HOW MUCH SHOULD I FEED MY DOG? A basic guideline is to feed about two cups of this mix per 25 pounds of dog per day. As with feeding guidelines on all commercial foods, you’ll need to adjust the daily amount according to your dog’s specific caloric needs. Active dogs may need to eat a little more and less active dogs may need less. Adjust amounts as needed for your dog’s maintenance. To determine if your dog is at the proper weight, run your hands along your dog’s sides to the hips. If you can feel the ribs, but not see them, your dog is close to an ideal weight. If you can’t feel ribs at all, your dog needs to lose some weight; if you can see the ribs easily, then your dog probably needs to gain a little weight. Introduce this diet slowly over about
a week’s time. Start by feeding a little at a time, removing some of the current diet each day the more you feed of the new diet. If you know your dog has sensitive tummy issues, slow the transition time even more by introducing very small
www.TheNewBarker.com
amounts (bite-sized) over several days while feeding more yogurt and/or pump- kin. Consider adding a digestive supple- ment to help your dog with digestion. If your dog has a chronic or acute
health condition, the diet should be adjusted to be more appropriate for their specific condition. It would be best to find and work with a holistic pet nutri- tionist that is well-versed in home-pre- pared or raw diets. As noted in the diet outline, if your dog is prone to yeast infections, eliminate the items with an asterisk (*) for best results.
YOU HAVE OPTIONS There are many commercial options available on the market today that make it easy and convenient to feed your dog a raw or nearly raw diet. For example, Primal Pet Foods, Oma’s Pride and Bravo are a few companies that provide raw meat that has already been ground up including bone and cartilage. Just select your protein, thaw, mix with veggies and
serve. In addition, companies like The Honest Kitchen, SOJOS and Dr. Harvey’s, have dehydrated or freeze-dried veggie mixes that you can add water to and mix with your protein of choice to make a complete meal. Grocery stores like Whole Foods offer pretty affordable organic chicken parts when you buy in bulk. Several of my customers order 10- 20 lbs or more at a time and have them ground up by the store. See if you can find a local butcher. You’d be surprised what you can find when you look for it. U
Yvonne Guibert is a pet parent and owner of Groovy Cats & Dogs, an all- natural pet boutique in Carrollwood. They focus 100% on all natural treats and food for cats and dogs. Stop by or call for a free consultation. 2305 West Linebaugh Ave., Tampa. 813.265.1333.
www.GroovyCatsnDogs.com
Winter ~ 2013 THE NEW BARKER 73
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112