Am I feeding my new GS puppy correctly? - Page 1

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DebiSue

by DebiSue on 24 November 2008 - 14:11

Good morning and please advise me.  We are picking up a nine week old female and want to make sure she is being fed correctly.  I'm thinking 1 cup dry kibble (Nutro puppy) mixed with 1/2 cup raw ground beef with 1/2 cup cottage cheese three times a day with alternating days of an additional 1/2 cup yogurt and chopped cooked egg (twice a week) and 1tablespoon of wheatgerm and 1/2 cup of raw beef liver (twice a week).  It seems like an awful lot and I will pick up what she doesn't eat so I can use that as a gauge but what do you think of the menu?  Do I need to add anything or subract anything?  Should I moisten the kibble?  I've only dealt with adult dogs so I want to do the right thing with our little girl.  I want to make sure she is getting good nutrition but I don't want her to grow too fast.   Any replies would be appreciated.

Deb


snajper69

by snajper69 on 24 November 2008 - 14:11

Are you going to feed your dog Raw or Kibble? I don't like mixing Raw with Kibble, I either go RAW or dry but never both.


DebiSue

by DebiSue on 24 November 2008 - 14:11

Thanks for your comment.  Do you have a preference and why? And what about the rest of the menu, is it ok with either?


snajper69

by snajper69 on 24 November 2008 - 15:11

Let me tell you my point of view:

 

I belive that Raw is the best food that you can feed to your dog. But it is expensive, plus like always there are risk involved. If money would not be an issue, I would feed RAW only, but keeping in mind that RAW is not for everyone it dose take commitment and little bit knowlege.

I feed kibble I feed holistic formulas. I don't lik to see high protein content, I do like to see something that will slow the pass through time, so I like seeing little bit (little bit is the key word) of corn or beet pulp in the food. I like to see at lest two up to 3 meat sources. I like at least one of it to be a meal (why because meal is cheaper and usually it ensures that there is planny meat in the food). I don't like seing rice coming up more than once. If you ask me my perfect kibble is Vetschoice Holistic formula you can find it on Vetschoice.com my dogs and dogs of other people that I know are doing well on that food. My new approach that I took I mix 40lb of Vetschoice Holistic with 30lb of Orijen I was able to achive the best balance through that. I add probiotics, they can be in the form of powder or in the form of natural yogurt, I do add egg as this is the best source of protein that you can add to your dog diet without paying a lot (I don't give my dog more than two a week). Your diet looks to reach for me and more trouble than you need it. I do RAW on Saturdays, they are getting the whole chicken I don't give food at least one day a week (including pupies). Buttom line is you need to find what works for you and let your eyes guide you.


snajper69

by snajper69 on 24 November 2008 - 15:11

I doo moist my kibbles, all the people I know moist it, I know a guy that all his GSD always died of bloat, that is why he start moisting it and he stands by it. Keep your dog skinny, feed her twice a day (at least that is my prefrence) when she streatch it you should be able to see some ribs, and feel it when you run your fingers. I stend by it, over feeding is worst than underfeeding, people that will tellyou other wise are wrong, it will not effect her negatively at maturity but it will reduce the stress on joints and bones during the rapid growth time.


Oskar1

by Oskar1 on 24 November 2008 - 15:11

Debi, do not feed raw & kibble in the same meal - raw & kibble digest on a different rate of time. Most likely you will be in for a ride if you do, and more important, it is not healthy for the pup.

You could feed raw one day & kibble the other, but why excatly would you want to do that ? Decide on one and go with it. If you allow me a suggestion, since you allready thought about feeding raw - go with that, it is definately the heathiest way to feed you pup. Google for " raw diet for dogs" or "Barf Diet" you will find a lot of suggestions. I am not too informed how raw is done inthe US, or if there are companys that provide raw in frozen form, do a little research. Also I am sure some girls & guys on this board will have some valuable info for you.

I switch my dogs to raw about 9 month ago, and to be honest, I regret that it took me that long. It is simply the best I ever used to feed my crocodiles !

Have fun with your puppy & we always love to see some pics. Best Regards Ulli Dresbach 


by Teri on 24 November 2008 - 15:11

DebiSue,

I feed raw & kibble and each meal together.  I feed Innova large puppy for my 22 week old pup and the Innova large breed for my adults.  I feed 2/3 kibble and 1/3 raw (hamburger, chicken necks & backs) plus supplements (Vit. E, Fish Oil, joint supplements, etc.) The breeder I got two of my GSD dogs from does the same with all of her dogs (pups included) without any issues.  None of my 6 dogs have ANY skin or stomach issues or any other health problems and one of my dogs is an English Bulldog and they are the worst dogs for having multiple issues.  I don't know if it's the food or that I got very lucky and just have very healthy dogs.  When I read about others on this board who's dog's have skin and stomach issues, I thank my lucky stars.  

Good luck with your pup and your choice in food, etc.

Teri  


DebiSue

by DebiSue on 24 November 2008 - 16:11

WOW!  You have given me a lot to "digest"!  Thank you for your input.  I will take all suggestions into consideration and consult with my vet as well.  I'm trying to research this and decide which way to go as we will be picking her up Nov.28th.  We're very excited and we want to do the best thing for her. 

We're having mixed emotions right now as we recently said goodbye to our sweet, sweet girl, Airin Vom Haus Acton and we know another dog will not fill the huge void she has left.  (No way, no how, not in this lifetime!) But we're hoping the energy a puppy will bring into our lives will save us from wallowing in our ownself pity over that loss.  I have a feeling this new personality will be leaving her own stamp on our hearts!

Thanks again!

Deb


Two Moons

by Two Moons on 24 November 2008 - 18:11

DebiSue,

You'd be suprised what a new puppy can do to fill a void.

As far as feeding, I would start out by seeing what the breeder is feeding them now, and make change's gradually.

They are sensitive and I would not go overboard with a lot of extra's just yet.   Keep it simple as you can and be consistant until they get a little older.  Constant change's and too many extra's can give them problem's.

Good luck with your new puppy,

Moon's.


snajper69

by snajper69 on 24 November 2008 - 18:11

And if your vet will tell you science diet, come back for more sugestion lol hahahaha :)

Puppy will make you forget of your old girl in a heart beat :) but I am sure he will have big soes to fill :) good luck, keep it simple, simple never hurt.






 


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