nutrition

Question
I have been blessed with the greatest party colored cocker spaniel..I rescued him, at 9 months old, just days away for be "put down" unadoptable? ??  behavior issues?? this is his third home..and he is my first dog..he is now 2yr and 2mon... I am NOT a dog person nor have I ever WANTED a dog. But everything happens for a reason..we have had no potty training problems..listens well..loving, great with the grandkids..Sorry just a proud mom...Anyway my greatest concern has been his nutritional needs and all the confusion that it has caused when I ask questions at my local pet shop and pet care companies..I am hololistic..hate chemical..treat him for fleas naturally etc. I have been cooking for him... it is cheaper..I know what is in it..chicken oatmeal veggies etc..but I am worried that he is not getting what he needs..so I have been trying to add dry dog food to his diet..to graze on doing the day..but he will not touch it..(they say that he needs dry for his teeth and adds in digestion) and I am not sure about the calorie, protien, fat etc intake, that he is getting from homemade..his weight at present is 27-30 lbs (i do weigh him weekly..) and he only eats at dinner time... any advice..suggestion..helpful hints etc   thank you maxwell's mom

Answer
Karen, how wonderful!  A rescue, a happy home and you're interested in nutrition!  I never get good questions like this !

I'll start with telling you he needs a "good" one-a-day vitamin/mineral supplement.  My favorite is PetGuard Multi-vitamin.
Go to Petguard.com and they'll tell you where to buy it or you (I think) can order it from them.

Doing homemade food correctly isn't difficult but there are things you must add.  Like a calcium supplement - some specific oils, etc.
and using varying proteins.  The right proportions are extremely important.

I'm more than happy to guide you through all that but first I think I'd like to get him on a good premium canned food.  No, he doesn't need dry food for his teeth - that's a total myth.  You do need to start brushing his teeth though.

Now food - my favorite for cockers is Canidae (if you go to Canidae.com you can find a dealer near you).  I also like Merrick - Eagle Pack Holistic -Innova EVO - Solid Gold - AvoDerm (at Petsmart).  Whoever carries Canidae in your area will carry other premium foods.

Once we get him on a balanced, quality dog food we can then have time for you to learn how to properly do home-made.

It's probably easier if you write me directly at DeeBeck7765@aol.com
to speed up the process :)
Delores