What Brands have a Specific Yorkie Formula?

[artie merlino]

I only have them on Royal Canin b/c it's the only Food they will eat consistantly. What is the Best kind/brand for them? The so-called Fat Burner ingredient is "L Carnitine" w/c is an Amino Acid. What brand has Low or NO Carbohydrates? Could be all the fillers that are making them gain the weight?
They are huge and blowing up? I don't know what to do anymore?
At this point I'm so worried and confused!

[rosey442]

Not to add fuel to the fire, but I too lurked about before joining and before I got my puppy a few weeks back and have learned quite a bit. Between reading the posts from the more knowledgeable of you, reading on the internet and just plain common sense, I already knew what is sold at the grocery stores, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc. is just crap. And, the canned dog foods that were sold back when I was little (and from what I remember from when I fed our family dogs) 40 + years back bear little resemblance to today's canned foods. The brands that were sold then don't even exist today. Alpo, Cadillac, Kennel Ration, etc. They actually looked more meaty with veggies in them. Today, everything is so over processed with way too many hormones, chemicals and preservatives in them, no wonder they are not fit for neither human nor animal consumption. And, is it any wonder that allergies, cancers, etc are up in both humans and animals? Unfortunately, as it is with humans, the best quality foods that have the least "crap" in them are more expensive, so also are the animal foods.
So, to make a long story short, the premium foods are the way to go. I myself am using Wellness and Molly seems to be doing quite nicely on it.
Carolyn

[Babz]

Originally Posted by artie merlino

I only have them on Royal Canin b/c it's the only Food they will eat consistantly. What is the Best kind/brand for them? The so-called Fat Burner ingredient is "L Carnitine" w/c is an Amino Acid. What brand has Low or NO Carbohydrates? Could be all the fillers that are making them gain the weight?
They are huge and blowing up? I don't know what to do anymore?
At this point I'm so worried and confused!

Try:

Wellness
Natural Balance
Nature's Variety
The Honest Kitchen
Orijen
Merrick Before Grain

Try to learn how to read the ingredients label. You can find a lot of information here:
The Dog Food Project - How does your Dog Food Brand compare?

Read through the site and you will be a whole lot more knowledgeable than you are now.

I am an advocate for feeding raw, either pre-made like Nature's Variety Medallions or Prey Model. That I believe is way more healthy than kibbles or canned food. Look for that and see if you like it. But I used to feed Orijen and I really liked it.

It's great that you realize that your dogs will benefit from no carbs, that is correct. They cannot digest carbs well, or at all.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by artie merlino

I only have them on Royal Canin b/c it's the only Food they will eat consistantly. What is the Best kind/brand for them? The so-called Fat Burner ingredient is "L Carnitine" w/c is an Amino Acid. What brand has Low or NO Carbohydrates? Could be all the fillers that are making them gain the weight?
They are huge and blowing up? I don't know what to do anymore?
At this point I'm so worried and confused!

When did you switch to Royal Canin?
Were they bloated before you switched?

While they could have a sensitivity to one or more the ingredients thus causing the bloat, the carbs in themselves most likely are not. Ellie eats a diet with plenty of carbs (she has to for medical reasons). She isn't bloated... I would figure out how many calories your dogs need a day and then see how many they are getting on this food.

Did you switch to it slowly?
What is the guaranteed analysis?

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by marcerella02

Not to put down your vet, but vets are generally not schooled in pet nutrition... i know this for a fact. And unless your vet is JUST out of vet school, chances are this holds true for him/her. Also, your vet may carry this food and thus they are paid to sell it. But let's assume none of that is true.

I am not looking to pick a fight but I can't just be quiet when people are being misinformed

That's a pretty broad, unfair generalization if you ask me. I don't deny the fact that many vets recommend foods based off what they are gettting paid by the manufacturers and not all vets are highly knowledgeable in regards to pet nutrition, individualized pet nutrition at that. But some are. Some vets and specialists within their clinics HAVE gone to great lengths to educate themselves in the areas of nutrition and can be a tremendous help to those trying to determine the proper diet.

As you stated about misinformation, I'm not trying to pick a fight either, but it's not fair or accurate to automatically discredit every vet out there with such a broad declaration.

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I'm just not satisfied with the web based information on what foods are bad, and why. I studied human nutrition, and know that many things are still up in the air, and things aren't as black and white as some of the "experts" suggest. I can see logic in giving breed specific formulas, for example some breeds might have more joint problems and Glucosamine would be added for this reason, as seen in both the Yorkshire terrier and Dachshund formulas.

I couldn't agree with you more. I'm not satisfied enough to just take someone's word for it or pick at random some food that a few individuals decided in their opinion needed a '5-star' rating.

It only stands to reason that individual breeds, and individual dogs for that matter, have specific needs that may be filled nutritionally that are not the same for the next breed or dog even. Why would it not be possible to pinpoint those issues and create a breed specific formula that targets them? (With the realization that it still may not be the best option for all.)

I'm also not one to supplement just for the heck of it. I try my best, with help, to determine WHAT specific supplements my dogs need and administering it as required, changing it as needed.

