Spoiling our Dogs and Puppies

[Blade]

I think in my next life I want to be one of yalls dog. I can't believe all we've seen so far is dog spoilage LOL. Does anyone spoil anything else?

[Novelafemme]

I have three pups and feed them a mixture of dry and wet food that I make myself. When it was just Olive (Aussie mix) I let her free-feed. She always did great and never had any issues with her weight.

Then along came Ellie (Shih Tzu) and Rue (Schnoodle) and Olive became food aggressive (and fat).

When I prepare their food I use organic meat from Trader Joe's, organic veggies (carrots, greens, beets) and free-range chicken or beef broth minus the sodium. I also buy them free-range beef bones from the local farmer's market. So far their teeth look great with all that chewing!

It may seem excessive to some, but to me our pets are members of our family...not just animals.

[Talon]

Originally Posted by Blade

I think in my next life I want to be one of yalls dog. I can't believe all we've seen so far is dog spoilage LOL. Does anyone spoil anything else?

Nah...human's suck.

*kidding*

I'm a general variety spoiler....therefore, I generally enjoy spoiling whomever I love.

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by Blade

I think in my next life I want to be one of yalls dog. I can't believe all we've seen so far is dog spoilage LOL. Does anyone spoil anything else?

My granddaughter.

[Sachita]

There is also a brand called The Honest Kitchen. It's dehydrated and has fresh free range meats, veggies, fruits and everything is human grade AND made in a human grade inspected kitchen. 10 pounds turns into 40 pounds at around 70 something which is very affordable if you're making dog food. 40 pounds will feed my boxer and two small dogs

[Metro]

Originally Posted by Sachita

There is also a brand called The Honest Kitchen. It's dehydrated and has fresh free range meats, veggies, fruits and everything is human grade AND made in a human grade inspected kitchen. 10 pounds turns into 40 pounds at around 70 something which is very affordable if you're making dog food. 40 pounds will feed my boxer and two small dogs

Sachita, that sounds very interesting!

Has anyone else had to be concerned w/ balance of protein and fat in dog food? My dogs are prone to kidney stones so research has suggested keeping closest match of protein to fat to avoid such... it has worked for me. My large breed dogs have lived to 15-3/4 and 14-1/2 years of active life without getting kidney stones so common to their breed.

Altho the premium brands promote high protein, sometimes that isn't actually best thing for some dogs due to age or breed specific metabolism.

I use ProPlan Selects Natural Salmon since I don't know how to create similar protein/fat balance in homemade dog food. I would "spoil" my dogs with homemade if I knew how to do so and it was healthier for them... and if I could carve out the time to make the food.

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by Metro

Sachita, that sounds very interesting!

Has anyone else had to be concerned w/ balance of protein and fat in dog food? My dogs are prone to kidney stones so research has suggested keeping closest match of protein to fat to avoid such... it has worked for me. My large breed dogs have lived to 15-3/4 and 14-1/2 years of active life without getting kidney stones so common to their breed.

Altho the premium brands promote high protein, sometimes that isn't actually best thing for some dogs due to age or breed specific metabolism.

I use ProPlan Selects Natural Salmon since I don't know how to create similar protein/fat balance in homemade dog food. I would "spoil" my dogs with homemade if I knew how to do so and it was healthier for them... and if I could carve out the time to make the food.

It's more the type of protein. If you take fresh wild salmon for instance the grading is done prior to processing so by the time they process it's less. I also think that keeping fats down is very important. If you simply imagine how you feel eating certain things, its how your dog will feel. If you ate processed foods, lots of carbs and meats you'll feel sluggish and most likely develop health problems but if you ate lean meats and lots of green veggies you'd feel more vibrant and less health issues.

We have quite a few dogs that have organ issues and kidney. I don't think that rice is the answer. I would consider The Honest Kitchen or if its affordable for you buy chicken and turkey, bake it then add things like blue berries, sweet potato, broccoli, kelp, romaine, kale, etc. change it up. Most people that do this make batches and freeze in small bags. It doesn't have to be expensive just time consuming. I'd also add herbs to strengthen organs. Here is an extract that is for humans but I use it for dogs all the time. https://www.herbdoc.com/index.php/Store/K-B-Formula

I know you live in NYC so food is probably expensive there. I know because the farmers I know selling grass fed and organic charge three times what i pay here.

[Metro]

Originally Posted by Sachita

It's more the type of protein. If you take fresh wild salmon for instance the grading is done prior to processing so by the time they process it's less. I also think that keeping fats down is very important. If you simply imagine how you feel eating certain things, its how your dog will feel. If you ate processed foods, lots of carbs and meats you'll feel sluggish and most likely develop health problems but if you ate lean meats and lots of green veggies you'd feel more vibrant and less health issues.

We have quite a few dogs that have organ issues and kidney. I don't think that rice is the answer. I would consider The Honest Kitchen or if its affordable for you buy chicken and turkey, bake it then add things like blue berries, sweet potato, broccoli, kelp, romaine, kale, etc. change it up. Most people that do this make batches and freeze in small bags. It doesn't have to be expensive just time consuming. I'd also add herbs to strengthen organs. Here is an extract that is for humans but I use it for dogs all the time. https://www.herbdoc.com/index.php/Store/K-B-Formula

I know you live in NYC so food is probably expensive there. I know because the farmers I know selling grass fed and organic charge three times what i pay here.

Thx for passing along the info, Sachita.

BTW, I believe you may be confusing me w/ another person who had/has similar handle. I do not live in NYC.

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by Metro

Thx for passing along the info, Sachita.

