My head is spinning.
I decided that I am going to try switching Chester and Gretel to grain-free food. I have become more conscious about what they eat over the last year since watching a lot of my Dachshund friends switch to feeding raw and having to go wheatless myself.
The biggest reason I was intrigued with raw is that it is supposed to naturally get rid of the plaque on their teeth. I have thought about it for months and I don’t think I am ready to take the raw leap. For me it seems to take too much preparation – cooking, mixing, blanching, freezing, refrigerating or any combination of the above.
However, just because I don’t want to go raw doesn’t mean there is no room for improvement in Gretel and Chester’s diet.
In the VPI Pet Insurance article titled Raw Food Diet for Pets: Benefits Versus Risks, Carrie Hyde, the co-owner of The Organic Paw and former veterinary technician, says to people like me who aren’t ready to switch to a raw diet:
“The benefits of a grain-free food are positive for pets who may have allergies to fillers, or for owners who want to feed their pets a higher quality food with a few simple ingredients.”
I plan to attempt climbing Mount Adams, the second highest peak in Washington State (12,281 ft), with Chester and Gretel this summer so I am definitely interested in feeding them a higher-quality food with more muscle-building protein.
I currently feed them Avoderm – a top of the line kibble – but it is made with grain. Grain is really just a filler and contains a lot of carbohydrates. Being an athlete myself, I figured that if more carbs were good for me then they were good for the dogs too.
It turns out that dogs don’t work like us.
According to Dog Food Advisor, dogs nutritionally require ZERO carbohydrates to sustain life. The article goes on to state, “according to the National Research Council and compared to the other two major nutrients —protein and fat — no[t] carbs are considered essential for a healthy canine diet. Dogs don’t need corn. And they don’t need wheat, barley rice or potatoes, either.”
A HealthyPets.com article by Dr. Karen Becker states, ” Your very active, athletic dog needs a nutrient-dense diet that provides optimum energy in a small quantity of food. The protein source should be good quality and animal-based, and the food should be relatively high in dietary fat, including supplementation with raw organic coconut oil. The main components of a raw diet for an athletic dog with no health problems include raw meaty bones, muscle and organ meats, a few dark green vegetables, a constant supply of fresh clean water, and appropriate supplementation as needed.”
Based on this information, grain-free seems the best choice for small active dogs because it has the least carbohydrates, and highest protein and fat, of all kibbles.
I actually did try grain-free kibble for a couple of weeks when I got a bunch of free samples from the WA State Pet Expo and didn’t see a difference. However, I mixed the grain-free food with their regular stuff so it wasn’t totally grain-free. Also, my friend Jenn at Health Mutt told me that I need to try them on the diet for three months to really see the difference.
So my first step in this plan is to research the grain-free kibble options out there. That is why my head is spinning. There are so many different ones. I have already started my research and have a couple of brands I am leaning towards but I need to look into them more.
In the next two posts, I will share my basic and detailed grain-free research with you. After that I will keep you posted on how eating grain-free food is working for Chester and Gretel.
Seattle DogSpot says
February 1, 2012 at 10:39 PMDylan started on Avoderm but was allergic to avacados. Since he switched to grain free his itchy ears have gotten better and he is skin isn’t so dry.
AdventureJess says
February 2, 2012 at 7:06 AMI have heard that some dogs can be allergic to Avocados. We have tried several traditional kibbles over the years and we always go back to Avoderm. It totally got rid of Chester’s dry, itchy skin and made his fur shiny. Just more proof that there isn’t one best food for one dog. It’s important to find the one that works best with your dog. Glad you found yours.
SUGAR says
February 2, 2012 at 4:24 AMWoof! Woof! Good Post … Due to my allergies, I’ve been Grain Free for many many years and doing well. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
AdventureJess says
February 2, 2012 at 7:03 AMGlad to hear it works for you. Gretel has minor allergies so we will see if there is any improvement there.
Gretchen says
February 2, 2012 at 6:52 AMI’m looking forward to seeing the results of your research. I feed Kendall Natural Balance Fish and Sweet Potato. It’s one of the simplest foods I could find and she loves it. She loves anything and everything sweet potato. It comes in small breed size, so the chunks are just the right size. We can’t feed raw because Delta Society (Pet Partners) doesn’t let you feed raw and go out and do therapy dog work.
AdventureJess says
February 2, 2012 at 7:02 AMInteresting. I didn’t know that about therapy dogs but it makes sense. If raw food is not prepared right it can give dogs “bugs” I guess.
Katie says
February 2, 2012 at 7:02 AMGreat idea! We feed Eleanor Wellness Core. She eats it up (and and cat is always trying to steal it too), but we chose it based on what was available near us and price. We’ve also tried Fromms and like it. Someone told me once that with Fromms, you can change the flavour from bag to bag and it won’t bother the dog’s tummy. Can’t wait to see what you decide is best for your two!
AdventureJess says
February 2, 2012 at 7:08 AMI have not heard of Fromms…but maybe it is a Canadian thing 🙂 I had to stop looking at some point though. There are way too many out there and I started to not be able to keep them straight.
Karen says
February 2, 2012 at 7:33 AMHi! I have three mini doxies, ages 10, 4, and 1 and I switched from a high quality food with grain to grain free about 8 months ago. They were already quite healthy and active, but I was surprised to really notice a difference after a month or so. Their coats got even shinier, so much that my friends noticed and commented on it. They have been walking farther and faster and I am very happy with the food I chose, which is Innova Evo. Has to be the Evo type which is hard to find everywhere, but so worth it. Good luck!