The "I-feed-my-dog-this-so-you-should-too" mentality that I see alot is really bothersome, IMO. What works best for one dog may not be an option for the next. Would it not be more prudent to encourage those looking to improve their dog's diet to research, educate themselves and examine how to fulfil their dogs individual needs rather than giving them suggestions and having them choose blindly with no reason behind why they are choosing that particular brand?

[marcerella02]

Originally Posted by BamaFan121s

That's a pretty broad, unfair generalization if you ask me. I don't deny the fact that many vets recommend foods based off what they are gettting paid by the manufacturers and not all vets are highly knowledgeable in regards to pet nutrition, individualized pet nutrition at that. But some are. Some vets and specialists within their clinics HAVE gone to great lengths to educate themselves in the areas of nutrition and can be a tremendous help to those trying to determine the proper diet.

As you stated about misinformation, I'm not trying to pick a fight either, but it's not fair or accurate to automatically discredit every vet out there with such a broad declaration.

that would be why i used the word "Generally". Yup there are the fews gems out there that know what they are talking about when it come to pet nutrition but many don't.

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I'm just not satisfied with the web based information on what foods are bad, and why. I studied human nutrition, and know that many things are still up in the air, and things aren't as black and white as some of the "experts" suggest. I can see logic in giving breed specific formulas, for example some breeds might have more joint problems and Glucosamine would be added for this reason, as seen in both the Yorkshire terrier and Dachshund formulas.

Originally Posted by dmnevil

I AM A NEW YORKIE MOM, AND I WANT TO FEED MY LITTLE BOY WHAT IS BEST FOR HIM OVERALL. I HAVE BEEN READING AND DISCOVERED THAT MOST SAY THE SAME THAT WE SHOULD AVOID PRODUCTS WITH ANY GLUTEN AND CORN, WHEAT AND SOY.

SO PLEASE TELL ME WHICH BRAND(S) DO YOU RECOMMEND.
THESE ARE THE ONES I AM CONSIDERING
Old mother hubbard, eukanuba, nutro natural choice, [COLOR=green! important][COLOR=green! important]royal [COLOR=green! important]canin[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR], or authority

ALSO, IF YOU CAN HELP ME WITH THE OTHER TWO QUESTIONS, PLEASE DO SO.
WE ONLY WANT THE BEST FOR DUKE
1. He urinates in the right area, but does not poo in the right area. Please help us understand this.
2. About the same time every night he gets up and bark and whine for no reason. Please help us understand this.


Thank you,
duke's family

My suggestion, if you are unhappy with what you are feeding Duke now, would be to research what nutrients you feel he is not getting with his current food and change foods or supplement as needed. Do trial and error runs and compare the differing results. DON'T swap his food all at once, do it gradually to avoid digestive upset. Keep in mind, that what is best for one person's dog--even the 'higher quality foods'-- may not be the best match for YOUR'S. You are the most qualified to determine what works best for Duke.

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by hugz4all4

great post !! Im in the process of switching my animals over to chicken soup and taste of the wild and thankfully they are eating it, but before I couldnt get them to eat anything but pedigree and I knew that it was full of fillers and by products however its all the would eat and Im sorry but if they wont eat anything else, then garbage food it was!! I was not going to let them starve to get them on a"better food".. and the statement... "animals dont let them starve themselves they will eventually eat" in my case was very untrue.

I know exactly what you mean! I have been through the exact same thing with 2 of mine, resulting in the near death of one of them. All because I listened too much to others and had myself convinced that I was poisoning them. When it comes down to it I and I alone know what is the best option and the individual needs of my crew, and if that is feeding what some may consider "garbage", well me and my garbage fed dog will try not to lose too much sleep over it. I'll take my chances on feeding a lower quality food and making sure they get the supplements they are lacking over that any day!

[diggy4]

If a vet is not educated in pet nutrition and a person asks about it I think they should tell the client to contact a nutritionist. The reason I found a new vet was mine said "my friend from school is a nutritionist, he recommends Science Diet" enough said there now my current vet is a vet/nutrionist/and massage therapy so I trust what she says when it comes to those 3 things. When discussing LP (Diggy is a grade 3-4) she said I need to speak to an orthopedic dr, thats is specialty Im not going to pretend to know it all . I know General info not detail. I think same goes with nutrition. If nutrition isnt a specialty of your vet, doesnt make them bad, it makes them not an expert at it thats all and you should contact a nutritionist if its more than a general question about it. To me nutrition is HUGE you are what ya eat .

[marcerella02]

Originally Posted by diggy4

If a vet is not educated in pet nutrition and a person asks about it I think they should tell the client to contact a nutritionist. The reason I found a new vet was mine said "my friend from school is a nutritionist, he recommends Science Diet" enough said there now my current vet is a vet/nutrionist/and massage therapy so I trust what she says when it comes to those 3 things. When discussing LP (Diggy is a grade 3-4) she said I need to speak to an orthopedic dr, thats is specialty Im not going to pretend to know it all . I know General info not detail. I think same goes with nutrition. If nutrition isnt a specialty of your vet, doesnt make them bad, it makes them not an expert at it thats all and you should contact a nutritionist if its more than a general question about it. To me nutrition is HUGE you are what ya eat .

