Some Answers To Your Dog Food Comments & Questions
PART 1 :
Hi everyone and thanks for all your feedback about the Dog Food Report.
Glad most of you are enjoying it.
I thought I would use this opportunity to quickly address a couple of questions that came up from you all.
Of particular interest were the many questions related to what is the BEST BRAND of dog food.
Well, talk about opening a can of worms!
I began seriously looking into dog food about 8 months ago and started researching what's in the different dog foods and finding out the experiences of those using them (everyday dog owners just like you and I).
Many of my readers have taken part in this analysis and sharing of experiences.
The results at times have been scary but have provided some great data.
Of course I am not a scientific food tester though.
I have been compiling a list of the best / better dog foods and have got it down to 13, and hope to be able to release that very soon along with the Complete Guide to Your Dog's Nutrition ebook and audio package.
The trouble I've had researching the dog foods has been "stepping on the toes" of some of the dog food companies.
Some of them have been downright rude and aggressive once I started asking questions and snooping around.
I have even had threats of being sued etc etc. But I have also had some very positive experiences along the way as well I must say!
Long story short….
I don't want to bore with you with all the details, but depending on legal advice, I hope to be able to release the Complete Guide to Your Dog's Nutrition ebook and audio package, that includes the better dog food list, in around 7 – 10 days.
My current feeling is that I will just go ahead and release it anyway.
What does everyone think?
UPDATE: The Complete Guide To Your Dog's Nutrition has now been released.
I would like to make one thing clear though if I can…
If I do release my package, I will NOT receive or accept any payment from any dog food company. I am not interested in that path at all and those of you who know me will understand that.
Secondly, if I do release the Complete Guide to Your Dog's Nutrition ebook and audio package, it will probably be in limited numbers only as I don't want every Tom Dick & Harry having a copy which could end up stirring up trouble for me with some of the dog food companies.
Anyway, that's enough on dog food brands for now.
The dangerous dog foods seemed to be popular as well and I had a few suggestions to add another potentially dangerous food- Xylitol (a natural sweetener).
Thank you to those who suggested that.
Here's quick note on Xylitol.
XYLITOL
Xylitol is the sugar substitute found in many chewing gums and other foods than can be very hazardous to your dog's health.
In humans Xylitol has minor effects; however in dogs, the initial response causes a significant increase in insulin levels which can possibly drop blood sugar dramatically.
This can be treated but the long term toxic effects in dogs is that it may possibly cause liver failure and bleeding disorders.
The bottom line.
Try and be aware what goods you have at home that contain Xylitol.
If your dog ingests any sugar free product that contains Xylitol, be sure to take them to your Vet (or as an absolute bare minimum, discuss with your Vet on the phone).
There were also some sad stories such as this from Jennifer.
"Thank you for this great information. Unfortunately, I did not know about grapes and fed them to our dog for years. She had to be put down at age 9 due to a problem which I now believe was a direct result of the grapes."
Jennifer.
Thanks for your honesty Jennifer.
Most, if not all of us, have also given something potentially dangerous to our dogs to eat at one time or another.
One of my own dogs got into some chocolate once (I am a bit of a chocolate lover) that was left out, luckily no harm resulted.
It certainly could have turned out differently if I had come home a bit later.
The fact that you have all downloaded the dog food report means you are in the top 5% of dog owners who take the time to find out how to best care for their dogs so …well done!
I might leave it there for now and I will get back to you soon.
Again thanks for all the feedback.
Oh, before I forget, several people asked about my friend's Poodle that I am minding for a month.
She, Delia, is a gorgeous dog but so spoilt lol.
She cries to go outside every half hour so I am in the middle of some gentle "retraining". The first step is establishing myself as the pack leader as darling Delia is used to running the household where she comes from.
It's all good fun.
Best regards for now.
PS. I'll be back soon and address some more of your comments and also let you know how things are progressing with the Complete Guide To Your Dog's Nutrition ebook and audio package and the better dog food list.
PSS. A reminder that your feedback about the Dog Food Report can be left by visiting this link and going to the bottom of the page you are taken to.
Sharda, I suspect that, following the melamine disaster, there is nothing which concerns dog owners more than the subject of their pets food. This entire subject is a morass of commercially-fed misinformation, and people like me need help in sorting through it. What I think impresses me the most with your site is the fact that the welfare of the animals seems to take precedence over any financial considerations which you might have. Thank you for that…it makes you 100% more credible than other's who try to disseminate this information….always with a view to cash-flow at the end.
I have just started reading your dog food report, and I can't break away from my computer. It is so interesting and I am learning so much. Thanks Sharda
Very educational, a must for dog owners. Please consider giving more detailed information on the good, bad and ugly of dog food brands.
Great reading. I however did not receive the audio book, perhaps that is because I only have dail-up. Many thanks JD
I can't wait to see your list of approved dog foods. Hopefully, it will come before I get my new puppy in about five weeks. God bless you for being so concerned about the health of dogs.
