No, they were not small at all! Kind of notched and dark brown like a large tootsie roll What I would consider perfect poo.

We had some success with lunch. At first she refused to eat them. I had some raw hamburger in the fridge, so I rubbed some on the chicken, only about a tablespoon worth. That worked, must have changed the scent. It seems to me she enjoys the bones, and doesn't like the texture of the fleshy part-especially if any skin or fat remained. (i did remove the vast majority of that) She just seems very standoffish with the chicken-i think your word "suspicious" is most accurate.

Oh, LARGE Tootsie Roll! OK. :-)

She'll end up loving the chicken backs.

Yes, the texture of raw chicken seems perplexing to some dogs at first. Can't say that I blame them. LOL

 Quote: christy mascari

.... We had some success with lunch. At first she refused to eat them. I had some raw hamburger in the fridge, so I rubbed some on the chicken, only about a tablespoon worth. That worked ....

Very tricky!

Okay I think we are on the right path! I took a cleaver and chopped them up a little smaller than bite size. They went down the hatch without habitation. She did chew up the bones-still surprised she likes the bones so much.

One last question, then I'll quit picking your brain:
Should she be on any supplements at 18 mos? She is healthy with no known allergies or illnesses. Presently I give her some Syn-flex approx 1/2 tsp daily mixed with Force, and a very small amount of plant derived trace minerals. I usually give her sardines packed in spring water 1 can a week. (but put that on hold while making the switch to RMB's) Also, we apply Revolution (transdermally) monthly-I'm curious to hear your opinion on this.

I highly value and appreciate your help.

Are you giving fish oil and Vitamin E?

Nope....How do I determine the dosages? We take Mega Red Krill Oil, could I give her that? And natural E (400 iu from Costco)

She's doing FANTASTIC with the chicken backs, BTW. Still perfect poops. She even makes that "dreamy caviar look" when she munches the bones -too funny. You have been spot on about everything so far!

You're like a canine guardian angel!

Yeah, aren't the ones funny who gaze into the middle distance and savor every crunch? LOL

I have a couple who are Hoovers, but the one little caviar guy (and I've had others) .... he SO enjoys those chicken backs.



How much does she weigh?

I'm working on a rush job, but if you link us to the EPA and DHA content of a unit (teaspoon, gelcap, whatever) of the krill oil caps, I can figure out the amount. What's the human dosage?

Thanks Connie,

This morning she had the urcka-gurckas (threw up bile) She does have a history of this, but it has been quite a while. Don't know if it's relevant to the diet change. I've asked the vet about this, he said she should eat something before bed-which she does nightly in the form of her 4th meal.


One gelcap has 50mg EPA
24mg DEA
total krill oil is 300mg
omega 3 90mg
human dosage is one daily.
She weighs 70 lbs. and is 18 months.
I could just buy regular fish oil for her if that is easier.

Bile vomiting? Not at all uncommon. Your vet gave good advice .... even a snack at bedtime.



50 mg EPA? That's not much. No wonder those are so small.

And even fish oil gelcaps are pretty spendy for a medium or big dog; I think most folks use liquid unless they have a small Terrier-size dog. And even they would need many of those tiny-dose caps you have.

But you could work up to a few of those for her a day until you can get something with a more efficient dose. (Any EPA/DHA is better than none.)

In a quick average shorthand, we often mention working up to a daily gram of fish oil per ten pounds of dog. This would be 7 average size (or 6 of the 1200 mg) of the common brands of fish oil caps for your dog! That's why we use liquid, most of us. One measuring teaspoon is almost 5 grams.

You want a named fish, either salmon or the small fish (anchovies, sardines); you want to handle it very carefully: cool and dark (refrigerated if a big container).

If gelcaps, you want to pierce one and smell it. (But the dog will eat them like jelly beans; you won't have to pierce and squeeze after, maybe, one.)

If it ever smells "off," toss it. Rancid oils are not just ineffectual; they are potentially carcinogenic.

I went ahead and ordered some vit E, C, and Grizzly salmon oil from Leerburg. You're right about the liquid being easier. We've given it to her before and she loved the taste.

Connie- Once more, thank you so very much for your expert advice. I feel confident now I am doing all I can do for the health of my dog. We will continue down this path with, hopefully, fewer trips to the vet and a robust dog!

You are a true asset to this board!