morgan

Knew of a breeder who swore by this stuff for all her show and breeding stock - used it for many years! (And her dogs were always in lovely condition) She bred MANY champions and BIS winners, in several breeds. We have only used it for our show horses - wonderful stuff....

Have been using it for years now, and would never go back to Eukanuba, Nutrience or Pro-Plan. Have never had a problem with it, and find it only takes about 10 days on it before new dogs show a difference in coat, weight etc. Showed a bitch (large, longhaired breed) several months after a litter, and do-one would believe she had just had a litter til they saw the pups! She had been raised on it, and kept on the "starter" for the pregnancy and lactation, along with the usual chicken necks and wings. Currently have a 2 week old litter to her daughter, likewise raised on it - she is also on the starter + necks, and is looking great, with pups more than doubling birth weight in just over the first week. If you contact RC and buy enough at a time, they will freight it to you for only $22 and give you breeder's prices. I get a pallet load at a time, and still only pay that. Definitely worth getting a few people together to take advantage of this!

GSD's digest fats and proteins a bit differently to other breeds, and over time can get a build-up of histamines in their system, which causes numerous skin problems. A friend has spent over $2,000 in 2 years on vet treatments for skin conditions, tried BARF, the lot - nothing worked til he put the dog on Royal Canin GSD food. The dog has completely healed up, regained weight and DOESN'T SMELL anymore! (There is nothing worse than the smell of a GSD with really bad skin ) Worth a try, and cheaper than vet visits.

We use Robert McDowell's stuff for our horses, and absolutely swear by it. Even our vet is amazed at the improvement in conditions he said couldn't even be helped with surgery. We currently have our stallion on a herbal blend for splints, and a weanling on it for damaged cartilage, and both are responding well - so the bone support stuff does work. Also try cold-pressed flaxseed oil mixed with cottage cheese every day - 4 or 5 tsp mixed with a cup of cheese. The synergistic effect of the 2 together is wonderful for treating cancer, and provides heaps more anti-oxidants as well.

I like to have them removed at 3 days with my terriers, as pet people often don't notice them under all that hair, and neglected dewclaws are incredibly painful. With my large dogs, it is traditional to have them removed for showing, and as they frequently put their paws on my shoulders - kinda painful for me if left on....

I have been feeding raw meaty bones with good quality dry food for 30 years, before BARF, but am now rethinking the whole bone thing. Last night we sat on the floor at the vet's, with our dog on a drip for 2 hours, waiting for him to show any sign of recovery - he had a piece of raw bone lodge in his throat earlier that day, and ended up with a massive infection, respiratory distress and nearly died. The bill has come to almost $600, and he now needs nursing and medication for some time. There is nothing like watching an animal suffer such excruciating pain and distress to make you feel incredibly guilty for having put him in that position.