What do you feed your dog?

[ozark hen]

 

[Betsy]

We feed our dog Comet Candiae dog food. He's a senior dog, and his health really improved when we put him on it. I LOVE that I can read the list of the ingredients and understand what that they all are!

 

[hooligan]

Raw hide is notorious for obstructions, just ask any rescuer! The chopped pressed stuff is better but its gone in minutes. Have you tried Nylabone chews or toys?

Ozark, what pricey brands are you refering to?

Here's a pretty good dog food article: http://www.api4animals.org/facts.php?p=359&more=1


ETA this:
Rawhide
Rawhide is a good example of a potentially dangerous natural dog treat. Rawhide is simply the skin of a cow. Natural rawhide tastes similar to beef. That is why it is so pleasing to dogs. But it can also be hazardous for dogs, as well. Some of the problems with giving your dog a rawhide dog bone include:

There is a choking hazard associated with rawhide. If pieces of rawhide are swallowed whole or even in big chunks, they can get stuck in your dog’s throat.
Pieces of hard rawhide can actually scrape a dog’s throat and esophagus on the way down to his stomach.
Rawhide can create a physical obstruction inside the intestinal track. Picture this: When a dog chews rawhide, it becomes wet and gummy. Now, imagine swallowing wads and wads of chewing gum. See the similarity? Not good.
Rawhide is not regulated in many countries. In some these countries, arsenic-based products are used as a preservative in rawhides. Yep, you read it correctly—arsenic. That equates to giving your dog poison.


Cow Hooves
Cow hooves are exactly what they sound like—hooves from cows. Dogs consider them tasty treats, but similar to rawhide, they can prove problematic.

Cow hooves are so hard; they can actually break your dog’s teeth.
Sharp, uneven pieces from the cow hoof can be swallowed and tear the wall of the bowel. If this occurs, infection is almost definite and so is death. Why take that chance?

Pig Ears
Pig ears are dried ears from a pig. They tend to look like what they are. Ew.

Besides looking nasty, pig ears can cause blockages.
Pig ears have the potential harm humans as well. Early in 2000, the FDA placed an advisory stating pork-related dog bones and chews may contain salmonella, so, if you are handling pig ears, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly.


Recommended Dog Bones
There are just as many healthy dog bones available as there are unhealthy. Many manufacturers have taken into consideration your dog’s health and have created excellent chewing methods that are not only satisfying to your dog but good for them.

Nylabone
Nylabones are dog bones made from pure nylon, which makes them exceptionally strong. Unlike rawhide, they will not splinter or break into chunks. They are completely digestible and are made with the most aggressive chewers in mind. When the Nylabone is chewed into a stump, throw it away and buy a new one.


Cornstarch Bones
Cornstarch bones are made from cornstarch and are perfectly safe for your dog to eat, provided that he or she does not have food allergies. The Booda Company actually makes cornstarch toys that are completely free of preservatives and contain no animal by-products.

Better Than Ears
Better than Ears are imitation pig ears that are low-fat and highly digestible. They are made from healthy products, such as soy flour and wheat bran. Dogs love them. Pigs love them, too, for obvious reasons!


Tips on Dog Bones
Never give your dog leftover chicken bones. They can become lodged in the esophagus and hinder breathing functions.
If you feel your dog must have rawhide, consider purchasing compressed rawhide. Compressed rawhide is better than regular rawhide because it is made from layers of beefhide and formed under extreme pressure. This creates an very dense dog bone. Compressed rawhide lasts three to five times longer than regular rawhide.
Always look at the ingredients when you purchase dog bones. Also, if they appear greasy, that is usually an indicator that they are not the healthiest thing to put in your dog’s mouth.
As a rule of thumb, always observe your dog’s behavior with a new treat. If you think it may be dangerous for your dog to chew, go with your gut instinct. Better safe than sorry.

 

[ozark hen]

You know I would have to return to Wally World to double check myself as to the brand

I am probably speaking of a different brand? Sorry. I will double check it the next time I go. I was reading the ingredients and was surprised that "corn" was not the first item on the list so I probably got the name wrong? No less, if dogs are eating it and thriving....?? I will get back to you to verify the brand I was reading. thanks for the heads up.

 

[Chirpy]

hooligan - thanks and no thanks (just kidding) for that great article.

Oh man!! Now what do I feed my dogs and cats? After reading that I feel like a heel for giving my pets anything except homemade food! I can't do that at this time so I'm sitting here feeling terrible.

I think, in my case, I have to go with ten years of experience and stick to what I'm doing... at least for the time being.

This could cause me to bang my head on the wall...

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

Thanks, Hooligan! I'll start looking for the compressed stuff.

We turn our little noses up at nylabones and the booda products. We love cow hooves, but they smell like manure and I can't stand that in the house. Blech. The pig ears ook me out too, so no pig ears for the pups. Rawhide is about all I give them. Oh well... I'll look for the compressed stuff I guess. On the plus side, perhaps we will all be able to breath a bit freer now.

 

[hooligan]

The things is, as long as its in moderation and supervised its okay.
I used to give my dogs these mammoth things called Twin Hoofers and they loved them but once they got down to the hoof part they got tossed bc they made the house smell like cow pee.
Since we have the dogs on a veggie diet I give them the Veggie Nylabone naturals and they like them quite a bit. Our dogs are major chewers!
For some quality dog food choices check out on of our local pet supply stores: www.luvhappytails.com They carry some good ones.

ETA the piggie ears always caused the most horrendous gas when eaten!

 

[kaylakala]

Mine like cow ears. They're cheaper and lower in fat!

 

[Henrietta23]

My dogs eat Wellness for Seniors which our vet recommends. It's not cheap though. They do very well on it. We have one prone was very prone to and he is much better since we switched him over.

 

[ozark hen]

here is an interesting if differential ratings on Ol Roy. What it comes down to..........if it works for you then use it whatever "it" may be.