http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/food.rss http://www.earthclinic.com/template_img/logo.jpg http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/food.rss Best Natural Food to Give Your Dog or Cat Since the Pet Food Recall. Sun, 12 Feb 12 20:52:29 -0600 en-us http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=BARF_73085 /Pets/food.rss1 Mon, 06 Feb 12 09:33:12 -0600 Bob from Beijing, China writes: "Love your site. Would suggest added a topic in the pets for dogs at least for raw, 'barf', bones natural diets. Researched this for a long time, tried home cooked and slowly but finally, fully converted our two 7yr old schnauzers...Absolutely amazed at the effects! Realized that my biggest obstacle was human psychology about 'raw' and 'bones'. Must say the first few tens of times prepping the raw foodstuffs took getting used to and the watching of swallowing of bones well made me hold my breath many times initially! But, once over the prepping, and getting the raw bones to the right size for our kids..... It has been absolutely wonderful for all of us! 1 dog year is said to be 7 human year ratio, so now our in the '50's mid to older age adult dogs look and feel like they are teenagers again! Wish I had tried sooner... Both had already lost several teeth over the years.... So now stemming that problem and hope to share our good experiences with others! Cheers " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RF_73076 /Pets/food.rss2 Mon, 06 Feb 12 09:15:02 -0600 Suzanne from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia (ns) writes: "My name is Susan I live in Cape Breton, N. S. Canada, I adopted a 3 year old full bred Akita she is now 4. I took her off of commercial dog foods & started cooking steak, kidney livers, & just pkg liver with organic baby food veg, fruits, & sweet potato & she loves it but this is day 4 on her new diet & I think I pulled her old food too fast! Last night she started having what I call explosive diarrhea she only vomited a tiny bit no more then 3 times last night, so the big concern is the diarrhea! (DEHYDRATION) She has never had this before & I am so terrified I am going to lose her! Last night I ran to the grocery store & picked up gatorade, water, & kaopectate, she started eating & drinking water today but still has diarrhea but it has slowed down. Does anyone know what I did wrong? The last thing I gave her before she got so sick was liver that wasn't cooked all the way, & steak that was cooked rare with a tiny bit of garlic powder ( I was told that her food is better if not cooked all the way) with organic baby food peas, carrots, blueberries & apples along with some organic sweet potato over a period of 2 days. Please keep in mind she runs over 80 lbs. PLEASE HELP! DID I GIVE HER TO MUCH TOO SOON & NOT COOKED ENOUGH??. FR: terrified Akita lover in cape breton. For anyone that has a dog with itchy dry skin use cod liver oil human vitamin it works great with my Akita I also give her omega 3 fish oil vitamins- very inexpensive. Thanks, susan " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RAWFOOD _73099 /Pets/food.rss3 Mon, 06 Feb 12 10:07:42 -0600 [YEA] Lokismum from Banbury, Oxforsshire England writes: "Please please feed your dogs raw. Both my dogs now seven and nine have been fed raw since very young pups. There is much advice online out there, and good books to read. It is so much less expensive than ccommercial so called food. Would a wild dog naturally eat cereals? Would a wild dog naturally eat processed cooked food? No, so why do humans think processed carbohydrates are good food for dogs? Feed as close to nature as you can and you will have happy healthy dogs. Raw meat, raw chicken carcasses with the bones, raw green tripe, offal, meaty bones, whole rabbits, and whatever you can get. Let them eat grass when they want. Supplement with a good brand of seaweed. If you love your dogs then you will feed them this way. Do please get as much good advice as you can. I now find that even the vets who always told me I was wrong, are now recommending raw!!! " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RECALLS_70248 /Pets/food.rss4 Fri, 30 Dec 11 21:12:27 -0600 [WARNING!] Gwen from Denver, Colorado writes: "I'VE 3 LITTLE DOGS & ALMOST LOST ONE LAST WEEKEND. USED EC TO PULL HER THROUGH BUT SHE WAS ALMOST DEAD. STARTED THEM ON RACHEL RAY SUPER PREMIUM DOG FOOD. LOTS OF VOMITING. PLEASE CHECK GOOGLE FOR NEWEST DOG FOOD RECALLS. SURE ENOUGH, NEWS FROM REUTERS & TODAY SAYING IN HUMAN FOOD, "AFLATOXIN". PLEASE RESEARCH & POST (THIS QUICK POST), CAUSES SEVERE LIVER DAMAGE INCLUDING LIVER CANCER. NEARLY KILLED MY DOG! " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=MINERALSALT_69628 /Pets/food.rss5 Wed, 21 Dec 11 17:37:31 -0600 Robert Henry from Ten Mile, Tn Usa writes: "Got 6 Rhode Island Red Hens and and now feeding them mineral salt so they will drink lots of water and lay lots of eggs. Can anyone improve on this? ====ROBERT HENRY============ " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=GF_69044 /Pets/food.rss6 Tue, 13 Dec 11 00:12:53 -0600 Peter from Calgary, Ab. writes: "If a dog licks up alot of her own blood will it make the dog