Hi, Thankyou for the down load. We have just not long picked up our little girl(she is a Bichon) and are very grateful to the help that you provide.We look forward to any advice that may help us in making bure she gets the best meals. Thank you Liz
Thank you so much Sharda.
I do not recommend Blue Buffalo dog food brand. They also had recalls. Their fish diet has more oil than it needs. An over kill in my book. They use mill also.
Kiana
I just went over the information you gave about the report of the best dog foods. I'll be waiting for that report. I hope the legal eagles let you put it out there. We all really appreciate the work you are doing.
I'm also very interested in your take about dog food. We recently lost our 5 yr old dog. The vet said he's seen many cases such as hers from a certain type food that uses so much dye and her sugar had gone way up. My husband had just changed to this dog food. It did not affect our other dog also 5 yrs, but the other only lived one day after leaving her at our vets overnight. He said she was very toxic also. All of this from a dog food. Now we have a 3 month old old puppy and and want to keep her and 5 yr old chihuahua healthy. I'll anxiously be waiting for your list. Thank you for all the information you have given all of us on this subject.
Thanks for all the information. I am having problems deciding what to give my Peke and what is good dog food. The report helped but I would like to know a good brand for a Pekinese aged 9. Do I buy her senior food and is it alright to give her scraps like steak and chicken and what about bones i.e. steak.
Thanks for all the information and look forward to your next e-mail.
I just wanted to know which natural/organic dog food is absolute the best? There is so many choses.
Thank You
does any one out there feed there dog science plan i feed it to my cocker spaniel but she will only eat this if i mix in sausage is sausage safe for dogs i give her this food on the advice of my vet i would very much like some feed back thanks.
Just wanted to tell you about my toy poodle, Cricket.She has been eating Purina O.N.E. since she was 6 weeks old. She is now 17 years old and still likes to take a round or two out of her teddy bear.O.N.E. is made from lamb and rice.
Can't wait to see your list. Someone needs to step on the dog food manufacturers. I feed my mini snauzer Purina moist & meaty mixed with premium chunk chicken breast almost daily. She goes to the vet monthly and seems to be doing well but who really knows.
Thanks a million.
Are the dog foods you re going to recommend also avaiable in the UK or are they just US brands please?
I will be very interested in it if they are being sold here.
Thanks
we use james wellbeloved dogfood, can you tell me if this is one of the brands you dont reccommend, its seem to contain all natural ingredients,and is sopposed to be good for skin allergies,
Sharda, My wife & I have been making our own dog food ever since this scare from China. We got a recipe from dogfoodrecipe.com No complaints from our 3 furry kids. About the only thing we DO NOT put in is onions. They will do major damage. If you want the recipe, send me an e-mail address that I can send it to you.
Hi Sharda,
Besides buying a quality food for your dog, I recommend rotating your food to avoid the dog getting too much of certain vitamins and too little of others. This makes sense to me since we are told to vary our diets. My biggest problem is when I do change my dogs diet, I need to do it over the period of at least a week (as we all need to do).
Why not just cook for your dogs? Oatmeal and buckwheat cereal mixed with chicken or vegetable broth and dark green vegetables, especially asparagus. Add a boiled egg, some sweet potatoes and carrot, lentils and/or brown rice and you have a great meal for your animals. No synthetic vitamins and all natural ingredients, especially if you give them organic foods. Dog cookies made with a passover bread recipe with chopped garlic and/or flax seeds makes for a great treat.
I enjoyed the information but was hoping for more detail. I would like to make food for my mini schnauser who is six and had a bout of pancreatits. She doesn't have a full button so I haver her on Nutro Lite lamb and rice and she has lost some weight.
Anyone have any recipes that I can make that are good for her and have the nutrients she needs?
Does anyone have or have had a problem feeding their dog Nature's Best dog food. Our vet said it was an improved product from Science Diet. We lost our Yorkie last yr to kidney issues and I am so cauious about everything I give our new puppy. Any comment would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
exelent report and very help full for new dog owners. many thanks maxine
Dear Sharda,
Thank you so much for caring about all our pups. I was so pleased to have the information and feel it will benefit everyone who is a true dog lover. My Danny Boy is living with Auto Immune disease. He almost died at age 3, but I am so happy to say after the help of some wonderful vets, lots of money, and heaps of tender loving care, Danny Boy is doing extremely well at age 8 years. I have to be extremely careful in what I feed him because the meds he has to take for his disease are very hard on his digestive system. I cook chicken and rice for him and mix it with some Eukanuba Natural Lamb. Also, I give him bits of apple, which he loves. I will be extremely careful about apple seeds after reading your report. If you have any other suggestions for me about Danny Boy's diet, I would be so grateful. Thank you for all you do, Ginga
I too, am concerned about the dog food issue. We lost our first miniature poodle at almost 14 years. She had heart problems, diabetes and on and one. She ate canned Pedigree Pal and some dry. We now have a toy poodle and she has been eating Cesar from the small containers and also the dry. I keep wondering if they are alright. Thankyou. Jean Christianson
Hi Sharda,
I cook for my dog. Beef, Chicken, Fish and Turkey. I saw on Animal Planet (It's me or the dog) that a little sprinkle of garlic will attrack the dog to the food. My pet Schnauzer is a finicky eater. It's difficult to find a recipe she likes. Your dog food report mentioned garlic. So now I am even more diligent on it's use.
