What Brands have a Specific Yorkie Formula?

[diggy4]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

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...

yep thats exactly what I was getting at. Vets cannot be knowers of all and I truely think a great vet admits that you need to contact a specialist. I appreciate it.

[Ellie May]

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.

I totally agree that even though I will choose to feed "premium" and homecooked foods and will not recommend certain foods for their ingredients, I have no proof that says dogs fed homecooked food live longer or dogs fed Innova live longer than those fed SD, etc.

[marcerella02]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I totally agree that even though I will choose to feed "premium" and homecooked foods and will not recommend certain foods for their ingredients, I have no proof that says dogs fed homecooked food live longer or dogs fed Innova live longer than those fed SD, etc.

true but what about all the recalls? And all the dogs that died from kidney failure? Those were all lower end foods.... their standards aren't high enough.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by marcerella02

true but what about all the recalls? And all the dogs that died from kidney failure? Those were all lower end foods.... their standards aren't high enough.

Natural Balance was recalled.
Foods made at Diamond were recalled because of aflatoxin...and there was something online about them putting things through that they shouldn't have leading to this. That killed several dogs. Canidae is now manufactured there as is Chicken Soup, I believe and lots of other big names. I would really hesitate to feed any food made there.

I wouldn't want to give anything where any of the ingredients are from China (although that's about impossible with vitamins). That wheat gluten issue was because of that. As for quality control in general, I would sooner pick a company like SD because they have the money to do more testing on their foods. Not saying I am recommending it but I think there can be benefits when feeding food from a larger company. Of course this isn't always the case because look at Mars and Nutro...

And hasn't Merrick had three recalls?
One for metal in the food, one for possible salmonella and one when they were manufacturing a food for someone else and dogs started dying (could be wrong)?

[marcerella02]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Natural Balance was recalled.
Foods made at Diamond were recalled because of aflatoxin...and there was something online about them putting things through that they shouldn't have leading to this. That killed several dogs. Canidae is now manufactured there as is Chicken Soup, I believe and lots of other big names. I would really hesitate to feed any food made there.

I wouldn't want to give anything where any of the ingredients are from China (although that's about impossible with vitamins). That wheat gluten issue was because of that. As for quality control in general, I would sooner pick a company like SD because they have the money to do more testing on their foods. Not saying I am recommending it but I think there can be benefits when feeding food from a larger company. Of course this isn't always the case because look at Mars and Nutro...

And hasn't Merrick had three recalls?
One for metal in the food, one for possible salmonella and one when they were manufacturing a food for someone else and dogs started dying (could be wrong)?

*sigh* so overwhelming- another reason to home cook- who would have guessed that dog food could be so confusing!

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by marcerella02

*sigh* so overwhelming- another reason to home cook- who would have guessed that dog food could be so confusing!

I edited my last post and added more.
If you ever wondered why I don't put Merrick on the "good" list, that's why. Well, that and they use garlic.

Yup, more reasons to homecook but I'm sure the vitamins Ellie gets are from China.

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by marcerella02

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 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.

Yes, and I thought my dog was too important to die for me continue trying to force feed her the "quality foods" when there were better alternatives. No one here is trying to convince anyone else to feed their dogs a low end food IF and WHEN there is a better option. But reality is, that is not always the case and certainly not as easy as it is often portrayed here. That's why I am an advocate of the Research, Educate Yourself and do what is best for YOUR dog train of thought.
I personally would never try to tell anyone that a 'garbage' food is "OK" NOR would I try to convince anyone that a 'high quality' food is "OK" for their dog, because bottom line is, I don't know what is the best option for THEIR dog anymore than the next person. No one can know if there are and aren't "ways around it" and what those "ways" may be with any certainty for anyone's dogs but their own. And I certainly don't think it's fair for others to be put down or made to feel bad about what they are feeding their little ones, for whatever reason--in particular under the guise that it must they must "care less" for their dog(s).
I do what I feel is best for mine, and I may be going out on a limb here, but I feel like I am a better judge of that than anyone else here. I trust that everyone here here has the mental capability to make that decision for themselves too.

