Hello,
I am new to this forum, and I am sure someone has posted this before but Im not sure how to find the post, so Ill ask again!
First I have 2 Lab/pit mixes, Ellie is our girl 48lbs, and our Ernie is our boy..at a whopping 82lbs...and the shocker is that they are full brother and sister! But adopted separately..Ellie from the owners, and Ernie off of CL who was supposed to just be a similar age playmate for our little spaz Ellie...well as fate will have it...they were from the same litter! And this was in Portland Oregon...so on a regular 40 animals a day being listed! Long story short, he was severely abused, under weight, couldn't barley walk or run (even broke 2 twos!)
Well after 2 years (they will be 3 this sept.) they are both doing great..well maybe a little too great!
Our vet at banfield put both of them on Royal Canine Cal ctrl 26 Hifiber. I didn't buy it because I have some concerns...is it really worth it, is it necessary, etc..I know they need to loose some weight! but I don't think the food is the main culprit...its the treats, bones,etc! They get a lot of exercise...3days (1hr) at the pond which is non-stop running and wading! and the other days either they play in the backyard for 45-2hrs, chasing birds, bunnies and frogs! On the weekends we usually take them on hikes, beach trips etc. They are eating Authority Chicken..2cup total for Ellie and 3-31/2 for Ernie, I usually mix a little chicken, steak,turkey etc in it with a little warm water (1-2tablespoons of meat). They will eat anything..veggies, fruit, anything!
Im thinking about cooking them there food for a few months as a trial...meat, potatoes, veggies etc. The vet tech said well they don't get all of the right kind of vitamins proteins etc....they said this food has a lot of protein so it gives the full feeling, but when I ask if I can cut down on the food and fill more with veggies and chicken..oh no that wouldn't work..hmm..seems the same if not better to me!
Just wanted to get some thoughts and ideas before making my decision!
Thanks in Advance
Amarena, Ellie, and Mr. Ernie!
I also volunteer at a no-kill shelter in Georgia, if anyone is looking for a healthy happy pet, we have a ton!