Opinions on finnegans diet:

[Finnegan08]

Just would like some opinions on my homemade diet for Finn. He is 6 months old and very active. He weighs 8 pounds. His diet consists of chicken, fish, quinoa, eggs, Apple, banana, orange, bell pepper, broccoli, celery, beets, carrots, kale and spinach. This is all cooked and well blended together. I use the veggie broth to boil the chicken and the veggie/chicken broth to blend the food with. It comes out mushy but he gets enough water from his food and only has to drink after exercise. I also have a puppy supplement for fat, protien, and iodine. His Calcium comes from eggshells. This is not a new diet, he has been on it for a few months and man he loves it! He is his ideal weight for his age. How complete is this diet? Do I need to use the supplement? Any other thoughts?

[Maximo]

Welcome to Yorkie Talk. The only people really qualified to determine if this is a complete diet are veterinary nutritionists. I would consult one.

I would definitely have blood work done now and at least once a year to monitor kidney and liver function and overall health.

[Lovetodream88]

If you are not using a recipe by a vet nutritionist and a supplement like balance it you are doing more harm them good for your dog and it could effect your dogs growth and development. You need to check out balanceit.com and change some things ASAP!

[Finnegan08]

Thanks for your opinion! I have recently gotten Finn's blood work done, which turned out normal, and the vet says he is growing well, he told me how impressed with Finn he was, and told me he looks really great. The vet was the one who endorsed my homemade food idea during our very first visit with Finn.
Although there are a lot of different ideas out there, I know that feeding my dog homemade organic food is a better choice than some commercial brands. I know exactly what is in my dogs food and where it came from. I do also use a puppy supplement for Finn.
I was more curious as to any advise or other recipies that anyone knows of.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by Finnegan08

Thanks for your opinion! I have recently gotten Finn's blood work done, which turned out normal, and the vet says he is growing well, he told me how impressed with Finn he was, and told me he looks really great. The vet was the one who endorsed my homemade food idea during our very first visit with Finn.
Although there are a lot of different ideas out there, I know that feeding my dog homemade organic food is a better choice than some commercial brands. I know exactly what is in my dogs food and where it came from. I do also use a puppy supplement for Finn.
I was more curious as to any advise or other recipies that anyone knows of.

That's great that you want to home cook. I've done it for 14 years now and my dogs are doing well. But, you have to be careful, especially with a puppy. You're not correct that organic home cooked food is better than commercial food --that statement is simply just overbroad and very simplistic. Many dogs do very well on commercial foods and some dogs have conditions (genetic ones) where commercial foods are better than home cooked variations). A poorly designed or nutrient deficient home cooked meal, organic or not, is worse for your dog.

I see several issues with your diet but commenting here about them wouldn't be right of me since I am not a vet nutritionist and don't think you should just listen to anyone on the Internet. What I can do is lead you to sources that you can be comfortable that the recipes you're following and supplements you're using are meeting the known nutritional requirements of your dog and that the people making those diets actually are professionals who guarantee the diet is balanced. PetDiets and balance it are two resources. Btw many supplements sold are not adequate for home cooked diets. I suggest you go to "ask the nutritionist" on petdiets and ask her if your supplement is appropriate for your diet.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Finnegan08

Thanks for your opinion! I have recently gotten Finn's blood work done, which turned out normal, and the vet says he is growing well, he told me how impressed with Finn he was, and told me he looks really great. The vet was the one who endorsed my homemade food idea during our very first visit with Finn.
Although there are a lot of different ideas out there, I know that feeding my dog homemade organic food is a better choice than some commercial brands. I know exactly what is in my dogs food and where it came from. I do also use a puppy supplement for Finn.
I was more curious as to any advise or other recipies that anyone knows of.

Vets only have limited knowledge about food so you would need to talk to a vet nutritionist. Blood work will not show everything. It's great you want to home cook but doing it wrong is worse then feeding the worst dog food because your dog is not getting everything they need. I commend you for wanting to do this but please if your going to do all that work just take a little extra time to do it right.

