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Hi Laura,
I'm trying to improve my dog's diet and started feeing him home cooked meals (can't bring myself to do raw...). I have a few questions:
1. is there a problem with feeding him dry food in the morning (EVO Innova), and a home cooked meal in the evening?
2. what should be portion sizes of the home made? and what would be the right protein/carb/veggie ratio? (I've been feeding him chicken, lamb, beef, salmon, rice, sweet potato, veggie and eggs --not all at once of course)
3. is salmon skin ok?
4. how about a little cottage cheese mixed in his morning kibble?
4. what kind of supplements should I be thinking about?
I have a 3 year old cocker spaniel mix (possibly Lab) weights 34 pounds (which seems like a good weight for him)
many thanks!
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
I don't see any problem with doing home cooked when you can and the EVO when you can't. It's a good quality commercial food. The portions are going to be tougher to figure out, and you'll have to experiment for a while and adjust up or down if he seems to gain or lose weight. To give you an idea:
Your dog needs about 850 calories a day. You can check on your EVO and see how many calories are in a cup. For the homemade, you can use these as some guidelines:
An egg is 75 calories
Raw veggies average 25 calories per cup
Cooked veggies average 50 calories per cup
Starchy veggies and cereals (cooked) are 80 calories per 1/2 cup
Raw beef or beef liver are 55 calories per ounce
Turkey, chicken, rabbit are about 45 calories per ounce.
You can use this as a general guide to how much to feed depending on what you're feeding that day. You can also look up calories of various foods online.
Salmon skin is fine, but it contains a lot of fat and will be high in calories. So if you're feeding it, cut back on the amount of food that day. If she gets loose stools, it's because she's having trouble digesting the rich fatty skin.
Cottage cheese is a great food for dogs. Feel free to add it to any meal.
The only supplement I'd give on a regular basis is fish oil, unless you're feeding one or more fish meals each week.
Hope this helps.
Laura Murphy
Pets by Nature
www.petsbynature.com
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Answers by Expert:
Laura Murphy
Expertise
Do you have a question about nutrition, including which food is best for your pet and which should be avoided? If you’re researching homecooked or raw diets, this is the place. I can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about raw feeding. Do you want to know whether or not you need to supplement your pet’s diet and, if so, which supplements are for you? I can help you with just about any question regarding canine and feline nutrition and feeding. Although I believe in the benefits of raw feeding, I respect anyone trying to do the best thing for their pets and will answer questions on any type of pet food.
I can address many areas of holistic pet care, including illness, homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies, and flower essences. We can talk about everything from vaccinating (and when not to), to skin problems, to cancer. Please note that I am not a veterinarian and any health-related information is from my personal experience and research, but I can be a good resource.
I can also answer your questions about pet rescue, including when to use them and what kind of pet is right for you. And I love controversial subjects like puppy mills and animal experimentation. If I don’t know the answer to your question immediately, I’ll research it for you.
Basically, if you’re got a pet question – fire away. Chances are, I’ll have something you can use.
Laura Murphy
Experience
An animal lover and owner all my life, I spent years as a foster parent for a national rescue group and as a volunteer at my local Humane League. Many years ago, I began researching and using natural health care methods to treat both my pets and my family. I have worked with holistic vets to develop and provide custom homeopathic and Bach Flower Essence blends for their clients. In 2002, I started Pets By Nature to give pet owners who are seeking a healthier and more natural way to feed and care for their pets a reliable source of education, support, guidance, and products. Relying on honesty, integrity, and openness with respect to natural health care for companion animals, I am able to provide quality products, services, and information with the intent of helping interested pet owners learn about and practice a more natural method of pet nutrition and health care.
Education/Credentials
I am a college graduate and full time Business Systems Analyst. I have written many articles for publication on my web site and throughout the local pet community. I have been a vendor at local dog shows and do public speaking on the topics of pet nutrition and holistic health care.
Past/Present Clients
My clients range from new pet owners to 4th generation raw feeding breeders. I enjoy a wonderful professional relationship with several veterinary practices who refer my diets, supplements, and homeopathics to many of their clients. I ship supplements and flower essences all over the world, and provide a quality frozen raw food to the Central Pennsylvania area. Virtually all of my marketing is word-of-mouth referrals from my current clients and I consider them all my extended family.
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