Troosers Too Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Hi - I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice. I've got an 11 month old ESS bitch who just won't put on any weight. She's very happy, fit & healthy like any mad springer would be, but boy is she thin. She does seem to have a very delicate stomach and any change of routine makes her scour quite bady (for example if she goes to the kennels for a week). Once home we fed her on Chudley's (I think the Classic) and added in some boiled pheasant from the freezer, also giving her some probiotic goop and this has firmed up her stools. With all this in mind, I'm considering trying her on a BARF diet. The problem with this diet would be when we are away with the dog and getting BARF foods becomes difficult. How do other people hande this situation and would it cause havoc in her guts to change back to a dried food diet when we are away or when she goes to the kennels? Any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks TT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new to the flock Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 TT, It is not recommended to switch back and forth between the two. The people that I know on BARF take coolers of the dogs food with them when they travel. Before changing her diet, I would look at why she may be thin. First stop would be the Vets with a stool sample, I would be asking for a check for worms, as well as coccidia. If this proved negative I would be looking at possibly switching the kibble that she is on to something designed to be fed at a slightly higher rate to increase body weight. Again talk to your Vet to see what they would recommend. NTTF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troosers Too Posted June 25, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 NTTF, First off, let me say thank you for all the training tips that you've posted on here - they've been really helpful to us (pup, wife & myself). The vet has had a look at the pup last time she came back from the trainer/kennel and suggested the probiotic & that certainly cleared up the scour within a couple of days. She (dog - not vet!) has been wormed recently as I suspected that this might be the problem. I guess you may be right & we'll have to get a stool sample tested. For now, I'll take your advice, again, and try her on a different brand of dried food to see what happens. Cheers TT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadSpringer Posted June 26, 2008 Report Share Posted June 26, 2008 Read this book for a basic introduction to BARF http://www.crosskeysbooks.com/product_info...products_id=378 As for holidays just pop to the local butchers or supermarket for liver, heart and chicken wings, all will be fine whilst away! If you put her in kennels then they should accommodate for the diet if you supply the raw materials so to speak. As for her being on the thin side I would not worry as long as she is wormed regularly, fit and healthy. You will find she will fill out as she matures, I've had bitches not hold weight until they are 3-4 years old. These bitches have all been the keen busy type (normal spaniels) but have also been very intense and tense just sat in the kennels, you can see them burning energy off just sitting! If you switch to BARF feed her a little extra tripe once she is used to the diet and you'll find she'll gain a little weight. Remember a healthy dog should be fit, keen and lean. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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