Diet

Question
QUESTION: I have a  blue roan cocker spaniel bitch who is 6 months  old. She has been an absolute darling of a dog. One problem however is that I can hardly get her to eat dog food! It's been a problem right from the start. I've had her since she's been eight weeks old. Because of the difficulties I started to add a little ground beef about two tablespoons to her meal. This worked initially but I then tried her with small amounts of things to encourage her. I realise I've possibly caused the situation to get out of hand as she'll eat any of our food but no longer wants it added to her dog food. I've been using James Wellbeloved turkey and rice mixed with 2 tbs of pedigree tinned food. I'm in despair in case she's not getting enough proper food. Is it terrible to feed a dog our food. We eat a very healthy nutrition diet but I don't have enough experience to know if it's sufficient for a dog.


ANSWER: Actually homemade food is the best.  BUT you need to know how to do it correctly.  I can certainly help you with that if you want to go that route.

What I'm thinking is that she simply doesn't like kibble and I'd try a premium canned food.  If you're using Wellbeloved then I assume you live in the UK?  I don't know what good brands are available there but Pedigree is total crap :)

You're right to be concerned since she's still in a major growth period and needs excellent nutrition.

Can you check with smaller pet food stores and see if any of the following are available:
Innova - Merrick - Solid Gold - Newman's Organics - Evangers - Lick Your Chops - Wellness.  (You can go to Naturapet.com and find out if Innova is available there.)

The recipes for homemade food are quite easy and simple - it's just very important to add 3 or 4 things and have the protein & carbs in the proper ratio and know the calorie content.
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your answer to my question. It was such a relief to speak to someone about the problem. I would be more than happy to give Hayley homemade food but would appreciate your expert advice re the protein and carbs ratio and the other important factors to be considered in order that she gets a well balanced diet. I will enquire about the dog food also to see if it's sold in Scotland. It would be good if I could find one she likes as a standby.

Answer
Do see what is available in a good canned food.  Before you buy anything, check with me and I'll take a look at it for quality.

If you'd like to start homecooking, we can get on that instantly :)

Best if you write me directly, Helen.  DeeBeck7765@aol.com

Delores