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Diet for Pets

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RSO and Dietary Changes For Dog

Heimdal (Johannesburg) on 01/27/2023
5 out of 5 stars

I have found this site very useful. I have moved from commercial to home made and raw over a few years and have seen the benefits. Hair shiny. Eyes cleared up. I have two dogs, both GSDs, one is two years old now and a picture of health and athleticism. Muscular. Energetic. He had a set back with tick bite fever six months ago. I was out of my depth. So I accepted the antibiotic course. After which I ensured he received probiotics and fermented vegetables and raw milk, and raw butter. His heart seemed strained, I had exercised him when ill, ignorant, and I regret now. Heavy panting for no good reason. Yes. Very hot weather here. I started RSO a month ago and he seems to have recovered. Also more positive and lounges around, less biting at the bit for exercise. I do supplement well including krill oil. Etc supplements I can not afford for myself. The GSD puppy is seven months of age. From the best show breeder in this country. Yet. Her structure is not as solid as his. She has developed growth issues. Heartbreaking. The vet recommended more calcium. My research sad this was not the way to go but that zinc needed to be added to the diet. She does eat chicken necks and feet for calcium, and drinks raw milk. I have only become aware of the growth issues recently so I have not had a chance to see whether the remedies will help her. I am using two homeopathic remedies the vet prescribed, including calcarea. To add to the issue she has become a fussy eater after the vet visits. And she is struggling with weight. The vet prescribed Milbemax. I gave her one dose grudgingly. Poison pill. Allopathic medicine is a slippery slope. She however will not eat food with any supplements mixed in. Frustratingly challenging. My adult GSD eats all his food with any supplements and I can naturally deworm him. Black walnut, wormwood, cloves, neem, dme etc and he is thriving. With her she will eat the chicken necks and duck feet, raw milk, raw butter. And some raw meat, not enthusiastic about ground meat, and unlikely to touch it with any supplements. Unwilling to eat vegetables or fruit or herbs. I am concerned about over all nutrition. I asked two different vets who said kibble. I again grudgingly agreed. But she will eat only a few, very unenthusiastic. I have also started her on RSO recently. I am not sure if her growth issues will rectify themselves. I hope so for her sake. Very sweet and loving.

Anyone Tried a Vegan Diet for Dogs?

DogMom (TX) on 12/25/2022

I believe in a Vegan diet for all. I read about the longest living dog who was a Vegan.

A Vegan diet is best. Does anyone have an opinion?

Adulterated Cat Food in Canada

Om (Hope, Bc Canada) on 09/25/2015

Four years ago just before elections, the Pet food industry approached the government of BC (and perhaps of all Canada) to put a filler, possibly melamine, into pet food . It could be more of non nutritious stuff. Now, just before elections in Canada, it has happened again. I used to buy a cat food by P.... I had been searching high and low for better cat nutrition but living in a small place to no avail. My feed store man remarked that they were "rearranging" their food again.

Today this is what happens: cats, seven of them, stare at me and they look hungry. The pet food they had so far in plenty stays on their plate untouched. They eat better quality grain free kibbles but four of them do not well on this alone. When I contacted the company which is also the first company to want to irradiate pet food, big talk recorded with "pet lovers" etc. I returned all the unopened cans and have to cut my losses as the ingredients seem to be a sponge soaked in flavouring and some colouring.

I was told that in turn for gov't favours, the pet food industry gives blocks of votes.

This is cruelty and avarice , greed and total disregard for honesty.

I would like pet owners to be aware that the cost of a can is partly inedible crap.

Sadly, Namaste honouring the integrity within you. Om

Chihuahua Chokes On and Snorts Food

Asdzaan (Tempe, AZ) on 01/21/2015

I adopted my 7+ years old chihuahua (chiweenie?) Brutus after finding him abandoned in an open field. His nails were trimmed and fairly clean overall so he was not in the field for very long. He was not neutered so he may have been used for reproductive purposes.

