If they are too hard - how about adding some Flax Seed - I'm think that more fiber might help. or a small bit of Karo Syrup.

Awesome thank you for the clarification. I was at work today and couldn't get the link to load. It doesn't really matter for myself as I feed the dogs a BARF diet, but it just made me wonder. As always this is one of the best things about these forums, I love being able to pick all of your brains. Thanx so much. 🙂

@youngandtired:

Why is wheat and grains bad for dogs, do they have a hard time digesting them. Sometimes Sahara loves to have some of my peanut butter on wheat toast, is that bad for her. She loves it, so how about it???

The wheat and grains they use as fillers in dog food is not like the wheat you have in your bread… and little toast and PB will never hurt her...

And yes they have a hard time digesting the fillers they put in dog food, because IMO, it of lesser quality and if just what it appears, a filler.. Dogs are meat eater... for the most part

**I mix too! I like to change it up a little so they are not getting the same food all the time. Imagine yourself eating the same food day after day after day, tho I don't think they mind it a bit!! :o)

Currently I am mixing Canidae with Eagle Holistic. I am reading up on blue buffalo brought home some samples and they love it. But again, mine are not picky eaters.

I also add fish oil pills (x2), nupro, glucosamine, pet tabs plus as supplements.**

Actually I just checked their website & it isn't rawhide afterall, it's bone. It is called a Rib in a Blanket & is rib bone wrapped in rawhide but he pulled the bone out & so I put the rawhide part away & he has only been chewing the bone. Could that still be the cause of his bad gas?

We give our dogs Missing Link and like it. Their coats are nice and healthy and shiny.

Pat

I went to two health food type pet stores yesterday and asked a bunch of questions about the different types of holistic dog foods and other foods that they had. I came away from both stores with several brochures and tons of food samples!! From one store I got a plastic grocery bag FULL of Timberwolf Organics and from the other store I got a bag full of EVO Innova samples. Enough to feed these guys for more than a week!! I had no idea that you could get samples from the stores!! The dogs seem to love both brands. We're taking it slow though so I can keep track of the reactions. They currently eat Nutro Max Ultra Puppy.

yeah. a little piece of meat here and there wont really hurt them. unless your feeding the skin or stuff you don't want to eat. i guess. lol my parents always drizzled some gravy over their dogs kibble when we had it. just to make it more appetizing i suppose. Thats why i couldnt believe what my boyfriends mom had to say.. lol people have some CRAZY beliefs i guess.

@mauigirl:

I spent quite some time at Carol Webb's when I was going around meeting breeders and we talked about feeding and giving raw meat. One thing I remember her saying is that it's important to not feed raw meat and dry kibble in the same meal because they get digested at different rates. In the future I will probably try giving Zip a handful of raw meals a week and see how she does. I'm not sure how I'd make that transition though. Right now she's doing fine on Innova.

She is correct about the kibble and the raw meat..

@lvoss:

The bones in the Merrick's Wing A Ling and Smothered Comfort are pressure cooked so they easily pulverize when squeezed, no splintering.

That's good to know. Thanks, Lisa. Since I don't cook at all–I had no idea how those chicken wings were processed.

I use Nutro Natural Choice for sensitive stomachs. I think it is Chicken, Oatmeal and Rice. I had taken them off it and found their coats didn't have the same sheen and were kind of rough. It does depend on your dog though, I haven't had any problems with it either upsetting their stomachs.

If I ever switch food for any reason–it's gradual. When a food is switched quickly, it can cause stomach upset, loose stools, etc.....I would get her regular food back.

You're welcome!

@DiegosMom:

does anyone use Wellness 95% chicken, beef, or venison wet food with their dry food?? i usually use canidae wet and dry mixed with some homemade chicken (diego is a picky eater). i'm getting sick of making and shredding chickens and want a wet food he will eat with nothing added to it. my local store has wellness wet food onsale, so i was wondering if anyone has any feedback or opinions on it?? thanks!!

Wellness is OK.. but if you want something that they will dive into… (usually) it is EVO duck, rabbit or venison..... you usually have to order it special by the case.. but the small cans work well... at least they do for me with my elders....

I make my own chicken ..... and don't mind... BUT I will qualify that I only do it for the elders... my 16+ in renal failure deserves whatever she wants... other then that... you learn to eat what is given or you don't eat... and I have never had a problem.

That said, I mix alot of different "stuff" in their food, right now I am using Natural Balance Potato and Duck for all... and I mix with different things, veggies... cooked meat... yams... eggs...

@sharronhurlbut:

I am a big supporter of the local humane society.
They have found even when they offer $$ to have the folks bring back puppies/kittens to have them fixed, most don't do it.
The only way they can prevent more dogs/cats in getting the animal fixed before it leaves the shelter.
I a perfect world, this wouldn't be needed…but as lots of folks are not
going to be bothered to have the surgerys done, this is the only way they can be sure...
I am speaking of a all breed humane society.
I do see their point...

😃 great minds think alike. I think we posted these two messages {about people not taking advantage of the reduced/free surgery} w/in seconds of one another. {we share the same local Humane Society}.

I agree; I see their point completely.

I send a few cans to a friend that was having problems with her bitch not eating after whelping.. sent her a rabbit and a couple of duck.. and her bitch loved it…

My Vet clinic is the same way… they listen to breeders and people that are involved in the Fancy.. one thing about my vets, it I call and say I need an appointment "now" I am in there.... they know that I would not call for a "hang nail".... My vets also sell SD and others that I would not use, but they don't push them on me... and that is OK... and they are NOT afraid to refer me to a specialist if they at unsure about what is going on.... Also everyone should remember that your dog's records, blood test, etc are your property and I urge everyone to get copies... you never know when you might need them..

i've only had it for about 3 mos. so i think it should be fine..

@JazzysMom:

Funny – Jazzy is my dog that is not in a hurry for food {although treats do exite her}; she doesn't run to the bowl, takes a long time to eat, etc.
And she is the one with the weight struggles. I have to watch her intake closely or she chunks up pretty fast.

Keoki is our pig. He lives for food, glorious food! He'd stuff himself sick if we let him. Yet he is our leanest dog -- not skinny, but not an ounce of extra fat on him either.

You'd think it'd be the opposite, wouldn't you?

our house is the opposite. Dash is much slower to eat than Sissy. We have had to become creative to get him to eat quickly so she doesn't end up eating it all.