New owner (adopted) seeking some food advice

stitch626

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Hey Everyone

My husband and I are just finalizing adopting a one year bulldog after the lady who originally purchased him decided she had no time for him. We are bringing him home this weekend and want to best prepare for him.

We have an appointment next week with our vet to confirm he's healthy, as we were told by the original owners vet he was in good health but does have an elongated palate which we plan to address immediately.

The other health issue she shared was she had some challenges with him and food. She said at first she fed him dry food (Nature's Domain from Costco ) he would eat it and shortly afterwards she said he regurgitates his food, and then she noticed he would eat it and would be fine the second time.

So... She said she began soaking the food in water and mashing it with a potato masher. Once she began doing this she said he no longer has issues eating.

So after ALL that (long I know) here are my questions

Those with more bulldog experience what food regime might you recommend to start with? As I said we will have the elongated palate addressed if our vet also confirms it's an issue, and from what I found elesewhere his issue while eating appears to be a symptom of that.

Would wet food work better to begin with? We're also thinking of going the raw food way, as we want to ensure we are feeding him the best food for him. When we had our last dog (a lab) we learned how feeding him Merrick and a combination of wet and dry was the best thing for him as we saw his coat and nail health improve significantly over the cheaper stuff like pedigree or Iams.


Thanks in advance for help - I've looked thru here and just became overwhelmed with all the info.. we are very excited to bring our new family member home.
 

ddnene

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:welcome2: to EBN!!!

I think soaking the food is an excellent idea, until you get the palate issue addressed. Both my pups had the surgery, and everything went well... raw is an excellent choice, but you can always check out Dog Food Reviews and Ratings | Dog Food Advisor for food recommendations. I started my pups out on Fromm's for puppy, and they now eat Acana & Primal Raw Patties.
 

helsonwheels

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@stitch636 Welcome!! Congrats on adopting a fur baby....

Pedigree, Iams, Purina, Royal Canin, Science Hill are all full of grains n chemicals. Never feed any of these to pets. Youā€™ll be visiting your vet often n your wallet will empty as we say. :(

If youā€™re planning going raw, just do it. Eliminates so many health issues, skin, yeast, licking paws, ears....I like [MENTION=9157]ddnene[/MENTION] both my dogs were on Acana. Great quality kibbles! But raw is the way to go. First like mentioned you need to address the soft palate. Jake had his done last year n since he was on raw I didnā€™t need to change anything but thawing it out. Raw you can either buy it already balanced in ratio for meat, organs, bones, blood etc or make it yourself. Other members will help you out where to order online as Iā€™m in Canada canā€™t help you there n they will advise you for a great bully vet also in your area. I also add Extra virgin olive oil once a day in their meals. :) bare in mine one pound per 50lb dog. I give a bit less as the get fresh Wild caught sardines as a lunch snack.



https://dogsfirst.ie/raw-faq/raw-diet-for-dogs/

https://blog.homesalive.ca/how-much-raw-food-for-dogs

https://www.boneandbiscuit.ca/news/switching-to-raw-food/

https://dogsfirst.ie/raw-faq/can-dogs-have-too-much-protein/
 
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stitch626

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@stitch636 Welcome!! Congrats on adopting a fur baby....

Pedigree, Iams, Purina, Royal Canin, Science Hill are all full of grains n chemicals. Never feed any of these to pets. Youā€™ll be visiting your vet often n your wallet will empty as we say. :(

Yeah we absolutely would never feed him or any other dog that stuff. We used Merrick for Shadow and saw a massive improvement, but I've read how raw foods for Bulldogs seem the way to go.

Other members will help you out where to order online as Iā€™m in Canada canā€™t help you there n they will advise you for a great bully vet also in your area.

Yes that's the next important thing we need to find, a vet that is good with bulldogs. Is there a good listing somewhere ?

I also add Extra virgin olive oil once a day in their meals. :) bare in mine one pound per 50lb dog. I give a bit less as the get fresh Wild caught sardines as a lunch snack.

Do you mean one pound of raw food per meal time?


Thank you again for all the help- we're very excited, and I want to ensure he remains as healthy as possible so I want to do this right from the start.



https://dogsfirst.ie/raw-faq/raw-diet-for-dogs/

https://blog.homesalive.ca/how-much-raw-food-for-dogs

https://www.boneandbiscuit.ca/news/switching-to-raw-food/

https://dogsfirst.ie/raw-faq/can-dogs-have-too-much-protein/[/QUOTE]
 

helsonwheels

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[MENTION=19679]stitch626[/MENTION] yes one pound PER day for a 50lb dog. My white face weighs 67lbs n lean. Nyala my brindle weights 50. Nyalaā€™s fed only 1/2 ish pound per day as Iā€™m keeping an eye on her. Jake gets 1lb per day. Again both gets only raw/veggies and fruits throughout the day which includes their treats. So you definitely need to calculate ALL treats n snacks in that one pound per day or youā€™ll have weight issues. Always better on the thinner lean side :)
 

cefe13

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Soaking the kibble is good - bring water to the boil, then pour so that it just about covers the kibble and leave to cool down (NB must be cool - never serve warm food!).
 