The problem is his tendency to eat/attack his meals with so much gusto that he makes snorting noises and often chokes on his food. The food goes up his nose and he blows or spits it out once or twice. Afterwards he often makes long and loud snorts in and out as if food is stuck up his nostrils, then he flicks/lick his nose area and his bedding until there is a huge wet spot. He acts panicky and I try to massage his nose outwardly hoping to help dislodge the food. Is there anything I can do to help him? Could I use a baby's bulb syringe?

Pumpkin and a Healthy Diet for Dogs

Diamond (Ma., US) on 11/30/2014
5 out of 5 stars

My husband and I give our dogs oatmeal, very good for humans, also dogs. We also add ground turkey or chicken, sometimes carrots, but the number one item is a can of pumpkin. No. one best over anything for pets. We have a cockapoo; she is very old and we thought for sure this past week she was ready to go-- she just couldn't get up to go out and do her duties. My husband and I would carry her out so she could go to the bathroom.... after awhile and this special diet and the strong will to live, she is back up and running. Thank you Earth Clinic for this site and showing our votes of confidence. Thank you GOD for our loving pets.

Water Kefir for Pets

Om (Hope, Bc Canada) on 08/19/2014

My Cats and dogs get water kefir over their food once a day. I was out of baby probiotics and the health food store did not have it when I remembered the water kefir crystals in my pantry. This works and is really cheap to use. If there is constipation, just a little more of the liquid. It is available readily online.

The other time daily, they get ACV.

Namaste, Om

Re: Puppy Poops 10 x per Day

Kay (Jax, Fl, Usa) on 07/15/2014

My five month old BC poops at least 3 x after each meal and I feed him 1 cup of dry food in am, 1/2 cup noon and 1 cup dinner. This is puppy size high quality food. I mix 1 tablespoon of canned pumpkin. The stools are normal and not diarrhea. I took him to the vet who wanted to put him on the food she sells. I did this and it constipated him. So, I have him back on the high quality food. Vet said he should poop within 45 minutes after eating and that would be all (3 to 4x per day).

any suggestions?

Re: Proper Diet for Puppy

Kay (Jax, FL) on 06/04/2014

I have had my new now 13 wk old puppy on EN as prescribed by the Vet. The diarrhea is gone, but he goes to the bathroom a lot! I feed him 1 cup 3 x per day mixed with a teaspoon of pumpkin. He poops probably 3 times after each meal. He will go before bedtime, wake up around 1am go again and than again at 6am. When I asked the vet they said I should be feeding only morning and evening which I disagree with as every dog food package and article states puppies need more. Any suggestions? I have tried other grain free foods but they were causing the diarrhea

Dietary Tips for Dogs

Michael (Seattle, Wa.) on 12/30/2013

Hello, my name is Michael. I live in Seattle, and yes, I believe it is raining today. In my years of experience with my dogs and helping other dog lovers learn how and what will reversed nearly every disease, nearly 100%!

Today I never feed my dogs horrible commercial dog foods. They are the major cause of all dog diseases I discovered. These kinds of foods become highly "acidic" in the intestine, and effect the liver and kidneys. Commercial dog foods are totally lacking in organic mineral, trace elements, enzymes and organic antioxidants. Dog foods are "dead" foods. Dead foods cause illness, like it does with humans.

If you want a dog that will live longer and will never get sick, is just do this: 1. stop feeding harmful dog foods to your best friend. 2. instead feed your animals fresh raw, fruits and veggies, including fresh meats only. You can also semi-cook fresh foods, but above all, please don't deny your dogs the abundant benefits of eating healthier, by feeding our dogs fresh organic foods.

Cascading with real organic minerals and vitamins that the body instantly recognizes and instantly assimilates at nearly 95%! No dog foods even come close to doing this.

