Diet for Pup

by Marg
(Edmonton,alberta, canada)

We just adopted an 8 week old Pyr and keep hearing conflicting reports regarding puppy food - we had decided on either Orijen (for large breed puppies -38% protein, 1.3 % calcium) or acana for large breed puppies (33% protein, 1.4% calcium). As some reports said the higher protein wasn’t a problem as long as the calcium isn’t too high. And the calcium phosphorus ratio is correct. Then someone else said the protein was too high and try a different feed. We had a Pyr cross before who did very well on Acana senior so had planned on staying with the brand but would greatly appreciate your input and any suggestions re a good food for Pyr puppies.
Thanks so much, Marg

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Dec 03, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Species-appropriate diet
by: Donna

The best diet is raw. You can get this from a butcher or abbatoir.

Here is some great information on diet for puppies/dogs.

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/starting-puppy-on-raw-diet/

https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/04/09/slow-growth-diets-for-giant-breed-puppy.aspx

https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2016/05/23/choosing-the-right-dog-food.aspx

Enjoy your pup and thank you for adopting!
Dec 07, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		feeding puppies
by: Anonymous

Cannot find fault with feeding raw. But it's not convenient for everyone, to go that route.
A Pyr puppy growth rate is very rapid. So the protein/calcium ratio is very important. Your pup needs to be nourished well while in this accelerated growing period, but not overfed. With a high end puppy kibble, your pup is nourished completely without excess volume/meal or excess protein/calcium. The pup is visibly satisfied when he has eaten, and chances of bloat are reduced while fed a lower volume. Monitor your pup's stool output. If there's LOTS, he's expelling non-nourishing fillers. With Origen you will find this is not the case.
Our pup had ear issues. Previously, we had other dogs who exhibited allergy symptoms to kibble. So, we switched him to Origen and ear issues disappeared. We have been asked 'what's in it then, that's different from other brands?'. We think it is what's NOT in it, that is the key. Our 6yr old dog (not a Pyr) started with the itchy skin. We switched him to Origen too, with good results.
Its good to always consult with your vet about this and as well, talk with the kibble company. The ingredients source of your dog's food is important (local and wild organic)
Good luck with this. Have fun with your pup.
'EAT WELL, BE WELL'!


Dec 08, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks for diet tips
by: Anonymous

Many thanks for the comments re feeding our Pyr pup. I do understand that raw is supposed to be very good however there will be other people feeding her sometimes and I know you have to be careful so was happy to see the other reply recommending Orijen (large breed puppy) which is what I'm feeding her.
Really appreciate your responses, thanks again
Dec 27, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		One more question
by: Anonymous - marg

Just one more question re feeding the Orijen to our puppy- have been feeding it dry in hopes that when she crunches it up it will be beneficial for her teeth etc but as she just inhales it with very little chewing going on am wondering if I should moisten it with warm water as torsion can be a concern.
Dec 28, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Teeth
by: Donna

This is from Dr. Karen Becker:

The Myth That Will Not Die: Kibble Is Good for Your Pet’s Teeth

This is like a zombie myth — it just can’t be killed! Dry pet food is promoted as helping to keep pets’ teeth clean, but it’s complete nonsense. Kibble is no better for your dog’s or cat’s teeth than crunchy human food is for your teeth. It would never occur to you to eat a handful of peanut brittle or granola to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, would it? The idea that dry food keeps your pet’s teeth clean is just as silly.

However, diet certainly plays a significant role in the development of tartar on your pet’s teeth. Wild dogs and cats have strong, healthy teeth partly because they eat raw meaty bones. Raw diets — even prepared, ground raw diets — help control tartar. Raw ground bone is a gentle dental abrasive, acting like fine sandpaper when chewed, which helps remove debris stuck on teeth. The meat contains natural enzymes, and in addition, raw food doesn’t stick to teeth, unlike starchy kibble.

For dogs and cats, chewing also plays an important role in removing plaque and tartar from teeth. Even though there are plenty of toys and food products on the market that can be of some, raw bones are really the best option, and few dogs will turn them down.

It’s important the bones are raw, because cooked bones can splinter and do serious damage to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The size depends on the size of your pet and whether she’s such an eager chewer that she risks injuring herself or even breaking teeth. Your dog should always be supervised when she’s working on a bone to minimize the risk of choking or tooth damage, and raw bones should be refrigerated between chewing sessions.


Chewing on raw chicken bones, turkey necks will give the right grinding action (no marrow bones since the dogs teeth can break on those).

It won't hurt to soak the kibble.

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