What should i be feeding my basenji?

[MEANDI]

Hi, currently she is almost 4 months old and she is being fed a 1/2 cup, 2 times a day. And im feeding here purina puppychow. What should i be feeding my lil one? I want her to be getting the best possible food. Any suggestions. I will buy anything. And am i feeding her enough? If i should be feeding her different things at different times a day please let me know. She is my first dog too....Mishka is her name

[tanza]

What has your Breeder recommended?... And there are many, many different foods out there that IMO... are better then purina puppy chow... At 4 months, typically they are still on 3 times a day... till 6 months...

I would look at foods that are more natural..... there are many out there.. and there are threads on the forum about food... which can become.. a very heated discussion... (ggg)...

But who is her breeder and what did they recommend?

[MEANDI]

she didnt recommend anything, i will start feeding her 3 times a day now. Im looking for an amazing food for her. Any suggestions?

[tanza]

Again... anything that is natural... I use Natural Balance, but EVO is good, Canidae, and many others........

Who is her breeder? It is usually the breeder that will suggest the proper food... .... has she been DNA tested for Fanconi?.. very important.... go to www.basenjihealth.org to learn about Fanconi and other Basenji health concerns...

[MEANDI]

all i know is she has been in for all her shots and that sort of thing when the breeder took her, i took her in and she had a skin infection but i got antibiotics for it and it seems like its going away now, and had some shots. But i have no idea if she has been tested for diseases

[lvoss]

If you know the registered name of her sire and dam then you can see if they were tested by searching the OFA database, http://www.offa.org. If they were not tested or she does not have at least one clear parent then it is highly recommended that you go to the Canine Phenome Project, http://www.caninephenome.org, and register her and follow the instructions for submitting a sample for testing.

As for foods, there are many good foods available. What you are looking for is a food that is corn and wheat free and does not contain meat by-products. Some good brands are:
Natural Balance
Blue Buffalo
Organix
Wellness
California Natural
Evo
Merricks

There are many others and even a guide on how to rate a food yourself based on their ingredient label, http://www.rotts-n-notts.com/info/display?PageID=2549

[LiveWWSD]

Personaly I like a raw diet (it does however take some prep work time each month). Before I switched the little ones over to raw I had them on Blue Buffalo. I liked it alot for a dry food. But really everyone has their prefered food for their babbies. But as Ivoss said, I think the main thing is to avoid alot of grains (not part of a K-9s natural diet) and to stay clear of foods that use by-products. Good luck, food is one of the great debates amongst pet parents. :)

[jenwilson]

I feed Hollie Innova - it got an A+ on the rate your dog food scale!!! It starts with TWO proteins, turkey & chicken!!! Hollie WUFFS it!!!

[Ninabeana26]

I feed Dallas blue buffalo & he seems to really like it & his coat is very pretty :)

[JazzysMom]

Where in Washington are you located? {I'm in WA, also} :)

And, if you don't mind my asking, from whom did you get your pup?

[foschatt]

We feed Evo. Rye has always loved it. Did get turned off by it for a short time but he had been sick(unrelated to the food). But he's back and loves it.

[MEANDI]

im in tacoma, and i bought my basenji in MO...i dont have my papers with me i forgot them in MO with my girlfriend. When i get her to send them to me i will tell you the things you all would like to know. And she is registered with....umm i dont remember but my girlfriend said it was the basic registration, not the AKC.

[JazzysMom]

im in tacoma, and i bought my basenji in MO...i dont have my papers with me i forgot them in MO with my girlfriend. When i get her to send them to me i will tell you the things you all would like to know. And she is registered with....umm i dont remember but my girlfriend said it was the basic registration, not the AKC.


Oh, hey Tacoma! I'm in Port Orchard, just over the bridge! We're neighbors.
:D

[MEANDI]

:) im glad to know i can find someone to talk to from my state is on this message board.

[JazzysMom]

:) im glad to know i can find someone to talk to from my state is on this message board.


Oh, there are a few from Washington here, and actually two others on the forum that I know of from the Port Orchard - Silverdale area. Others in, is it Renton?, Seattle, Woodinville.....

