olinda
Posted : 8/18/2006 9:35:13 AM
Congratulations on learning about nutrition before bringing the dog home.
I will share with you my personal experience, in no way am I advocating one style of feeding over another.
I adopted Romeo from a shelter 2 yrs ago. Tried the premium kibbles for 2-3 weeks, but he would not eat or would eat and stop.
He was in bad condition, had kennel cough, his coat was dry and brittle, hair missing in certain spots. His breath could clear the country and his teeth were so black I thought they were rotting, his skin was red and it seemed like he did not have enough legs to scratch with . His poop was runny and cow pie and stunk to high heaven, his stomach made the most scariest noises.
We went to a holistic vet, and started him on bones and raw diet. I was warned that he may get worse before better and to be patient, because we were taking the "natural approach" it was going to take time. And it did, but little by little I started to see the difference. I had Romeo shaved because his mats were so bad and although I had him on a flea preventative they would always get on him. Within a month his teeth were almost pearly white in about 6 weeks they were (one vet had told me almost all of them were going to have to come out) his skin started to come down a couple of shades until it was a nice pale pink, his coat was thick, soft and shiny, his eyes were bright and not runny, the fleas stopped getting on him, he quit chewing himself, and his stomach did not sound like he had a whole orchestra inside it, his poop was nicely formed and while not odorless it did not stink anymore, it smelled more like freshly cut grass and you had to bring up to your nose to smell [
] his breath is fresh, is a pleasure to get doggy kisses now.
After the first 6 months, we did blood work again and everything with exceptions of a couple of liver enzymes was normal. So I kept on, it was not without trial and error, but I do not regret it, after a year his blood work was excellent and it has stayed that way (knock on wood).
You know Romeo has his issues, very sensitive digestive system, have to keep an eye on his liver and is starting to develop cataracts (he is 13 yrs old) but I really believe he is healthier today because of the natural food, even his treats are all natural, no vaccinations (titers) lots of exercise and love. [
]
This is Romeo's story. Raw feeding and a natural approach to his health worked for him. In the end is what works for your dog and what you feel comfortable with that matters. Good luck on finding your canine kid.
Here is the love of my life...