[marcerella02]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I edited my last post and added more.
If you ever wondered why I don't put Merrick on the "good" list, that's why. Well, that and they use garlic.

Yup, more reasons to homecook but I'm sure the vitamins Ellie gets are from China.

lol- i think EVERYTHING originates from China... you just can't seem to avoid it!

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by marcerella02

It's not about respect. I'm not trying to disrespect anyone- i just don't think that garbage is the only answer. 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

Likewise, it is concerning that those same people with no knowledge on food will see posts claiming that only the highly rated foods are always the best way to go...just another one of those opinions.
If you disagree with an opinion that's one thing, but when statements like "your dog is going to die from cancer eating that" and "I think my dog is too important to feed what you are feeding yours" are posted in response, it DOES come across in a very bad light, despite how it was intended.
Again, it comes down to what is best for the individual dog, and we as individual owners, with actual inside of the situation, are the best judge of that.

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by marcerella02

*sigh* so overwhelming- another reason to home cook- who would have guessed that dog food could be so confusing!

You said it!

[diggy4]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I edited my last post and added more.
If you ever wondered why I don't put Merrick on the "good" list, that's why. Well, that and they use garlic.

Yup, more reasons to homecook but I'm sure the vitamins Ellie gets are from China.

How far are you from me? Im just south of Detroit. I would LOVE to have you teach me a few things My vet is coming to my house today, and I have a millllllion questions for her. Bella has hives AGAIN and I did find a flea on her last week. So if she concludes this is a reaction to fleas then I have a BIG combat on my hands for next summer when the lovely lil critters bloom again I would like to do this all natural if possible. I need a sure way to repel them from getting on her. Not once they bite her they die. She is hives from head to toe and they come and go. I think she has a few hotspots now where she has dug herself raw. I would like to approach like this....Build up her immune system so if she does get bit she doesnt react so violently. Also treat her skin so that it is unappealing to fleas and heathy for her. Diggy tends to be dry and itchy too so i think i will do for both. My vet is holistic so hopefully she will have great advice for me today. Ill let ya know how it goes and see what you have to add or say about it. I know you have done much homework also and you do not have to be a vet/specialist to be helpful! She is on Wellness Simple Solutions venison formula, wellness venison jerky treats, and wellness venison canned food. ALl grain free and singlwe protein diet. Im leaning away that it is a food allergy. When this same exact thing happened to her this summer 3 diff. vets said atopy and leaned towards grass allergy. Well obviously thats not it. You know what it looks like here in lovely Michigan and outdoor allergy isnt possible at this time. SO that leave fleas? OK i am totally hijacking this thread but maybe this will help the OP consider how important diet is. Essentially everything I am discussing will and does in some way come back to diet and supplements.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by diggy4

How far are you from me? Im just south of Detroit. I would LOVE to have you teach me a few things My vet is coming to my house today, and I have a millllllion questions for her. Bella has hives AGAIN and I did find a flea on her last week. So if she concludes this is a reaction to fleas then I have a BIG combat on my hands for next summer when the lovely lil critters bloom again I would like to do this all natural if possible. I need a sure way to repel them from getting on her. Not once they bite her they die. She is hives from head to toe and they come and go. I think she has a few hotspots now where she has dug herself raw. I would like to approach like this....Build up her immune system so if she does get bit she doesnt react so violently. Also treat her skin so that it is unappealing to fleas and heathy for her. Diggy tends to be dry and itchy too so i think i will do for both. My vet is holistic so hopefully she will have great advice for me today. Ill let ya know how it goes and see what you have to add or say about it. I know you have done much homework also and you do not have to be a vet/specialist to be helpful! She is on Wellness Simple Solutions venison formula, wellness venison jerky treats, and wellness venison canned food. ALl grain free and singlwe protein diet. Im leaning away that it is a food allergy. When this same exact thing happened to her this summer 3 diff. vets said atopy and leaned towards grass allergy. Well obviously thats not it. You know what it looks like here in lovely Michigan and outdoor allergy isnt possible at this time. SO that leave fleas? OK i am totally hijacking this thread but maybe this will help the OP consider how important diet is. Essentially everything I am discussing will and does in some way come back to diet and supplements.

