Double checking the diet I’m giving my new dog

[RenataV]

You'd have to ask them re the MSG... I don't know if this could be pertinent, but my dog's breath goes off each time he eats his favorite probiotic wafers. Clears up in two days, doesn't affect his teeth - and other chews don't produce that particular odor.

I've mentioned this previously, but we like Teef! and PetLab's Probright. After a thorough cleaning, teeth are holding great six months out.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Could you please share the name for the probiotic wafers your dog likes?

 

[GinnyW]

The wafers are from PetLab, just called Probiotic Chews. He is also getting, alternatively, Animal Biome's Gut Maintenance Plus, a small capsule which I choose to open into his food. This one doesn't produce an odor Yeah, the PetLab wafers did their thing again the other day: today I drove @150 miles to pick up tripe, and he sat next to me on the console and stank the whole way. It's not his breath so much as his "insides", as just from his open mouth

 

[RenataV]

The wafers are from PetLab, just called Probiotic Chews. He is also getting, alternatively, Animal Biome's Gut Maintenance Plus, a small capsule which I choose to open into his food. This one doesn't produce an odor Yeah, the PetLab wafers did their thing again the other day: today I drove @150 miles to pick up tripe, and he sat next to me on the console and stank the whole way. It's not his breath so much as his "insides", as just from his open mouth

Thank you for your answer!

 

[RenataV]

Dr Jeff, I have one more question:

I have been giving Augustine a sprinkle of the Vimergy micro-c powder daily without issue. Tonight it was brought to my attention the powder contains grape seed extract. I want to double check with you if that is ok to keep giving her or not.

Thank you

 

[Dr. Jeff]

powder contains grape seed extract.

Yes! Grape seed extract is one of my favorite antioxidant supplements helping skin, joint, immune and many other issues.

 

[RenataV]

Yes! Grape seed extract is one of my favorite antioxidant supplements helping skin, joint, immune and many other issues.

Oh great to hear, thank you for that answer! Someone brought up the question that grapes are toxic for them so we wondered about the grape seed extract too.

Another question, do you have any topical product recommendations for itchy, red paws? Her vet says it’s allergies. I’ve been working on it with Medical Medium information and it’s been improving, but it’s a stubborn problem, as I know skin problems can be. I’m currently using this balm but she doesn’t like it because the smell is intense, I’m trying to find something more mild and more effective that’s still lick safe: https://a.co/d/51DyuOs

Another question, how high of a dosage could I go with her supplements? She’s currently on micro-c (a sprinkle, less than 1/8 tsp); 3 drops each of b12, zinc and olive leaf; 1/4 tsp mushroom powder (BIXBI Dog & Cat Skin & Coat... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004EK8W4S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share); 1/8 tsp ground turmeric; 2oz celery juice. She tolerates all well. She’s 13lbs.


Thank you

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

Sorry I'm late to the party, great discussion! Just wanted to chime in that Honest Kitchen makes human grade, raw dehydrated food. It is not ultraprocessed. It is a little heavy on the carbs for my preference, but it is easy to add extra meat.

I would definitely avoid carrageenan in anything. See Carrageenan: a Controversial Pet Food Additive | Little Big Cat - Dr. Jean Hofve

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Another question, how high of a dosage could I go with her supplements?

It depends on her sensitivity. Micro-C is a great example.

If her bowels remain firm, perhaps then try doubling or even tripling the dose.

She’s currently on micro-c (a sprinkle, less than 1/8 tsp); 3 drops each of b12, zinc and olive leaf; 1/4 tsp mushroom powder (BIXBI Dog & Cat Skin & Coat... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004EK8W4S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share); 1/8 tsp ground turmeric; 2oz celery juice.

Great! As long as she tolerates it, and you don't need to force it, it perhaps also double the celery juice.

Join the Celery Juice for Pets Movement!

Hi everyone. We're starting a study to see if celery juice can improve quality of life for dogs and cats the way Anthony William has found that it can for people. Anthony advises drinking 16 oz of fresh celery juice on an empty stomach every day. Ideally using a masticating juicer, but any...

www.holisticactions.com

 

[RenataV]

It depends on her sensitivity. Micro-C is a great example.

