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Question
My 13 yr old yellow lab was put on a I/D canine diet for diarrhea. The vet recommend it for the remainder of his life. Is there a substitution or a recipe i can make that is similar to I/D? It is too expensive to maintain.
Sandy,
Ack! I/D food for the rest of his life? That's awful! Hills Prescription diets are absolutely awful. They don't even meet the minimum recommended nutrition for dogs. They can legally sell them because they are "prescription" and labeled "not intended for long-term use." So to prescribe that food for years is downright unethical. I wouldn't feed it for even a single day.
Go to a site called www.dogfoodanalysis.com and look up the I/D food. You will see just how poor the ingredients are. I would recommend any of their 6-star foods for a steady diet.
I am a raw feeder and switched my Brittany to raw because he had chronic diarrhea for the first three years of his life. He's been eating raw for 7 years now and has never had a problem. I feel it's the best way to feed most dogs.
If you can't go 100% raw, consider a homemade diet for him. Any cooked meat, brown rice, pasta, potatoes, and cooked vegetables would make a far better diet than the I/D. If you're going to feed a cooked meat diet, I recommend buying a bone meal powder (NOW and NaturVet make good ones that are available online) and supplementing with that for the calcium and phosphorus. If you feed the same foods you're feeding your family, it can be very easy to cook for your dog. You can do a much better job than Hills can with their poor quality fillers and carcinogenic additives. I can't stress enough how important it is to get him on a healthy raw, cooked, or premium diet and away from the prescription stuff.
Good luck.
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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