What are some tips for healthful GSD feeding?

[pavelthe2]

Hello everyone! I'm new here, and I come with a few questions regarding my 4 1/2 mo old GSD named Maximilian (Max for short). My dad buys Purina One Large Breed Puppy Formula to feed my three dogs (the two other dogs are just under a year old). I have read a lot about brand-name pet foods such as this that usually contain lots of fillers and tend to be of a lower quality than their popularity suggests. This bothers me.

I also understand that GSDs can have certain food allergies and are sensitive to certain ingredients. Max doesn't seem to be exhibiting any skin inflammation or flakiness, but I have notice that the whites of his eyes are a bit pinker than I am comfortable with. They aren't bloodshot, just slightly pink. I don't feed him human food or use any harsh chemicals around him. A few weeks ago my vet said he came up positive for Giardia, though he displayed no symptoms at all. Nevertheless, we went to a local pet shop for meds and he has been treated for that, so it should be gone now.

I have also read about raw food diets as well as premium dog food like Orijen.
I don't think anywhere in my area even remotely stocks that kind of food, and my Dad probably wouldn't want to spend money on better food. :/
Can you combine raw foods/veggies with a dry kibble? If so, what kinds and how do you prepare them?

Sorry guys! I know this was a mouthful, but I want the best for my pups and think they deserve the same standard of care as your own kids. I have not really found any clear answers for my concerns above, so any advice would be appreciated. Bear in mind that I'm only 16 years old so I don't have much money, support, or resources at my disposal, but I'd still like to know what I could be doing right! Thanks!

I'll do the best I can at replying; the only access to Internet I have is via my iPhone.

[ChancetheGSD]

Where do you live and what stores do you have nearby?

In the end, the decision will come down to your dad of course. If he doesn't want to buy something else and you can't pay for it yourself, then don't let people discourage you about what is already being fed. It's not that bad of a food and it's certainly not going to kill your dog! Most people would gag at what I feed (Sportmix in the black bag ) but hey, it works for my dogs and my budget. ($25 for 50lb!! Can't beat it!) As long as my dogs are healthy, maintaining good weight, having firm stools, clear eyes, clean ears, good energy, good skin and coat, ect then that is ALL THAT MATTERS. You can't judge a book by it's cover and you can't judge dog food by it's label!

I do agree with supplementing with real foods though but I'd recommend that even if you were spending the extremely high price for Orijens food. Nothing wrong with throwing in some raw meats in a couple meals. Raw eggs are a good addition to a diet a couple times a week too. You can also give them RAW bones (turkey necks and pig feet are a household favorite here for the large and small dogs) 1-3x a week for added dental care. (Though I do recommend everyone still brush their dogs teeth since poor dental care can take years off your dogs life but bones are better than nothing at all!)

[pavelthe2]

Originally Posted by ChancetheGSD

Where do you live and what stores do you have nearby?

Thanks for your reply.*
I live in southern Alabama on the Gulf Coast (is that too generalized?) where pretty much the only places to buy dog food are weed-and-feed stores, Petsmart, and Publix.*

Originally Posted by ChancetheGSD

As long as my dogs are healthy, maintaining good weight, having firm stools, clear eyes, clean ears, good energy, good skin and coat, ect then that is ALL THAT MATTERS.

I am feeding Max according to his weight and activity, twice a day, and his poops are notably large, which causes me to wonder how much of his food he is actually utilizing. Sometimes he scratches a lot though he doesn't have fleas, and gets fairly watery eyes every few days.

Originally Posted by ChancetheGSD

Nothing wrong with throwing in some raw meats in a couple meals. Raw eggs are a good addition to a diet a couple times a week too.

Is it safe enough for dogs to consume just raw chicken meat occasionally?

[Lauri & The Gang]

Originally Posted by pavelthe2

Is it safe enough for dogs to consume just raw chicken meat occasionally?

Check out the BARF section on the board.

