Expert: English Bulldogs ( Marie ) e-mail me at mpmaltese@gmail.com - 11/30/2009

Question
I have a 6 month male Olde English Bulldog he weighs around 57 lbs. I was wondering what your opinions are on the quality of Iams smart puppy proactive health food; this is what we are feeding him. Also do you have any recommendations or favorite brands of dog food/treats that don't contain peanut oil? He is allergic to peanuts. He eats 2 ½ cups twice a day. For awhile I was feeding him a Kirkland brand of puppy food but this gave him loose stools. His stomach seems to be sensitive but since we've switched to Iams his stools have been fine and the treats I have given him are Ol’Roy jerky strips, and Purina Moist and Meaty Steak flavored bits, no table scraps ever. Sorry to write so much but I have one last question how do you feel about a vegetarian diet for my Olde English Bulldog is it healthy? I know they are carnivores but I am a vegan and find it really hard to feed my dog meat or animal by-products. Thank you for your time and generosity.

Answer
Hi - I am  not sure how a Olde English would do on a vegan diet:  
Here is one you can look at:
http://www.ahan.org/veg_dogfood_recipe.pdf

If he is doing well on the Iams then just add some cottage cheese or yogurt to his diet:
*give him 3 tablespoons per day of 2 % cottage cheese or some Activia yogurt.

No O'Roy products, sorry Junk ingredients.

Look for a good quality treat like Innova, Wellness, Merrick, Solid Gold - all found at the local pet stores.

Also, a good pup/ adult dog vitamin /
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
Tell them you want to start your pup on the NuVET wafer treats
Call 1-800-474-7044
( sorry - chicken based..... but VERY good for your pup)

BEST wishes
Marie Peppers LPN MA
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