MAKING MY OWN DOG FOOD

Question
OAM CURRENTLY FEEDING MY PIT BULL NATURES VARIETY CHICKEN AND RICE WITH THE RAW FROZEN ORGANIC CHICKEN AND I COOK IT I HAVE HAD A FEW PEOPLE TELL ME THAT PITS DO BETTER WITH CHICKEN (IS THAT TRUE) I BELIVE SHE HAS A SENSITVE STOMACH SHE WILL RANDOMLY GET SICK SOMETIMES MORE THAN I LIKE. ANYWAY I WANT TO MAKE MY OWN LIKE THE RAW AND COOK IT BUT LOOKING FOR SUGGESTIONS OR RECIPES DO YOU RECCOMEND ANYTHING?


Answer
Hi TAmmie,
I am unaware of any findings that support the pitbull does better with chicken. I've used diets based on turkey, beef, chicken, fish and many novel proteins depending on the individual dog. I support your idea of home preparing the food,but it does take a little knowhow. I might suggest you join my yahooroup ThePossibleCanine-Nutrition, where we have a tutorial set up to help newcomers learn how to balance nutrients in a home made diet. The URL is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ThePossibleCanine-Nutrition - and visit my website for information about my online courses and services. I can help you develop a diet for your dog in one of three ways; at the yahoogroup, which is free but relies on your own initiative; via one of my courses, or through a personalized consultation. Here at AllExperts I can make some casual recommendations, but it's preferable in the long run to learn as much as you can about canine nutrition. If your dog is experiencing sensitivity, I might try using a premium kibble for now. Natural Balance, Fromm, Innova, Merrick's, Orijen, Wellness - many excellent brands currently available. It doesn't mean you have to keep her on it, just try something like the Naural Balance Duck and Potato and see if her tummy issues improve.

Meantime, when she does have a bout of upset, try using what we call a bland diet for a couple of days; plain, lean (white meat) turkey, no skin, cooked very well, and mixed half and half with well cooked white rice. you can add a pinch of salt, but nothing else. Turkey is usually better than chicken, especially if you suspect she might not do so well with chicken. If there is vomiting along with diarrhea, lethargy, any other symptoms, I'd have a vet check to rule out something like pancreatitis.

The reason I don't just hand out a generic recipe is this; your dog is an individual, and to develop a diet that's ideal for her, based on her bodyweight, activity level, and so on takes a few hours and a lot of expertise. That's why I do it professionally. I also believe that most people can learn to do this for a healthy dog, quite easily, and that's why I set up a Tutorial on my yahoogroup. Myself and other knowledgable moderators can help you as you learn. But if I just send a recipe, it's guesswork; it might or might not work well, and you wouldn't know what to do next if it failed. Not everyone needs my professional service, but they're there in case anyone does. I hope this helps a little! The good news is that with a little support and practise, making your own is not that difficult, and your dog will reap the benefits.

Let me know how I can help more,and best wishes,

Catherine