Well said.

It is NOT ok to feed your dogs garbage- but if you feel confident in it that's fine- but you can't be telling people it is ok- do you feed children mcdonalds day in day out? many dogs go their whole lives eating crap and die from cancer (i've had a dog that that happened to- before i knew about dog nutrition) and I think people use the excuse "they are just dogs" When they are threatened by not knowing- and it can be dautning trying to pick a food but no matter what i'd never let my dog eat garbage food- i just think she is too important and there are other ways around it than just giving into what they will eat.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by diggy4

If a vet is not educated in pet nutrition and a person asks about it I think they should tell the client to contact a nutritionist. The reason I found a new vet was mine said "my friend from school is a nutritionist, he recommends Science Diet" enough said there now my current vet is a vet/nutrionist/and massage therapy so I trust what she says when it comes to those 3 things. When discussing LP (Diggy is a grade 3-4) she said I need to speak to an orthopedic dr, thats is specialty Im not going to pretend to know it all . I know General info not detail. I think same goes with nutrition. If nutrition isnt a specialty of your vet, doesnt make them bad, it makes them not an expert at it thats all and you should contact a nutritionist if its more than a general question about it. To me nutrition is HUGE you are what ya eat .

Ellie's vet told me to look online or talk to a nutritionist because they just aren't taught too much about it in vet school. Now she could continue to study it on her own (and she might be now, I don't know) but not everyone can be an expert on it. She has other interests that other vets don't know as much about...

Ellie's nutritionist likes Science Diet but I'm not using her to talk to her about her opinions on dog food. I went to her to get an AAFCO approved homemade recipe and that I did get. If the vet or nutritionist doesn't lean toward holistic medcine, I think they are less likely to be too concerned about ingredients.



Big dogs and small dogs can and do do well on the same foods. I think it has a lot to do with activity level and the individual dog. Breed specific formulas aren't necessary in my opinion. Ellie isn't on a breed specific homemade diet but I add what I think she needs for her health. Things like glucosamine may be added for Yorkies but it has to be from the right source at the right amount and I don't really trust dog food companies enough to believe that they care about this and are using the right products... I would prefer to add my own.

If a dog is having a hard time on "premium" foods, then they obviously should be switched but I wouldn't want to go so far as to start feeding foods with ingredients that are banned in other countries (ethoxyquin mostly). Also, if the preservatives are so horrible that humans are warned about them and the food is full of something like high fructose corn syrup or questionable, unnamed animal products, there have got to be other options...

[diggy4]

Originally Posted by marcerella02

Well said.

It is NOT ok to feed your dogs garbage- but if you feel confident in it that's fine- but you can't be telling people it is ok- do you feed children mcdonalds day in day out? many dogs go their whole lives eating crap and die from cancer (i've had a dog that that happened to- before i knew about dog nutrition) and I think people use the excuse "they are just dogs" When they are threatened by not knowing- and it can be dautning trying to pick a food but no matter what i'd never let my dog eat garbage food- i just think she is too important and there are other ways around it than just giving into what they will eat.

Yep I agree completely. If its a general question about fleas, teeth, vaccines etc., heck yes a vet knows what they are doing and I trust that. But really nutrition has taken a whole new face in our ear. Its very important and every dog is so different. I would want to know my options and what needs a yorkie has in general. I know a lab requires different nutrition than say a great dane. Or if your dog has skin issues again its a different need. Im very close to contacting an allergy specialist. If my vet tells me today Bellas hives are not from a flea bite...Im going to have to go to someone who specializes in it. I dont expect my vet to be the knower of all. Its also good to have a vet that admits when its over their head. I has NO issuse with honesty and wanting whats best for my babies!

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by marcerella02

Well said.

It is NOT ok to feed your dogs garbage- but if you feel confident in it that's fine- but you can't be telling people it is ok- do you feed children mcdonalds day in day out? many dogs go their whole lives eating crap and die from cancer (i've had a dog that that happened to- before i knew about dog nutrition) and I think people use the excuse "they are just dogs" When they are threatened by not knowing- and it can be dautning trying to pick a food but no matter what i'd never let my dog eat garbage food- i just think she is too important and there are other ways around it than just giving into what they will eat.

Please have more respect for the food choices others have made, I have done the research and not just the three or four links promoted by the raw food experts, and I disagree with their findings. There is absolutely no proof that the foods constantly touted as the best for them are indeed the best, and no proof that that any one diet will make them free from disease.

[marcerella02]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Please have more respect for the food choices others have made, I have done the research and not just the three or four links promoted by the raw food experts, and I disagree with their findings. There is absolutely no proof that the foods constantly touted as the best for them are indeed the best, and no proof that that any one diet will make them free from disease.

It's not about respect. I'm not trying to disrespect anyone- i just don't think that garbage is the only answer. I have said nothing about raw- some choose it but i wouldn't. I just cna't let other say- the bad quality foods ARE ok if your dog will eat it- i don't believe that and if someone has no knowledge on food- and sees that- they might not look any further and just keep on feeding what they are feeding. I just want to give my opinion too- so that's what i'm doing