Expert: Kaza - 1/26/2008

Question
Hi. I was wondering what you would feed a newly brought home puppy. Wearegetting one soon and don't know what sorts of foods we should be feeding it. Also, i have heard  that Bichon Frises can only drink distilled water as it helps reduceeye stains. Is this true?

Thanks.

Answer
whoever told you that is bonkers. Foods  that can be fed will initially be reliant upon what the breeder has given the pup. Any change must be done gradually so that you dont give pup a tummy upset, I would actually give a raw diet as this WILL have an effect upon tearstain reduction, Then to ensure you are getting the balance right whilst pup is growing I would give a good wet food such as bravofoods if in USA or Prizechoice if in UK.
Foods that are good for growing bichons are:
Salmon, White fish, mashed creamed potatoes, cheese, raw chicken wings, raw lamb fillet, neck, kidneys, liver (only 1 meal per week)green beans, tomaotes and broccoli only a little, butter beans, chick peas, haricot beans (no sweetcorn), Tuna, Brown rice, I prefer ground oatmeal daily, tuna (tinned isnt nutritional-fresh is)
Apple (no pips), pears, banana, goats milk live yoghurt, eggs(cooked)butter, goats milk, pigs trotters, uncooked ham bones, sirloin steak, minced lamb , minced turkey both raw.
Peas, minted peas, baked potatoes with the skin, dried fish, bonemeal dried,cooked prawn wont do harm occasionally.
if you want to get specific recipes then log into my site
www.eurobichons.com
Water does not have to be bottled, distilled etc, all water should be left for 24 hrs to stand before giving the dog it to drink.
good luck