Thanks, I'll try that.

After finding out that my dogs favorite treats(chicken jerky treats) were made in china, and contain the same ingredients as the foods recalled earlier this yr, I decided to look into his main diet. Needless to say, I was disappointed with my findings. He's been on iams since a pup, but after researching dog foods made in USA, i've started him on Natural Balance Premium, owned Dick Van Patton no less. I found sites like this one helpful. Dog Food Reviews | Dog Food Ratings He's been on it for 2 weeks and his energy level is higher, and he's even shedding less, and he sheds CONSTANTLY. Luke will be 7 next week and hopefully with me for quite some time still. The last elkhound i had as a boy lived to 13 with much less attention on diet.
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our golden was about 10 lbs overweight about 6 months ago. vet said to reduce the meals and same as others have posted, supplement with carrots, and veggies. she lost the 10 lbs by going from 3 cups/day to 2 and is now in fghting form. she's two and at 64lbs. she does have skin allergies so she's on fancy grain free, fish dog food. but a fraction of the cost of the prescription science diet food.

does the fancy grain free, fish dog food seem to work?

what is it?

We got back from the vet tonigh. She Looked at his poop and said there was a high bacteria count...gave us some medicine. Wo knows what he picked up outside or before we got him.

She also said he was a bit heavy. We've been training him with treats and such, so I guess all that adds up. She suggested green beans from a can and carrots instead. Someone on this huh read suggested ice cubes. He really likes that and its very easy.

We feed our pointers a raw diet of meat, rice, and bones. We initially started doing it to control seizures in my older dog, it helps but it didn't stop them. They do seem really healthy though, their coats improved and their teeth look great. We feed them a mix of brown rice, organ meat, and usually chicken backs but it all depends on what is on sale. We even give them whole sardines from time to time for the oils.

One issue the raw diet did fix was urinary incontinence in our older dog. She is spayed and would leave a little wet patch where she was sleeping. Once we changed the diet the issue went away without any meds.

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Kiki Over Lights by willtel, on Flickr

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Eva and the sardine by willtel, on Flickr

my Vet said ice cubes are a no-no - leads to broken teeth eventually

my dentist said the same thing...

Our vet said that ice cubes are OK as long as the dog has healthy teeth, which our Golden does. She loves her ice cubes!!! When she gets older, we may have to ween her off the ice cubes, though...

Can't be any worse than those hard chew things.

Steve - I just finished obedience classes for my pup. I was surprised at how small a reward they suggested. I ended up using chopped pieces of lunch meat, maybe 1/4 fingerprint each. Also, training went better when he's hungry. Common sense to the dog trainer but something I didnt think about.

My dog likes Natural Balance too, but my wallet sure doesnt.