We're everywhere. ;)

[ComicDom1]

Here is a link to a website that has information about some of the pet food recalls. Maybe it will help you make the best food choice for your puppy in regard to recent events.

http://www.workingdogweb.com/RSH-2007-1.htm

Hope this helps

Jason

[lvoss]

This is not a "recent" event, the pet food recall occurred over one year ago. It is important to research foods and this event did shake up the pet food industry as it brought to light how many foods are actually manufactured all at a single plant and all made out of the same ingredients many sourced from China. It has gotten more people reading the labels on pet foods and paying more attention to what they feed.

[tanza]

Here is a link to a website that has information about some of the pet food recalls. Maybe it will help you make the best food choice for your puppy in regard to recent events.

http://www.workingdogweb.com/RSH-2007-1.htm

Hope this helps

Jason

This is pretty old news, however people should be reading what is in the dog food they use...

Here is a quote from the site you referenced:
"These pet food products were recalled between March 15, 2007 and August 22, 2007 due to potential melamine contamination. No additional melamine-related recalls have been issued since August 22, 2007."

[ComicDom1]

This is pretty old news, however people should be reading what is in the dog food they use...

Here is a quote from the site you referenced:
"These pet food products were recalled between March 15, 2007 and August 22, 2007 due to potential melamine contamination. No additional melamine-related recalls have been issued since August 22, 2007."

If you look on the site, there is other information there, including how to chose what to feed your pet. If you scroll down to the bottom, you will clearly see it.

Jason

[JazzysMom]

Here is a link to a website that has information about some of the pet food recalls. Maybe it will help you make the best food choice for your puppy in regard to recent events.

http://www.workingdogweb.com/RSH-2007-1.htm

Hope this helps

Jason
If you look on the site, there is other information there, including how to chose what to feed your pet. If you scroll down to the bottom, you will clearly see it.

Jason

I think the focus on the responses to your posts has been on the recalls because of you mentioned them in your original and referred to them as "recent events". The follow-up posts were meant, I believe, to make sure that everyone knows the pet food recalls were last year and that there haven't been any recent new ones.

You're right that it is always good to educate yourself about foods in making the decision as to what to feed your pets.

[ComicDom1]

This is not a "recent" event, the pet food recall occurred over one year ago. It is important to research foods and this event did shake up the pet food industry as it brought to light how many foods are actually manufactured all at a single plant and all made out of the same ingredients many sourced from China. It has gotten more people reading the labels on pet foods and paying more attention to what they feed.

Ok, here we go. I did not claim this happened yesterday, but it is certainly important to keep events like this in mind when considering what you choose to feed your pets. I think we can also agree that, this is not the first time there has been a safety issue or problem in the pet food industry. The purpose of my response to the question of what to feed my by Basenji, is referenced in the links or suggestions that are contained at the bottom of the link I provided. If you had scrolled all the way down, you would have seen where this information and suggestions are located.

Jason

[ComicDom1]

I think the focus on the responses to your posts has been on the recalls because of you mentioned them in your original and referred to them as "recent events". The follow-up posts were meant, I believe, to make sure that everyone knows the pet food recalls were last year and that there haven't been any recent new ones.

You're right that it is always good to educate yourself about foods in making the decision as to what to feed your pets.

I am really starting to think, that many responses in this forum are made quickly because many people are very eager to participate and share their view and information. Unfortunately, what I suspect might be happening, is that the post they are responding to does not always get throughly read or explored, so possibly, the real meaning or intent the original message or a response to it, is getting missed.

Jason

[JazzysMom]

I am really starting to think, that many responses in this forum are made quickly because many people are very eager to participate and share their view and information. Unfortunately, what I suspect might be happening, is that the post they are responding to does not always get throughly read or explored, so possibly, the real meaning or intent the original message or a response to it, is getting missed.

