adding stuff to the dog's diet, wanted to hear your thoughts

[finn's mom]

Raw or fermented flax will make gas in the intestine.

Ah, gotcha. I sent this information to my vet, too, to get her thoughts. She feeds raw to all of her pets, too and was the person who initially told me about the raw diet. I'll let you know what she says, too and ask her what her thoughts on flax are.

I will let you know how the dogs do with this new supplement.

[borzoimom]

Ah, gotcha. I sent this information to my vet, too, to get her thoughts. She feeds raw to all of her pets, too and was the person who initially told me about the diet. I'll let you know what she says, too and ask her what her thoughts on flax are.

I will let you know how the dogs do with this new supplement.

Please do me a favor- since your vet feeds this and knows the supplement- as well as feed raw ( my vets feed raw too but may not know this supplement like your vet does)- would you please ask your vet if she feels this would also be a good addition to a bitch in whelp. She may see something in it I cant.. pm me what she says.. ( and I posting this question here because others might have a bitch in whelp as well to know to check all supplements during this time..) BTW- Galina is in excellent health and weight etc.

[ramanth]

would you please ask your vet if she feels this would also be a good addition to a bitch in whelp. She may see something in it I cant.. pm me what she says.. ( and I posting this question here because others might have a bitch in whelp as well to know to check all supplements during this time..) BTW- Galina is in excellent health and weight etc.

Have you heard of this supplement?

Solid Gold Concept-a-Bitch

Concept-a-Bitch is a dietary supplement for brood bitches prior to breeding, during pregnancy, and nursing. This supplement is often used for bitches who have had previous pregnancy problems or older bitches.

Made with Wild Yam, which is a natural source of progesterone, a hormone necessary to maintain pregnancy. Also contains SeaMeal, to support the hormone system, helping to prevent hair loss in bitches who tend to lose their coats after whelping. 1 lb. jar (sufficient for one pregnancy in a medium sized dog).


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Analysis:
Protein, Min. 19%
Fat, Min. 5%
Fiber, Max. 12%
Moisture, Max. 7%

Ingredients:
Red Raspberry Leaves, Dried Seaweed Meal, Common Fennel, Lysine, Wild Yam, Peppermint, Beta Carotene, Folic Acid

Feeding Guidlines:
For use before breeding and during pregnancy and nursing. Begin 2 weeks prior to breeding and continue until puppies are 6 weeks of age.

up to 10 lbs - 1/8 tsp daily
up to 25 lbs - 1/4 tsp daily
up to 50 lbs - 1/2 tsp daily
up to 75 lbs - 3/4 tsp daily
100 lbs and oover - 1 tsp daily

Please keep in mind that response to supplements varies by individual. If your pets symptoms worsen or change in any way that concerns you, discontinue use of any supplements and contact your veterinarian.

When introducing any new supplement, it is wise to start with a lower than recommended dose and build up over the course of several days to a week. Only introduce one supplement at a time.

[borzoimom]

Have you heard of this supplement?

Solid Gold Concept-a-Bitch

Concept-a-Bitch is a dietary supplement for brood bitches prior to breeding, during pregnancy, and nursing. This supplement is often used for bitches who have had previous pregnancy problems or older bitches.

Made with Wild Yam, which is a natural source of progesterone, a hormone necessary to maintain pregnancy. Also contains SeaMeal, to support the hormone system, helping to prevent hair loss in bitches who tend to lose their coats after whelping. 1 lb. jar (sufficient for one pregnancy in a medium sized dog).


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Analysis:
Protein, Min. 19%
Fat, Min. 5%
Fiber, Max. 12%
Moisture, Max. 7%

Ingredients:
Red Raspberry Leaves, Dried Seaweed Meal, Common Fennel, Lysine, Wild Yam, Peppermint, Beta Carotene, Folic Acid

Feeding Guidlines:
For use before breeding and during pregnancy and nursing. Begin 2 weeks prior to breeding and continue until puppies are 6 weeks of age.

up to 10 lbs - 1/8 tsp daily
up to 25 lbs - 1/4 tsp daily
up to 50 lbs - 1/2 tsp daily
up to 75 lbs - 3/4 tsp daily
100 lbs and oover - 1 tsp daily

Please keep in mind that response to supplements varies by individual. If your pets symptoms worsen or change in any way that concerns you, discontinue use of any supplements and contact your veterinarian.

