Puppy food

The is always a very controversial subject because there are a lot of differing opinions. However, I recommend a varied diet of 75% raw meaty bones and meat and 25% pasta/rice, veges, and table scraps (no onions or cooked bones).

For young puppies I recommend against feeding dried food exclusively because I think the high level of grain causes them to grow too fast. However dried food is also very convenient for busy weeks, especially if you are travelling and so the dried food I recommend and always feed to my older dogs is Advance Turkey and Rice. I have tried other brands and the dogs always prefer the Advance Turkey and RIce.

The fast-growing puppy is more susceptable to OCD (elbow dysplasia) and HD (hip dysplasia). But overall a small handful of dried food every other day is okay. The dried food should be good quality food and not supermarket dog food. Brands I like are Royal Canine, Eagle Pack and Advance. I also dont recommend using the puppy formula. If your puppy is eating the other foods then the dried food is just for interest.

Bones

Never feed cooked bones because they splinter and can lacerate your dog's stomache.

Puppies who are teething love the big marrowbones to munch on when you are out. It will save him from finding other things to destroy and is good for his teeth as well as a good source of calcium for his developing bones. Chewing also helps to relieve the pain of teething as well it helps to remove the baby teeth.

Adults

In their older years and especially after they have been desexed, you can reduce the amount of meat to 50% and 50% veges, rice and pasta. It is vital to keep their weight at an acceptable level (depending on their height between 7-10 kgs). A good way to assess their weight is rub your hands down their sides from shoulder to rear. You should not be able to feel their ribs. Now run your hands from rear back to the shoulder and you should be able to feel their ribs.

For more information go to http://www.barfaustralia.com/ and consider buying yourself a copy of Billinghurst's book.

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