I went through the same thing when Bailey was younger. Here's something that might work for y'all. Its a homemade raw diet that is really no trouble. Try a batch without the supplements - just to see if they like it. If so, then get the supplements for a balanced diet. This recipe was developed by my mom who has extensive knowledge on dog nutrition. If you'd like a 2nd opinion, feel free to run it by your vet. I did - and my vet said it was very nutritious. Lots of plus's with raw - not to mention that Bailey just had her annual check up. Blood tests were great and no tarter on her teeth!
1/2 lb lean hamburger (**)
2 cans sardines (*)
1 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup veg. of choice (I use chopped spinach)
2 large eggs lightly cooked
3/4 tablespoon powdered bone meal
1/2 teaspoon potassium
1 tablespoon safflower of Sunflower oil
(**) you can substitute lean hamburger with venison or ground turkey (in fact, rotation is preferred)
(*) I found the sardines tooooo smelly (lol) so I have permission to replace the sardines with 4 oz. of another ground meat, and/or 1/2 cup cottage cheese - so long as I squeeze fish oil caplets over her food 2-3 times a week. (its a wonderful trade off!!!)
For the eggs, I'll break them over the hot rice and let it sit for a few minutes, hence lightly cooked.
Occasionally add 1 oz. liver to the batch.
Mix all together and your done! For storage, there are lots of options. For me, I bought 10 oz. generic gladware containers (6 for $1 in the discount aisle) and fill them about 3/4's full and freeze. One container will last for three days - per dog (I have a singleton). I hardly ever have to replace the containers - they last forever.
Serve one large tablespoon per meal - twice a day.
Typically, I will make up 4 batches at one time and freeze.
For the supplements (bone meal and potassium) - I get them online through iHerb.com. You'll need "potassium chloride powder - sodium free salt substitute" and "100% pure bone meal powder". I found safflower oil at wal-mart.
I also get childrens multivitamins with no artificial sweetners (cut into 1/4's) and give to her every other day.
Bailey absolutely loves this and I know its good for her - so I serve it with confidence. Its really no trouble at all when you double or quadruple up on the batches and freeze!! Our babies are soooo worth the extra effort.
Good luck!
