feeding raw vegetables to 8 month old havanese

Question
Is it good to feed our havanese raw veggies? If so how much and how often?
Also how short should his hair be cut at this age?

Answer
Hi Harry,

Well, first of all I would say that raw veggies *can* be used as treats, as long as you understand they don't contribute a lot of nutrition, and as long as your dog tolerates them (eg, doesn't develop gas or diarrhea). If you are using, say,a raw carrot here and there for him to chew on, no problem(as long as you supervise to watch for choking, as with raw bones or any chew toy). But if you are looking to add nutritional support, veggies need to be either cooked or, at a minimum, pulped finely, to aid with digestion.

During the first year of any dog's life, correct nutrition is critically important, as I'm sure you know. As long as you are feeding either a quality commercial food suitable for a pup, or else a home made diet formulated by a trained professional, you should be fine; adding some vegetables as treats is just fine, if he likes them. Adding cooked veggies to meals on a regular basis, may or may not be useful. Too much fiber can create gas and also interfere with the absorption of nutrients.

I'd ask you what your nutritional goals are, why you want to add vegetables. If it's for treats, as I've said, no problem, within reason. If it's to fill in gaps in the diet, that can backfire. Is he a good eater so far? Many Havanese can be quite picky when it comes to food. :)

You are probably already aware of the health problems that can develop in the Havanese, but here are a couple of links for your consideration.

http://www.bydandhavanese.com/health.html
General information


http://www.erashavanese.com/CD.html
Chondrodysplasia

http://www.havanese.net/heart/OS01.htm
Ockham Syndrome

Given the number of potential issues these little guys face, special care should be taken that puppy nutrition is appropriate for skeletal development. A lot of vegetable matter in the diet can interfere with calcium absorption; I would limit veggies to treats, at least for now. Meat, poultry, eggs, some whole grain, fish and organ meat should provide everything he requires, with supplementation only if using a home made diet.

As for cutting his hair, I would suggest asking someone in the Breeds section. Although I have worked with several Havanese nutritionally, I have never owned one, and I think someone actually involved with the breed can be more useful for you on this issue.

Hope this is helpful,
Catherine