or the owners. But sometimes we see something in Lobo that’s saying, “I do not care.” kind of mood. A minute or so after we think of that he kisses us gets excited. We have notice other “i do not care” moods in other German shepherds. Also many are just a “one person” dog luckily Lobo is not a “one person” and loves both his owners, me and many other people mostly children.
Unconditional love? Yeah to their owner their are many German shepherds who are like this or some other dogs where there are conditions to get them to love you. Many people do not know this because people often are misconceptions by dog’s body language. That is why you might here a lot of “why did my friend’s dog or my dog snap at me?”. If you show an owner’s dog that you respect their wishes always they will love you back. A disrespect in some dogs’ wishes will cost you a lost of love a bit or show more aloof.
By the way, I spend most of my life time as a nearing end teenager with dogs have a wide knowledge of them.
Ryan’s strongest attributes
Ryan is always looking to improve his skills, thus spends many hours online looking for training ideas and techniques, scouring through breeder websites, dog forums, etc. to get tips on how best to work with dogs. He’s learned about health issues, temperament, and dog-to-dog interaction.
Ryan is passionate about, and hopes to have a career, working with dogs. He’s constantly looking for ways to work with dogs to further his knowledge and improve his skills. He spends most of his free time helping other people with their dogs: walking them, caring for them when the owner is out of town, playing with them. He also volunteers at the SPCA.
Ryan is very knowledgeable about dogs and is vigilant about watching over his “charges”. He’ll notice if a dog has a slight limp, is nervous about another dog, has a tick, foxtail, etc. Ryan is ever watchful–usually more than the actual owner.
We have a 90-pound German Shepherd who has an incredibly strong prey drive. He’s a challenge! I got to know Ryan really well before he was allowed to walk Lobo alone. When Lobo was a puppy, I always went with them. We finally realized Ryan is more vigilant and cautious about reading other dogs than we are. So Ryan takes Lobo by himself and has for the past year or so.
Ryan is also one of the few people to whom we’ve given a key to our house. He is scrupulously honest and trustworthy–won’t even take a Coke without being offered. He’ll starve before helping himself to food.
You couldn’t ask for a person with more initiative. Ryan looks for ways to help with his dog friends, suggests ideas for things to do with them, and assists in their training, if asked and offers to. He spent a Saturday afternoon meeting with our dog’s trainer to better understand our training approach. He offers to help in many ways that we can’t always take advantage of.
He asks to visit with and walk our dog at least twice a week. I’m sure it would be daily if he didn’t have other obligations (high school, homework, family)! During the typical visit, he plays with our dog for awhile and chats with us for a few minutes if we’re there. Then he goes out for a walk, anywhere from 1 – 3 hours. It’s rewarding to see Lobo respond when he sees Ryan–he’s beyond excited! Despite Ryan’s enjoyment of such an enthusiastic greeting (we love that kind of greeting, too); at our request, he’s working with Lobo to achieve a calmer welcome.
There are many other lucky families he helps in this way. Ryan spends nearly all of his free time taking care of dogs. He never asks for any money–his “payment” is the joy of being with his dog friends.
admin answers:
Ive had GSDs since I was 7 now Im 37 and have three. I kinda understand what your saying but what Ive noticed about mine is they show their expressions more in their eyes and body language. For instance ears down head low and kinda looking up at you means something wrong or knows in trouble. Head up ears erect and sometimes panting means excitement weather it be hunger,needing to urinate, stress or play. Only you can read your dog or actually should be able to. And from what Ive noticed GSDs do better with a task to do or another dog to keep them busy if not they get bored and IMO its a waste of a good dog with great potential.
George asks…
How do I get my dog to be happier?
My dog’s name is Taco, she is a female chihuahua and ever since we moved, she is not happy anymore. First of all, we moved in with other family members and they had a dog that always fought with Taco, and every fight, Taco would end up with bites that are bloody and gashes. The dog and the family members moved out about a year ago, but I think that dog scarred Taco for life. Is there anything I can do to make her happy again?
admin answers:
Omg, I almost cried reading this! Seriously. I feel so bad.
This question is sincerely hard to answer, because we don’t know what Taco liked to do before this other dog came in, or whatever her source of depression. Make sure you acknowledge every sign of tacos affection, make sure she knows that she is loved. Play with her frequently, and try making her dog meals, My dog Loves it! You can buy food to prepare for your dogs at petsmart and such, its easy and a fun way to interact and keep your dog healthy! I would suggest taking her to petsmart or a park, but she might be afraid of other dogs…. But you could take her on drives or strolls, Avoid direct eye contact, as its a sign of dominance for dogs, and she might be scared of it. And buy her a bunch of news toys, Hopefully some of this will cheer the little ball of Joy Up. =]
Good Luck, Hope Taco feels better soon.
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Recent Comments