I have a minpin/chihuahua 4 1/2 months. I would like to know what are different things that I can feed her. I was told to keep a dog on dry food for life but then I came across something on the internet about commercial dog foods can kill your dog 8.3 years before time. Of course, this person was selling a cook book of recipes that he has for dogs, but I'm still wondering is there any truth to that?
I break up soft snacks and mix it with the dry dog food but it seems like she eats all of the snack and a little dry food. I try to feed her three times a day but she doesn't even finish the morning dish. She would go back and nibble on the dry food every now and then but if I go to the cooler where I keep all her snacks she is flipping all over the place.
I thought about the can food but I don't know if that would cause wet stools all over the place. Any suggestions on what to feed her that will not make her overweight? I want her to eat nutritiously, not to be overweight. I just don't know what kind of people food to give her since I have been told to keep her on dry dog food for life.
Katrice from Miami, FL
http://www.api4animals.org/search/search.php?query=what%27s+really+in+pet+food&category=11&search=1
There is a lot of info on this site & you can also get a free copy of 'What's Really in Pet Food'. They used to have a link to order it. I don't see it but I'm sure if you contact them they will send it to you. The natural food is more expensive but your dog's health will be worth it. They eat more of the cheap stuff so it really doesn't save you any money & their health suffers. Plus it will save you vet bills. I feed my dogs Wysong and the vet commented on how healthy their skin & hair looks. Plus I make a meal for them (lasts about 3-4 days) every week of lean meat and veggies. I buy the meat on sale & after you get the routine going it's not that big of a deal. They're my kids so I don't care anyway. And I do take a week off here and there, don't feel guilty because I know they're eating well regardless. (01/04/2007)
By Me
Feed your dog once a day (twice if a puppy). Feed him a premium dog food which will be nutritionally complete, giving him a balance of protein, carbs, fats and all the vitamins and minerals he needs. People food is not necessary or even a good idea. An occasional treat (dog treat) is OK. My dogs also like an occasional bite of fresh fruit, just a bite, or a small handful of frozen peas. Canned food isn't necessary and is yucky to have to scoop out, etc., but it shouldn't cause loose stools unless the dog is allergic to the ingredients. (01/04/2007)
As dog lovers, my husband and I have studied this problem for our own pets' sakes. The guy on the internet was just selling something, so you are right to listen to your gut instinct and discount that. We have always been advised to buy quality dry foods for our animals, not for instance "Ole Roy" from Wal-Mart, which is the equivalent of feeding your dog a constant diet of potato chips. You need to purchase one of the better brands like Science Diet or Eagle from your vet or animal supply store.
By Tanya
I'm sure you have taken your puppy to a Vet (you sound like a loyal & devoted owner). Ask your vet what he/she recommends. I didn't feed my pups human food. Their digestive system is not built like ours. I do make them homemade dog treats that they get when they are in training. Right now they're learning to stay out of the garage, too much for them to get into! Good Luck and here's to many happy memories you'll have with your puppy. Take gobs and gobs of pictures :) (01/05/2007)
By Laurie
Learn to read ingredient lists on dog food bags. Don't just figure that if your vet recommends and sells it, that it's good. He isn't going to sell a food unless he makes a good commission on it.
Go to http://www.ktk9.com/. There's a list of links on here that will give you tons of really good info on nutrition as well as health and training. (01/06/2007)
By sadiejoy
Just because it's on the internet doesn't make it true. I wouldn't feed your pooch anything other than doggy food. I have 2 large breeds and have done the table scrap thing. It almost cost me the life of one of my precious pooches. She is a strict vegetarian, lol. Of course the pooch is gonna be happy to get a treat instead of regular food. Wouldn't you be? I would cut back on her food if she isn't eating all you have given her. Exercise. If you walk your pooch on a daily basis this really helps with the weight issue. (01/07/2007)
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