Jason

Very possible. :)

[tanza]

IMO.. I think this is a great website to look at foods to feed

http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/

[renaultf1]

IMO.. I think this is a great website to look at foods to feed

http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/

And IMO, I completely agree, that site has GREAT info...that is the site I use when I've had to change foods. In fact, because Timberwolf changed their ingredients AGAIN and now Brando won't eat it, I've since changed to Orijen 6 Fresh Fish and Orijen Adult that I read about on that site. The kids love, love, love it!

[BDawg]

After much debate-- we have decided to change food. We are currently on Blue Buffalo. I have read on the links you have-- DogFoodAnalysis.com-- and looked into EVO or Orijen. We went to a speciality dog food store and found both products. Granted, they are TWICE the price of Blue Buffalo, we bought EVO Red Meat Small Bites to try out. The owners of the store really seemed to want to push the RAW diet-- they had an entire freezer section of raw foods that were all pre-measured for convenience, but I'm not sure we're ready to jump into that boat just yet.

Right now we free feed and it works well for the dogs. Both are at a healthy weight and are in good condition. The reason we thought about changing is because Blue Buffalo has pieces in it called "Life Pellets". The dogs will actually pick these out and spit them into the living room. Holy annoying. I have to vacuum AT LEAST once a day because there are life pellets everywhere!! It's been driving me nuts so that's why we looked into something else. Conveniently, you all posted the link that helped us find our way. I think my main concern right now is if they really like EVO, that they will still self regulate and not over eat. We'll have to see how this goes. We might have to resort to two dishes and meal times-- which I just don't prefer.

Anyway, thanks to all who have contributed to this thread. We will keep you posted on the progress of the transition. :)

[renaultf1]

After much debate-- we have decided to change food. We are currently on Blue Buffalo. I have read on the links you have-- DogFoodAnalysis.com-- and looked into EVO or Orijen. We went to a speciality dog food store and found both products. Granted, they are TWICE the price of Blue Buffalo, we bought EVO Red Meat Small Bites to try out. The owners of the store really seemed to want to push the RAW diet-- they had an entire freezer section of raw foods that were all pre-measured for convenience, but I'm not sure we're ready to jump into that boat just yet.

Right now we free feed and it works well for the dogs. Both are at a healthy weight and are in good condition. The reason we thought about changing is because Blue Buffalo has pieces in it called "Life Pellets". The dogs will actually pick these out and spit them into the living room. Holy annoying. I have to vacuum AT LEAST once a day because there are life pellets everywhere!! It's been driving me nuts so that's why we looked into something else. Conveniently, you all posted the link that helped us find our way. I think my main concern right now is if they really like EVO, that they will still self regulate and not over eat. We'll have to see how this goes. We might have to resort to two dishes and meal times-- which I just don't prefer.

Anyway, thanks to all who have contributed to this thread. We will keep you posted on the progress of the transition. :)

BDawg...I think your kids will really like the EVO. Ruby was on the red meat EVO, but for her, the small bites weren't keeping her teeth clean enough and I couldn't get the larger bites locally. Ruby (who is somewhat crate phobic) would run into her crate and sit and wait for me to put the EVO down for her. When I added Grizzly Salmon Oil (every other day), she would sing, then run into her crate and wait for dinner! That was success so IMO I think Lexi & Miles will love it!

I switched to Timberwolf because the bit size was better for Ruby, it was available locally and it was fish based and Ruby definitely LOVES fish!

Now I've changed to Orijen because of the Timberwolf ingredient change made Brando go on a hunger strike and he refused to eat it. Both kids run into their crates and wait for Orijen. Holy cow is Orijen expensive though...15lb bag for $42.

Anyway, you folks that live in bigger areas are lucky, because finding good foods consistently has been quite the challenge. I was a little worried because only one place locally sold Orijen, but because of Timberwolf changing ingredients and my favourite store (Planet Dog) yanking it off their shelves...because my 2 dogs were affected, I got to vote on what food to replace it and they are replacing it with Orijen. And they told me that if they ever stopped carrying it, they would always special order it. I love Planet Dog!!!!

[BDawg]

hahaha... well- this just in: I have created little monsters. I opened the bag of EVO and took out two pieces of kibble for the dogs to sniff and try.