I also give her dry kibble. (Canidea dry dog food) recommended by a pet trainer. She goes for that more so than any other Kibble I've tried. I also give her a daily pet vitamin.
Thanks for your help.
Bill.
Sharda,
I've enjoyed reading the comments and your book and have shared it with my daughter. She wants me to ask you if tomatoes are bad for dogs. She has a Phantom Poodle and I have a Bichon mix.
Thanks,
Bob
I have a 6.6# toy poodle that was used for breeding before I got her. I asked my vet what she thought was a good food for her and she said INNOVA.
I use the green can, but you can go online and read about their complete line….Angel loves it and it really smells good enough for me to eat.
Ever since the pet food recall, I have zero confidence in most brands of dog food. I feed my dogs one meal of dry that is made of all human grade ingredients and one home cooked meal. If I could make dry food myself, I would never purchase commercial dog food again.
I have a 8 year old Bichon. He does so well on raw meat. in the morning he gets a handful of organic kibble from Paul Newman (Newman's Own) so he can chew.
Then I feed him 4 days a week raw meat (I buy this frozen from BRAVO or Country Pet or PRIMAL). I mix this with a few baby carrots and collard greens daily and calcium plus and animal vitamins in powder form (Flying Basset), Glucosamine, Fish Oil, Brewer's Yeast. He also gets once a week Sardines which he loves and Salmon (cooked when we eat it).
My Homeopathic Vet says home cooked food is the best and raw meat ideal. He is super healthy and youthful as a puppy. I can tell from his stools that raw meat is the best!
When switching over go slow if they have never had raw meat. Frozen is safe and easy and pretty inexpensive too.
Sonja
I feed my Yorkie Bil-Jac dog food, at first he seemed to enjoy it, but now he has to be real hungry before he eats it. He goes outside with me and eats the older dogs food which is Kibbles & Bits. I can't wait to see the list.
Sharda
Your report was great but I need HELP My Bechon is allergic to all dies in food all meats and some veggies even my vet dont know what to do next we have her on Atopica Medicine and Imas for dog with intestants problems it is not helping she is only 21 mo. old and I cant stand to loose her she digs all the time do you know anything to help I know you are not a vet but you seem to know a lot about dogs
at loose ends
We've been feeding our 1+ year old Cavalier Hills Science Diet since the beginning on the recommendation of our vets from 2 different parts of the country. He seems to be doing well but we're open to something better. Thanks for your info.
I know your heart is in the right place, but I don't understand why anyone with all good conscious can recommend any pet food when it isn't government regulated and the rendering plants will not let anyone see how they make it and what they meke it with. Doesn't that put any red flags up for anyone? With all the recalls happening anymore I'm shocked that anyone would want to feed their beloved pets anything but real food, which by the way is safer and healhier. (outside of onions, chocolate, raisins and artificial sweeteners of course……common sense type things)
Thanks for the e-book…..very informative. I am going on my second week with Lola, a 7 week old female Westie. I love her!!!!! Looking forward to your food list.
Thanks Again,
Suzanne
Hi Sharda. I really enjoyed your last dog food report and am anxiously waiting for you next report on the kinds of food. I give my Bichon IMS mini bits. Her treats are limited. I want to keep her weight down. However, in addition to the IMS I put about 1/4 tsp. Cesars with it. What is your opinion of Cesars? Her treats are Nature's Receipt training treats. Keep up the good work.
Jean
I just went through the dog food aisle at Kroger looking for anything with the balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins described in your Dog Food Report. Nothing even comes close to 40% protein, nor did I find any carbohydrate figures or any mention of vitamin D. The shelves included everything from the cheapest Kroger brands to the very expensive IAM and Purina ONE types.
Does anyone actually make a packaged dry food with all the ingredients you listed at the percentages shown?
I have a Westie/Parson Russell and a Bichon/Poodle, both rescues, both now a bit over two years old. They are doing well on a diet of premium dry dog food and a side dish of(Go figure!) raw chopped broccoli, which they go after like candy. Do you have any information about good and bad effects of broccoli? I do hope it is not harmful, they like it so much.
Keep up the good work.
How did you re-train Delia to recognize you as the alpha person?
Thanks, Pam
I couldn't agree with you more! I watched a program on the television not long ago that showed what actually goes into the food our dogs eat. It almost made me sick to my stomach!!!
