Expert: Delores Beck - 3/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: We just adopted a pure breed cocker from a couple who could no longer keep him.  He is 5 1/2 months old.  A couple of questions:
1.  He weighs 11 lbs.  That seems really small, especially compared to my 2 year old cocker.  What should he weigh?
2.  They were feeding him Purina Dog Food.  We have been gradually switching his food to Nutra Max (our other cocker has thrived on it).  Is it normal for him to have loose stools from this?
He is VERY active and playful-a totally charming dog.  I am just concerned about his size and the loose stools.
Thank you for your insight.

ANSWER: At this age he's still in a massive growth spurt and will put on weight very quickly and he may not be (as an adult) as big as your other cocker.  I'd expect him to gain 5 lbs. in the next 2 months.

Now - food! Very glad he's off the purina which is just awful.
Nutra Max is certainly better but still not a premium food.  My suggestions would be Innova EVO - Merrick - Orijen - Wellness - Newman's Organics - Fromm.  And whatever you choose, rotate protein sources and don't feed an all-kibble diet.

They do sometimes get loose stool from a food switch and if you get some pure canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling)and add one heaping tbsp. to each meal - that usually solves the problem. You'll find it in the canned fruit section of the supermarket.  Read the label - one ingredient only - pumpkin.

I'd also like to know how many times a day he's fed?  Don't be tempted to over-feed but make sure he's getting enough.  The feeding guidelines on any food are just that - guidelines and each dog is different.

Anytime a dog has "very" loose stool it's usually a good idea to put them on scrambled egg & white rice for a day or two and let the tummy settle down.

3 eggs (use no oil or milk)
1 cup white rice (use extra water and overcook)
Feed 4 small meals a day (add some pumpkin to each meal)

Delores



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

QUESTION: We are feeding him 4 small meals a day-morning, noon, 4:00pm and 8:00pm (approximate times).  As we are switching food, is it still appropriate to give him the egg/rice/pumpkin diet?  Also, what do  you mean by rotating protein sources?  
Thank you.

ANSWER: That's good.  And to do the egg/rice - well, it depends on how loose his stool is.  I'd try adding the pumpkin first since that may do the trick.  Sometimes they just need that bit more fibre.

By "rotating protein sources" I mean don't stick with one formula of whichever brand you choose.  Merrick, for instance, makes a huge variety.  Just don't feed "chicken" forever.  Use the beef or lamb and whatever other protein sources offered.

To switch food, go slow and add a bit more of the new food every day if it's going well.  Most dogs are fine with food changes and it's healthier for them to eat a variety.

If diarrhea is 10 and a normal stool 1 - where is he?
Delores

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

QUESTION: I would give it a 9, meaning it isn't dripping from him all the time-he can hold it.  It's just very soupy when it comes out.  Should I try the pumpkin? He isn't straining whn he goes, and he is drinking water regularly.  As I said, he doesn't appear to be sick.  He is, however, very skinny-his ribs are visible.  I don't thnk the previous owners were feeding him properly.  They stated that he was kenneled between 10-12 hours a day.

Answer
Oh wow!  I'd go directly to egg & rice with added pumpkin.

I'd also like to know if he's been checked for parasites (stool sample?)

If this doesn't clear in a day or two on the scrambled egg & rice then he should be seen by a vet.  He may need a little Flagyl or something to stop this.
Delores