Nuti-cal

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by doortego

At what weight, would you discontinue the nutrical? Thanks

Hmmm...it's not based so much on weight...think about the huge variance these days in the size of this breed. You need to make sure the dog is not underweight and has a healthy balance of physical activity and rest and also that he/she has CONSISTANT, good eating patterns.

[Monday]

Originally Posted by chrissy4767

Hello Everyone,
Jaci is 4 mo and when I got him from the breeder she gave me a tube of Nuti-cal to give to him twice a day to keep his blood sugar up. I was just wondering if there is another alternative. She said the tubes were expensive and I am almost finished with mine. Is there something that I can buy at the store that has the same benefits? And is not harmful to him?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

Hello Chrissy,
do a google on NUTRICAL and there are mail order places you can buy it by the dozen for 5$ or less each tube ..I believe at the time it was 10$ a tube at the pet store.

I got mine from Foster and Smith 2 years ago for 5$ and I still have 4-5 left ... I did see one place where if you buy more than 3 itz less than 4$ each
http://www.dog.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=211121&Cat=

some people use pancake syrup or Karo syrup, but I feel more comfortable with NUTRICAL ... you should only be giving him a small dollop for his weight!
Monday loves it ....
good luck!

[BLowry]

Sadie is 2 1/2 yrs old...she is a very picky eater...sometimes I will give her a just a tiny bit and this will help her appetite...Lillie (22 wks old) has been a good eater from day one but, if she plays real hard I will give her just a small amount.

[JACKSON'S MOMMY]

Can they develop diabetes from this? I was told not to make it a habit unless there where problems as stated in previous post, but they can get addicted to it if you give it to them too often and make long term use of it. Is this correct?

[RLC12345678]

Originally Posted by JACKSON'S MOMMY

Can they develop diabetes from this? I was told not to make it a habit unless there where problems as stated in previous post, but they can get addicted to it if you give it to them too often and make long term use of it. Is this correct?

This is ABSOLUTELY correct! Giving NutriCal unnecessarily leads to diabetes. That is why maintaining a balanced and consistent diet is better than using NutriCal.

[Diego]

Originally Posted by JACKSON'S MOMMY

Can they develop diabetes from this? I was told not to make it a habit unless there where problems as stated in previous post, but they can get addicted to it if you give it to them too often and make long term use of it. Is this correct?

I asked 3 different vets and they all said Yes .

[Lacy's Mom]

Once a new puppy is settled in and eating well there is no need for nutrical. I only give Nutrical when they are not consuming the recommended amount of food or are under stress like boarding or after anesthesia or vaccinations, or vomiting or diarrhea etc. It is inexpensive though - about $5.00 for a tube - I always have a tube around whether I use it regularly or not.

[Lacy's Mom]

Here's some information on how excess sugar can lead to hyperglycemia, a form of diabetes, if given unnecessarily.

Sugar, in the form of glucose (white corn syrup) can save the life of a weak puppy; on the other hand, if incorrectly used, it can cause HyPOglycemia, a disease which, like diabetes, is not normally inherited but is induced by improper diet. To understand how sugar can save and sugar can destroy, one must know a little about body chemistry.

Insulin, a hormone produced by a healthy pancreas, converts glucose into energy; and if this energy is not immediately needed, changes it into glycogen (body starch and fat) which is stored in the liver. Insulin not only enables the body to keep a reserve of glycogen in supply but to release it for energy when needed. This means that both insulin and glycogen must be maintained in correct balance; if this balance is upset, stress occurs.

When more sugar than needed is given to a young puppy, the insulin production increases rapidly in its attempt to transform the excess into glycogen, causing a rapid drop in blood sugar (or HyPOglycemia) to a point where the puppy can lose consciousness. Prior to this, the puppy urinates to a point of dehydration, and fat globules are discharged from the body in the feces. If the puppy is to be saved, a ringer’s solution containing potassium and sodium chlorides; injected by a veterinarian, replaces the loss of fluids, restores the level of blood sugar, and urinary functions become normal.

If too much sugar and starch is included in the diet of the dog over an extended period of time the pancreas becomes tired and its cells are no longer able to produce sufficient insulin to keep the blood sugar at a tolerable level. A rapid rise in blood sugar takes place and, again stress or unconsciousness results. This is known as HyPERglycemia or a form of diabetes and explains why the diabetic must be supplied with insulin to lower the blood sugar level. This knowledge enables us to use glucose wisely and to our advantage in raising our puppies to healthy adulthood.

[Tink's Mom]

Uh-Oh! I'm feeling stupid! I just got my Yorkiepoo a week ago from a rescue group and I don't know what you're talking about. Do I need to be giving her sugar? she's 10 wks and about 3 1/2 lbs. She has lost her fat little tummy this week, but she eats about 1/4 c. of food each day and seems full of energy. She goes to the vet on Tuesday for her check-up.

[Lacy's Mom]

Originally Posted by Tink's Mom

Uh-Oh! I'm feeling stupid! I just got my Yorkiepoo a week ago from a rescue group and I don't know what you're talking about. Do I need to be giving her sugar? she's 10 wks and about 3 1/2 lbs. She has lost her fat little tummy this week, but she eats about 1/4 c. of food each day and seems full of energy. She goes to the vet on Tuesday for her check-up.

1/4 cup of food per day is not enough. She should be eating a 1/4 cup three times a day. Nutrical or nutristat can be a good supplement to boost the appetite and provide the calories she needs if she isn't eating enough. A healthy dog doesn't need it, but going too long in between meals, getting cold, getting stressed, not consuming enough calories, too much running around without resting can lead to low blood sugar episodes. I probably would be supplementing your dog with just a tad before bedtime until she is consuming her full recommended rations. I also would have dry food available at all times.

[Tink's Mom]

Oh gee!!! I'm glad we found this forum. Poor little Tinkerbelle. I'd better get some nutrical to help her. She doesn't seem hungry - she only eats in the morning and a little in the evening. I put the dish down for her, but she just sniffs it and walks away. She drinks plenty though. Maybe it's because she's still getting used to me.
Thanks for answering with the helpful info. I'll be sure to talk to the vet about it Tuesday.

[Carsons Mommy]

Carson is only 1.13 lbs and is 14 weeks old. He seems to be eating pretty good, I mix some hard food with soft food and he loves it. I've been giving him the nutri-cal twice a day since we've gotten him, should I still be giving it to him since he is so little? I don't want him to get diabetes

[thefitpet]

Anyone who has questions about your Yorkie's health and nutrition can speak with Dr Jane Bicks, DVM every Thursday evening on a weekly conference call.

PM me and I will forward information on how to participate.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by Carsons Mommy

Carson is only 1.13 lbs and is 14 weeks old. He seems to be eating pretty good, I mix some hard food with soft food and he loves it. I've been giving him the nutri-cal twice a day since we've gotten him, should I still be giving it to him since he is so little? I don't want him to get diabetes

If he is eating okay and doesnt have any low blood sugar problems then I wouldnt give it. It is nice to have though in case they get sick or arent eating

[Rae Rae]

Originally Posted by chrissy4767

She said the tubes were expensive and I am almost finished with mine.

The tubes are only like $4, give or take .99 cents.

I rarely give Rocky nutrical. Like others have posted, if the diet is well-balanced then it really isn't needed. Still keep some on hand though. If your pup isn't eating, you will want to give him some.