Keep in mind - feeding JUST chicken meat (raw or cooked) is not going to make for a balanced diet. A balanced raw diet includes meat, bones, organs and you need a variety of protein sources.

Purina is NOT a high quality food. It's got lots of fillers (which you are already seeing - "... and his poops are notably large") and many dogs have problems with those fillers (like the scratching and watery eyes).

[pavelthe2]

Thanks for the link. I'll check it out!

Originally Posted by Lauri & The Gang

Purina is NOT a high quality food. It's got lots of fillers (which you are already seeing - "... and his poops are notably large") and many dogs have problems with those fillers (like the scratching and watery eyes).

Do you have any suggestions for kibble brands better than Purina that I can find in Petsmart? What's the story with Science Diet?

[Lakl]

I don't know how far you are from Mobile, but I live about 45 min from there and they have a great pet store that sells both Raw and some great high quality brands. If it's not too far from you, I believe it's called Pet Supplies Plus. They usually have great coupons too.

[ChancetheGSD]

Lauri, the issue is we're dealing with a 16 year old who doesn't have much control over the food. :/

You could see if your dad would try Authority from Petsmart. It runs about $30 for 40lb so you get a better deal than the Purina and you get better ingredients. I'd try the lamb formula (you can go ahead and put him on an adult food) since chicken is a common allergy trigger.

On the note of adding extra meats...

Blue Ridge Beef: Raw Meat for Dogs - Cats

^ Are any of those dealers near you? If so, look into getting some green tripe if you can afford it. I'm not sure what the prices are in Alabama but over here I can get 5lb of green tripe from my dealer for $4.70. At the very most, it shouldn't run you over $6-$7 for a 5lb bag. Thaw it, bag about 1-2 handfuls (no more than 2 days worth) into sandwich bags and refreeze. You can pull 1 bag out at a time and just throw in a couple spoonfuls/small chunks into each meal. Your dog will go NUTS for it and green tripe is said to be the perfect food for dogs because of it's ideal calc/phos ratio, it contains healthy omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat and it has a slightly acid pH level, natural digestive enzymes and probiotics in it to help your dog digest it's food properly. A 5lb bag would last you close to a month if you're just using it as a small supplement to the dogs diet. You can feed more if you want but just remember that extras shouldn't add up to more than 30% of the dogs daily calorie intake and anything extra you add, you should reduce the kibble to make up for those calories so your dog doesn't start getting chunky.

[Emoore]

In Southern Alabama, check your local independent feed stores for Victor dog food. Victor Premium Dog Food | Professional Formulations has a dealer locator. It's a very good quality food for the money. Depending on which food you buy it's $25-$30 for a 40lb bag and has no corn, soy, wheat, or meat byproducts.

[pavelthe2]

Originally Posted by Lakl

I don't know how far you are from Mobile, but I live about 45 min from there and they have a great pet store that sells both Raw and some great high quality brands. If it's not too far from you, I believe it's called Pet Supplies Plus. They usually have great coupons too.

I live in Daphne on the Eastern Shore, right across the bay. I too am about 45 minutes from Mobile. Perhaps I could get my dad to take me there sometime. Thanks!

[sable123]

Originally Posted by pavelthe2

Thanks for the link. I'll check it out!


Do you have any suggestions for kibble brands better than Purina that I can find in Petsmart? What's the story with Science Diet?

The things you can do that have the most impact on your dog's health are:

1) Limiting Vaccines
2) Avoiding Injuries, especially as a puppy
3) Not spaying or neutering early or at all
4) Exercise
5) Clean Water always available

The genes your pup got, well, can't be change. The choice of diet while important is somewhat minor in the scheme of things.

As for as Petsmart goes two of the best there are Pro Plan Select and Royal Canin. If that is convenient for you and your family those are fine, as is Eukanuba.

Petsmart has a new house brand called Simply Nourish that looks OK but I would like to know where its made.

Whatever you pick, don't switch unless there is a confirmed medical reason.