For the long haul - Page 1

Each time we visit the vet to pick up monthly heart worm med, we see so many people with dogs with major health issues and of course exorbitant vet bills. I find that long term investment in your dog's health by having the dog on a good diet helps a great extent. I feed high quality kibble and I find it best to warm it for a few minutes before serving. the warming fats in the kibble release aromas in the kibble ingredients , which is an extra enticement for the dog. Any experiences along this line?

I think diet goes a long way towards health in dogs same as humans. My dad's shih zhu is 13 yo, and 12-15# overweight and my dad is feeding him to death. the dogs belly almost touches the floor. my dad is 92 yo, so there is no changing anything, just dreading the day Harley is gone.

my sister has one (not related) approx the same age. she is almost fanatical about his diet. he looks as fit as any dog 5 years younger and very healthy.

they both have genetic issues that contribute to vet bills though.

jmo,
Rik

I agree with Rik on diet being important to animals as to it is to humans. Not just nutrition, but GMOs, potential contamination, etc. This also extends to nontoxic treats, toys, supplements, medications, flea and tick preparations, heart worm preventatives, yard products, and house products/etc. Also very careful about water, bowls/pails, shampoos, etc.

To the extent possible, I don't buy or use anything made in China or made from products/ingredients from China for either human or animal consumption/use.

Once upon a time, I used to feed Puppy Chow and Dog Chow with great results, but since the advent of GMOs and things they're finding out about effects on animals and humans, so long as I have a choice, I don't do this any more. Ditto for products containing fish, including farmed fish (contamination).

I do feed the best kibble I can find/afford for my particular dog. Ditto treats and dental chews. This not only keeps vet/dental bills down and prolongs lives, but enhances quality of life. Selecting non-toxic, rugged, well-constructed toys also reduces vet bills for swallowed objects and poison/toxin-related conditions/sickness.

Good example of the effects of bad pet food: Most cat kibble, including "premium," contains so many carbs that many cats develop diabetes, even if they aren't overweight and don't have other health issues. No different than a human eating a diet of potato chips and candy. In the absence of brushing, cats eating wet lower-carb cat food that prevents this, usually get dental disease because nothing hard to scrape tartar off teeth or exercise the gums.

Turns out mice are the perfet food and toy/exercise for cats.  If I could just find a place to get canned mouse (whole) [rolleyes]   .   Don't like the frozen frankenprey, and certainly don't want live mice [eek]