Owner Links - work in progress

Food Choices

Unless we notify you differently, your puppy will have been fed Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20, in which is an All-Life Stage food, that is approved by the AAFCO for the growth of large breed puppies.  As a breeder I do not require that you feed your puppy a particular food brand, but I do have recommendations on foods to avoid.  PPP Sport is available in most pet stores.  Below are examples, of which food I am referring to:

Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20 - Chicken & Rice
Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20 - Salmon & Rice
Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20 - Beef & Bison 

It is recommended to split your puppy's daily food amount into 3 meals per day, until about 6 months old, when you can switch to 2 meals per day.

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Generally speaking, it is best to rotate proteins and ingredients to help prevent the development of sensitivities.  This is a little long, but explains why.

CHANGING FOODS - Rotating

Once you have selected a good quality dog food, that's all you need to feed, right? Not really. You should vary your dog's food periodically. There are many good reasons for this:

Dogs (actually all mammals) are designed to consume a range of different foods, and to obtain differing vitamins and minerals from each. They are not designed to eat "only chicken" or "only lamb" or any other food item for eternity. Changing foods, importantly the contents of those foods, every so often helps to give them the variety their bodies were designed to thrive on.

There is no one dog food in existence that "has it all". And remember, the feeding trials that foods go through only last for six months (and not all foods are even trialed). Changing foods periodically helps to ensure that no dietary deficiencies or excess build up over time.

Variety is the spice of life. Who wants to eat the same food day in and day out? Could you do it? For months or years? Feeding your dog something different helps to ensure that he does not become bored and frustrated with his food. This will not make your dog picky - we are talking about periodic changes here, not serving up something different or adding goodies to tempt him every time he doesn't like his dinner. And most importantly of all: 

It helps to avoid the development of allergies. In a few extreme cases, you (or your dog) may be instantly and violently allergic to something. But that is a few extreme cases only - the vast majority of allergies are things that build up over time and with constant exposure. The surest way to develop an allergy to chicken, for example, is to consume it daily for an extended period. It is no coincidence that the most common allergens are things that have commonly been used in dog foods for many years. The (modern) advice given by nutritionists is that feeding a wide variety of different foods, preferably from a young age, can help to avoid the development of allergies in the first place (that's the advice given for humans too).

Common signs of allergies are itchy skin, red itchy paws, chewing paws, yeast infections, ear infections, and skin infections that may respond to antibiotics but reappear as soon as the antibiotics are discontinued.

That all adds up to changing the food you feed every once in a while. That means changing to a food with different main ingredients. There is very little benefit to switching from one chicken/rice food to another, for example. If you have been feeding a food with chicken as the main ingredient, then it is far better that the next food is based on lamb, or turkey, or fish, or beef, etc. and that the other main ingredients are also varied.

Do I have to change brands every time I change food?

No, not necessarily. Look at the ingredients in the different formulas made by your brand. What is different? If it is only the main meat ingredient, then you should change to a different brand when you change foods. If many of the ingredients, including the main meat, are different then there is no need to change brands if you don't want to. The point here is to ensure that your dog gets a good variety of different food items in his diet. Not brand loyalty.

How often should I rotate foods?

Minimally, at least every three months. But you can change more frequently than that. If your dog does not suffer from digestive upsets when his food is changed, then you might even consider changing foods every time the bag runs out.

How many different foods do I need? Can I use a food again?

At least three or four different foods (different main meat source and different main ingredients). More is better. You can certainly reuse a good food though, especially if your dog does particularly well on it. You could choose, for example, to feed food A for one bag then change to food B - go back to food A, then to food C and so on. This satisfies the criteria of avoiding constant or prolonged exposure to a particular set of ingredients.

What about just mixing foods together?

Mixing foods together can certainly help to ensure nutritional adequacy for the long term. But it does nothing to provide your dog with variety (something different to eat!) and it does not satisfy the criteria of avoiding constant or prolonged exposure to a particular set of ingredients. So this practice will do nothing to help avoid the development of food allergies - it just means that there are a greater number of things the dog is being exposed to on a constant basis. It also means that there is a wider range of possible culprits should a food allergy develop. You can mix foods if you choose, but you should vary the foods that you mix together, just as if you were feeding a single food.

Do I need to change the food gradually?

It is usually wise to effect a change gradually. Not every dog is sensitive to food changes, and many will handle cold turkey changes without issue. But many won't, and the upset tummies and loose stools that can come with changing foods too fast are such an annoyance (for the dog too!) that it makes sense just to change gradually, unless you know for certain that your dog has the sort of cast iron stomach that won't be upset by a sudden change.