Michael - dittovanmp(at)comcast(dot)net

Best Nutrition for Dogs

Diana (Plainview, New York) on 09/06/2013

I just wanted to jump in and encourage you to do some research on nutrition for dogs. Dogs ARE NOT vegetarians. Their whole anatomy is designed to eat meat. They are CARNIVORES. Look at their teeth, they were designed to rip meat. They also have a short digestive tract that is designed to digest meat. IT IS TOO SHORT to digest vegetables or fruits properly. And grain is DEFINITELY NOT GOOD FOR DOGS!! In fact, it is VERY BAD for them. This could very well be why they are having health issues. I feed my dogs a raw meaty bones diet and they are EXTREMELY healthy. My oldest dog is almost 9, and everyone thinks she is 4. Their teeth are perfectly clean, no need for cleanings EVER at the vet. Their coats are very glossy. Their eyes are very clear and sparkly. I do feed them some vegetables, but I put it in my blender first so they can digest it a lot more easily. You can easily do a google search online to verify what I have said. Good luck to you and wish you and your dogs the very best :-)

Westie With Food Allergies Seeks Diet

Cecilia (Happy, NY) on 04/05/2013

Greetings, I own an 11 year old Westie. I don't vaccinate him (except rabies) and don't use any chemicals to rid him of fleas. He has a beautiful dense coat. But, he can not tolerate any food except chicken breast with white rice (barely). He always has a soft stool on this diet, which is very discouraging. I have tried to eliminate the white rice. When this is attempted he gets very gassy and then gets diarrhea. Due to the white rice he does have a bad yeast infection in one of his paws and depending on the season can get very itchy ears. Lastly, my poor dear also get a crustitis on his lips which makes his canines hang over. My number one concern is his diet. I have tried plain yogurt and pure pumpkin. But after a few days it seems to catch up with his sensitive belly and then gets diarrhea. I would like to replace the rice perhaps with something more tolerable to have with the chicken breasts? Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Many thanks!!

Raw Marrow Bone for Dental Health

Kathryn4 (Owings, Md.) on 03/29/2013
5 out of 5 stars

To replace a meal I give my dog a raw marrow bone to chew on. It cleans his teeth and the vet said she never saw a dog's teeth as fine as mine. Remember to clean out the marrow or most of it else your dog could get the runs.

Dog's Diet

Brenda (Palmetto, Ga, Usa) on 08/02/2012

I have a 5 yr. Yorkie (under 10lbs) and he will not eat dog food. I have tried every brand, type, wet, dry. He will eat bologna, hot dogs, but I know this is not good for him to continue, so I boil chicken. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Ky Mama (Clinton, Ky, Usa) on 07/30/2012
5 out of 5 stars

We just got a Great Pyrenees puppy. He isn't fond of dog food, and neither am I. I figure, when you are insulting food, you call it dog food. Dog food is inferior to people food, why give it to my expensive dog? Cheap dog food is 40cents a pound. I can get quality grains that I feed my family for this price, so I am getting started feeding him some real food. I have been making him oatmeal each morning. I add a little sea salt, a t. of blackstrap molasses, 1/2 t. Garlic powder and this morning I added a teaspoon of spirulina. He shares it with the cats and likes it better than dog food. I am also going to give him eggs every day. I will supplement his diet with dog food just because I may not always have enough leftovers for him, but he should be able to get plenty of meat and grains and veggies from what we have leftover. I grew up with a pure bred dachund in my house. She was fed people food all the time. She hated dog food. When she was an elderly dog my mom fixed her scrambled eggs every day! She lived to be 17. Obviously, people food didn't hurt her.

Swhit (Los Angeles, Ca) on 06/02/2012
5 out of 5 stars

After going through all the trouble of making our own organic dog food for years I finally gave in and researched on line. I found Blue Mountain for our 7wk old Border Collie and have fed her that for the past 1/2 yrs. Her eyes are bright, teeth are white, she shines from head to paw and sorry to say too alert ( more than a normal BC). The vet complimented us on how good she looks and wanted to know what we had been doing. She will eat all (organic) fruits and veggies except raw zucchini for some reason but she loves orange juice of all things.

Merits of Dog Food Brands

Katmjef (Gaylesville, Alabama) on 05/27/2012

I have been reading this site because I have two Great Pyrenese and I am treating them for their hot spots, fleas and after effects of vet treatment of mange. I just tried the ACV today and will update later.

