Changed Dog Food - they LOVE it!

**cassiesmom** · 10-06-2009, 06:57 PM

I didn't know Marlin had trouble with his eyes, but how wonderful that they're clearing up! And that a food works so well with Sugar's allergies! *kiss *kiss *kiss *kiss for everybody from your fan, Elyse!

**MonicanHonda** · 10-06-2009, 07:13 PM

How do you add the protein? Meat form? and how long do these bags last you? because that is EXPENSIVE!

**Freedom** · 10-06-2009, 09:35 PM

With these 4 dogs, the 5 pound bag lasts about 5 weeks.

Marlin's eyes were producing "gunk" which collected in the corners. It wasn't actually tear staining as it was too thick to run anywhere. It just sat in the corner and built up a big ball of icky stuff.

The protein: my size dog (15 pounds), they recommend 4 ounces per day. I mix it up. Ground beef, ground turkey, chicken breasts ( no bones or skin; one breast feeds 3 of my 4 pups), canned salmon, scrambled eggs (1 egg per dog) So they get a variety. I prefer to cook the meat a bit (well, not the canned salmon!). The idea of raw is not appealing, to me.

The oil: they recommend adding oil, and again mix it up. I am using flax seed oil, hemp oil, and sesame oil. I used olive oil the first 2 days as that is what I had in the house. I also have canola oil, mix that in sometimes.

The purpose of the variety is 2 fold: to cover all the bases, and to avoid developing allergies.

Missing Link: you use so little, seems like a one pound bag is going to last me close to 6 months. It is a supplement, vitamins and minerals.

The Veg to Bowl is soft, yes. Sometimes I put in apple chunks (I have 2 that need high fiber diets).

I think I answered everyone!

**pomtzu** · 10-07-2009, 06:36 AM

Thanks for that info Sandie. There is large pet supply chain store here in DE, and they just opened a huge store in town and they carry this. I'll have to check out their price on on it. It's really not that expensive considering what I pay for those little containers of Caesar's.
I'd love to see Sparky get rid of the gunky eyes like Marlin has too, and maybe Myndi would get rid of her itchies. It's worth a try if they'll eat it!

**Freedom** · 10-07-2009, 09:25 AM

Took me a few days to work out a routine. And initially, Darlin' Marlin was a wreck, lol. He was used to me getting up -- at HIS command, of course! -- and his bowl goes down in about 5 minutes. This takes me a bit longer. Now he is adjusted to the longer wait, although he still dances.

You can mix it and keep it in the fridge for 3 days. OR you can mix it and freeze separate portions, take one out each evening to defrost for the next day's meal. Keeps a week at least, in the freezer (I forget how long it said, I make it up weekly or more).

I was spending $28.99 for a 28 pound bag of kibble, once per week. The pre mix is less, with all the other things it is a wee bit more. But they are healthier.

Ellie, I would suggest you give it a 3 week trial - that is how it took for Marlin's system to clear out.

Oh, and the poops are smaller, less waste!

Be cautious what you use for treats during that 3 weeks, so you get an accurate picture of things.

**fritz03** · 10-07-2009, 11:02 AM

Mom has switched Fritz's food,he had been eating Purina Beneful Original with Chicken,Mom changed it to Purina Beneful with Salmon and Rice and other vegetables,he eats it all up,may have got tired of the other one and wanted a change,he hadn't eating it lately.

**pomtzu** · 10-07-2009, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by Freedom

Be cautious what you use for treats during that 3 weeks, so you get an accurate picture of things.

So would Milk Bones and similar treats be a no-no???

I'm gonna be in trouble if they are..........................................

**Freedom** · 10-07-2009, 11:51 AM

Ellie, the bichon is prone to allergies to grains. I can't use milk bones, or the like. I use dehydrated chicken breasts, the ones from Kona's Chips, but there are others. I am trying to stay away from "Made in China," so that leaves out many brands.

Here is Kona's link:
http://www.konaschips.com/

CVS carries a USA made brand, Waggin' Tails. And I have used Vitalife and Cadet, even though they are made in China.

Also, carrots and pieces of apple and sweet potato make good treats.

Buddy Biscuits are great for small dogs. Here is a link:
http://www.cloudstar.com/

PetCo carries them (HUGE mark up!) and my dogs love them.

Zuke's is another good brand of treats. Not all Zuke's are grain free, you need to read the label to find the ones you can get.

Wagatha's and SoJo are more names of good treats.

Monica, the trick is to find the food distributor near you and buy from them. I am getting the 5 lb. bag of Veg to Bowl for $25, NOT the $56.95 plus shipping on the Dr. Harvey's web site!

Fritz, bichon shouldn't be on grocery store food it is poor quality. They also shouldn't have ANY human food, only their own.