The Dog Bible Q&A
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
Narrowing (Or Expanding) Dog Food Choices
I have a senior German Shepherd and a Lhasa, but I live rather far from any outlet that sells premium brand dog foods. I've contacted a company that will ship the food to me, but I don't have a clue what kind to get. I'm confused. Can you help? Thanks.
From: Fredi, in Sugar Land, TX
Dear Fredi,
Happy to oblige. The point is to serve 60% quality protein, and the rest carbs and veggies as a "side dish."
The shepherd must have a joint supplement. The breed is prone to hip and elbow problems. You should order a big container of Platinum Performance Plus (for large dogs), which will arrive via Fed Ex, and you'll put two scoops in each meal. The Lhasa can have one scoop -- everybody gets arthritis as they age. This is both preventive and pain-relieving.
You should get a variety of high-end premium bagged foods -- small, five-pound bags of Evo, Newman's Own, Merrick, and Wellness. And get a case (there's a discount for buying by the case) of any of those brands of food in a can.
At each of two meals a day, the shepherd will get 1/2 can of food, and a cup of the dry food. The Lhasa will get 1/2 can and 1/4 - 1/2 cup of the kibble. Then they'll get some vegetables, if you'll put in the time. If you can cook up a big pot of mixed vegetables, that would be great (carrots, zucchini, spinach, broccoli, any vegetable at all, really, with sweet potato, rice, or oatmeal added to thicken), and give 1/2 cup more or less at each meal. You can freeze this in big baggies, so one big pot will last for weeks or months. Otherwise, cook extra when you cook for yourself, and use that. Leftover salad, any vegetable at all. A splash of oil -- especially fish oil -- is great, too.
It may seem expensive, but it's a lot cheaper than losing a dog too young to illness, because we are what we eat, and this will keep them healthy.
Good luck!
Tracie
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the advice I give on the air or in emails – or those you see posted here – are not intended to take the place of a veterinarian's advice or expertise. I say this to protect myself from being misunderstood or from your over-reliance on my advice in situations where your pet may be seriously ill and you would mistakenly delay seeking medical intervention. While I am confident in the research-based facts and common-sense advice I can offer, it is never meant to be used at the exclusion of trained, accredited and board certified professionals. But I also have this disclaimer to protect your dog – because what you learn from me is not intended to take the place of medical care or professional evaluation – on the contrary, my desire is to equip you with information that will allow you to enjoy your pets to the fullest, and also to encourage you to seek professional medical attention whenever there are physical symptoms or an overall change in your pet's attitude.
The information contained in the answers posted on this board comes from THE DOG BIBLE: Everything Your Dog Wants You To Know, and from DOG TALK® The Radio Show, broadcast live, Saturdays, from 11-12 noon EST, on your local NPR affiliate. All emails are answered personally and then posted, sometimes in abbreviated form.