After reading your report I did the same thing as Joesph D . I went to the Pet Smart to check out their dog foods. My yorkie doesn't like any thing I give him. So I was looking for foods with the 40% protein and carbs and vitamins. There was a lack of information on most of the food or they didn't have enough of the good ingredients. I use to work for a vet. I know whats is put in dog food. Even their dog foods are questionalble. Cooking for you dogs is the best ,but some times there isn't enough time in the day. I would like to be able to find a healthy dog food for my bassette and yorkie even if they take two different foods. Thanks again for the information in you report. It has helped me a lot.
I have been told by my vet that I may need to feed a food with less protein to my 3 and 1/2 lb. yorkie if he shows any signs of kidney problems in his next bloodwork. So I guess the amount of protein is not necessarily the same for all breeds and all sizes of dogs. I currently feed Biljack which is the brand my breeder uses, and I supplement with a small amount of moist mighty dog daily. He seems to be ok for now, but just thought anyone with a smaller breed might want to know about the suggestion for smaller amounts of protein with dogs that may be prone to kidney difficulties. Thanks for the info all of you.
Cathy Brown
My papillion is such a picky eater and I also worry about getting him the vitamins he needs. I am also anxious to see your dog food report. Is there a dietary supplement for dogs you might recommend? Thanks for all your hard work.
I'd print the list! WE all need good information. If the pet food companies can't handle it, tough!
Karen : )
We have a Malipoo and a Pomeranian both about 61/2 lbs. They have always been very picky eaters. We tried every brand and type of food. Finally we got rid of all our “wet dog food”. They wouldn’t eat it anyway.
Now about once a month I cook enough food to last them the entire month. I cook the meat in a slow cooker with diced carrots, brown rice a little cinnamon and a little salt. I use what ever meat is on sale. Some times I only use one kind and other times I use chicken, beef and port all together. I divide it into zip lock bags of 3 portion size and freeze. We have a dehydrator, that I use it quite often. Again about once a month I make jerky for the dogs. It is easy, inexpensive and they love it. They are happy and seem very healthy. I hope I am doing the right thing. How do we know. Should I give them vitamins?
We have been afraid of giving them raw meat. Although from your other responses, it sounds like some raw meat might be good for them?
Any comments would be appreciated.
Please, just keep us informed. The more I read, the more concerned I get that we are not feeding our dogs properly. We all need all the help we can get to give our dogs the quality of life they deserve.
Frya Kufmann Canada
Thank you so much for the super info through the whole training program plus the "dog-food-report"
I have a seven month old schnauzer girl and I am working on her all those good tips and of course she will be fed acordengly to your sugestion.
it will be gratly apprecited.
We have a 4yr old jack russell rescue dog who doesn't like hard foods as she has bad teeth (what's left of them!). Since we got her last year shes been eating a mix of canned and dry food (trying to sneak the hard stuff in) and the occasional chicken wing. I don't believe canned food has much goodness in it so am about to start her on BARF patties. They are an Australian made natural combination of raw meat, bones, eggs, vegies, fruit etc and its recommended you feed a combination of patties and bones daily. My sister has been following the BARF regime for her 2 goldies for years and they are very healthy. I'll be interested to see if this makes it onto the list.
Thanks for the info. I have had dogs all of my life and I still don't know which brand of of dog food is the best or healthiest. I buy on sale and use coupons. I rotate and/or mix different brands together. My Scottish terrier is not a "picky" eater and seems to be very healthy. Thanks for sharing.
I have a rottweiler and is known are a vets best friend. My last rottweiler died at 8 years old, with lots of health problem and finally died of cancer. I believe I poisoned her also with yearly injections that are recommended by vets and poor nutrition.
With Isaac I give him raw chicken carcasses and low fat biscuits with proportions similar to what you have stated in your report. He will be 8 years on 29/7 and is a healthy now as he was as a puppy I also do not give him yearly injections. (He has had his puppy ones that is all)
I think it is wonderful that people are looking at dog nutrition finally I just hope more people look at the consequences of the yearly injections on their dogs health as well
I hope this is not too controversial and you will pass this on to others. well done Sharda give the dog food people what for…..
Be careful about feeding your dog "home-cooked" meals. I had a beautiful 10 year old greyhound I rescued. In the kennel, her owners slow cooked rice or barley with meat and fresh vegetables. Why I got her she wouldn't eat dry kibble. As a result, every week I made a big vat of rice, chicken or turkey, tuna with some garlic powder (she had uninary tract problems & the garlic is good for that problem). However, this diet absolutely ruined her teeth (a common problem with greyhounds). Her teeth absessed, bless her heart, altho we had our vet professionaly clean them & we brushed her teeth. The hard kibble is very much needed for the sake of their teeth.
Thank you for the dog food report. I have 1 10 year old bichon who was brought up on dog food and a new puppy who has been fed on a raw diet. I will go forward with the raw diet and slowly start to introduce it to my older dog. I look forward to reading more as it is very informative.
Please can you give some information on the vitamins that bichons should have.
