Expert: Marie Peppers / The Boston Terrier Lady - 12/31/2009

Question
QUESTION: Help! My 12yo female boston has developed horrible eating habits over the last year. Ther in-laws have been caught giving her people food and now she wont eat anything else. We have gone through several brands of food for her. She is 23 lbs and appears fat and gets very little exercise. Very difficult to motivate. What should we be feeding her and how much? We have even left food down for 3 days. She didn't touch it. Please help. I know the people food is not good for her.

ANSWER: Hi Leigh - What brands is she not wanting to eat?  Are we talking dry dog food or canned wet food?
I can give you some easy dog food recipes to cook up for her.  Would you be willing to home-cook for your Boston?

Let me know

Marie Peppers LPN MA

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: HAVE TRIED NUMEROUS ONES. IAMS HILLS BROS. GOLD SOMETHING OR OTHER EVO, SCIENCE DIET EVEN BENIFUL. PEDIGREE EVERYTHING ON THE SHELF. YES WE WILL COOK WHATEVER SHE NEEDS. SHE IS VERY SPOILED. JUST WANT HER HAPPY AND GIVE HER THE RIGHT THING.

Answer
Ok, yes - Let's cook some home-made dog food for this kid.  I don't blame her for wanting something like Your human food.
Here are some balanced recipes:

*****Try This Easy Recipe
Turkey dog treat cookies / CAN use as treat or meal:


•2 cups of  chopped  & cooked turkey
•½ cup of grated cheddar cheese
•2 cups of potato flakes (the 100% real potatoes kind)
•1 ¾ cup of warm water
•A bowl
•A wooden spoon
•A baking sheet
•Cheese grater

1.Preheat the oven to 375(f) degrees.
2.Put the potato flakes and the water in the bowl and mix thoroughly.
3.Add the other ingredients and stir well.
4.Spread evenly onto greased baking sheet, ¼ to ½ inch thick.
5.Bake for 25 minutes.
6.Cut into bars or squares while they’re still hot.
7.Cool on a wire rack before removing from the baking sheet.

NEXT -
Dog food for daily usage:


Here is a sample recipe from Dr. Pitcairn's book that you can make in bulk:

5 cups rolled oats -  ( oatmeal)
3 lbs (approx 6 cups) raw whole turkey, ground/chopped  ***( COOK the Meat)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup vegetables, cooked and cut up very small for digestion.
NEVER onions...

Supplements:
1 NuVET wafer - PER DAY ( see below)
4 tsp group 1 bone meal
1 tsp tamari soy sauce,

Cook the oats, then add the remaining ingredients.
Makes about 18+ cups.
Optionally, you can lightly cook the meat. You can also substitute different grains and/or meats.

To order the NuVET wafer or Powder supplement - see here:  NOT in stores- you need to order from the Manufacturer.  Must have a balanced supplement like NuVet when home-cooking dog foods.
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
Tell them Pet Nurse Marie sent you for the NuVET ( use order code 81098)


BEST wishes - HOME cooking is easy - Make up and FREEZE 1/2 of it ...
Foods will stay good for 4 days, OR you need to freeze into freezer bags or tupperware.


Good Luck

Marie Peppers LPN MA