BTW, I believe you may be confusing me w/ another person who had/has similar handle. I do not live in NYC.

oppss I'm so sorry!


something that is great for dogs is Inulin Fiber Chicory Root. It is a natural probotic and helps with digestive problems and immunity. Its very affordable and easy to mix into food. You can buy it as a powder. Another great thing is hulled hemp seeds. You don't have to give it to them daily, maybe 3 times a week. I buy it in bulk because I eat it too. The taste it really good.

[Blade]

Originally Posted by Blade

I think in my next life I want to be one of yalls dog. I can't believe all we've seen so far is dog spoilage LOL. Does anyone spoil anything else?

Guess I should have said Does anyone spoil any other type of pets, instead of saying anything else.......cats, horses, frogs, lizards, snakes, birds etc.....

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by Blade

Guess I should have said Does anyone spoil any other type of pets, instead of saying anything else.......cats, horses, frogs, lizards, snakes, birds etc.....

I spoil all of my animals, however I don't cuddle, pet or name animals that may become dinner.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Blade

Guess I should have said Does anyone spoil any other type of pets, instead of saying anything else.......cats, horses, frogs, lizards, snakes, birds etc.....

My dog is my only pet. He's a jack russell...I don't have time for another pet!

[Blade]

I must apologize for the possible derail.....the OP clearly states dogs and puppies and for some reason I had on my mind it said pets. Sorry Linus. Yall carry on and I will be back to post on my spoiled "Skippy" who has more clothes than I do.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Sachita

Orijen (what I'll be switch to soon) 29 pounds- $2.30 per day for a medium size dog @ 2 cups. There is one less pound.

Ok, so the biggest reason I have been using Newman's organic is because I wanted to make sure I had a product where the meat was free of antibiotics and growth hormones. I couldn't find a food outside of this one where this was clearly stated ("fresh" ingredients is meaningless, and free range doesn't mean free of hormones either, in all cases). Also, I do like plant based protein and Newman's met this, as well. However, I found on the Orijen website that their meat is antibiotic/growth hormone free and they have a a product with fish as their base meat (6 Fish Dog). I think I am going to switch.

Sachita, I am curious to know why Orijen is your new choice?

Originally Posted by Blade

I think in my next life I want to be one of yalls dog. I can't believe all we've seen so far is dog spoilage LOL. Does anyone spoil anything else?

I have to tell you Blade, I really paused when I read this. I had this serious moment...lol Really, the only other thing I spoil is my car. I spoil it by using high end products on the car itself (the cleaning and protection of the interior and exterior), and also high end mechanical parts/fluids. So, yes, I spoil my car.

<-------maybe needs to look at what (who) is being left out on the spoiling list

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Ok, so the biggest reason I have been using Newman's organic is because I wanted to make sure I had a product where the meat was free of antibiotics and growth hormones. I couldn't find a food outside of this one where this was clearly stated ("fresh" ingredients is meaningless, and free range doesn't mean free of hormones either, in all cases). Also, I do like plant based protein and Newman's met this, as well. However, I found on the Orijen website that their meat is antibiotic/growth hormone free and they have a a product with fish as their base meat (6 Fish Dog). I think I am going to switch.

Sachita, I am curious to know why Orijen is your new choice?



I have to tell you Blade, I really paused when I read this. I had this serious moment...lol Really, the only other thing I spoil is my car. I spoil it by using high end products on the car itself (the cleaning and protection of the interior and exterior), and also high end mechanical parts/fluids. So, yes, I spoil my car.

<-------maybe needs to look at what (who) is being left out on the spoiling list

I'm always going to support organic because it's one of my huge agendas. I think Newman's it a great company that has wonderfully marketed products commercially. I don't really have anything bad to say. I wish they used less chemicals and more berries and veggies.

I am impressed with Orijen meat sources and they use regional farms for produce. I'm all about supporting local farms. But like any successful company once the numbers climb they are often sold to even larger companies that keep the brand but change the formula. I suspect this will start happening with Taste of The Wild.

My long term goal is to grow food for my dogs. I'm pretty close to this goal. I am raising large (Jersey Giants) meat chickens now which i will start hatching. I'm also looking into raising Emu for meat and oil which I feel will be excellent for dogs, especially dogs with health issues. I'm still research this and seeing if it's feasible. I'm just now able to wrap my head around processing my own chicken and turkey. I want that animal to have the best life possible and although I could take it to a processor many people believe its best to do this at the farm. I agree because there is no fear or stress. lol- omg I could go on and on about this. If you are lucky enough to have a local family farm near you consider supporting them by buying from them. Yes, it cost a bit more but at least you really know where your food comes from.

[Sachita]

Those of you on a budget. If you have small dogs it's easy. Adopt a healthy diet for yourself with lean meats, fruits and veggies. Then make enough to give to your fur baby. Don't give them onions, grapes, (I don't have the list) stick with lean meats, green veggies, fruits such as berries and banana.

[Scuba]

I never spoiled my dog...ever...ok...maybe a little.

...alright...

I admit...she owned me Missing my pup she was the bombdiggitydog!!

[ahk]

I have a mayer parrot who is spoiled too--

I make her bird seed mixture -- w/ no sunflower seeds (okay, as a treat yes)
I let her chew on cardboard and tree branches as a toy.
She gets regular shower time with me.
She also, gets to stay on my shoulder for extended amounts of time.

I like her.

[christie]

Originally Posted by Scuba

I never spoiled my dog...ever...ok...maybe a little.

...alright...

I admit...she owned me Missing my pup she was the bombdiggitydog!!

You can come spoil Felix...especially this morning. Mommy is busy de-Christmasing the house, Daddy is sleeping, the Boy is out and about and Felix is LONELY (read: he is right up on me JUST in case I need his help - boy, those ornaments SURE look like toys!) lol

I'm.ready.for.a.nap.