Expert: Marie Peppers / The Boston Terrier Lady - 9/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have been feeding my two one year old bostons Pro Plan for Sensitive Skin & Stomach (twice daily) for the past 3 mos now, no treats, never have table scraps. I don't like Animal Digest as an ingredient in the food I feed my dogs. The gas is less than what it was before but still very potent and way more than your average dog. I want to change dog foods and am leaning towards Dick Van pattens Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Fish. But with change comes more gas and then I don't know if I'm switching to the right food so I get discouraged because I think if it's the right food then the gas should be subsiding not get worse. So I am researching my options. Some say it's going to happen regardless when switching foods. The stool is fine although larger than I expect. I don't know how boston's react to potato which is the first ingredient in the food I'm looking into. Do you know? They have allergies such as watery eyes and itchy skin. I am looking for something for their immune system as well. They had pneumonia when I got them at 3 mos. old. I had to board them recently for 5 days and they came home with an upper resp infection. I had a feeling they would catch something just because it seems like they need a boost to help their immune system. Other than that they chase each other all over the yard and gobble their food. I think they would take the golf balls out and run around the house with them but I can try the raised feeding. I tried an all natural daily intestinal aid Fresh Digest ONCE with a feeding but it made them more gassy so I will be returning it this weekend. What are your suggestions?

ANSWER: Oh Michelle, glad you contacted me...! Yes, we need to help your Boston's Immune system and gas.
First - Let's raise the feeding to a high level.  Raise the water and food dishes up to arm pit level.  This will help them to take in very little x-tra air when eating.

Next - I would rather see you home-cook for your babies.  YOU can cook 1 x per week and freeze it all up.  Just take out what you need.
I would like you to feed the Natural Balance food / sweet potato is fine.... feed this just 1 x per day ...
The 2nd feeding of the day will be the home-cooked food.
Here is a recipe to try:

INGREDIENTS - Easy dog food recipe

3 pounds minced lamb meat- ***ground lamb
2  cups frozen vegetable blend  ****(no garlic or onions), minced
4 cups rice ( brown is better than rice)- NOT the instant rice
6 1/2 cups water

1 NuVET vitamin wafer per day- see below for link

..DIRECTIONS

1.Place chicken, vegetables, and rice into a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Stir in water until the mixture is smooth. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

2.Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and all of the liquid has been absorbed, about 25 minutes.
Cool completely before serving; store covered in the refrigerator.
YOU can freeze in tupperware small containers

As for vitamins/ skin & coat supplment:  NuVET will be needed to balance out the home cooking and also great for Allergies and LOW immune system : NuVET helps to RE-Build the immune system and fight off infections.
1 NuVET wafer per dog or 1 Teaspoon of the NuVET powder each day.
Holistic and only sold thru Holistic VETs and the manufacturer here:
1000s and 1000s of Bostons take NuVET each day--- helps with digestion and GAS...

Call 1-800-474-7044 ( Tell them Pet Nurse Marie sent you)
or go here:
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
You are looking for the NuVET plus powder or wafers...MOST dogs LOVE the wafers...
Look for the auto-ship and the 15% OFF discount.
a 60 count bottle is 39.00 ( PLUS 15% with auto ship discount)
a 90 count bottle is 55.00   "  "   "
Use order code 81098 - they will ask what Pet Professional or vet referred you.


Have fun home cooking - YOU will see great results with just 1 home-cooked meal per day.
YES - you can feed the dry commercial kibble 1 x per day, too.


Marie Peppers LPN MA
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html

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

QUESTION: Marie, Unfortunately I cannot afford NuVet Plus. I really can't afford the new food I'm going to switch over to but will have to figure out a way. Is there anything else besides that to help build up their immune system? Thank you! Michelle

Answer
Hi -  How about an up-date?  Did you try any of my suggestions for your gassy kid?



How about just putting the most itchy and gassy dog on the NuVET-
Home cooking is very affordable... Just look for sales on the meat and then freeze up a bunch that you purchased on sale.
NuVET is the best immune system booster that I know of.  I am sure there are others on the market but don't know if they are junk or if they work.
I only refer to products that I have see great results.

You can home cook both meals per day and Not do the Natural Balance.
If you do home cook you will need the NuVET for the two of them.

Sorry - I wish I had more answers for you.

Marie