Current Recommendations as of 5/6/06:
1) What I Feed: After much research & careful consideration we are now starting to feed
Innova
EVO Dog Food.
Innova EVO Formula has been specially designed to
provide all
the
key nutritional benefits from the feeding of raw food diets but with
the benefits of 21st Century nutritional research. Innova EVO
Formula is based on ground chicken & turkey meat, bones, fat,
cartilage & connective tissue. It includes whole raw
fruits
& vegetables which contain health promoting phytochemicals
&
micronutrients. Low Card, Hi-Protein & Grain Free **We just started feeding this diet May 2006 so will let you know how our dogs do on it. Sept 2006 Update: Dogs are doing GREAT on Innova. Just have to watch how much they eat! Jakob LOVES it and is getting slightly tubby.
For
further information about feeding & nutrition visit our
Nutrition Page (coming soon)
I personally do not feel comfortable feeding an entirely raw diet so researched and chose to feed Innova EVO Dog Food instead. I tried raw and my dogs caught a bacteria from it within days of feeding and got sick so had to be treated with medications. Many people would have you believe that it is part of the 'detoxify' of cleansing their systems by parasites? I don't think so.
Here is a website
which talks about the problems with Raw Food: Raw
Meat a Dangerous Fad!
2)Supplements: Supplements that I use are: Missing Link, NuVet Plus Vitamins, Xtra C, Barley Grass & Dream Coat. I know it sounds like a lot, but there is so much missing from Dog Foods. I have found my Westies to be healthier, less itchy, and little or no tear/beard staining. Plus they aren't 'Westie' Lawnmowers eating the grass all the time. This is in line with the 'Westie Diet'
MISSING LINK PLUS™ formula combines the benefits of GLUCOSAMINE with all natural, human-gradewhole foods, carefully chosen for their nutrient profile and synergistic effects. The product is in the form of a granular powder that is easily sprinkled on the animal's regular food on a daily basis according to weight.
The
Missing Link® Plus™
Formula includes:
- Glucosamine to stimulate the production of collagen, the protein that helps support healthy joints.
- Omega-3 & -6 Essential Fatty Acids to reduce inflammation and promote joint mobility, a healthy skin & coat and balanced energy.
- Enzymes and probiotics (beneficial bacteria) to maintain normal digestion.
- Fiber for bowel health.
- Phytonutrients and traces of various vitamins and minerals important for overall health and well being.
NU-VET PLUS VITAMINS:
Combats the ravages of free radicals.
Disease Protection The Veterinarians, Physicians,
Pharmacists & Nutritional Scienties of NuVet
Labs
™ have blended a precise combination of quality food
concentrates, herbs & anti-oxidants proven to combat the
ravages of
free radicals. Just some of the diseases it helps are:
Scratching
Itching
Hot Spots
Allergies
Arthritis
Premature Aging
Low Energy Levels
Cataracts
Digestive Problems
Heart Disease
Tumors
For
complete details on this amazing immune enhancing product with money
back guarantee, call toll free 1-800-474-7044. Be sure to use
Order Code #70963. Or click on the link below to order some
for
your pet! They offer a discount if you are on automatic
shipment
each month.
3)Heartworm Prevention: I use Revolution on a monthly basis. It covers Heartworm, Fleas, Intestinal Parasites & Mange.