StoutsDad
New member
- Apr 12, 2017
- 4
- 0
- Country
- United States
- Bulldog(s) Names
- Stout
Hi Everyone!
I just joined the site yesterday, after a long long time of coming here to read and research. Thank you for this community and all the resources you provide to us bully parents. I joined because I really need some assistance in switching my pup (Stout) over to a whole-food home cooked alternative. He's been on Natural Balance for a couple years and hasn't had any issues, but lately (he'll be 5 in July), he has been experiencing some interdigital cysts and hot spots on his face from scratching a lot. I made an appointment with an allergist, but it's not for another 4 weeks and I can't stand to see him uncomfortable any longer. So, I went out yesterday after some advice on here and picked up some sweet potatoes, carrots, kale and broccoli as well as some ground turkey. I boiled the sweet potatoes for about 10 minutes, added in the veggies and turkey and boiled another 10 mins. I divided this evenly into 7 meals and added a half a hard boiled egg per meal. I plan on feeding him 2 meals of this a day.
Stout absolutely gobbled up this food, after expressing some dis interest in the Natural Balance (duh, it's making him sick :-/ ). So this is a good sign, however I'm really looking to dial in the quantities of food he needs. Does anyone have insight as to what proportion of each meal should be starches / fats / veggies / protein? Also, how many calories should he be eating? Is there a calculator or some other resource I can utilize?
As far as protein - I know I need to work in some organ meat to this - any recommendations and at what proportion?
I have read that a multi vitamin is also necessary because whole foods arent as nutrient dense - what are people using, and at what dosage?
Lastly, are there any other supplements I should be providing? I have heard fish oil is a good idea, but then I read this article and it gave me concerns...
Fish Oil For Dogs: Safe Or Not?
I figure I would walk before I run with this, so I'm not too concerned about getting the supplement and everything completely perfect, but I would love to have some clarity on dialing his diet in over the coming couple weeks - so any help you guys can provide would mean the world to Stout and I.
Thank you - this site is wonderful!
Helder
I just joined the site yesterday, after a long long time of coming here to read and research. Thank you for this community and all the resources you provide to us bully parents. I joined because I really need some assistance in switching my pup (Stout) over to a whole-food home cooked alternative. He's been on Natural Balance for a couple years and hasn't had any issues, but lately (he'll be 5 in July), he has been experiencing some interdigital cysts and hot spots on his face from scratching a lot. I made an appointment with an allergist, but it's not for another 4 weeks and I can't stand to see him uncomfortable any longer. So, I went out yesterday after some advice on here and picked up some sweet potatoes, carrots, kale and broccoli as well as some ground turkey. I boiled the sweet potatoes for about 10 minutes, added in the veggies and turkey and boiled another 10 mins. I divided this evenly into 7 meals and added a half a hard boiled egg per meal. I plan on feeding him 2 meals of this a day.
Stout absolutely gobbled up this food, after expressing some dis interest in the Natural Balance (duh, it's making him sick :-/ ). So this is a good sign, however I'm really looking to dial in the quantities of food he needs. Does anyone have insight as to what proportion of each meal should be starches / fats / veggies / protein? Also, how many calories should he be eating? Is there a calculator or some other resource I can utilize?
As far as protein - I know I need to work in some organ meat to this - any recommendations and at what proportion?
I have read that a multi vitamin is also necessary because whole foods arent as nutrient dense - what are people using, and at what dosage?
Lastly, are there any other supplements I should be providing? I have heard fish oil is a good idea, but then I read this article and it gave me concerns...
Fish Oil For Dogs: Safe Or Not?
I figure I would walk before I run with this, so I'm not too concerned about getting the supplement and everything completely perfect, but I would love to have some clarity on dialing his diet in over the coming couple weeks - so any help you guys can provide would mean the world to Stout and I.
Thank you - this site is wonderful!
Helder