Thanks
Sarah
Hi, I am in the UK and have a Mini Schnauzer. Your food report was very interesting to read.
He is almost 2 and he is fed James Wellbeloved dry food together with either Nature Diet or Nature's Harvest.
I have noticed that almost all wet dog food has the same nutritional content: 7-11% protein, 8-10% fat and 40-50% carbs.
Can't wait untill you publish the brand report.
I do not feed our dogs science diet, but I put our cairn terriers on a prescription dog food made by wells. Wells is the same as science diet and our dogs will not eat this food unless it's doctored-up with something. Check the ingredients, our dogs will not eat dog food that contains pork; I have heard that too much pork will harm your pet. One more thing when I did get them to eat this food both dogs started vomiting. They are no longer on this junk food.
Sharda, We get our new scottie pup in three days and your report was so timely and so terriffic!…can you please release your approved list of dog foods or make some suggestions…at your earliest convenience?
Thank you!
Thanks for the report. Yes,the choice concerning commercial dog food products is less than straight forward. Just look at the contents labels and you'll wonder what nutritional value there actually is in many popular brands. Then consider some of the ethical issues, like just how some of the wellknown companies actually go about testing their products. It is worth looking into! My advice is to look closely at the credentials of these companies, ignore the hype and then make an informed choice. Cheapest or most advertised is not necessarily the best. Good luck, Clive
For Catherine P Brown. Thanks for the imfo on what you feed your yorkie. I haven't heard of Biljack dog food is it sold all over the US. I live in New Jersey.
My Cairn Terrier liked Canadae when he was a pup, but at the age of eight months, would not eat it anymore. I give him home cooked meat and chicken, plus rice occasionaly now. He does like Timberwolf Chicken with Herb now, but only eats this two or three times a week. I read here in the Blog that one owner gave there dogs raw brocolli. I must try this.
I had one Cairn that liked raw green beans, and one that liked raw green pepper. My Cairn weighs 22 pounds, as he is a large Cairn. Four inches taller than what they should be.
I have found most all of the comments quite interesting and informative.
Your dog food report was very informative.
My wife and I own two wonderful pugs named Rosie and Charlie. They mean the world to us.
You have taught us a lot through your research and allI can say is your truly a wonderful lady.
Stay away from Science Diet. I have heard that is one of the worst dog foods you can feed your dog. I feed mine Royal canine and they love it.
My scottie is showing allergic signs. He chews his feet. He does not have fleas. Right now he is on prednizone and some other skin medication to see if it will clear up and it has… any particular foods that are good for pups with allergies???? I am feeding him veterainary plan (which has very safe ingredients and is made in the USA, but I am also wondering if he may be allergic to grass (since it is his feet)??? Is that possible???
Joe,
I would love your dog food recipe. We have a 6 month old King Charles Spaniel. He weighs 14 pounds. Thanks!
Shandra………I hope you will produce a list of GOOD foods, even if legal counsel may dissuade you from publishing the BAD list. We all need it. Also, several years ago, a horse trainer named John Lyons put out a monthly magazine with NO paid advertising. He regularly reviewed products…..certainly ticking off some manufacturers. He was a GREAT success and saved many of us a great deal of money and maybe some heart ache, also. Unfortunately, he has now changed format and is funded by PAID advertising, made a big change in the magazine…..and I no longer subscribe to it. Your information is outstanding……….please continue!!!!!
Hi My vet also wants me to feed this food to my dogs I have Yorkies My female just had a litter of 4 they are five weeks old now I have been giving them the canned puppy sceince diet they seem to be good My sister works for a pet store and told me that sceince diet is full of fillers and should not use it she is sending me a list of what she recomends. She has 2 cats 2 dogs saltwater fish freshwater fish a praire dog a turtle a hedgehog her animals are always spotless along with their homes She has never had a sick animal and they only die of old old age. if you would like this list let me know? love your pets Tammy
I have a german shepherd, he is about two and a half years old.I have been feeding him a commercial dog food ( Performatrim dry kibble for large breed ) Would appreciate any comments you may have on this food. Thanks Frank
I'm very anxious to get to the bottom line–your list of the best and safest dog foods.
Hi Sharda, Thank ever so much for all the advice you have given me! I am getting a yorkie at the end of July , and THANK YOU for your help!
Lucy.
I just wanted to let you know that we have been feeding our yorkie (2yrs old) Royal Canine for Yorkshire terriers. Our new puppy is also on this & they seem to enjoy plus our vet in Cnada told us this was one of the better dog foods. So far so good. We also will give them rice mixed with lean hamburger(cooked) & chicken broth. They also seem to enjoy this. As for snacks we give our older Yorkie liver treats & our puppy likes rawhide chews. She is only 13 weeks old & of course teething.
Hope this helps.