When introducing any new supplement, it is wise to start with a lower than recommended dose and build up over the course of several days to a week. Only introduce one supplement at a time.

Yes I have. Its another one I am looking into. My last litter of shepherds with 6 pups, did well on this. And she was 5 years old when she had the pups. No problems- but older female. I wonder what beta carotine as the source- do you know??

[ramanth]

I know beta carotene is found in fruits and vegetables. I googled:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_carotene

[borzoimom]

I know beta carotene is found in fruits and vegetables. I googled:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_carotene

I know the types of beta carotine- I was wondering which one ( single) or did they combine- and which ones are they.. I looked into Structure because it also has calcium and phosphorus.
Its funny ya know- even with all the litters I have had, I still worry over every single one.. lol. ( now you know where the grey hairs came from.. lol. )

[finn's mom]

Please do me a favor- since your vet feeds this and knows the supplement- as well as feed raw

I should have worded that differently. She feeds the raw diet, but I have no idea if she has ever even heard of this supplement that I bought. That's why I'm going to send her the information I provided in the initial post, to get her thoughts on it. I'm going to edit my post, now. But, i will ask her what she thinks of it and if she thinks it would be good for your girl.

[borzoimom]

I should have worded that differently. She feeds the raw diet, but I have no idea if she has ever even heard of this supplement that I bought. That's why I'm going to send her the information I provided in the initial post, to get her thoughts on it. I'm going to edit my post, now. But, i will ask her what she thinks of it and if she thinks it would be good for your girl.

Okay- and I will ask my vets as well..

[finn's mom]

Okay- and I will ask my vets as well..

I haven't gotten a reply from my vet, but it's the first time I've ever actually tried to communicate with her via email. I will find out soon if I even have the address correct.

[Ceph]

I dont know as much about dogs because my expertise is in large animals, but I know that in horses gas in the gut can kill very quickly.

I dunno....it doesnt seem very funny to me. I know that with companion animal nutrition the same general rules apply as large animal nutrion. So I imagine things that cause problems in horses may do the same for dogs.

Animal Nutrition is something that should be taken very seriously...its why I like this place...people can ask questions and recieve answers....its a good information mill...nutrition and the problems it may cause really isnt very funny...I've seen and heard of too many scenarios were people who dont have all the facts make mistakes....Its better to know and at least consider all the possiblities.

[ramanth]

I've never heard of that before but it sounds pretty good.

I add this to Kia and Chipper's diet.


Seameal Powder w/ Flaxseed Meal

Product Description
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Seameal contains 60 trace minerals, 12 vitamins, 22 amino acids, digestive enzymes, and flaxseed meal. We recommend using Seameal with all our foods.

Protein, Min. 9%
Fat, Min. 10%
Fiber, Max. 13%
Moisture, Max. 12.2%


Ingredients
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Dried Seaweed Meal | Flaxseed Meal | Dehydrated Lemon Powder | Carotene | Chlorophyll | Vitamin B12 Supplement | Dried Asparagus Oryzae Fermentation Product | Dried Asperigillus Niger Fermentation Product | Pineapple | Lactose |

[borzoimom]

Flaxseed meal is safe. Its already been crushed and less likly to ferment in the digestion.
YOur suggestion is a good one ramanth.Sea meal is good stuff.
I am so glad this came up. I have been working on getting the best supplement I can for Galina. Sighthounds are prone to thyroid problems- usually started by a weakend immune system. Its not in their lines, and I have test Galina twice now- once when we got her- about a month ago, and whill again when she comes into heat. ( the hormone system can stress the thyroid so I want another check. )