AboutLabman Expertise What kind of food is best, dogs that won't eat, dogs that eat too fast, judging your dogs weight, preventing joint problems in large breeds, feeding puppies, supplements, avoiding health problems, healthy skin and coat, etc.
Experience Much of what I know about dog diets comes from my years of experience and training with dog guides and other service dogs. I can share their proven methods with you. They can't afford anything but the best to give a dog the same long, active life you want for your pet.
They breed most of their dogs, and have pedigrees, X-rays, other
medical records, and complete life histories on thousands of dogs. Their staff veterinarians are in touch with each other, top nutritionists, academic researchers, etc. They have investigated and tested many different diets. Nobody knows more about producing and maintaining healthy dogs, has more incentive to do so, and to share what they know with those such as me caring for the dogs. Unlike many others giving diet advice, they aren't selling anything. They are giving away dogs after very expensive training. It costs them the price of a new car to replace ones no longer able to work. They don't skimp on food.
I have also done extensive reading in this area.
Education/Credentials My degree in chemistry allows me to understand how real research is done and evaluate the proof behind diet claims. I am not taken in by the junk science behind many diets.
Question Hi, my name is Skye. I have a miniature poodle. She weighs 14.5 pounds. Is that an okay weight? She also won't eat dry dog food unless it is thoroughly mixed with wet dog food. I told my dad to just let her eat wet dog food, but he said that she needed to have dry dog food so she could keep her teeth wore down and so she could keep her teeth clean. So should I let her eat just wet, just dry, or continue what I'm already doing. Dog food brand: Ol' Roy
Answer Your dad is right, dry food is better for their teeth. If the dog never did eat very well, and has seen the vet since the problem existed, you may be over feeding it. A vet check still won't hurt. Many dogs will wolf down more than is good for them and look for more. Others refuse to eat more than than they need. Evaluate the dog as illustrated in this link, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx You may want the vet to confirm your judgment. Adjust the dogs food and exercise as needed to reach its ideal body condition. Some German Shepherds and other breeds may refuse to eat enough to completely hid their ribs.
The worst thing you can do is to bribe a dog with rich foods into eating more than it needs. Instead, Put down the dish with what the dog should eat, and give it 15 minutes to eat. Then take it up. Do not give it anything to eat until its next scheduled meal. In a few days, it should be eating what it needs.
I have no reliable information on Old Roy. I don't give opinions I don't have facts to back up. Many elitists condemn it, but then they condemn Iams, Science diet, and Pro Plan too, which I see great results in the service dog programs that feed them. As much Old Roy as Wal-Mart sells, surely it is OK. It might be a good idea to move up to one of them. She would need to eat less which is why I suggest it since you are having problems with her eating. She would also have smaller, firmer stools that would be easier to clean up.
