cassie

Oakley aged 8 weeks with my OH Oakley aged 8 months with my OH

Just to add onto what people have said about BARF/raw - the idea is to feed 2-3% of the dog's *ideal* body weight

Sounds great Lynai

I hope it turns out to be decent. I used to feed Nutro and the dogs did really well on it. They mainly get a raw diet now but it's nice to have a back up food. Will be interested to hear what you have to say about it Sags when you get the chance. (No rush! )

So spunky Wow I can't imagine what weight he'll be at maturity, any guesses Lynai?

I've heard the no pork thing as well, wonder what that's about?

I was very apprehensive at first too, especially because fish bones can be so sharp! But then was told by several people on here that the bones are soft enough and the dogs wouldn't have any problems, and so far they never have. I have one gobbler who pretty much swallows things whole and one patient chewer, and neither of them have any difficulties with their fish. Maybe it could depend on the size of the dog?

My kids love their turkey too Wings, necks and legs, they aren't fussy They have turkey at least once a week.

Not sure if every vet CAN do it, or has the equipment to, (I imagine all they need is an xray machine?) but I would only ever go to someone who'd been recommended, and who has had experience in xraying dogs specifically for hip scoring. As far as I know, correct positioning etc is vital for an accurate reading/scoring

I use the Epiotic on both my droopy-ear dogs and have found it to be very good People's opinions always differ, if it works for you and your dogs then I would see no reason to change to something else. If it's not doing such a great job then, by all means try another brand. Just my opinion! Will be interested to see what others use and recommend

Nevermind, got one now

Really? So...there used to be BSL? And not anymore, due to...?

Pleased to hear it Although I certainly didn't know there was no BSL in the ACT, how wonderful for everyone there :D By the way Valkyrie, you have great taste in names - my first Saint was named Oakley :)

Sorry, Cassie - but if Evie (Saint aged 9) had to work out how to hold the bones, then she would starve. Not the brightest star in the universe, and just like her gran Christie, who in spite of many attempts would never eat raw. Sags Ahhh gotta love our bright sparks hey ;) Hehehe fair enough, may not be suited to all of them!

Costs me APPROXIMATELY $25 a week to feed two giant breeds. Some weeks that figure is less, some weeks it is slightly more. It depends what I can find on special at the time. I buy chicken carcasses from a local fresh chicken shop - Kim's Gourmet Poultry is the name. I also buy chicken livers and hearts there. I have found their carcasses to be a million times better than those you get at Lenard's, because they still have some organs attached and they are a hell of a lot bigger and meatier, while still being dirt cheap. I'll personally never buy from Lenard's again now that I've found these guys, BUT having said that many people do get their frames and mince from Lenard's and there is nothing wrong with them. My butcher sells bags of meaty bones suitable for dogs for $1.00 a bag. They also sell "budget mince" which is human grade (I don't feed pet grade mince) but contains offal. I also buy anything on special at supermarkets - offal is often marked down to clear. My local Woolworths sells brisket bones too which are great. Any large pieces of meat (roasts/steaks etc) that I can get I also snap up.

Another thing IMO - my understanding of BARF is that it does not only benefit the dog nutritionally, but also mentally and psychologically, as the dog has to work out how to "hold" the bones while it chews and crushes them, much as a wolf would in the wild. A dog munching on a soft pattie in a bowl doesn't really compare. JMHO.

She's a cutie pie What's her name? I'm hoping she is a registered Amstaff with papers...? ;) As far as feeding goes, feed them seperately (in different rooms, or one inside one out) if you have to. It's not fair on your pup if she doesn't get time to finish her meal before her big brother comes along. I used to have the opposite problem when my Saint was a baby, he'd scoff his meal then go steal the Berner's! Put a stop to that right away by feeding the Saint outside and the Berner inside - problem solved! And neither feel like they are in competition with one another, so they can take time to enjoy their meals, although Hudson is still a guts and still scoffs anything and everything within reach Definitely spend time with each dog together and apart. Do training with each one separately as well as together. Good luck.

Hey Ravyk - the butcher in Tea Tree Plaza (Australian Fare) sell rabbit. Something like $15.99/kg from memory.

Agree with what Gareth has written Also I would thoroughly research every aspect of Poodles and every aspect of Cocker Spaniels to make sure you are happy that either breed would suit your family. Being a cross breed (it doesn't matter if it is "75% of this and 25% of that") it is impossible to predict which characteristics the pup will inherit from which parent. Not that I have kids, but personally if I had a toddler I would be looking at an older dog, one who has been raised around children and is calm and patient with them. Just my opinion. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Too right - you wouldn't raise a Giant breed on primarily roo for example.

Yes, god forbid someone trying to be helpful! I'm not really sure what the point of the original post was? If not to gain some opinions about the diet? It's like me starting a new thread: "Hi all, guess what, I feed my dogs Royal Canin. Neat hey? Seeya!" (For the record, mine get a raw diet too ;) )

$20 a day Crysti, OMG that's insane! No wonder you are seeking cheaper alternatives. Sorry, can't offer too much help :D I've used the Dr B patties before and the kids love them, but I much prefer to make it up myself. Actually I feed more a raw diet than BARF, then you don't have to bother with the veggies which is the part (IMO) that takes time :p I only have a normal sized freezer too, I just buy whatever's on special whenever I can, usually one or two trips to the shops a week.

Thinking of you today Sammy The anniversaries are never easy

Ohh gosh that is horrible, how tragic Sounds like a freak accident alright. RIP Chester Hope you're ok Yellowgirl, so sorry for your loss

He's looking great, not as gangly as some!!! Good luck for his first show