Rae
We have three standards poodles and a Yorkie, we where feeding IAMS but began having loss stools. We have been using Science Diets Senitive Stomach for about a year now and have had very little if any problems. Our guys run from 3 to 11 years old and are all neutered. They are only allowed dry food but their Dad does slip them a Cheese Puff when Mom's not looking. We where also told by Pet Smart to watch carefully the dates on the food. Sometime if it is to old and not properly stored you may have a problem so we only buy at high volume stores and check dates. Hope this helps.
Hi Sharda,
I have been researching dog food on the internet and came up with Innova as a reccomended brand because of the high protein content and lack of by products My research results advised looking for protein content in the first two to four ingrediants, as listed on the package. Also, real meat has a lot of water content, so if that is the first ingrediant, the next one should also be a form of meat protein.. I no longer use Eukanuba because they use beet pulp, which is just a filler.
I couldn't find Innova right away, so I switched to Halo Spot's Chicken Stew. My Cavalier Heidi is doing well on it–much more energy. It says all ingrediants made in the USA, but I wonder if that can be a tricky label–some one said they can use a US distributor of an ingrediant, who may import it before sending it on to the dog food company, supposedly "From the USA."
I am not going to feed my 7 yr old dog the almost all protein version of Innova, as I think that would be too great a shock to her system.
Thanks,
Deborah
Sharda; Thank you for all the new info.I still refer back to the advice sent me about Pugs. My Gizmo will soon be three years old,and is very happy and healthy. Thank you for the Dog Food Report.I am learning more tips that I did not realize Thank you again. Fern and Gizmo
Thankyou sharda for your dog food report havent finished reading it yet but I am finding it very usefull being new to having a pup again after 25 years I was so upset when I lost my cocker spaniel and was all the family we said we would never have a another one but we have got a king charles spaniel called lottie and we love her very much finding it hard work but thinking of taking her to dog obedience classes. Thank you again.
Christine Thomas
I have a cairn and a westie. The cairn has diabetes and I am always looking the a good food and treat for her(low fat). My westie has stomache problems and I am feeding her potatoe and rabbit hard food. Both the dog's foods I get for them are pricey (but that actually worth it) from the vet. After reading the comments, it sounds like we all need help with giving our dogs the best we can. If anyone has any suggestions on good treats etc, please let me know. I am in the USA so I don't think some of the brands mentioned can be purchased here. Also, I thought that home cooking for dogs wasn't the best thing either. Any other comments on that?
Barbara
Thank you so much for all of your helpful tips!! I have a pug (who will be 2 in September). We are currently feeding him Merrick- is that a good brand and quality food?! And I am also concerned with your fruit/veggie comments- are fruits/veggies good for dogs to eat because my dog, Scout, eats a little of them both almost every day!? I thought they were a good snack other than dog treats all the time!
My 3 yr old yorkie is on Evo(dry) a small amount of Evangers (wet), which is 100% meat. She also has carrots and green beans added to it. She will eat just about any vegtable (green pepper, cukes, brocholi, even small amounts of cabbage and lettuce. The vet said this was good except no onions. She really thrives on this. I got her 6 mo. ago and have put a few ounces on her. she's 4 lb 6 oz now. There are several sites to find ratings for dog food. they go by 12345 star ratings. Eucanuba for yorkies was the lowest rated
Stay away from Science Diet. I have heard that is one of the worst dog foods you can feed your dog. I feed mine Royal canine and they love it.
I agree with you. Our vet pushes Science Diet. I figure they get some kick back from it, they sell it. I don't know if it is the worst, but it sure isn't the best. I also feed my toy poodles Royal Canine. I have tried Enovia (sp?) I just want what is the best for my dogs. There are so many choices out there. It is best to go to a pet store. We have one in town that has all the better brands most pet stores don't have and your grocery stores do not have. Can't wait for your list to come out. While we wait for your list. Can you tell us what you feed your dog? Hint, Hint.
Royal canin and james wellboloved is doing well here in Uk as is burns, I hope you feel able to do,your report, but im sure you do not to be reminded to get the legal work right. it is a sad situation, but true. I have done hours of research looking at dog foods for my 3 year old giant dog ( RBT ) I THINK we have finally got it, it is hard for us, NO TREATS, NO EXTRAS just his fish and rice complete food, and slightly less than he was having of the royal canin, he was fine on royal caninj, but developed an allergy to the protien, resulting in sever and very unpleasant colitus. He looks great, breeder is very happy with him as is my vet.
One thing I recently learned with my 5.5 lb female Yorkie is that Children's Motrin (Ibuprofen 100mg) can be toxic and fatal to dogs as well. She got into my son's and was in the vets office for 3 days on an IV drip and getting fluids under her skin. The vet informed me that it could cause renal failure and possibly death. My vet told me the liquid form is the worst.
Hi Sharda.I have read all the coments, and have researched comercial dog food, and have come to the decision, that there is none that is good for my dogs, I have two American Eskimos, and I am not going to take any chances with them, I use to have 3 Min Pins, and I think that the dog food that I was feeding then was what caused their death, as they all died from cancer, at an older age tho, but what are the chances, that they would all go the same way, from now on, my dogs will eat what I make for them, no matter the time I have to put into it. Thank you for your hard work, and the fact that you are sharing at no cost, means that you realy care.