Dollys Owner

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[MENTION=19679]stitch626[/MENTION] yes one pound PER day for a 50lb dog. My white face weighs 67lbs n lean. Nyala my brindle weights 50. Nyalaā€™s fed only 1/2 ish pound per day as Iā€™m keeping an eye on her.
[MENTION=15310]helsonwheels[/MENTION] No wonder Nyala always looks so angry and concerned !!
[MENTION=15364]oscarmayer[/MENTION] Are the craft breweries delivering to your neck of the woods like they are in Ontario ? Because of Covid they are all delivering to the door in Ontario. Because I know Lala enjoys her beer LOL
https://www.beerfinder.ca/
 

Dollys Owner

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[MENTION=15310]helsonwheels[/MENTION] No wonder Nyala always looks so angry and concerned !!
[MENTION=15364]oscarmayer[/MENTION] Are the craft breweries delivering to your neck of the woods like they are in Ontario ? Because of Covid they are all delivering to the door in Ontario. Because I know Lala enjoys her beer LOL
https://www.beerfinder.ca/
[MENTION=15310]helsonwheels[/MENTION] got you a link to Calgary breweries that deliver in case Jake or Nyala need a cold one.

https://www.narcity.com/eat-drink/ca/ab/calgary/11-calgary-breweries-and-shops-that-deliver-booze-and-beer-for-your-at-home-happy-hour
 

oscarmayer

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Our fave Craft Brewery is close by and they have been open for take out ever since the shut down began. I drive right by ā€œMOMAC BREWINGā€ at BB least twice a day. Hoping they can stay in business, ride out this mess.
 
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stitch626

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First night with our new pup and either I didn't soak the food long enough or not enough water, as when he ate it he scarfed it down and unfortunately it came up soon afterwards.

We took a break and instead tried canned wet food we were given when we picked him up today. Did a portion of the can at w time and this stayed down.

Question is how much wet food is recommended for a dog? He is currently under weight by a few pounds (his ribs are visible) so we want to make sure he gets the correct nutrition.

As for city, were in Redondo Beach, California... Los Angeles.
 

Dollys Owner

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First night with our new pup and either I didn't soak the food long enough or not enough water, as when he ate it he scarfed it down and unfortunately it came up soon afterwards.

We took a break and instead tried canned wet food we were given when we picked him up today. Did a portion of the can at w time and this stayed down.

Question is how much wet food is recommended for a dog? He is currently under weight by a few pounds (his ribs are visible) so we want to make sure he gets the correct nutrition.

As for city, were in Redondo Beach, California... Los Angeles.

I would just go by the instructions on the label and increase it if losing weight or decrease it if getting diarrhea. Try feeding 3 times a day smaller meals, and in an elevated bowl. But why not try some dehydrated raw dog food like Honest Kitchen ? That makes a slurry too and is healthier since the food isn't overcooked like it is with canned food. eg. https://www.thehonestkitchen.com/grain-free-clusters-turkey

Pasting the info on vets from that page:
Dr. Butchko Veterinary Services
Riverside, CA
909-686-2242
Veterinarian | Riverside | Dr. Butchko's Animal Hospital

Vet4HealthyPet Advance Medical Care
Dr. R.J. Kraemer
434 South Tustin St. Orange Ca.
Phone 949-899-6642 or 714-699-9680
Dr. Kraemer Vet4Bulldog - English and French Bulldog a bulldog specialist

Animal Clinic of Oak View
Dr. Robert Fryer
Oak View, CA
805-649-4094
Oak View Animal Hospital in Pelham AL | Vets in Pelham AL

Blue Ravine Animal Hospital
1770 Prairie City Road
Folsom, CA 95630
916-984-0990
Folsom & El Dorado Hills CA Veterinarians | Blue Ravine Animal Hospital

Rose City Veterinary Hospital
Pasadena, CA
626-796-8387
www.rosecityvet.com

Newport Hills Animal Hospital
Newport Beach, CA
949-759-1911
www.nhahvet.com

Banning Veterinary Hospital
Dr. Ryan & Dr. Westbrook
Banning, CA
951-849-3864
www.bngvet.vetsuite.com

Abby Pet Hospital
4508 E. Ashlan
Fresno, Ca. 93726
559-442-1127
www.abbypethospital.com

Family Dog and Cat Hospital
Dr. Sylvia Zapien-Garcia
135 W Lime Avenue
Monrovia Ca 91016
626-303-2300
www.familydogandcathospital.com


Animal Medical Clinic
Dr. Kimberly Daffner
2006 Artesia Bvd.
Redondo Beach CA 90278
310-376-0072
310-276-0016 - FAX
http://www.amc4pets.com

Barney & Russum Animal Clinic
2255 Boynton Ave,
Fairfield, CA 94533
707-426-1761

Dr. Leigh Trout
Media City Animal Hospital
1509 West Burbank Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91506
818-839-2580

www.mediacityvets.com
 

2BullyMama

I'm not OCD....now who moved my bulldog?
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Welcome to EBN and thank you for giving this baby a new loving home and a chance or a great new life.

The gang has you covered. Once you get his palate addressed he should be a whole new bundle of love and fun.

Food -- raw is best, but for now since he also need to adjust to the change of homes, makes changes one at a time to help him settle in.
 

anatess

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My dogs are on prey-model raw. You should see them wolf down an entire chicken leg quarter, throw the entire thing up all gooey, then wolf it back down again. Used to gross me out but it's just all normal to me now. Hah hah.

If you want, you can feed your bully small servings multiple times a day to help with the regurg.
 
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stitch626

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So we've ended up feeding him Canidae Salmon kibble three times a day, where we also soak the kibble and use a little cheap food processor to turn it into a pate type consitancy and got a slow feeder bowl.

It's kept him from regurgitating- the vet was pleased with what we are doing since she said regurgitating can lead to English bulldogs aspirating and developing pnumonia
 

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