sick? " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RF_68610 /Pets/food.rss7 Wed, 07 Dec 11 10:15:44 -0600 Bobtail from Tunapuna, El Dorado, Trinidad writes: "Hi, I have a 4 month old male rottweiler who is not growing normally. He is the last of 3 rotts that I have, my first is a 2 year old female, the second is a 7 month old female and my last is the 4 month old male. My other rotts eat well, I feed the bigger dogs 3 times a day, each one eats different amounts of food and they are fine, however the baby is a finicky eater, he eats 4 times a day. I started feeding him half cup 4 times daily but he won't eat all everytime I feed him and he is too small for his age. He is very active and plays all the time, he will even take on the bigger dogs, but he won't always eat all his food. I spoke to the vet and was advised to start feeding him cooked food, which is what I give the other dogs, it is a mixture of minced chicken, minced beef and liver with grated vegs, (pumpkin, carrots, sweet pepper, and potatoes). This is mixed into the chow, they all love it, but he will still eat most of it and leave some back. Can anybody help me here.... " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RAWFOOD_64429 /Pets/food.rss8 Mon, 03 Oct 11 02:19:48 -0500 Diamond from Salisbury, Usa writes: "I just adopted two seven year old cats, they are so beautiful, but they have been on an iams diet for that amount of years, they have ended up way over weight & one is so big I can barely see her feet, the other isn't quite as heavy and very out going, today I have been searching for a rich but low balance food. I hope to help these cats back to normal health & save their lives, before they get any sicker. Here is some thing really great I would like to share; I read during my search, I have read this many times before from different people/pet lovers/owners etc. http://www.rawlearning.com/worming.html There is so much more of the truth out there on how we are treating or allowing our pets to be treated by vets. "Please read"I am for sure going to make greater changes for my pets now. Also no animal has to have all these shots after a certain age. I do believe two shots ARE rabies & distemper. "AND those shots most times if they are subcutaneous they can be bought at agway and/or any feed & grain store, its just a light pinch on surface skin & inject fluid. I save so much money from all of this rather than the run around like a merry-go-round. I recently mentioned to my vet via a phone conversation if he could give me a little bit of advice over the phone as to what & how to rid a cat of mange(?) he says bring her in and I will check her thyroid(?)it just doesn't make any sense to me. During the time when every one lost their pets due to iams products, every one of mine died; I never knew that friskies or 9 lives was an iams product, now I try my best to find the best food ever to save my pets, and those that care to. I find that most raw food diets are as affordable as iams, or any other low grade products, I feel my animals deserve that much. Thank you all. " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RF_63995 /Pets/food.rss9 Sun, 25 Sep 11 18:43:37 -0500 Polly from Liverpool, Merseyside writes: "My sons dog pee's on the grass which leaves brown burn patches. His friends all seem to have the some problem. He bought something to add to his food. That's no help so he wants to find something nautral, reading the post on the pet clinic there was something on acid. " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RF_63481 /Pets/food.rss10 Sat, 17 Sep 11 22:01:56 -0500 Jordan from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma writes: "Well, the ideology presented by Ted seems rather logical. Despite how it may sound, the argument is not backed by science and actually poses many flaws that will be harmful to your pet. I do agree that the mainstream pet food sold to owners is actually biologically contradictory to their needs, but they are much more balanced and safe than a fish and salt water diet. Felines did not and do not naturally consume sea food of any sort. See a lot of big cats in the ocean? This notion began during the Great Depression, because it was a cheaper alternative. Since cats aren't biologically engendered to eat fish, this results in vitamin deficiencies and a disease caused by an inability to properly break down a form of the fat found in high concentrations. As for salt water, it is the same scenario. Felines have never been salt water consumers during any point of their evolutionary path. It is potentially hazardous for humans and animals. If you're determined to add something to your cats water, add a tsp or half tsp of apple cider vinegar to their water. " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RAWFOOD_63342 /Pets/food.rss11 Thu, 15 Sep 11 16:58:47 -0500 [YEA] Carolin from West Hollywood, Ca writes: "Until 7 years ago all kinds of problems would acute with my pets, ever sense I was introduced to raw food diet not once has there been a single dog problem that I had to worry about dogs are carnivores no kidding they get yeast infection?!!! The dog foods out there are unreal and I'm not sure how they could still