I would like to make homemade dogfood, but know I would be lacking in some needed nutrients. Is a vitamin/mineral/antioxidant additive available for adding to homemade food? Hopefully, without preservatives?
Hi,
I live in the UK, and my dogs have been fed on Skinners, and now Burns dog food. My labs and Cocker Spaniel have all lived to about 14 & half years though the spaniel did have kidney problems for the last year or two and was on a Kd diet. I notice Burns – typical analysis protein 18.5%, oil 7.5% fibre 2.2% etc. Also in larger letters it says Brown Rice 63% chicken 20% plus oats peas etc. I didn't know about some of the foods that are bad for dogs like grapes and onions and my present Lab will steal anything she can get her paws on!! I am going to be more careful!!!
Thanks Frances
I have a 4 month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I have been giving him a brand called Wellness which is holistic nutrition. I bought if from my vet. Right now, he is on the puppy kibble, but I gave a bag of kibble to my daughter who has a pug with skin problems. There are different flavors of kibble, but the one I gave the pug is fish and sweet potatoes. Have you researched this brand?
I'd like to hear more about the Wellness brand, also. I just started weaning my Westie off of the Science Diet onto the Wellness brand. I heard Science Diet makes their skin dry. My last Westie lived for 16 years and had Science Diet most of his life. He did have trouble with dry skin early on, though, so I thought with my new puppy, I'd try a more natural brand. I hope Wellness will be mentioned in your report. Good luck with your endeavor!!
MY LASA APSA IS A 3 1/2 YR OLD MALE. HE WAS GIVEN TO ME LAST YEAR,SO I DON'T KNOW HIS UPBRINGING HISTORY. THE PROBLEM IS, HE IS VERY,VERY SKIDDISH. HE EVEN JUMPS AT HIS OWN SHADOW! (YES,I'M SERIOUS) IF HE HEARS A DOOR KNOCK OR PHONE RINGING ON THE TELEVISION, HE STARTS BARKING UP A STORM. HOW CAN I GET HIM TO RELAX,OR IS THIS NORMAL FOR THIS BREED.
ALSO HE IS VERY AFRAID OF PEOPLE. IF THEY TRY TO PET HIM OR EVEN PUT THEIR HAND DOWN FOR HIM TO SMELL, HE BACKS UP & HIDES BEHIND ME. WHEN PEOPLE COME INTO MY HOUSE,HE BARKS & BARKS FOR UP TO 10 MIN. I HATE TO SEE HIM SO SCARED OF THINGS.
Have you considered looking into the benefits of a raw diet?
I have a 19month old Cavalier king charles spaniel who was put on a raw diet a year ago consisting of lean raw beef, lamb, veal, veal ribs, lamb ribs and chicken necks all purchased my my local butcher. I mix this with a bit of rice or a natural mix from greenpet.This also turns out cheaper than dry and tinned food and i know exactly what she is getting. There is also a fabulous site called GREENPET which offers natural supplements and a holistic approach to pet care. Lola is in excellent health with a shining coat and healthy teeth and gums which Cavaliers have problems with. Be also be cautious with some VET advise as our vet schools are sponsored by major pet food brands. Hope this information helps someone.
A neighbor recently told me about Blue Buffalo Dog Food. Looked like a valid product to look into… Thanks for all your information!
I would love to have the recipes for my two Lhasa Apsos. I do cook skinless/boneless chicken breast every other week and pressure cook them to add the meat to their regular dry dogfood.
Hello,
We also have Toby our male Lhasa Apso and Tiffany our female Lhasa. Toby is the same way, anything scares him and we can not break him of that. When our door bell rings or when my husband or I drive into the garage Tiffany has a barking fit and Toby just howls which is very upsetting to us. We have tried different things to stop them from doing this, without any success. Please let me know if you get any advice about your Lhasa's problems.
Ursula
I wouldn't advise anyone or any dog to eat processed meats.
Can you send part 2, please? I accidently deleted it. Would like to have it back again.
Thanks
Kathy
Thanks for sharing your recipe with me!
Thank you so much for providing this needed information. My dog is a 1 yr old Toy Fox Terrier & is a finicky eater. I can't even tell you how many brands of puppy food/dog food I've tried. Right now, she's been eating Pedigree moist that comes in packets, but she also likes to eat people food (my mother gives her a little of just about everything she eats – chicken stew, pizza (she loves the cheese), spaghetti…). I'm really looking forward to your report.