The simplest way to change foods is to blend the old and new foods together for a week or so. Start with a mix that is 25% new food and 75% old. Feed that for two or three days, and if there are no upset tummies or loose stools, increase the blend to a 50/50 mix. Again, feed that for a couple of days, then increase to a 75/25 blend, and finally to 100% new food. If at any stage there is a tummy upset or the dog's stools become loose, then hold off on increasing the amount of new food in the blend until that problem resolves. If there are no problems at all, it will take a week to ten days to accomplish the switch.

Won't changing foods make my dog picky?

No, it won't. It's more likely to have the opposite effect, and keep the dog interested in his food. How long could you stay interested in eating exactly the same thing? A food change once a month, or every two or three months is not going to give you a picky dog. What creates pickiness is serving up something different any time the dog shows no interest in his meal. Just like little kids, a dog will learn very quickly that refusing to eat a meal results in Mom producing something better - if you constantly produce something better. Instead, you should give the dog his food at set meal times, and pick it up if it is not eaten within about 20 minutes. Don't offer anything else (i.e. don't fill him up on treats) until the next meal time.

Are there any other benefits to changing foods?

YES! Changing foods every so often means that you keep yourself aware of what is available. Dog food is not a static science and it is very pleasing to be able to note that constant improvements are being made. Foods that may have once been amongst the best available are constantly being surpassed (this is a good thing! Dog food has not historically been a high quality product).

We've all met people who swear "brand x" is the best you can get - and have been feeding it for the last 15 years, completely unaware of advances that have been made. Well, that may have been true 15 years ago, but now "brand x" may be one of the lower quality foods available (though it's unlikely to be reflected in cost).

We fully expect the foods we currently recommend here to be surpassed or improved in the coming years. This is good news for you and your dog. Don't fall into the trap of assuming that what is the best available now will always be the best you can get. It won't be (or at least, we sincerely hope that it won't be).

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Many Goldens and other breeds for that matter, are coming up with LOW BLOOD Taurine.  This in turn can lead to diet induced (as opposed to a genetic link) Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), a deadly heart condition. It is for this reason that we recommend that you avoid grain-free dog foods, unless absolutely necessary.     

UC Davis Investigates Link Between Dog Diets and Deadly Heart Disease 

Marketed Fresh Dog Foods

Something to think about before falling for the gimmicks of Fresh Pet, Farmer Dog, and other marketed fresh dog foods.  I will go more into food in another paragraph. 

About Fresh Dog Foods and Their Link to Urinary Stones 

Food Storage

This topic is considered very important.  

Depending on how many dogs that you have, eating from the same dog food, a large bag can last a really long time, especially with a puppy.  Most kibble manufacturers recommend, that after opening a bag of dry dog food, that it is best to use it up within 2 months.  I have 4 dogs, so I go through a bag of kibble really fast, but I personally use a 45-day rule.  If a bag of kibble will not be used up within 45 days, then I will store the bag in our extra refrigerator or freezer.  If you don't have the option of storing in a refrigerator or freezer, then you are probably better off paying the higher overall price, of buying a smaller bag.  

As a simple explanation for the 45-day rule.  As an open, or expired kibble ages, the oils become rancid, and rancid oils become carcinogenic. 

I will add that there are many available storage containers, but none are better than the original bag, when properly rolled up and sealed.  We do have Vittles Vaults that we use occasionally, but we go through more than 50lbs of dog food per month, and at least 4 times that, when we have a litter.  Most of the time, we keep the food in the original bag, and store several days' worth, in a smaller container that will fit on the kitchen counter.  If we are using the Vittles Vaults, then we be sure to wash it out really well, to remove the oils, at least every 45 days.

The Importance of Adding Water to Kibble

Water is required for all cellular, organ, and tissue functions of the body. Mammals need to consume a certain amount of moisture, to digest their food properly. If it isn’t consumed with the food itself, the body compensates by robbing moisture from the tissues and sending it to the digestive tract to help facilitate the digestion of each dry meal. (Just imagine eating a bowl of breakfast cereal without the milk, or a whole meal of oyster crackers without the soup- day after day.) Both the liver and kidneys can become stressed, and constipation and other health problems may result from insufficient moisture in the food. 

Most kibble, only contains a maximum of 10% moisture, so adding water to kibble, can increase hydration, improve digestibility, and enhance aroma for picky eaters, especially benefiting seniors, puppies, or dogs with dental issues.

Benefits of Adding Water to Kibble

• Increased Hydration: Helps dogs who do not drink enough water on their own, supporting kidney and urinary health.