If her bowels remain firm, perhaps then try doubling or even tripling the dose.

Great! As long as she tolerates it, and you don't need to force it, it perhaps also double the celery juice.

Join the Celery Juice for Pets Movement!

Hi everyone. We're starting a study to see if celery juice can improve quality of life for dogs and cats the way Anthony William has found that it can for people. Anthony advises drinking 16 oz of fresh celery juice on an empty stomach every day. Ideally using a masticating juicer, but any...

www.holisticactions.com

That’s helpful, thank you for these suggestions!

 

[Dr. Jeff]

You’re welcome Renata!

 

[RenataV]

Hi again Dr Jeff, I have one more question about Augustine’s diet, about switching up her foods:

At the moment, I’m giving her the Honest Kitchen beef meal, and Raw Vibrance veggies with sardines to complement. I’m aiming to alternate these every week, for example, doing the same Honest Kitchen meals for both her meals one week, and the following week, switching to Raw Vibrance and sardines for both meals daily for that week.

1) even if she’s already used to both brands, do I still need to transition her in and out of those meals for the recommended period of a few days, or is it ok to just switch the meals at once?

2) would doing one of those options for the first meal of the day and the second option for the second meal of the day and keep it that way better for her than the plan I laid out?

Additionally, do you have any thoughts on the quality of The Farmer’s Dog brand?


Thank you

 

[GinnyW]

Hi again Dr Jeff, I have one more question about Augustine’s diet, about switching up her foods:

At the moment, I’m giving her the Honest Kitchen beef meal, and Raw Vibrance veggies with sardines to complement. I’m aiming to alternate these every week, for example, doing the same Honest Kitchen meals for both her meals one week, and the following week, switching to Raw Vibrance and sardines for both meals daily for that week.

1) even if she’s already used to both brands, do I still need to transition her in and out of those meals for the recommended period of a few days, or is it ok to just switch the meals at once?

2) would doing one of those options for the first meal of the day and the second option for the second meal of the day and keep it that way better for her than the plan I laid out?

Additionally, do you have any thoughts on the quality of The Farmer’s Dog brand?


Thank you

 

[GinnyW]

Well, I'm a great believer in variety and maintaining dietary flexibility. So I would tend to not be so strict about intervals between switching - feed what you've got, and then feed something else. Switch up as often as every day, or hang with an item she likes for a few days. Unless she is a young puppy, I would move towards feeding once a day, possibly with small treats - healthy, of course - at other times. This, over time, will develop her ability to eat anything without repercussions, and, I feel, is a more natural approach. In addition, I would also move towards flexibility in total amount fed in given meals - bountiful when there is something especially attractive, and then a bit less in subsequent meals. I believe that hunger is a common and familiar state for wild canids, and can maintain better health overall, even for little ones. Don't overdo it, of course, but pay some attention to the concept

As far as TFD, it was a little difficult finding ingredients on their site. But it does include a "nutrient blend", which means lots of possibly sketchy supplements. Me, I wouldn't feed it often, if at all. But it would be just OK for occasional meals. One runs a risk, though, of "spoiling" the body with the increased intensity of flavor in cooked foods. So, not the best, if, like us, raw is the daily option - perhaps OK for a sick dog with a poor appetite, on a very occasional basis.

Variety, flexibility.....whatever that takes, in timing, amount, content. Go gently, but get there....

 

[Dr. Jeff]

do I still need to transition her in and out of those meals for the recommended period of a few days,

You can switch at each meal. As Ginny said, the more variety, the better. If she has a sensitive stomach then perhaps start slower and work up to switching at each meal (if you choose to do so).

2) would doing one of those options for the first meal of the day and the second option for the second meal of the day and keep it that way better for her than the plan I laid out?

Switch as often as works for your schedule.

Additionally, do you have any thoughts on the quality of The Farmer’s Dog brand?

Dogs love it tho it is full of non-meat products. As part of the variety, it's fine.