I don't think we are terrbily far from each other and I do know what it looks like in Michigan right now. It looks like winter miserableness. I don't know much about flea bite allergies, well maybe I know all there is to know. Don't let the dog get bit. lol. Ellie spends most of her time inside and we are sprayed for bugs, so she doesn't get fleas. We don't even use preventatives. Strengthening the immune system, hmm, you are doing probiotics, right?

[Nancy1999]

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!

There are brands that are lower in carbohydrates, but this probably isn't what causing them to "blow up." Complex carbohydrates are different than simple carbohydrates that just turn to sugar rapidly and can cause a drop in blood sugar. Remember, the food amounts on the side of the package are just a guideline, this can vary tremendously depending upon your dogs particular metabolism as well as how much exercise they get. Another factor is snacks, and some are loaded with calories. Joey gained lots of weight after a trick training class, and we had to reduce his calorie intake. The vet suggested cutting the amount of food by 1/3 and adding green beans to make him "feel full." This worked successfully, and Joey was able to lose about 1 ounce a week. I do lots of training with Joey, and now use green beans and his regular food as "treats."

[diggy4]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I don't think we are terrbily far from each other and I do know what it looks like in Michigan right now. It looks like winter miserableness. I don't know much about flea bite allergies, well maybe I know all there is to know. Don't let the dog get bit. lol. Ellie spends most of her time inside and we are sprayed for bugs, so she doesn't get fleas. We don't even use preventatives. Strengthening the immune system, hmm, you are doing probiotics, right?

I was....but when she broke out last time I had to strip her down to bare essentials to try and figure out what it is she is reacting to. With testing for food allergies I cannot give ANYTHING besides the single protein diet so now with her breaking out again without probiotics, it obviously wasnt the probiotics doing it. back to square 1 but have a few more answers. Im going to ask for specific food allergy tests too. I would like her tested for grains, fleas, and a few single protein sources (beef, chicken, etc.) I'm fairly certain this is a flea reaction. But we shall see, vet comes in 30 minutes (cannot wait). I would like to treat yard, I know there are plants you can plant to repel fleas, I have read about a spritzer (steeped lemon water) that you can spritz on them to repel also. Brewers Yeast was mentioned by my vet also. She is on sentinnel but that does not repel, kill, nor stop a flea from biting so thats useless in Bellas case.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by diggy4

I was....but when she broke out last time I had to strip her down to bare essentials to try and figure out what it is she is reacting to. With testing for food allergies I cannot give ANYTHING besides the single protein diet so now with her breaking out again without probiotics, it obviously wasnt the probiotics doing it. back to square 1 but have a few more answers. Im going to ask for specific food allergy tests too. I would like her tested for grains, fleas, and a few single protein sources (beef, chicken, etc.) I'm fairly certain this is a flea reaction. But we shall see, vet comes in 30 minutes (cannot wait). I would like to treat yard, I know there are plants you can plant to repel fleas, I have read about a spritzer (steeped lemon water) that you can spritz on them to repel also. Brewers Yeast was mentioned by my vet also. She is on sentinnel but that does not repel, kill, nor stop a flea from biting so thats useless in Bellas case.

Are you sure you want to do food allergy testing?
That is considered by some to be a waste of money.
It can show false positives and false negatives.
The only real way to see if a dog is allergic to a food is to feed it...
I don't think probiotics would cause such a severe reaction and it may be somewhat useful. If you saw a flea on her and this happened and you have been using a single protein food that has a novel protein and not-so-common carbs/starches, it may very well be fleas because what else could it be...