• Increased Urinary System Health: The urinary system is what processes and removes waste from the body, and this system depends on water to move waste through the system. If a dog does not have enough water intake, this can put them at risk of Urinary Tract Infections and other bladder issues.

• Supports Kidney Function: Kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste products from the blood and maintaining overall fluid balance. Adequate hydration is crucial for optimal kidney function. Adding water to your dog’s food can support their kidney health by ensuring they remain properly hydrated.  

• Better Digestion & Palatability: Softened kibble is easier to chew and digest, while warm water releases fats and aromas that entice picky eaters.

• Reduced Eating Speed: If your dog eats their food too fast, it can cause bloat, choking, gagging, and vomiting. If your dog has a tendency to gulp, gobble, or eat their food very fast, adding water to your dog’s dry food, can cause them to slow down.

• Weight Management: Obesity is a common problem in today’s dogs, leading to various health issues like diabetes, joint problems, and cardiovascular diseases. Soaking kibble in warm water for several minutes, can help in weight management. The added water increases the volume of the food, which can help your dog feel fuller without consuming extra calories. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs that tend to overeat or those on a weight loss program. A sense of satiety from the increased volume of food can reduce the likelihood of begging for more food between meals. To add to this point, if your dog is receiving an appropriate amount of food each day, adding a can of no salt added green beans, along with the water that is in the can, will many times help them feel fuller., but will not add a ton of calories.

• Promotes Healthy Skin and Coat: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat. Dehydration can lead to dry, flaky skin and a dull coat, which can be uncomfortable for your dog and lead to excessive scratching or skin infections. By adding water to their food, you help keep your dog’s skin hydrated from the inside out. This can result in a healthier, more lustrous coat, reducing the need for frequent grooming or veterinary treatments for skin conditions. 

Potential Risks and Drawbacks

• Bacterial Growth: If left out, moistened kibble becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, potentially causing illness.  This is why it is crucial to not leave moistened kibble out for much longer than 30 minutes. If your dog doesn't finish within 30 minutes, you should either throw it out, or place the food in the refrigerator, to be eatten later that day.

• Dental Issues: If kibble is soaked to the point that it becomes soft, soft food may not provide the same dental benefits as crunchy kibble, potentially increasing plaque buildup. Honestly though, it can be debatable on whether kibble actually helps to begin with.

How to Properly Add Water

• Water to Kibble Ratio: The amount of water you add to your dog’s kibble depends on several factors, including your dog’s size, the type of kibble, and your dog’s preference. A good starting point is a 1:1 ratio of water to kibble. For example, if you serve one cup of dry kibble, add one cup of water. You can adjust this amount based on your dog’s response—some dogs may prefer more moisture, while others might prefer less. 

• Use Clean Fresh Water: Always use clean, fresh water when hydrating your dog’s kibble. Avoid using hot water as it can alter the nutrients in the kibble. Instead, use lukewarm water, which can help release the aroma and flavors of the food, without damaging its nutritional content. Cold water can also be used, especially in warmer weather, to help cool your dog down. I personally prefer to always use filtered water, instead of tap water. See the tab on water for more information. 

• Soak Time: Let it soak for 2-10 minutes. For a picky eater, add warm (less than 120°F) water, and let soak for up to 15 minutes, to release aromas.

• Crucial Safety Tip: As mentioned above, if the dog does not eat the food within 30 minutes, discard it or refrigerate it, as it will spoil.

• Avoid: Never use hot water, which can destroy some nutrients, and ensure the food is not too hot before serving. 

Filtered Water versus Tap Water

As we all know, most tap water has been through a filtration process, but even with that, most tap water still contains many toxins.  It is for this reason, that I recommend using filtered water with your Meirzah puppy.  There are different filtration methods to choose from:

1.  The best option is to use a Reverse Osmosis system to filter your tap water.  There are many options available on Amazon.  You do have to do some research on RO systems, because some types, especially if they include deionization, can remove ALL minerals from the water, leaving water tasteless and void of any nutrients.

I have not done much research on these, but below are a few examples:

https://amzn.to/4kJHQRc 

https://amzn.to/4s2mCAy 

https://amzn.to/46cL7SY 

2. The next best option is to use a water filter system like Boroux or Berkey.  After doing some research, I personally decided to add a Boroux to our household, back in July.  So far we are really liking it.  The initial cost is not cheap, but the filters last a really long time, before they need replacing.

   • Why you need a water filter! 

   • Info page of Boroux systems actually remove. 

