Hi, I'm a newbie. I have a 3 mo old GSD named Kodee, and I love him to death. I want to take the best care of him possible, and I have bought a couple of the Leerburg DVD's, and have started training him (he's a pet, not a working dog). Anyway, right now he is eating a kibble diet (Nutro Natural Choice for Lg Breed Puppies). I don't plan on going to the raw diet, at least not in the near future, although i have been researching it. My question is: Even though I have tried to find the best kibble I can (main ingredient is chicken vs. corn, ingredients are all-natural, high protein content, etc), are the supplements that help make the skin/coat healthier/shinier worth buying? What about vitamin supplements? If so, what brand/s are best? Also, is it true that you should switch GSD's to adult food at 6 mos of age? I'm just trying to learn as much as possible re: how to best care for my new dog. I am very impressed with the Leerburg site and DVD's, so I am using Leerburg as one of my main sources of information, since obviously Ed knows his stuff. It's great to see a site where so many people are so committed to taking great care of their dogs (i.e. friends).
Reg: 10-30-2005
Posts: 4531
Loc: South Dakota, USA
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Quote: kori bigge
Hi, I'm a newbie.
First....welcome to the forum. Glad to see you here...
Quote: kori bigge
I have a 3 mo old GSD named Kodee, and I love him to death. I want to take the best care of him possible, and I have bought a couple of the Leerburg DVD's, and have started training him (he's a pet, not a working dog).
You are off to a great start.
Quote: kori bigge
Anyway, right now he is eating a kibble diet (Nutro Natural Choice for Lg Breed Puppies).
Not a bad food.....I would recommend to you that you go to just "puppy" and not lg breed. And you can switch to adult food when your pup is 5 or 6 months old. There is really no need to keep them on puppy food for a year.
Quote: kori bigge
I don't plan on going to the raw diet, at least not in the near future, although i have been researching it.
The best thing to do is research first with this diet anyway. It helps to ease any doubts or "fears" and also helps you have everything you need before you start.
Quote: kori bigge
are the supplements that help make the skin/coat healthier/shinier worth buying?
I would recommend Salmon Oil and Vitamin E even when feeding kibble.
Quote: kori bigge
What about vitamin supplements? If so, what brand/s are best?
Connie Sutherland is the resident "guru" here on all of this stuff and I am sure she will post for you soon. I am not sure I would give anything other than the salmon oil and vitamin E.
Of course you can give your pup an egg on his food or a bit of plain yogurt.
And kong toys can be filled with yummy stuff like peanut butter or cream cheese (these are both great with a bit of kibble or crunchy all natural treats mixed in and then frozen for you pups enjoyment.....and some peace and quiet for you when you want or need it)
Quote: kori bigge
Also, is it true that you should switch GSD's to adult food at 6 mos of age?
Yep, IMO, it is better to switch them earlier. And Ed has this great page of all natural kibble sources......
I'm just trying to learn as much as possible re: how to best care for my new dog. I am very impressed with the Leerburg site and DVD's, so I am using Leerburg as one of my main sources of information, since obviously Ed knows his stuff. It's great to see a site where so many people are so committed to taking great care of their dogs (i.e. friends).
Thanks in advance for your input!
I commend you for wanting to do what is right for your pal, and this is a great place, full of GREAT people.
Again, welcome......
Oh yeah.....no question about diet is stupid, so no worries there , and the search function is a great tool here as there are literally a thousand (or more) threads about diet.
Until The Tale of the Lioness is told, the Story will Always Glorfy the Hunter
Reg: 10-30-2005
Posts: 4531
Loc: South Dakota, USA
Offline
I give my older Bloodhound Glucosamine for his joints (he gets stiff shoulders and I assume it is from leaning into the harness and also from an injury he received a while ago), but I don't give it to the younger dogs, don't really have a reason, just don't).
Also, yogurt is great for dogs. Even the one(s) that are eating kibble get yogurt, Salmon Oil and Vitamin E........
Until The Tale of the Lioness is told, the Story will Always Glorfy the Hunter
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