Dog Community

What's the best way to undo 6 years of nutritional damage

Posted : 3/4/2006 10:02:35 AM

Our new dog, a 6-8 year old male Basset, has lived on nothing but junk all his life. We adopted him from a couple who'd fed him Ole Roy for at least two years. Before that he'd been abused and rescued by the Humane Society. He's underweight by about 8 pounds and not neutered, so we want to get him built up to speed before we schedule his necessary neutering. We feed our dogs Canidae canned and dry, along with raw beef and veggies. He digs right into his new food, but I want to add some supplements. I've been adding Transfer Factor, Ester C, and Mighty Greens. What else should I consider?

glenmar

Posted : 3/4/2006 10:36:56 AM

I think I'd want to go slowly with the supplements at first. Maybe add just one at a time so you don't send his poor system into overdrive! Poor guy.

We had to stop at Walmart last nite and aside from it being the Friday nite social hangout I saw more people pushing around huge bags of Ol Roy....just wanted to cry.

lucybass

Posted : 3/4/2006 10:56:17 AM

Thanks for responding. I chose Transfer Factor because it's loaded with vitamins, designed specifically to build immunity. I'm only giving our new boy 1/2 the recommended dose. The Mighty Greens is an antioxidant with barley grass, wheat grass, aloe vera, apple fiber, etc. Our other dogs take it too. The Ester C might help to fight infection, but again, only 1/2 the recommended dose. We'll take him for his first holistic vet appointment next week. I hope there's no serious damage caused by ol roy over the years.

Ashley

Posted : 3/4/2006 8:47:13 PM

Hello,
I am not a nutritional expert but from what I understand, putting your dog on a digestive enzyme will help to clear out the digestive system and rebuild the immune system. Apparently, if the dog has been on any type of antibiotics in the passed year, this will help to rebuild the good bacteria in the system. I put my dogs on Prozyme to help build the immune system from a food related allergy. Just a suggestion. Good Luck.

pamzshihtzu

Posted : 3/5/2006 5:43:31 PM

I would definitely put him on some GOOD, people-supplement PROBIOTICS. The probiotics put the "good flora" back into his system, which anti-biotics, etc may have depleted. I use Natren Healthy Start System -- dairy free caps (get from Natren.com) , AND Enzymatic Therapy Acidophilus Pearls (get from Whole Foods, or at iherb.com ).

Also, add in digestive enzymes, as ashley_t mentioned. That will help him to digest his food better (esp the kibble).

good luck! He's lucky to have you! I hope he gets well very soon.

jennie_c_d

Posted : 3/6/2006 11:29:53 AM

Well, I got Teenie five months ago. When I got her, Emma was eating kibble and homecooked, so Teenie got kibble and raw. Her ears were nasty, her skin was flaky and dry, and she was 9+ pounds overweight. Now, they're both on just homecooked, b/c I'm too chicken to use kibble, and Emma doesn't do well on raw. It's easier to feed the same thing. All I really did for Teenie was feed her a normal portion of very good food, and a little fish oil, some probiotics, and lots of love. She's 1000x better. She's a much healthier weight, her skin is good, her coat sparkles, her ears are clean, and she's PLAYING!!! It's incredible. Teenie is 7-9 years old (likely to be on the older end) and she turned around FAST. I'm sure your baby will do great with you!

labcrab

Posted : 3/6/2006 12:06:38 PM

Poor Guy! I have nothing to add on the supplement front in addition to what you're already doing + everything suggested here already. Just wanted to say thank you for giving him a forever home and for taking such good care. Can't wait to hear about his progress (and see pictures!)