[Finnegan08]

I'm very confused. I came to this site for support. All I have heard is that I need to talk to someone professional. I understand that you are a not professionals and neither am I. We are people talking about our *** **** dogs. I like to feed my dog homemade organic food. I think it's great that you have a different preference, I am not here to judge, but why is it that all you non professionals can tell me my dog is malnutritioned? When my vet says he's the best yorkie he's seen, and he's super smart and strong. Burn time:
Broccoli, a great source of vitamin C, folic acid, beta carotene and calcium.
Spinach is a powerhouse for iron, as well as supplying calcium, potassium and various antioxidants.
high in beta carotene, vitamin K, and vitamin C, as well as carotenoid pigments.
Carrots provide beta-carotene and sugar.
Bell peppers provide beta-carotene, antioxidants and fiber.
With the exception of vitamin A, white potatoes have just about every nutrient.
Quinoa is very mineral dense, and a complex carbohydrate, also gluten free.
Celery is high in nutritional value as it contains calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and iron, and vitamins A, B, C.
Beets have beta-carotene, fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B and C.
Salmon is high in unsaturated fat and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Chicken has high protien and low but healthy fat content.
Eggs are a source of easily digestible riboflavin and selenium, and the obvious protien. The eggs shells are ground up and added for calcium.
Apples have potassium, fiber, phytonutrients, flavonoids, vitamin C.
Bananas have potassium and carbohydrates.
Oranges have fiber, potassium, calcium, folic acid, iron, flavonoids, phytonutrients, vitamins A, C, B1 and B6.
So now, what is my dogs diet missing?


Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/do...#ixzz3J4h4E2GA
How To Make Sure Your Dog Eats His Vegetables | Modern Dog magazine
Can dogs eat beets? - PawNation
http://www.candogseat-this.com/can-dogs-eat-celery/
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? - BunkBlog
List of Fruits & Vegetables Dogs Can Eat - Pets

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Finnegan08

I'm very confused. I came to this site for support. All I have heard is that I need to talk to someone professional. I understand that you are a not professionals and neither am I. We are people talking about our *** **** dogs. I like to feed my dog homemade organic food. I think it's great that you have a different preference, I am not here to judge, but why is it that all you non professionals can tell me my dog is malnutritioned? When my vet says he's the best yorkie he's seen, and he's super smart and strong. Burn time:
Broccoli, a great source of vitamin C, folic acid, beta carotene and calcium.
Spinach is a powerhouse for iron, as well as supplying calcium, potassium and various antioxidants.
high in beta carotene, vitamin K, and vitamin C, as well as carotenoid pigments.
Carrots provide beta-carotene and sugar.
Bell peppers provide beta-carotene, antioxidants and fiber.
With the exception of vitamin A, white potatoes have just about every nutrient.
Quinoa is very mineral dense, and a complex carbohydrate, also gluten free.
Celery is high in nutritional value as it contains calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and iron, and vitamins A, B, C.
Beets have beta-carotene, fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B and C.
Salmon is high in unsaturated fat and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Chicken has high protien and low but healthy fat content.
Eggs are a source of easily digestible riboflavin and selenium, and the obvious protien. The eggs shells are ground up and added for calcium.
Apples have potassium, fiber, phytonutrients, flavonoids, vitamin C.
Bananas have potassium and carbohydrates.
Oranges have fiber, potassium, calcium, folic acid, iron, flavonoids, phytonutrients, vitamins A, C, B1 and B6.
So now, what is my dogs diet missing?


Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/do...#ixzz3J4h4E2GA
How To Make Sure Your Dog Eats His Vegetables | Modern Dog magazine
Can dogs eat beets? - PawNation
Can Dogs Eat Celery? - Can Dogs Eat This
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? - BunkBlog
List of Fruits & Vegetables Dogs Can Eat - Pets

Hi - no one is trying to make u feel bad or anything BC you are doing a great job with trying to feed your kiddo a great diet. The issue is that for puppies, who are still developing, diets that aren't balanced can be very detrimental to both short and long term health. Like us, dogs have recommended RDAs - and the only way we know of to ensure your kiddo is properly supplemented is to recommend something like balanceit.com. They are inexpensive to use and will get you on the right track asap . It's wonderful you're home cooking, but u just want to be sure it's balanced.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by Finnegan08

I'm very confused. I came to this site for support. All I have heard is that I need to talk to someone professional. I understand that you are a not professionals and neither am I. We are people talking about our *** **** dogs. I like to feed my dog homemade organic food. I think it's great that you have a different preference, I am not here to judge, but why is it that all you non professionals can tell me my dog is malnutritioned? When my vet says he's the best yorkie he's seen, and he's super smart and strong. Burn time:
Broccoli, a great source of vitamin C, folic acid, beta carotene and calcium.
Spinach is a powerhouse for iron, as well as supplying calcium, potassium and various antioxidants.
high in beta carotene, vitamin K, and vitamin C, as well as carotenoid pigments.
Carrots provide beta-carotene and sugar.
Bell peppers provide beta-carotene, antioxidants and fiber.
With the exception of vitamin A, white potatoes have just about every nutrient.
Quinoa is very mineral dense, and a complex carbohydrate, also gluten free.
Celery is high in nutritional value as it contains calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and iron, and vitamins A, B, C.
Beets have beta-carotene, fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B and C.
Salmon is high in unsaturated fat and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Chicken has high protien and low but healthy fat content.
Eggs are a source of easily digestible riboflavin and selenium, and the obvious protien. The eggs shells are ground up and added for calcium.
Apples have potassium, fiber, phytonutrients, flavonoids, vitamin C.
Bananas have potassium and carbohydrates.
Oranges have fiber, potassium, calcium, folic acid, iron, flavonoids, phytonutrients, vitamins A, C, B1 and B6.
So now, what is my dogs diet missing?


Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/do...#ixzz3J4h4E2GA
How To Make Sure Your Dog Eats His Vegetables | Modern Dog magazine
Can dogs eat beets? - PawNation
Can Dogs Eat Celery? - Can Dogs Eat This
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? - BunkBlog
List of Fruits & Vegetables Dogs Can Eat - Pets

You asked for opinions on the diet. I tried to tell you in a nice educational way. I know you think those foods are nutritious but you need to know the proper amounts of items to add. When you add too much of one thing you dilute the nutrients of other things. You're simply doing it wrong, and those of us who have dealt with real professionals (not Internet nonsense sites like the ones you quoted) fear for your dog. He may be a nice puppy but let's see what your vet says at age two or five or ten. Your vet seems inexperienced or at least lacking basic education to know the proper nutrition for puppies.

[ladyjane]

OP, not much I can add to the other comments. You have gotten great advice and I do hope you listen to it.
You ARE getting support here! I hope you come to see that.
As others have said, it is wonderful to home cook for your pups! I home cook for three of my pups. I consulted with a vet nutritionist.
Good luck to you and your puppy!

[Maximo]

You have everyone's support. I admire you for your desire to feed your dog a healthy diet.

Domesticated animals like dogs have more precise nutritional needs than a humans. For instance, phosphorous has to be carefully balanced with calcium. If the ratio is off, it can make a dog very sick.

As Wylie's Mom wrote, puppies have even more specific requirements.

Even commercial dog foods have made errors in their formulations that made dogs sick.

This is why everyone is recommending consulting a professional, a vet nutritionist.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Finnegan08

I'm very confused. I came to this site for support. All I have heard is that I need to talk to someone professional. I understand that you are a not professionals and neither am I. We are people talking about our *** **** dogs. I like to feed my dog homemade organic food. I think it's great that you have a different preference, I am not here to judge, but why is it that all you non professionals can tell me my dog is malnutritioned? When my vet says he's the best yorkie he's seen, and he's super smart and strong. Burn time:
Broccoli, a great source of vitamin C, folic acid, beta carotene and calcium.
Spinach is a powerhouse for iron, as well as supplying calcium, potassium and various antioxidants.
high in beta carotene, vitamin K, and vitamin C, as well as carotenoid pigments.
Carrots provide beta-carotene and sugar.
Bell peppers provide beta-carotene, antioxidants and fiber.
With the exception of vitamin A, white potatoes have just about every nutrient.
Quinoa is very mineral dense, and a complex carbohydrate, also gluten free.
Celery is high in nutritional value as it contains calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and iron, and vitamins A, B, C.
Beets have beta-carotene, fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B and C.
Salmon is high in unsaturated fat and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Chicken has high protien and low but healthy fat content.
Eggs are a source of easily digestible riboflavin and selenium, and the obvious protien. The eggs shells are ground up and added for calcium.
Apples have potassium, fiber, phytonutrients, flavonoids, vitamin C.
Bananas have potassium and carbohydrates.
Oranges have fiber, potassium, calcium, folic acid, iron, flavonoids, phytonutrients, vitamins A, C, B1 and B6.
So now, what is my dogs diet missing?


Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/do...#ixzz3J4h4E2GA
How To Make Sure Your Dog Eats His Vegetables | Modern Dog magazine
Can dogs eat beets? - PawNation
Can Dogs Eat Celery? - Can Dogs Eat This
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? - BunkBlog
List of Fruits & Vegetables Dogs Can Eat - Pets

We are supporting you by trying to help you learn what is best for your dog. I have heard many many horror strories of things that have happened to dogs who where not getting the right stuff in there food even though there owners thought they were. I am trying to keep that from happening to your dog. There are things dogs need that we as humans don't and the only people who really study that are vet nutritionists. Regular vets only have limited knowledge on food stuff. I'm confused about why someone would be angry and not want to listen to people who are trying to help and tell you what is best for your dog.