Expert: Herbs, NuVet Plus Supplements, Dog/Cat Food Recipes; ( Marie) - 1/13/2010

Question
Our dog (miniature schnauzer and dachshund)is over 14 years old now and she has been in relatively good healthy, however she has a minor heart problem and her liver enzymes are elevated.  She has been tested for Cushings disease and it has returned as negative.  She seems happy and full of life, however we are trying to determine the best diet for her.  About 9 months ago, when she was diagnosed with a heart murmur, her dad :) did some research and found out about a supplement called co q enzyme 10 which we have been giving Sumo (our dog) for about six months.  He also found out that dog food (even perscription such as the U/D diet she was on for her blatter stones from younger years) had some unhealthy fillers in them that are not the best for dogs.  Since then we have tried to feed our dog a more natural diet of low fat meats and fresh veggies.  She seemed to develope even more energy after the change over, however with the raise in her liver enzyme values from her recent testing, we understand that a low protein / low fat diet is best for her now.  We're not sure what to feed her and her Vet feels that she should remain on the dog food U/D diet or possibly W/D diet which they are researching, however in looking at the ingredients, it does not look like the healthiest foods with things such as chicken - by product.  Can you tell us what the best diet of natural foods for Sumo would be if she needs to be on a low protein low fat diet?

Answer
Hi Crystal, I understand your concern about the Hill's Junk...( yes, it is a bunch of poor ingredients)

Here is a recipe for your dog:  I can give you more, but start out with this one.

Will keep the liver enzymes in-check .

Here is a Commercial Dog Treat / Grain - free

Oh, check out sojo - they have nice Grain Free treat..

FREE shipping to your door.  ( in the USA )
but they do sell all over the world...

HE could have just a few per day - we don't want to over do it!

Lamb & Sweet Potato
Ingredients: garbanzo bean flour, lamb, sweet potatoes, canola oil, eggs

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 17.0% min., Crude Fat 12.0% min., Crude Fiber 4.0% max., Moisture 8.9% max.

Duck & Cherry
Ingredients: garbanzo bean flour, duck stock, cherries, canola oil, eggs

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 19.0% min., Crude Fat 9.5% min., Crude Fiber 4.0% max., Moisture 8.9% max.

SEE here:
http://www.sojos.com/index.aspx?affiliate=petnurse  


________________________________
GREAT Liver Support :

Milk thistle is a must:


Not taking Milk Thistle?
Milk thistle is the most well known herb recommended for treating liver disease. Its silymarin content has been shown effective in treating liver disease.

Here is a Liver Cleanse Formual - Just 1 per day ( small dog dosage)
a larger dog could have 3 -4 per day / depends on weight.

_______________________________

RECIPES



Frequent feedings of high quality simple carbohydrates such as white rice and potatos.
(Don't worry about veggies - you will be giving a supplement...)
( **most hepatic dogs need 2-4 small feedings per day)

If you can find goat milk produtct they are great!

Soy protein and milk proteins are helpful..


**Hamburger, Drained  ( or another meat is fine) chicken, turkey, lamb,
~No liver or organ meats...
NEVER any egg yokes...
Boiled eggs without the yokes..
Unprocessed BROWN Rice..  or White rice...
```mixed daily with some cottage cheese or "soy" plain yogurt.

YOU don't have to use soy or goat milk but it is the best!



( feed 1/2 cup in the am and 1/4 cup in the pm....) or even 1/2 in the PM.


CHICKEN AND POTATO DIET



(low protein low phosphorus, high potassium, low sodium) for Dogs


¼ cup cooked chicken breast

3 cups potato, boiled with skin

2 tablespoons chicken fat

1 ½ calcium carbonate tablets (600 milligrams calcium) / tums

multiple vitamin-mineral tablet** NUVET PLUS- ( ordering link below)

Provides 689 kilocalories, 18.9 grams protein, 26.8 grams fat.
Supports caloric needs of a 21-22 pound dog per DAY.
THIS recipe will last you 2 days or more - For a 21 pound dog........

Provides phosphorus at 45 percent, potassium at 301 percent, sodium at 54 percent of a dog's daily needs.


It takes a few days to figure what will keep her full.  Just work with it and see.
************************************************

Feeding smaller meals is very important!

A nice and light meal:
__________________

NEXT recipe


Egg and Rice Diet (moderate sodium)

2 eggs scrambled, cooked- No yolk JUST whites)  
or (Egg Beaters? Brand)

This is not the most colorful meal....But most dogs do like it!

1 1/2 cups rice, long grain, cooked ( white is fine)

1 teaspoon Flax oil

1/4 - 1/2 cup of cottage cheese  ***( 1 %)Fat

1/4 teaspoon Pure bone meal

Vitamin:
NuVET - Please give 1 wafer per day:

NuVET plus is a wonderful Vitamin supplement to balance out the home cooking.

We have a number of LIVER disease or liver failure clients taking NuVET each day.
Please call and order your bottle - She can have 1/2 per day x 2 ( 1 full wafer per day ) or you can break it into 1/2.  We also have a NuVET powder that can be mixed into the dog food.
Call 1-800-474-7044
Tell them You are working with Pet Nurse Marie
http://www.nuvet.com/81098

I can give you  ***more recipes - but this is a start.

YOU can freeze and take out what you need --
- many folks use the Freezer bags and place individual meals into each bag.

Don't forget the great low pro treats from SoJos - link above...


Marie Peppers
Ask the Pet Nurse
mtnmom@gci.net