Maybe Merrick's not so great after all...

[ladyjane]

Brit, I did a google search and found this. I am sure there is more around...I remember seeing a copy of the warning letter the FDA sent to Merricks. Some people continued to feed their foods saying it was just the treats, but I would never have bought anything from them. I had salmonella once and it is dreadful. LOL tell me something might have it and I am out!

Merrick Dog Food Recall 2011 - Jr Texas Taffy Pet Treat

[Britster]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

My 3 have been loving RC Yorkshire Terrier adult food for a couple years. They seem healthier, their coats grow thicker and faster which is almost a problem as I have to groom more often, their teeth are good, no more picky eaters here, and plenty of energy for the 10 & 11 year olds.

The problem is they are doing a little "too good" they are all a couple pounds overweight, in my opinion. They only get 1/4-1/3 cup twice a day. I'm thinking of switching back to Wellness Healthy Weight for small dogs, which they were on for years before RC. It is hard though because I really do think they are healthier now, just getting a little chunky.

What do you think I should do?

Depends because most of RC formulas are fairly low calorie. So I wouldn't like to feed less than I already am if they were still gaining weight.

Jackson's RX food is a lot lower calorie than what he was used to so I am feeding double on RC than I used to.

How much exercise do they get?

[Britster]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Brit, I did a google search and found this. I am sure there is more around...I remember seeing a copy of the warning letter the FDA sent to Merricks. Some people continued to feed their foods saying it was just the treats, but I would never have bought anything from them. I had salmonella once and it is dreadful. LOL tell me something might have it and I am out!

Merrick Dog Food Recall 2011 - Jr Texas Taffy Pet Treat

Yeah I always remember not trusting Merrick for years. Tbh, I'd feel more comfortable feeding now that they are owned by Purina lol. But have no need for any of their formulas anyhow.

[MauiGirl]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Is it possible it is treats causing the weight gain? If not, and you are sure it is the food and they like it and are healthy, I personally would just cut back a bit on the food...just a little bit.

Good point, a few little treats do add up. I will monitor that closely before switching to a different food, since they are really doing well. Luckily Kayla and Karlee's favorite treats are green beans and the rib of romaine lettuce. Tiki does not agree though, so they usually get a little chicken bite.

You're right, it's probably not the kibble, and they need it for the nutrients it provides.

[MauiGirl]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Is it possible it is treats causing the weight gain? If not, and you are sure it is the food and they like it and are healthy, I personally would just cut back a bit on the food...just a little bit.

Originally Posted by Britster

Depends because most of RC formulas are fairly low calorie. So I wouldn't like to feed less than I already am if they were still gaining weight.

Jackson's RX food is a lot lower calorie than what he was used to so I am feeding double on RC than I used to.

How much exercise do they get?

I don't walk them, but they are very active in our 2 story house with big fenced yard, and the door open. They spend a lot of time outside with us all day while we are gardening and doing maintenance, etc. They are always on patrol, exploring and barking at cats and birds and strangers that walk by, haha.

Linda has a good point..... I've got to watch the treats, and not decrease good quality kibble.

Thank you both for your input.

[ladyjane]

Keep us posted!

[Rileymom]

Just an update, my Yorkie, JT, loved the Fromm Wild Bird Grainfree formula and it helped a lot with the red stains coming from his eyes. He basically quit having any eye stains. But the vet told me to switch to a different food because of the taurine/heart issue with grain free foods. So I have been mixing half of the new food with half of the Fromm rather than switching all at once, and within two weeks, the red stuff is running from his eyes again. It’s so hard to know what to do! He looked great and loved the Fromm food but I don’t want to put him at risk. He’s only two.

[yorkiemini]

Have you talked with Fromm?
They have many other formulas that are not grain free.
Best of luck!

[sandy simpson]

My yorkies have been eating dry lifes abundance and wet Fromm turkey and sweet potato.
Their coats are shiny. I am happy with lifes abundance. I order it on line and it is delivered to my door. Healthy ingredients. Breeders use this food. Look it up on line. Good food will keep a yorkie healthy.

[Posh10]

Check out Addiction Brand. Dry food. Chewy.com sells it. A little pricey but worth it. I feed mine the lamb one, they also have a salmon one. I was a Wellness Customer For over 20 years got tired of their excuses and changes of their dog food. All the bags of food I received started getting more and more of powder than dog food in the bags! My Yorkie appeared to too. She started not eating their food. She is not a picky eater. My Vet recommends yorkie dog food have no more than 22% protein any thing higher taxes their kidneys and livers. Wellness brand have too much high protein in their food among other Brands . Researched brands with 22 percent protein no grains/fillers etc. I researched Addiction Brand, nothing but 5 star reviews. My Yorkie has allergies, her eyes were runny, etc. So far no itching, eyes not running like they did, etc. Very High Quality Dog Food! Perfect Small Kibble Size. No Powder in Bag! My Yorkie Gets so Excited When I Feed Her!😊🐾

[Posh10]

Fruitable Dog Treats Are Low Cal, All Natural, Delicious My Yorkie Loves Them!
Check out Chewy.com they have them. I give my Yorkie the Crunchy ones, they also have soft ones.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Posh10

Check out Addiction Brand. Dry food. Chewy.com sells it. A little pricey but worth it. I feed mine the lamb one, they also have a salmon one. I was a Wellness Customer For over 20 years got tired of their excuses and changes of their dog food. All the bags of food I received started getting more and more of powder than dog food in the bags! My Yorkie appeared to too. She started not eating their food. She is not a picky eater. My Vet recommends yorkie dog food have no more than 22% protein any thing higher taxes their kidneys and livers. Wellness brand have too much high protein in their food among other Brands . Researched brands with 22 percent protein no grains/fillers etc. I researched Addiction Brand, nothing but 5 star reviews. My Yorkie has allergies, her eyes were runny, etc. So far no itching, eyes not running like they did, etc. Very High Quality Dog Food! Perfect Small Kibble Size. No Powder in Bag! My Yorkie Gets so Excited When I Feed Her!😊🐾

First off grain free foods are not that great for dogs and grains are not bad. Food allergies are rare. Protein levels in wellness are fine unless you have a dog with health issues. I personally won’t feed a dog food that does not have vets and staff and does not have feeding trials. It’s not all about ingredients and dog need different food then what looks good for us humans. Wellness is an excellent food.

[fjoosl]

I believe RC has a grain free option but it is prescription dog food....it may not be for Yorkies specifically, but grain free for small/toy dogs will work well for your yorkie....your vet can write a script for it.