Hi Tracie,
You may remember Rufus (Boxer). Today while you were on on Sirius with Mario on the afternoon show, you mentioned a 28-day test for a dog food company specializing in natural foods for dogs. It sounded like the foods come pre packed? If Rufus could be a candidate for the pilot, I know he would be interested.
Right now I buy two types of Innova dry food for Senior and for (slightly) overweight dogs and I mix them. He always has his kibble available and I fix him Oatmeal, toast or eggs in the morning; late afternoon I fix him something too. Usually potatoes, fat free gravy, cottage cheese and always a veggie. Peas, green beans, broccoli. He gets his afternoon potion of Platinum Plus mixed into his afternoon food. He probably does need more meat, but as I eat very little meat I usually give him what I eat.
Thank you for always providing great info. I and always learn something new.
Regards,
Judy
Dear Judy
I’m so glad you’re enjoying what I have to offer and I admire the loving efforts you are making to feed Rufus well – however, as you yourself suspected, there is a lack of muscle meat in his diet. And unfortunately you are feeding a “LITE” food- one of the most contradictory products on the market, since they usually make dogs gain weight while under-nourishing them. I’m not sure if you have THE DOG BIBLE yet but you really need to read that nutrition section to learn why that category of kibble is one of my least favorite. Please take the time to read the Q&A’s posted on The Dog Bible section of my website, along with all my blogs on nutrition. I hate to be critical because you are going to so much lovely trouble for him, but he’s getting too much carbohydrate – oatmeal and toast and potatoes – which isn’t balanced with a quality, minimally processed protein source. Eggs and cottage cheese are great, but Rufus needs some chicken, beef, fish and/or lamb.
And what’s up with “fat free gravy?” That sounds like some horrible chemical-laden concoction and doesn’t belong in anyone’s dish! Please lose that ASAP!
Plus, he needs to eat twice a day, not three times. Over-working his digestive system – as is free feeding. You can continue if you want, of course, but nibbling all day long on highly processed carbohydrates really isn’t healthy for Rufus anymore than it would be for you – two healthy meals, with quality protein as the main course, is what you need for him.
Which brings me to your question – about the feeding plan I am helping to develop with Smartpak, a very unusual company (have a look at their page on my website – and at their own website, too. Yes it will be customized and arrive at your door, but it isn’t quite ready to roll yet. I am going to keep your contact information so you can be amongst the first to give it a try.
–Tracie
Tracie,
Thank you for opening my eyes (again). I will immediately begin feeding Rufus more meat as you suggest. In fact I have one morning appointment today then I am stopping at the store.
Also, I just ordered his Innova food yesterday at Pet Food Direct I ordered Innova Sr Plus Adult Dry and Innova Adult Large Bites Red Meat Formula Dry, and btw, they will not accept your CATCHAT code for a discount stating I used it one other time and it can be used only one time? I didn’t push it, they gave me a 13% discount but 20% would have been better.
I will also move to feeding Rufus 2 times a day. Right now he is a poop machine and per your information that is probably due to his current feedings. Funny, how a person doesn’t realize the most obvious until someone like you points it out.
I will look forward to being on the list for Rufus to try Smartpak.
And yes, I have The Dog Bible and will be sure to get myself into the food section. I guess I didn’t pay all too much attention to that thinking I was feeding Rufus so well.
Thank you again for all you do for all of us!
Regards,
Judy
Thanks for hearing with such open ears and eyes!
I am copying a wonderful man at Pet Food Direct who is going to sort out the confusion re: my coupon code – NO – it is absolutely to be used every time you buy there. [MAYBE THEY CHANGED IT TO RADIOPET....JAY?? OR MAYBE THE MACHINERY GOOFED UP]
I am asking JAY to please CANCEL your order once he contacts you for the information because
1) Wrong discount
2) You must cancel the food you bought completely
Let’s get him off light food forever. And onto a better quality food
If you’re going to hold off on protein then go to WELLNESS CORE or EVO – they are the highest protein from best sources. But if you’re going to start giving him cans of food or boil chicken or cook ground turkey or beef, then my favorite best-priced kibble (which i personally buy from PFD) are BY NATURE ORGANICS — both dry & canned — it is organic (or even the slightly less costly non-organic they make is good too)
Also EVANGERS in a can – they make many of the top-end dog food brands but their own brand – TASTE OF THE WILD is an American-made very low priced very good quality kibble – I use that too
Not the same brand all the time – mix it up
Let me know how it goes
Tracie
