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Basenji and food problem suggestions

Basenji Feeding
  • I'm just writing to update that since the switch back, Benji is doing well again. Bile only once so far, and no mud-pies at all either. Now we're learning to deal with the snow, but that's a whole other story.

    I'm still researching what new food to transition Benji over too, also he is only eating all his food late at night, none in the morning or during the day. Because of that pattern, I leave it out all day. If I really want him to eat twice a day, perhaps I should remove it at night all together to see if the next morning he manages to eat?

  • The best way to instill good eating habits is to decide when you want to feed him then offer him food at that time for 15 minutes. If he doesn't eat it then the food goes away. A healthy dog will not starve themselves and will get the idea that when food is offered to eat it or it won't be there later. Some dogs may miss several meals before catching on but that is okay. In the wild, dogs do not eat everyday so missing some meals isn't going to hurt them.

  • @starcentral:

    I'm just writing to update that since the switch back, Benji is doing well again. Bile only once so far, and no mud-pies at all either. Now we're learning to deal with the snow, but that's a whole other story.

    I'm still researching what new food to transition Benji over too, also he is only eating all his food late at night, none in the morning or during the day. Because of that pattern, I leave it out all day. If I really want him to eat twice a day, perhaps I should remove it at night all together to see if the next morning he manages to eat?

    Getting him to eat 2 times a day shouldn't take too long for him to figure out what is happening.

    Just put out the food in the morning. Remove the bowl after 30 minutes (or 15 like mentioned above, I used 30, so he gets some time to register the food). Then don't offer any food until the evening meal. Leave for 30 minutes, and remove.

    He most likely will get pretty hungry the first day or 2. But don't worry. Basenjis are the "world best" actors in faking starvation. Also their stomachs are developed in such a way they can go for long periods without food. Actually I read an article saying Basenjis are one of the breeds that could get by on 1 meal a day…but it was still recommended to spilt the amount and feed 2 times, for digestion/health reasons.

    I started a 2 times a day for Gizmo 2 weeks ago. His transition was more natural...he just stopped eating all his mid-day and evening meals, just left them half done. So I understood he didn't need 3 times a day anymore.

  • I'm so glad to hear that Benji is improving.

    Don't worry if he'll only eat once a day leave that to him to decide. In my experience if a Basenji only wants eat once a day that's all he needs.

    If the time is inconvenient to you do exactly as Ivoss suggests.

  • I realize this thread is very old. I joined here because I had ordered a new food online, basically because it was on sale and I had a coupon. It turned out to be a blessing. My basenji, Ginger, has ALWAYS has COARSE and pokey fur. It was like petting a brillo pad. But after this new food, it is super soft and these rashes that she kept getting on her belly has completely subsided. I don't really know WHY this food agrees with her better, but it does.
    I'm not trying to use different flavors of the same brand to see if they work as great for her. I ordered Journey brand dog food, the Salmon and Sweet Potato. I also tried the limited ingredient version and that was horrible. So I'm sticking with the regular grain free. I ordered on Chewy and they have bags at 50% off. You can also get a discount if you sign up to auto ship (which you could later cancel). Anyway, this was a HUGE blessing for me. I've had Ginger for 7 years with 7 years of battling and changing foods. FINALLY, she is eager to eat and is much healthier.

  • Purina isn't that great. With a dog with diarrhea, you need to put him on riced to firm up his stool. Bile usually is due to not eating often enough. Once a day won't do it, and in fact I feed my dog 2x a day with a snack midday and before bed.

    Many if not most foods we can get are available in Canada.

    from DogFoodAdviser... I don't think the best reviewer but safe:

    Dog Food Form Rating
    Acana Regionals Dog Food Dry 5 stars
    Horizon Legacy Dog Food Dry 5 stars
    Merrick Grain Free Dog Food Dry 5 stars
    Nature’s Variety Instinct Dog Food Dry 5 stars
    Pinnacle Peak Protein Formula Dog Food Dry 5 stars
    Taste of the Wild Wet 5 stars
    Victor Grain Free Dog Food Dry 5 stars
    Wellness Core Dog Food Dry 5 stars
    Fromm Four Star Nutritionals Grain-Free (Dry)
    Fromm Four Star Nutritionals (Dry)
    Fromm Gold Coast Dog Food (Dry)
    Fromm Gold Dog Food (Dry)
    Fromm Heartland Gold (Dry)

    https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/best-grain-free-dog-foods/best-grain-free-dog-foods-dry/

    You might also switch to fish based. Protein allergies are most common with poultry and beef.

    I personally love

  • We tried Purina Pro Plan food on our 3 rescues. Even though we gave this to them a little at a time to blend in over several weeks, they ALL had very runny stools and it would not stop. In fact, the more Pro Plan they got the more trips to the yard. Gave it up, and no more problems. This was Pro Plan dry and wet. Same results either way.

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    Basenji Feeding 19 Apr 2021, 22:18
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    I would find out what he scared of or what he dislikes about the car. Is it the car itself, the sensation of being closed in, the movement when the car is being driven? Then work on whatever the problem is, with food. As for food, I use raw duck and vegetables. And I hand-feed all meals, so I never have a problem with not eating/partially eating. I would also recommend hand-feeding for anyone who does have a dog with food issues. Shredded chicken is good (as long as he doesn't have any reactions). But that and some kibble isn't a balanced meal. You may wish to look into a vitamin supplement, specifically something that has a focus on omega 3 (since chicken is high in omega 6), Vitamin C & the B vitamins (because if all he's eating is chicken and kibble, where is his source of vitamin C and the B vitamins?), zinc & copper (same reasons). All the best. EDIT: I just realized this thread is a year old and was bumped by what is almost certainly a bot.
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    You can also FREEZE the kong. Makes it last much longer. :)
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    @LewieFitz: no- antibiotics (for a bacterial infection) would not clear up a yeast infection as it is a fungal infection. You may see some improvement but not a complete cure. You would need an antifungal for a yeast infection. a substance that is know for qualities of anti-fungal,yeast,bacterial is coconut oil. google and read about it, most dogs love it, I use it for cooking and cleaning/treating my cast iron skillet. Also to treat my cutting board as veggie oil goes rancid.
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    I go by the old rule "the eye of the master maketh the horse". It applies to dogs as well. You may start with a rule of thumb, but pay attention to what your eyes tell you and you won't go far wrong. If your dog is gaining weight past the ideal, time to cut back, and vice versa.
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    I once had a pup under treatment at the Bristol Veterinary hospital. When they finally sorted the problem I was told now you'll be able to give him real food meaning kibble!1 I always feed raw and whatever but never complete dog food. Having said that it seems that over here we get a new dog food manufactutrer every month and all claim that theirs is the best!!
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    Hi, just reading through some posts, and this one caught my eye. Most kennels know that a slight loss of appetite is inevitable and tell the customers as such(I do….) I try to wait till the next day to see if the new dog will eat as this being a natural survival instinct for a dog to eat when hungry. Always rare exceptions of course...another story... Anyway, may I suggest to help with the diarreah with the supplement of adding a teaspoon or so of pumpkin to the 'normal' food the dog is used to. A watered down version of a good canned food over the kibble also has done the trick with boarded dogs as well. Start off with half the kibble and then increase with dog's desire to continue so that the kibble will not go to waste as it is wet and bloated and will one will have a dish of bacteria if left out....Just talk it over with the attendant or Doctor as such.