An updated photo of Phoenix's pet Pug, Pickles. He's decided to name his Blueberry pup nicknamed Cloudberry.... Chips. 

Pickles & Chips

​2023 - Dog Food
I’ve debated on whether or not to write this post for awhile now. Selfishly, I’d rather keep it my own “dirty little secret.” But it is worthy of sharing.
Most of you will continue to do what you do. Some may read this post in it entirety, others will start and skip right over it. This is something you really need to have an open mind for if you’re one of those people. “Dog Food Snobs” I’ll admit many times throughout my breeding career I’ve been in the very same boat. I myself, have been a victim of a Dog Food Snob. I didn’t have an open mind. I followed the marketing, the things I read on social media, the commercials… I followed all of that. If Facebook says it’s true, it must be right? Facebook…. honestly, how credible is that? A meme told you so? Really?
So far 2023 has taught me I have a low tolerance of many things. Perhaps I’m getting to that age where I just don’t have the time or energy to deal with the little things I once did. I was always the person to be there to lend a helping hand but I’ve been continued to be dealt with various situations that I no longer will take part in. I’ve learned to let it go and walk away.
Starting out I’ve pretty much tried everything. I’ve fed Diamond, Taste of the Wild (grain free is supposed to be great right? — Ugh! Read up on DCM), Victor, Sport Dog Food, Pro Plan Sport (with great success for 3 years straight until something didn’t agree with my dogs… more on that later), Muenster (the owner ate his own dog food for 30 days, that must be ok? Right? Now I chuckle), Inukshuk (made in Canada), Purina Dog Chow & Puppy Chow, Purina One Adult & Puppy.
Do you notice the trend? I did all these foods that really have no science behind them. Where am I now? Back to Purina. It’s where I’ll stay for the rest of my breeding days and pet owning days.
Sure people (mostly other breeders) have come to me trying to get me to try their brands. Foods like Paw Tree and TLC, they are mlm type companies. I get it. It’s a tough time right now and breeders need all the kick backs they can get. It all sounds great.
Fresh Pet foods you buy in a refrigerator section in your local grocery store? Those should be best right?
I too, again, fell for a lot of the hype.
I joined this group and learned so much, and I encourage you to do the same: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CanineNutrition/
Going forth, I will only feed/recommend 5 companies that understand the importance set forth by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association or WSAVA since that’s quite a mouthful.
Those 5 companies are: Purina, Royal Canin, Eukanuba, Iams, and Hill’s Science Diet
Yes, despite what you’ve been told about Beneful (oh no!) this is a great food option to feed your dog. Purina has so many options for EVERY BUDGET. Same with the other 4 companies.
Things I’ve learned by joining this group. Do NOT mix foods together. You’re causing more harm than good. The food is already formulated and completely balanced for your dog. It really messes things up if you mix together different brands or different proteins. Don’t do that!
DCM…. oh boy…. there are so many of those fancy boutique brands that cause that condition. You don’t want to unknowingly do that to your pet.
There’s so much more! But you’ll have to join the group to see for yourself.
Science. Yes I said it. We’ve got to stop believing what we read on the internet or because someone told you so. Chicken allergies? Highly unlikely a dog really has an actual chicken allergy.
If you are one with an open mind and ready to give this group a go, please join it. There is so much to learn. Because when it comes down to it, we all want the same thing for our dogs. To live as long as they can and to be as healthy as they can.