Member

Posts: 102
From:matthew, NC, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 01-15-2003 11:00 PM         

---

i have a small maltipoo. we feed her Nutriscience and she seems to like it ok but i'd like to give her a canned food every now and then for variety & a special treat--the nutri-science keeps her stool firm-- is there any canned dog food for small dogs that does the same and is good for them?

thank you

IP: Logged

Moderator

Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 01-15-2003 11:22 PM         

---

Is the Nutriscience a dry food?

My dogs eat mainly dry food but I do give some canned a few times a week in addition to their dry. My 7lb. poodle only gets about 1/4 of a small can and never has any stool problems from it. I think as long as you dont over-do it with the addition of canned foods you shouldnt have any problems. 25% canned to 75% dry should be a safe amount to give without causing digestive upsets. I use a variety of canned foods including Active Life, Solid Gold, Canidae, Innova, Nature's Variety, Petguard, Spots Stew, Pinnacle & Azmira. My dogs love it and they get some variety without digestive upsets. Good luck.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 102
From:matthew, NC, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 01-16-2003 06:48 AM         

---

thanks nern

yes nuti-science is a dry food (i hope i have the name right i know i threw the bag away) anyway its supposed to be very good, recommended by petsmart people. my other dog loves it and sits right there & chows down a bowl. but my poo will only take one or two little pieces and be done with it for a while, come back & get an other one or two pieces and so on. which may be normal for her size, etc. i've never had a small dog before. shes such a little princess though, lol, and i would like to see her have a meal that she really enjoys so i thought i'd try a can every now or then. so a portion of the can would be best? i'll check out the brands you gave me at petsmart this weekend. thanks for your help

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 414
From:LOUISIANA,USA
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 01-16-2003 10:43 AM         

---

I give my dogs IAMS canned food every once in a while and they seem to really like it and i have never had any problems with it.

IP: Logged

Moderator

Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 01-17-2003 03:06 AM         

---

At Petsmart you probably wont find any of the brands I listed but you will find Nutro and that is a pretty good one. Do you have a Petco in your area? Petco has a few good choices such as Natural Balance, Nutro, Neura 95% meats or some Petco's even carry Wysong.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 1179
From:,Calif. U.S.A.
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 01-17-2003 01:50 PM         

---

I have a mini. poodle and I have come to the point of giving her per meal 1/8 cup Dry Innova and about 1/4 cup of her favorite veggies. She absolutley loves veggies. I used to give her the amount on the bag for her size but she kept gaining weight. So now with her meal i also mix in about a tablespoon of home made broth chicken or turkey a dash of garlic and a dash of olive oil for her skin. She devours it. I don't have to call her to eat anymore as soon as she hears the microwave stop she is there waiting. I do the same for my terrier mix w/out the veggies since he will eat around them. So try a little broth (fat removed). When I used to give her a bit of canned food with her dry she always had wetter poop. Now they are perfect if that is posible.

IP: Logged

posted 04-27-2003 06:23 AM           

---

I was told that canned food will cause faster corrosion/tarter on your dog's teeth, than dry. I only use dry food.

[This message has been edited by SusieQ (edited 04-27-2003).]

IP: Logged

posted 04-27-2003 01:21 PM           

---

dogs should be given a variety of foods. So many dry foods alone lack proper nutrition and have so many additives that are actually harmful. Wellness makes a good wet food as does natural balance. Just look at the ingredients on canned foods -- the ones in the pet supply stores (avoid the grocery store "junk" food), and look for clean 'meat'or meat and veggie ingredients

IP: Logged

Moderator

Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 04-27-2003 05:20 PM         

---

SuzieQ...some vets say that while other vets say that canned food is no worse for their teeth than dry. My 2 1/2 yr.old Aussie mix has eaten dry and canned food since she was a pup and her teeth are great. My neighbors 2yr old Husky mix eats only dry and his teeth look terrible...my mothers 1yr old miniature poodle eats only dry and his teeth are nice but still not as nice as my dogs.
Not matter what you feed brushing your dogs teeth and giving plenty of chews are the best way to keep the teeth and gums healthy. Genetics also plays a big part in oral health. Feeding dry food only will not prevent dental problems.
Just my 2 cents.

IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)