Best Food for Little Furry Girls

[jrgolfan]

Our family has two female miniature long-haired dachsunds that we adore.  Lately I've noticed that their coats don't seem to be as shiny as they used to be.  Admittedly, I've not brushed them as often as I used to.  Right now, they eat Iams for small dogs.  They are 7 lbs and 12 lbs and are 3.5 yrs old and 2.5 yrs old, respectively.  They are healthy; they just don't "shine" as much.  Petty question, I'm sure, but I'm curious nonetheless.  Any recommendations?  Thank you!

[ne55]

hi

try adding salmon oil to there food (omega 3 fatty acids) good for coat,skin joints etc
you can buy from vets or pet store or what I do is just use human fish oil capsules from health store. works a treat!
oh also I tend to find feeding just dry biscuits as their primary diet can cause dry flaky coats.
I cook for my dogs I find it cheaper as you can buy in bulk and cook and freeze.

cheers:)

[jrgolfan]

Thank you!  Fish oil certainly sounds like a simple solution.  And now I have to ask...what do you cook and freeze for your dogs?  I never considered that before!

[ne55]

I usually cook up a batch of low fat mince , lamb, chicken etc  with added brown rice and juiced veges I also add multi vitamins to the  food (buy from petstores  or vets)but dont add this at cooking stage only add at time of feeding. weekends they get treated to raw diced meat as dogs get certain enzymes from raw meat that helps with there digestive system. Make sure it is fresh I buy and feed same day!
vegies should only be carrots,beans,cauliflower and broccoli
onions, corn , peas can upset dogs digestive system and onions are toxic to dogs.
My dogs are healthy and happy from this diet and coats are shiny and they tend to have less odour when fed this way!
I started this diet due to my shitzu who just couldnt stomach canned dog food. He is now 15 and still acts like a puppy have been told by vet he could live another 5yrs as he is in such good condition for a dog hes age.
anyway hope this helps keep me posted!

[Misfits4Me]

I do both....I have a number of dog food cook books....I have 4 furkids so I usually make recipes like Turkey loafs or turkey patties that go along way...There favorite snack is  homemade blueberry muffins. (Also from a cookbook). I make a batch and freeze them..Pull out a few at a time. I eat them, too. They are yummy!  :) Made with honey and such with no salt or any of that...I add Icelandic Salmon oil to their food, as it is an omega 3...Omega 3's are good for skin and coat and act as an anti-inflammatory. Omega 6's are not as affective....I also add calcium..(Make it myself with leftover egg shells). When I have to feed purchased food...I buy a high protein, grain free...Canned & Dry...I usually throw in other things like cantelope, apples, green beens, whatever I have.....I've seen too many disorders with dogs on regular dog food....I'm not falling for it any longer!   Karla

[ne55]

I like the calcium idea it is alot cheaper than having to buy tablets.
do you just crush them up into there food?
and the turkey loaf sounds good, turkey is low fat aswell, I will probably try that one on my beagle when she is finally off her diet as she is a little overweight to many treats i think!

ne55

[Misfits4Me]

                                     EGG SHELL CALCIUM
Rinse egg shells..LEAVE the membrane attached. (It contains important nutrients for joint health). Let air dry, on paper towels, overnight. Crumble up the shells and grind to powder with a coffee grinder.....That's it.  Human dose is 1/2tsp. daily....I give the creatures 1/16 tsp. daily. Their weights range from 10-18lbs.......Karla

[ne55]

thanks  for the tip! I will give it try!

cheers :) ne55