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Feeding We recommend any high quality commercially available dog food. Avoid discount or "no name" brands which do not always contain an appropriate amount of digestible proteins and may use different sources frequently (meat, meat by products, soy etc) a sudden change in the constituent ingredients can cause indigestion or diarrhea rapidly. We even recommend blending feed when a new bag is required so as to ease the change into the diet. Pick up the new bag prior to running out completely so for 3-4 days you can introduce the new bag (lot) gradually. i.e. 75% old 25% new first day; 50% old, 50% new the second day; and 25% old and 75% new the third day and so on.
Six to Twelve Weeks Three feedings per day of high quality puppy food, (we start the puppies on dry food at about 5-6 weeks of age). As each dog differs we only give the amount they will eat within 15-20 minutes and then remove the bowl. Always have fresh water available at each feeding.
Twelve to Sixteen Weeks At approximately twelve weeks, one meal, preferably the noon meal can and probably will be eliminated by the dog showing a lack of interest. One feeding in the morning and one evening meal will then suffice until about 6 months of age. Some people continue 2 feedings through the first year of growth. The activity level of the dog as well as the growth determines the amount the dog should be fed. Sticking to the above noted rule of only leaving the food available for 15-20 minutes often results in the dog eliminating the extra meal themselves.
After Six Months After six months, in most cases, you can reduce to one meal per day at a particular time of day. IT IS IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW A SET ROUTINE ON FEEDINGS.
General Feeding Information Do not feed your dog pastries, candy, potatoes, greasy foods or other indigestible food. If you are feeding a well balanced diet, adding extras could actually create and imbalance and can lead to either a fussy eater or obese dog. Some feel the addition of the occasional egg is good for the coat while others feel that eggs are "colloidal" i.e. tending to remove mineral and vitamins upon excretion. Use your own judgment. Adding natural vegetable oil (just a drop or two) using a small plastic squeezable bottle helps prevent dry skin and adds luster to the coat.
Adding garlic (garlic oil capsules are easiest) or active brewers yeast helps repel fleas and is an aid to digestion of proteins which can result in a healthier coat and skin. If mosquitoes are a problem in your area (carriers of numerous diseases) you can mix a few drops of apple cider vinegar in the dogs water during the mosquito season. Allow about 5 hours between meals e.g. 7 AM, 12 noon, and 5 PM Have a fresh supply of water available for your pup at all times (after house training is completed) Puppies who do not get enough water can have kidney problems later in life. Allow your pup 15-20 minutes to eat a meal and at the end of this period remove the food. If puppy refuses to eat at one meal, do not worry, dogs on occasion "go off" food. Just do not feed until the next scheduled meal. As a rule feed the puppy up to his/her appetite. Do not overfeed since an overweight puppy is in danger of developing structural defects during the growth months from excess weight on the joints. (See dysplasia) Feeding table scraps can make your dog finicky or obese and diminish the nutritional value of a complete balanced diet. It can also encourage "begging" near the table> Feed at regular times each day, it is important with young dogs to stick to an established feeding schedule and helps with "anticipation" for housebreaking. Avoid chocolate, a small bar can kill a small dog. The use of stainless steel bowls is recommended, use of plastic should be avoided as it can be chewed and ingestion of small pieces has been known to cause intestinal blockages requiring surgery or even death. Avoid encouraging a lot of activity right after a meal for dogs running and very active have been known to have the stomach flip due to the weight of the food. Gastric torsion is the name for this condition and if not corrected surgically in time the condition can result in death within an hour or two.
All rights reserved by Rob Schwartz & Whitewolf Ranching If you are sending gold, precious metals, diamonds or even cash money orders or checks they should be directed to : Rob Schwartz Whitewolf Ranching R. R. 7 Site 4 Box 22 Calgary Alberta Canada T2P 2G7
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