   • Boroux water filter systems 

Boroux systems on Amazon for comparison

2. • https://amzn.to/46auSG3 1.8 Gallon

   • https://amzn.to/3ZJtNBl 3 Gallon

3. The next best would be a Zero Water pitcher or similar 5 stage pitcher.  We actually did this route before switching to the Boroux, but found the filter replacements to be very costly. With a family of 4 adults and 4 dogs, we were having to replace filters about every 2 weeks, and that was with letting it get beyond the recommended number to change. I do find that the pitcher style is better, than the dispenser style especially when filling up dog water bowls, but I deal with the dispenser on our Boroux, so you could make it work.

   • • https://amzn.to/3OPzkE4  12 cups

     • https://amzn.to/4qN2ZeG  32 cups

     • https://amzn.to/4tNActe Pack of 2 replacement filters

     • https://amzn.to/4qEmF4b Pack of 6 replacement filters

4. The easiest and most common is using water from a filtered refrigerator.  If your refrigerator has a really good filter then this might be a good option, but I felt that we could do a lot better than our refrigerator filter.  Plus, using a refrigerator water dispenser, can take a long time to fill up a dog water bowl. 

Toy Recommendations

Balls

I HIGHLY recommend avoiding regular tennis balls with your Meirzah puppy!!! Most Goldens will de-fuzz a tennis ball and then chew up the inside core.  Even if your Golden does not, tennis balls are very abrasive and will wear down teeth over time.  I used to be a foster for a Golden Retriever rescue, and I have seen the damage firsthand, that tennis balls can do to their teeth.  

Some of mine really like these balls.  You do have to be careful with the size, but they should be safe overall, even as an adult.
https://amzn.to/4rXsGKq  6 pack of multi-colored squeaker balls

My boy Ike prefers these!  They also work great for fetching in a water.
https://amzn.to/4aDzLca  Indestructible floating balls

These aren't too bad, but mine tend to rip them up.
https://amzn.to/4kEpX6a Hartz Dura Play Balls

These are great especially for puppies to grab on to, as a safer option.
https://amzn.to/4qJip3w Chuckit! Air Fetch Ball Medium 2 Pack

https://amzn.to/4rp3hcA Chuckit! Breathe Right Ball Large 2 Pack

Another type that mine like.
https://amzn.to/4aVmfSq Spikey Ball 4 pack

Launcher and Ball
https://amzn.to/4azhLzr 

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Interactive toys

https://amzn.to/4qIinJ2  Auto Moving Bouncing Vibrating Ball 2 pack

https://amzn.to/3OOtFhz Babble Ball

https://amzn.to/4c344v5 Wobble Wag Giggle Ball

https://amzn.to/4qUgh9m Hyper Pet Doggie Tail

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Stuffies

https://amzn.to/4aqlYXz  All of my Goldens love these stuffed versions of themselves. 

https://amzn.to/4aTAYNH  Tough indestructible tug-o-war toy

https://amzn.to/4kHqN21 Outward Hounds Durablez Gecko

https://amzn.to/3ZK6F5J Bite Force Durable Strong Dog Toy

https://amzn.to/3OfHVjv Bite Force Durable Strong Dog Toy

https://amzn.to/4ayBGA1 Outward Hound Hedgehogz

https://amzn.to/4tJEFgo  No Stuffing Squeak toy 4 pack

Artificial Chews

https://amzn.to/4kHL0og Tough Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers 3 Pack

https://amzn.to/3MsJslD Benebone Puppy up to 30lbs 2 Pack

https://amzn.to/3Ofb4eF Benebone Wishbone Large

Eatible Chews

https://amzn.to/4aIuoII  Nylabone Healthy Edibles Puppy 16ct

https://amzn.to/4kHPsDu  Nylabone Puppy Teething Rings 6ct

https://amzn.to/46bi5Do DentaLife Daily Oral Care Dog Treats for Large Dogs

These are great for crating time.  You can either buy the refills or even use the mold, and mix up your own treat balls to put inside.
https://amzn.to/4tCYkOV  WOOF Starter Pack

These Snoop toys are great to add kibble or treats to, and let your Golden use their minds, while also keeping them busy for a little while.
https://amzn.to/3ZJ3Vpq Outward Hound by Planet Dog Lil' Snoop

If you ever plan to give your puppy Yak Cheese, I highly recommend these.
https://amzn.to/4rpn9MT  Bonehead Large Dog Chew Holder

This is an awesome website for edible chews!!!
https://duckdogz.com/ 

Good old fashioned Kong toy.  Most people add peanut butter or other yummy ingredients and freeze them, for extended enjoyment.
https://amzn.to/4qJwRso