contents there outrage called food, if you look into it more and understand what your putting in their body I assure you, you will never do it again. Disgusting what these poor things are eating and don't know it's not food it's garbage, only dry I give if I don't have raw is oregen 80% protean. Only one out there so far the contains this. You must wonder what is the rest? Ya you should that's my peace and I will never do that to my dog again- my doxy lived to be 19 or we had to put him down 7 years prior it's a medical food. " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=BRANDS_62818 /Pets/food.rss12 Wed, 07 Sep 11 22:48:31 -0500 [NAY] Eeej from Mesa, Az writes: "I see you wanted to make a list of culprit foods. Purina Dog Chow. A green bag that says "Healthy Life Nutrition". I bought it because we are out of jobs and money. Halfway through the bag, she has a horrible allergy induced hot spot on her cheek. " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=PUMPKIN_61511 /Pets/food.rss13 Thu, 18 Aug 11 15:35:51 -0500 Momof05 from Williamsport, Pa writes: "I have a Cavapoo puppy who is 11months old now. I have never been able to find a dog food he likes. I haven't changed his dog food too frequently because I know it's not good to do so. He seems happy and healthy. Very playful, but he is skin and bone! I'm thinking of trying sweet potatoes added to his present food since reading this forum it seems a popular item that dogs like and prevents diarrhea. He's only about 10 pounds, is 2T mixed in to his food too much? Does anyone have any other suggestions? I've tried wet as well. I "feed" him the Blue Buffalo right now. He will eat it if I hand feed him, something I started. " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=BARF_54858 /Pets/food.rss14 Thu, 14 Apr 11 11:15:17 -0500 Happyboy from Singapore writes: "My 5 y.o. dog fungal problem. He used to smell even a day after a shower. My remedy for him was: 1) Every night, I 'painted' his affected areas, mainly his legs/hands, with cocnut oil. 2) I gave him 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, together with his RAW blended veggies/RAW meat. He has fully recovered from his fungal problem and can go 2 weeks without a shower and not stink. As his fungal problem was rather severe, it took 4 months for him to fylly recover from this. I adopted him when he was 3 y.o. and was kibble fed. I changed him to BARF diet when I adopted him. " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RF_54053 /Pets/food.rss15 Sun, 27 Mar 11 12:45:55 -0500 [WARNING!] Jimbob from Toronto, Canada writes: "STOP feeding your dogs and cats CORN based foods! They are carnivores and require MEAT. Corned filled kibble leads to numerous health issues and endless vet bills.. Why else do you think the leading CORN based food is "Recommened by veterinarians". My suggestion is a raw meat diet mixed with a high quality meat based kibble that does not contain, CORN, or POTATO fillers. " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=HOMEMADE_43459 /Pets/food.rss16 Tue, 22 Jun 10 11:31:35 -0500 Monadz from Wnc writes: "Ok, I have a rescued Saint Bernard who adopted me 5 yrs ago. She is loving, sweet, etc, (when she gets her own way) Well, that includes her diet: one very fussy pooch. We fix something new, she hoovers it up for about 3 meals..then "Hohum...what you got for me next." Turns around and walks away.....and this can go on for days....right now she is on her 3rd day of fasting; I know it is hot now, but have just thrown the 4th or 5th bowl of food away. She was at a vet hospital lst wkend and getting IVs and antibiotics for FUO and they tell me she scoffed up all her food there. HA! they should have had her there another day or so. I have tried the expensive, the homemade, the raw, conjoling, coaxing, ignoring. Oh, I have vented and am going shopping for Something for her shortly. Any suggestions I may not have covered?" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=BRANDS_43038 /Pets/food.rss17 Tue, 08 Jun 10 23:28:22 -0500 Sharon from Harrison, Oh, United States Of America writes: "I know you have made exceptions for listing the dog food brands in the past due to the poisonings that took place. So I hope I am not wrong in including it here. If I am, please just omit it or cancel the listing. I am having problems with the new Purina One Smart Blend of Lamb and Rice. My dog refuses to eat it. He took 2 or 3 bites and hasn't eaten for two days since. He has never been a picky eater even when we had to change brands or types of food. He has even been on a diet that included the previous version of lamb and rice from the same manufacturer. He has always eaten whatever we feed him without problem. I finally broke down tonight and made him some chicken broth and rice and he is eating it just fine. The store bought lamb and rice is still in his bowl. He just goes up and smells it then walks away. I'm wondering if anyone else is having problems with the brand. (I didn't know where else to look and since I get most of my health related info for me and my dog from Earthclinic I just came here looking for answers.)" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RAWFOOD_40899 /Pets/food.rss18 Wed, 07 Apr 10 01:01:32 -0500 Anonymous from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Usa writes: "People are reporting elsewhere on the site that feeding their pet a raw food diet corrects many health issues. It might be worth trying." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RAWFOOD_40687 /Pets/food.rss19 Wed, 31 Mar 10 16:29:25 -0500 [YEA] Ozarkansaw from Little Rock, Ar, Usa writes: "Raw Diet for Dogs - A Cure-All About a year ago, I started my dog on a raw meat and bones diet. There are many benefits to this diet, and as a 9 year old my dog has never been healthier! This is a long post, but I am afraid they are going to omit my links...so here goes! First off, here are some of the benefits that I have noticed: 1. Major Improvement in Allergies 2. Less problems with fleas and ticks 3. Clean teeth with no tartar buildup 4. Increase in energy and stamina 5. Shiny coat 6. Improved digestion 7. Much smaller stools (due to no fillers, grains ect) 8. Improved overall health 9. Can cost less than premium kibble, especially for large dogs! I am saving a ton of money feeding RAW to my rott puppy. There are many great websites to learn the specifics, but here is the basic idea: Feed approximately 2% to 3% of the dog's body weight daily, feed more if you can feel the ribs, and less if they look pudgy. For puppies feed 2% to 3% of their ADULT WEIGHT. Organ meat needs to be about 10% of the diet Try to use a variety of meat to offer more nutrition You will be feeding mostly muscle meat and meaty bones; you are feeding too much bone if the dog gets constipated, or if the stool is pure white. Too little bone can cause diarrhea. I feed muscle meat with no bone at one meal and meaty bone for the other. Muscle Meat-Hearts, gizzards, ground meat, tongue Organ Meat-Liver & Kidney of any animal Meaty Bones-Chicken & Turkey (quarters, breast, necks, wings, backs), Deer, Rabbit, Pig (feet, necks, tails, roast), lamb, beef (ribs, necks) BEWARE: 1. Your dog will likely go through a detox period when switching from kibble. They will probably have diarrhea, but it will go away. 2. Start with chicken legs and breast, the high bone content will help the diarrhea go away. Add variety & organs SLOWLY after a month or two. 3. Monitor their meals to begin, most dogs are so excited to get meat, and are used to swallowing kibble without chewing! Once they learn that you are always going to feed RAW they will slow down! Don't feed small pieces at first! 4. READ LABELS!!! Most grocery store meat is loaded with extra ingredients such as flavor and salt. Do not give this to your dog! It will make them sick. If unsure, check the sodium level, it should be around 3% per serving. 5. Don't grind the meat; this can cause constipation and they won't get the dental benefits. 6. Don't think you have to buy pre-made diets. They are very expensive and usually have vegetables and other additives. It is better to just by meat from a butcher! Hopefully they will allow me to keep these links! They are the best most straightforward that I have found and are excellent resources!!! Please read these before you start! My advice is much more simplistic and does not cover as much as the provided links. http://www.blackwoodrottweilers.com/raw-diet-for-adults.php http://www.rawlearning.com/rawfaq.html http://rawfed.com/myths/feedraw.html Feeding a raw diet takes some time to get used to, but once you get the hang of it you will be doing the best thing for your dog. After all, this is the way dogs ate before kibble. " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=BEEFLIVER_37693 /Pets/food.rss20 Tue, 19 Jan 10 09:14:14 -0600 [QUESTION] Pumkin from Hemet, Ca, Usa writes: "I have a puppy whose about 5 months and I just started feeding him a homemadefood puppy food and I would like to know how much beef liver is safe for a small dog?" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=BRANDS_36385 /Pets/food.rss21 Tue, 22 Dec 09 09:32:16 -0600 Mia from Appleton, Wi writes: "I'm so confused what to feed my 8 year old boxer. He has had skin problems due to allergies his whole life. For a while I was feeding him California's Natural and then had to switch to Candidae due to the only store in my area discontinued their contract. Candidea worked with him not itching/scratching so much but gave him bacterial build up that caused severe diarrhea that would not go away until I put him on a bland diet and bought medication from the vet to bring his digestive bacteria levels to normal. This went on for about a year (having the diarrhia cases about every 3 months) and talked to the vet one more time about what I could do. Her suggestion was to get him on a low-residue food. My dog is allergic to potatoes, beets and eggs. There are not many low residual dog foods on the market that avoid these 3. Any suggestions as to what I could feed my dog? Currently he is on Pro Plan - sensetive stomach and skin and seemed to do okay at first but now after 3 months he has been scratching himself so much he has numerous scaps all over his body (ecspecially by his ears and neck). His ears tend to get very dirty easily and I have to clean them at least once a week as well. I'm startding to lose all hope." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=HOMEMADE_36152 /Pets/food.rss22 Tue, 15 Dec 09 10:00:03 -0600 Racer from Hampton, Tn writes: "Dove soap is very gentle on my dachsund's itchy awful skin. I have checked her for fleas...she doesnt have them..I suspect it is our pedigree food, which they love, and the stools are small, but they seem not to be thriving on it. I had a dog come to me from a neighbor who was starving and I had to research foods for dogs and came up with the findings that our dog foods we buy at the store are mostly garbage... From that point on I began supplementing our dogs normal food with home cooked meats and vegetables, except for broccoli, and never any grapes at all. But I give them about three times a week, a pound of beef, mixed up with a cup of oatmeal, and a can of green beans, and 4 tbsp mayonaise, and total cereal, 1/4 cup evaporated milk, a couple of long squirts of Karo syrup the light kind, and then 4 Tablespoons of olive oil, since I seperate this into four servings one for each dog. Then I put two full droppersful of infant vitamins into this mix. I put in a cup of yogurt when I have it...if I don't have all the ingredients I can just do the meat and the oatmeal, the veggies, the oil and the vitamins. If I were trying to gain weight on them I would add macaroni and cheese, but the other dog has gained enough weight back on. They like these...they are such big dogs, that they eat all this and I do it about three times a week. When it is time to get treats, I buy small bags of authority, as I read earlier, baby carrots. As far as outward measures to combat dry skin, I do oatmeal water rubdowns, the bathe them with dove soap and dry them without rubbing. I put olive oil on any irritated areas, and it clears up. If not they get dosage of benedryl about 1 mg per pound of body weight. Brushing and massaging their fur down the the skin is important also. Brushing is an everyday thing for all of them. I have found that Frontline does not work anymore the formula has been changed or the ownership has changed hands.... I do the brewers yeast tablets, and I call them candy and dip them in gravy. I am going to buy the powder brewers yeast in a shaker and put it on them all the time also. I also intend to try diatomacious earth as well. It is important to realize you can substitute fish oil pills for olive oil, 1 tbsp for a big dog, 1/2 tbsp for a medium size dog and 1/4 tablespoon for a small dog on a daily basis. " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=HOMEMADE_35491 /Pets/food.rss23 Mon, 30 Nov 09 11:33:20 -0600 Jumar from Adelaide, Australia writes: "I believe a natural diet is so important for animals. Some conditions or diseases are inherited/genetically passed down. Read labels on dog food. There are some healthy organic choices out there. Some of these are found in the meat section of the supermarket[ they have a pet food section?]. Feed your animals fresh meat, vegetables [plain] and some good quality carbohydrates. I feed my dog a mix of these and she's absolutely in good health. Vegetable matter should be a part of their daily diet [think wild dogs]. In the wild, wolves would eat the stomach contents of rabbits etc. Omit all foods containing preservatives, colourings [artificial] and additives. Also to be included should be raw bones [hard] eg. lamb shin bones etc. These should be given occasionally to keep teeth in good condition. I know someone, who's dog has just had 12 teeth removed because they never gave their dog a raw bone!!!! Wild dogs would eat the bones of anything they could catch. No cooked bones of any description should be given however. I believe in most cases, diet is the most important aspect in maintaining an animals health. Be cautious about giving your dog anything it wouldn't normally have access to, there is no evidence to show that acv has no long term complications. Veterinary care is sometimes the only solution. Footnote: If you are concerned about giving you dog raw bones, give them under supervision. " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RAWEGGS_34532 /Pets/food.rss24 Thu, 05 Nov 09 21:34:02 -0600 [WARNING!] Patricia from Miami, Florida writes: "My vet has informed me that raw eggs are not good to give to your dog, he mentioned it could have a detrimental effect on the liver. I have seen other posts where people have recommended raw eggs for pets though." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RAWFOOD_33637 /Pets/food.rss25 Sun, 18 Oct 09 09:39:03 -0500 Jo from Hemet, Ca writes: "I just adopted a teeny, weeny, 3 lb 6oz, Chihuahua. I KNOW that commercial dog food is not healthy for my little girl. I would definitely like to go raw, but because of her size......I am a little nervous. Anyone have any suggestions as to what might be best for her? I rescued her from the Humane Society...she seems a little on the skinny side, but appears healthy otherwise. I am a huge ACV fan, so I would like to put a few drops in her drinking water or mix it with her food and am really looking for suggestions on type of food and amounts. I feel like one wrong move with as small as she is....well, you understand."