They both turned their noses up at it. Oh greeeeaaaaat, I thought. I guess I'll have to see if they take returns... After MUCH encouragement... I got Miles to try a bite. Success. And of course if Miles eats something, Lexi doesn't want to be left out so she tried it. Miles then dove into the bag of EVO!! I had to pull him out!! hahahahah

I mixed a scoop into their Blue Buffalo food to start the transition and put their bowl down... And guess what? Now not only did they pick out the life pellets, but they spit out the Blue Buffalo too!! Little monsters!!

But looks like this might be successful!! :)

Question: Do you think I should have gotten the big bites instead of the smaller kibble?

[tanza]

I have ever found that the "size" made much of a difference... but I like the size of the Wellness Potato and Duck... and in fact I am just now trying the Wellness Core...

There are all kinds of thoughts on the kibble size... some say they will get more benefit out of chewing... others will say... not the case... The only time I would worry about the size is for the elders... they do have problems sometimes chewing especially if they have lost teeth over the years....

[renaultf1]

I mixed a scoop into their Blue Buffalo food to start the transition and put their bowl down... And guess what? Now not only did they pick out the life pellets, but they spit out the Blue Buffalo too!! Little monsters!!

But looks like this might be successful!! :)

Question: Do you think I should have gotten the big bites instead of the smaller kibble?

Ha, ha, ha...sounds like exactly what Ruby did when I switched her old food to EVO & now Timberwolf to Orijens...so much for trying to switch slowly when they won't eat the old food and only pick out the new food! Hope you didn't have too much of the Blue Buffalo left :D :D.

p.s. I even thought I could use the rest of the Timberwolf in their Busy Buddies & Kongs, and they won't touch it...the kids are too damned smart!!!

I wouldn't worry about the size of the kibble...from everyone I've talked to, it sounds like Ruby might have been an exception.

[BDawg]

Switching to Orijen (what I REALLY wanted the first time, but had to compromise)... Miles is already picking them out and eating them first over the EVO! The pellets are bigger in the Orijen. I'll keep you posted... :)

[renaultf1]

BDawg...Which Orijen...Adult or 6 Fresh Fish?

[BDawg]

We did the Adult. Price check: $59

Fresh Fish was $66

[JazzysMom]

IMO.. I think this is a great website to look at foods to feed

http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/

I have rather suddenly switched my dogs to Taste of the Wild w/roasted wild fowl --- I didn't plan to, but the store where I buy my Merricks is extremely inconsistent and I haven't been able to get it for a week and literally ran out of food this morning, so chose a food that they seem to always have in stock --and I can't find the roasted fowl variety on this list.
The prairie and pacific varieties get good ratings though, so is it relatively safe to assume the roasted fowl is probably good?

I am sooo frustrated with Pet Town right now!!

[kiroja]

I have fed the wild foul (poultry) version of Taste Of The Wild, and like it just fine. I have fed all 3. I know we have mentioned it a time or two on the list. Probably most of the time we're not mentioning the specific flavor though?

When you see Prairie mentioned, it might be referring to a different brand, aka Nature's Variety. Prairie is their main line of food. Instinct is the grain free line.

[JazzysMom]

I have fed the wild foul (poultry) version of Taste Of The Wild, and like it just fine. I have fed all 3. I know we have mentioned it a time or two on the list. Probably most of the time we're not mentioning the specific flavor though?

When you see Prairie mentioned, it might be referring to a different brand, aka Nature's Variety. Prairie is their main line of food. Instinct is the grain free line.

Thanks. The dogs seem to like it well enough. One of my kids just came in and said there's evidence of diarrhea in the yard:(, but have no idea from which dog. Could be the sudden food change for any of them, or Gypsy having problems. I need to watch more closely when they go out again.

The prairie I mentioned was TOTW - the one w/bison.

I went back through several posts on feeding but couldn't find any thing specific on TOTW, but got tired of looking so asked.
Thanks again for getting back to me.

[tasha]

We feed a mixture of Evo and Purina One.

[tar9091]

I feed www.vetschoice.com
The food I like is the Holistic Health Extension Little Bites and you can order it online and have it shipped directly to you.