AboutDelores Beck Expertise Health, nutrition, and training issues.
NOTICE: I NO LONGER RECOMMEND CANIDAE DOG FOOD. DUE TO A CHANGE IN FORMULA AND MANUFACTURING FACILITIES, DOGS ARE GETTING SICK ON THIS BRAND.
Question QUESTION: I have a 7 month old healthy male cocker. We live in southern france where the climate is fairly balmy. He doesn't seem to be under much stress, he gets lots of excercise and when we aren't home he is in an outdoor space, partially covered. He is shedding a lot of hair in the car, in his bed, on the couch, and on our clothing. He doesn't have a rash, white flakes, or red skin, and isnt itching excessively (maybe twice each evening for about 5-10 seconds). He gets bathed every two weeks because he gets very dirty outside (we use a shampoo for puppies) or just rinse with water (he loves baths and being brushed (he pushes the brush with his nose so that we continue brushing), however, he is not losing an excessive amount of hair in the brush). His skin appears to be white and healthy beneath his thick coat. I have had two cockers in the past, and never have they shed hair or left hair behind on the couch, in the car, etc, but I never had them younger than 10 months, so I am wondering, is this normal for a young pup? It is very disagreeable for our home and our clothing. The same dogfoods are not available to us in France, but he was on Purina puppy proplan until he was about 5 and a half months, and then we regretfully (i've been reading bad things about it) switched to an iams puppy. could this be the cause of the problem? i am strongly considering switching back to the proplan, but it is so pricey!!
ANSWER: Iams almost guarantees problems. Its crap. I'm assuming you're feeding kibble exclusively. Stop that. Not enough high quality protein and substandard fats.
I don't know what's available in France re dog food so maybe you can help me out with that.
Shedding means low quality protein and not enough of the proper "fat".
Dogs need 5x the amount of fat we do..but the right kind.
First I'd switch him to canned food (less processed - higher protein) but I'd need to know what's available to you there.
Depending on what that might be I can advise on what to add.
Delores
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QUESTION: I will head to the stores this week to let you know what i find out about canned food. Do you recommend feeding canned exclusively, or is it possible to work in both dry food and wet food on a rotation schedule? I have read some thing about being able to order dog food online. There is an english site I think it is Burns or something along these lines (it is organic/all natural) that seems easy to order from, even internationally. Can you give me any feedback on this? I am willing to order and have it shipped. Calvin is worth it.
Answer Find out what's available there. I know in the UK there's a food called James WellBeloved that apparently is great.
What shouldn't be on the label:
By products
Corn
Wheat
Gluten
Soy
I'll see what I can find out about Burns. I know Kathy, the other expert on this Board is in the UK and she feeds WellBeloved.
I'll check with her to see what else is easily available.
Delores