The reason for my comment is that several people are on here arguing for diffferent brands of dog food and slamming purina. I have been feeding my dogs purina for years and have had no problems. I did go to http://www.dogfoodscoop.com/dog-food-recalls.html and am reporting back to all of you who want people to change dog foods that every single one you have suggested has or is being recalled for ecoli or salmonella or just poor ingredients/ practices in production. NOWHERE on this site is there one thing about PURINA. I do pay a little more for purina than some foods, but I am not going to feed my dogs human food because, and I don't mean to shock anyone but, they are not human.

Thank you for the advise for the uses of ACV.

Cat Food Change Cleared Uti's

Angelatx (Austin, Tx) on 05/23/2012

My cat has suffered UTI's pretty much her entire life and then I did my on research and the ash in her food is what causes it! I switched her food to ash free and we have been UTI free for 3 years. Then my other cat that is older started losing weight and after vet visits and nothing again did my own research. Come to find out she is allergic to something in the Ash free food. Now she is back on the original. Now this is where I may lose my mind. Sheckie the one that has to have Ash free I cannot keep her out of the other food. Everytime I turn my back they work together so she can have it. I need a cat food that is both Ash free and my other cat can also eat. She is on Purina One. I am trying to find the ingredients on line to compare with the Meow Mix. See what is comparable and may see what she may be allergic too. Once I took her off of the Ash free my other cat Misti regained her weight in a month and started playing again.... The simple things. Now if they just wouldn't be a pain! Lol... Smarties! I ran out of Sheckies UTI free med and when I went to purchase more it is a whole lot more expensive. After I drop my child at school I am going to get some ACV!

Pet Food Recall -- Diamond Pet Foods

Dan (Earth Clinic) on 05/06/2012
1 out of 5 stars

Warning

Just wanted to take a moment to make sure pet owners had seen the latest pet food recall. It's a voluntary recall of kibble products from one particular company and a few of its products.

Best Diet Needed for Aged Cat

Piotr (Dunedin, New Zeland) on 04/11/2012

Hi there, I love the EarthClinic site - I think that it is great that knowledge about natural remedies for people and animals can be shared widely despite the Big Farma's hegemony.

My cat Figaro is an old boy (18/19-years-old) and was diagnosed with the renal failure several months ago. At that time my vet suggested special diet and medication against the possible intestinal ulcers. Figaro was vomiting quite regularly at that time. I went against the vet suggestions and got him on the semi-raw meat diet (the leanest beef mince mixed with canned food). He seemed to improved greatly for several months but recently started vomiting again and has been losing weight. I went to see my vet again and this time I gave in and have put him on the kd renal formula biscuits and wet food. He refuses to eat the wet food but has been eating lots of biscuits but consequently much less of the semi-raw wet food. He also has been losing weight since the change of the diet. I am worried that since he enjoys the biscuits he is less interested in wet food which is probably not that great for a cat with kidney problems.

I also have been rubbing into his neck apple cider vinegar (diluted) every day and adding the Aloe Vera juice to his drinking water (though he is a bit reluctant to drink it). He seems in a better space over the last several days. I am realistic and appreciate that 18/19 years is pretty good re cat's age but I would like to make sure that I have tried everything possible to keep him healthy and comfortable. I would appreciate your suggestions/comments regarding my approach. Best wishes. Piotr

Dog Is Chronic Overeater

Mkepp (Blythewood, Sc) on 03/15/2012

I have an 8 yr old 60 lb shepherd mix that has developed a problem with overeating. She receives 3 cups of a high quality dog food daily and acts likes she is starving all the time. She spends a couple of hours a day searching the backyard for dead bugs, worms, whatever to eat. When she is off of her radio collar she will bring home whatever dead animal she finds in the woods to eat. Vet has ruled out cancer/tumor, blockage, parasites, other major problems. Nothing has changed with her home routine. Her stomach is visibly bloated. Anyone experienced anything like this with their dog?