Please help

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by Britster

I'm just gonna copy/paste what I've written before, lol:

One thing is over feeding is a huge problem. People just feed entirely too much. Also, grainfree, higher quality food, you're going to have to feed less of, or you will definitely get runny stools and/or more poop. For example, Jackson, my 15lb'er eats 1/2 cup a day of Acana Grasslands (plus wet food and treats). If he was eating Purina, he would need 1 cup a day or more. Acana is a really calorie dense food. More calories = less you need to feed.

All dogs, including Yorkies, pretty much are wolves. They are taxonomically the same species, and physiologically and anatomically the same and actually share 99.8% of the same DNA. Size and appearance are in the less than .2% differences, therefore I like to feed a food that is 'close' to what the wolves eat in the wild (ok, we know wolves aren't getting served kibble in a bowl... but it's the closest you can get, IMO, besides feeding raw which many do).

High plant based protein is not good for any dog, healthy or not.

High animal based protein is good. The better high protein foods derive most of their protein from animal meat.

The early research that convinced people of the myth of high protein damaging dog's liver was done on rats which are omnivores and their digestive system works entirely different than dogs which are carnivores. Rat's bodies are not designed to handle high protein the way dogs are. I am not aware of any research on dogs that points to high protein damaging dog's liver.

Anyways, it's just my personal preference to feed grain free, low carb, meat protein rich foods. Ultimately, though, I think it's what works best for you and your dog. I've done alot of research and have finally settled that this works best for Jackson!

Btw, I feed both Acana Grasslands and tried out a sample bag of Orijen Regional Red (38% protein) that he liked as well. After this Acana is finished, Orijen will be the next big bag we feed. I also feed Go! Endurance with great results. Those 3 foods are our rotation right now, but he's been eating Acana the longest with great success

Thanks for the infor!! I picked up a trial bag of Acana Grasslands..he loves it and he is able to chew the kibble no problem!! I think I am going to switch him over to Acana!!

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by lovespandp

Thanks for the infor!! I picked up a trial bag of Acana Grasslands..he loves it and he is able to chew the kibble no problem!! I think I am going to switch him over to Acana!!

Excellent. Keep us posted how he does with it over the next couple of weeks. Poopy reports!

[Britster]

Originally Posted by lovespandp

Thanks for the infor!! I picked up a trial bag of Acana Grasslands..he loves it and he is able to chew the kibble no problem!! I think I am going to switch him over to Acana!!

Great choice! I love Acana.

And agree with Maximo -- poopy reports!

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Britster

Great choice! I love Acana.

And agree with Maximo -- poopy reports!

While we are on the subject of Grasslands poopies, lol...warning, this will be very descriptive:

Maximo's are small and firm, not smelly. However, is it okay that they are in multiple tootsie roll-like pieces, or should he be pooping one long piece at a time?

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Maximo

While we are on the subject of Grasslands poopies, lol...warning, this will be very descriptive:

Maximo's are small and firm, not smelly. However, is it okay that they are in multiple tootsie roll-like pieces, or should he be pooping one long piece at a time?

LOL, oh the joys of dog ownership and inspecting poop.

I would think that's okay. Jackson does that sometimes, too. Where they are like in 4 different tootsie roll pieces, hahah. But then some days they come in one log, haha. I don't really know what is right or wrong. I think as long as it's firm and small, it is ok. I actually saw a 'poop chart' somewhere once, and it almost made me GAG, pics of actual poop and what it's supposed to look like.. but if ya wanna see it, I can try to find it, LOL!!

Edit, here it is: http://media.weirduniverse.net/poop_sheet2_2.jpg **Warning: gross!!**

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Britster

LOL, oh the joys of dog ownership and inspecting poop.

I would think that's okay. Jackson does that sometimes, too. Where they are like in 4 different tootsie roll pieces, hahah. But then some days they come in one log, haha. I don't really know what is right or wrong. I think as long as it's firm and small, it is ok. I actually saw a 'poop chart' somewhere once, and it almost made me GAG, pics of actual poop and what it's supposed to look like.. but if ya wanna see it, I can try to find it, LOL!!

Edit, here it is: http://media.weirduniverse.net/poop_sheet2_2.jpg **Warning: gross!!**

Thanks for that, I think.

Seriously, that makes me feel better. Multiple pieces appear to be okay.

My only problem with Acana is convincing my doggysitter, Dad, not to overfeed. He is complaining that it doesn't look like enough food. I keep telling him that dogs don't think in human terms; they don't salivate over a full plate of food.

[lovespandp]

Pnut does that sometimes too, I noticed he did it more with Evo.. I will let you guys know how he does.

I feed pnut in the morn and evening. The evo I feed 1/4morn and 1/4night

Since the Acana pieces are bigger is he going to eat less..?

[princessizzy]

Originally Posted by Britster

LOL, oh the joys of dog ownership and inspecting poop.

I would think that's okay. Jackson does that sometimes, too. Where they are like in 4 different tootsie roll pieces, hahah. But then some days they come in one log, haha. I don't really know what is right or wrong. I think as long as it's firm and small, it is ok. I actually saw a 'poop chart' somewhere once, and it almost made me GAG, pics of actual poop and what it's supposed to look like.. but if ya wanna see it, I can try to find it, LOL!!

Edit, here it is: http://media.weirduniverse.net/poop_sheet2_2.jpg **Warning: gross!!**

OMG....This has me cracking up!!! I needed a Good laugh!! Thanks!

[lovespandp]

Well he has been on the acana grasslands and has been doing well.. is it bad that he doesn't really chew the kibble???

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by lovespandp

Well he has been on the acana grasslands and has been doing well.. is it bad that he doesn't really chew the kibble???

Glad your little guy is doing well with his new food. Maximo doesn't chew his Acana either. I asked in a dog food forum about this, and they told me not to worry. So far, no problems.

[lovespandp]

Ok that's good to hear.. he shocked me when i saw him do that. How much do u give max in a day? D.h thinks I am starving him..