I have a nine week old Bichon, I am feeding it Iaams Puppy food, is this a good food to be feedin it. My last dog was a Lhasa Apso and I lost him at 6 yrs. old to Kidney failure and I feed him Kibbles and Bits. So I guess I'm asking if Iaams ,Puppy food is a credible food for my pet.
maggie
Sharda:
I may have missed this in your letters/report….I have a scottie that is allergic to beef. She also has very dry skin. Is there anything to add to her food that would help her skin? I use a special shampoo. She sometimes stinks really bad. I am afraid my husband will make me get rid of her if we cannot solve this. She has regular grooming.
Thanks,
Pat
Sharda:
Thank you so much for the Dog Food Report. I just downloaded it and have learned a lot of what not to give my
dog, Dino, a four month old Bichon.
I am looking forward to the list of dog foods.
Thanks,
Toni
Dear Sharda
My Cavalier King Charles – "Charlie"! is a very fussy eater. I have to ignore pleas for my food and feed him Butchers Senior gravy meat and supplement with James Wellbeloved dry food – hopefully making up the protein, carbo, fat, vits he needs. I've looked at all the ingredients of some wet and dry foods and cannot find one that meets all you recommend. (By the way do all be careful your dog doesn't pick up discarded chicken bones – can hurt their insides). I'd like to find food that is portable as we are soon on holiday for 2 weeks in a hotel! Hope you can get the food report published and look forward to reading it.
Carole.
I have a few dogfoods I am trying now and would appreciate your input. They are: Ekanuba for small breed puppies. Nutrisource for my adult dogs I also give my pappillon puppies Aveoderm canned for puppies it seems they are skinny, very active and bright but thin.
Sharda, you have given us the criteria for the most nutritious dog food and we are ready for the results! We know most of the canned foods are close to garbage. How about giving us a mixture that we can cook up ourselves. Thanks, Dan F.
Hi Sharda,
I enjoyed your very informative info on dog nutrition. I learned a lot. I have a 2 and a half year old female Pug who is the light of my life. I to want to know the best food for her. I now feed her Ceasers, but she is a finity eater and I put a little cooked lean hamburger in with her food, then she will eat it. I also have grain down for her at all times. She seems to be healthy, but a little overweight. Have to work on that. Thanks very much. Dan K.
Hi Sharda,
My 10 year old bischon got arthritus in his back legs. I started him on Nutro Natural Choice for Seniors with glucocimine & Chondrointin. It just took a few weeks before he stopped limping. He runs and plays like a young puppy once again.
Hi Shadra, I wish I had known about the dangers of dog food earlier.Our pet cavalier Salli was only 6 when she died of pancrititis in April this year ,We are totally distraught at her loss, she was our baby,the anger that I feel towards the Vet& the pet shops is so overpowering.All they say is that she was eating the best food available,she was on the Hills science she had bladder stones removed about six months earlier and was only on this food!!!!!! Before we get another pup we will be only taking your advice and can't wait to see what dog foods are safe.Thank you for all your hard work. Joan
Hi Sharda,
Great report thank you!
When can I get a copy of your new dog food book you mentioned? Sounds brilliant.
kind regards,
Theresa
Last year I switched my dogs to Wellness. It has no wheat, corn, dairy or soy. It has no byproducts, no artificial coloring or flavors and is naturally preserved. They are happier and healthier. The meat is human grade.
**A SHORT MESSAGE FROM SHARDA BAKER**
Hi everyone,
Hope you are doing well.
Things have been fairly hectic with the soon to be released "Complete Guide to Dog's Nutrition".
I think you will amazed at the dog food information I have managed to put together. I'm quite excited about it!
As you probably know from my email, there was a delay to the July 8 launch of the package though!
I will let you know the minute I have a new launch date.
It won't be far off.
So, I'll be in touch.
Kind regards,
Sharda Baker
hi
Read ur comments briefly and i was quite intrested to hear that some 'label' dog foods are dangerous for dogs. I feed my 17 month staffy wagg working dog complete but he is quite fussy so ive started mixing it with tuna. obviously i drain the oils but i can't help but think it may be doing more bad than good. when we first got Taz 5 months ago he was very under fed and had had very little exercise. he's coming along nicely now due to regular walks and me spoiling him with the tuna and treats inbetween meals but does anybody know if tuna is harmful or if it can be if fed too often? any feedback would be greatly appreciated as he is now a much loved member of our family.
Thanks
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM SHARDA BAKER..
I'm excited!!
Finally, I can give you a solid date for the release of 'The Complete Guide To Your Dog's Nutrition'.
The ebooks and audios will be available as of tomorrow;
*********************************
MONDAY, 14th July @ 10 am
*********************************
UPDATE: The Complete Guide To Your Dog's Nutrition is Now available!
Please Click here For Details.
Kind regards,
Sharda Baker
Dear Sharda,
I get several e-mails daily, but I look forward
to yours. I am a senior citizen, and owned a prize
German Shepherd for 13 years, and your knowledge &
advice on caring for a dog is absolutely right on.
I wish more people who anticipate getting a dog or
who already own one, read your information on the
importance of good dog nutrition.
Keep up the GOOD WORK!
Charlotte