Robin says
February 2, 2012 at 8:22 AMEvo is great, my 3 dachshunds are on it also but they get fat really fast so you have to watch portion size. Sojos is a great dehydrated raw veg food that you can mix turkey in that is great too. My vet actually switched her performance dogs to Sojos and really likes the results. http://www.sojos.com/
Jen says
February 2, 2012 at 8:28 AMWhen we first got Elka, we didn’t set out to feed her grain-free. There came a time when she wasn’t doing as well on the recommended food from her breeder (Holistic Select) and I decided to change. I went with the grain free California Natural lamb, which she really liked, and did well on….until my store stopped carrying it. I figured “well, she doesn’t have allergies”, and went with California natural lamb and rice. She was hungry all. The. Time. Legitimately hungry, not “I’m a dog, what do you have?” hungry. We went through the bag in no time flat.
So, back to grain free. We use Taste of the Wild Wetlands Formula and have been very happy with it!
AdventureJess says
February 2, 2012 at 9:35 AMInteresting you say that. I have heard that dogs may be satisfied with less if the food is grain free because they are getting quality nutrients and not a bunch of filler. I will be curious to see if I notice a difference in Gretel because right now she scarfs her food like a little piggie. Could just be the way she was raised though (adopted her from unkown circumstances).
Amy says
February 2, 2012 at 10:48 AMGood for you. Yes, raw is definitely a lot of work, and sometimes I find myself wishing I could go back to kibble, but it just isn’t worth it to me. I’m sure Chester and Gretel will do great!
AdventureJess says
February 2, 2012 at 10:59 AMIf I started I don’t think my conscious would let me go back either…at least not eadily. There would always be this “what if”. That is why I feel comfortable with just taking a step in the right direction for now.
Kolchak & Jodi says
February 2, 2012 at 5:44 PMBravo! This is a great change for the pups. We are HUGE advocates of grain-free nutrition over at Kol’s Notes. Most people are surprised at how much softer, brighter and vibrant their already healthy dogs look and feel making the switch.
Definitely make sure you read the bag label for serving sizes when you switch, it’s not just a myth – they should get LESS of the grain-free food because it is more nutritious (and as an added bonus, smaller poops, though how big can doxie poops really be??)
If there is anything we can do to help in the switch, don’t hesitate to give us a bark. You might notice some initial “fluffing” and shedding of the fur/skin a month or so in and it freaks people out. It’s totally normal – don’t sweat it!
AdventureJess says
February 2, 2012 at 5:55 PMThanks for the great advice! Chester already sheds like crazy..as in I am surprised he still has any hair 🙂 It will be interesting to see if he starts shedding less. I am choosing a food that in no more than 100 calories more than the one we already feed. With all the hiking we do I actually have trouble keeping weight on Chester and Gretel. The vet says they need to GAIN a half pound. That being said, I know that grain-free is more nutrient dense so I will feed them the regular amount at first and then adjust accordingly if I need to. Less poop to pick up in the back yard is a plus for sure. Ha, ha.
Sheri Gitthens says
February 2, 2012 at 7:09 PMHi Jess, have you heard of the Honest Kitchen line of dehydrated raw dog foods? I started my little ones on it last year, WOW! What a difference. Their coats are shiny and beautiful, their teeth are in great shape, they seem to feel real good. I just love feeding this food to them. They do have some with grain and some grain free varieties. It only takes 5 minutes to rehydrate it, it’s great to take on hiking and camping excursions. You can add kibble to it if you like, add your own ingredients or no add anything at all. Check it out when you get a chance.
AdventureJess says
February 2, 2012 at 7:49 PMI have. I may eventually move to that but for now I am sticking with grain-free at home and Stella and Cheweys patties to take camping with us. They are raw and rehydrate too but without the powdery mess. Glad to know Honest Kitchen worked so well for you though. I will definitely keep that in mind.
Kas says
February 2, 2012 at 8:28 PMWe feed grain-free kibble and home-cooked meals as well. Our guys have very small stools, shed quite little, have never been sick (knock on wood!), perform rather well in dog sports, and are overall very active, healthy, happy dogs. We know that this has alot to do with their diet. Good luck on your kibble search! 🙂
2browndawgs says
February 3, 2012 at 5:36 PMWe feed grain free. Taste of the Wild Salmon (it has a fancier name, but I can’t remember…Pacific Blend or some such.) It has really worked well with our dogs because they are very active. Is good for both Thunder and Storm (and hopefully will for Freighter too). No raw for us. We travel too much and bringing that along would be a nightmare.
I do laugh sometimes because my childhood pet (a sheltie) was fed Top-Choice. I am sure it was full of all kinds of bad stuff and dyes. He lived to 23 years old.
Here is an old ad for it…lol.
AdventureJess says
February 3, 2012 at 8:18 PMI was just thinking today that I was interested in hearing what you fed your working dogs. I have been doing a lot of research on what to feed them. I am looking in that direction because I kind of consider Chester and Gretel “working dogs” because they hike so much. Similar energy needs. You said exactly what I am thinking about raw…bringing it along with us when we travel and camp and such would be a real headache.
Patti Ann says
February 4, 2012 at 7:41 AMI’m personally alittle bit concerned about going grain free due to the allergies (mostly ear-yeast problems), and using the more fat content foods for my purebred dachshund Ginger Rose. Ginger Rose should be a mini, however, after she was spayed her weight went up and she has am insatiable appetite!!! In other worlds,shes more of a sausage than a wiener. I am fearful of diabetes and blindness-(cushings as well) if I don’t trim her down. I have a dear friend with a mini that can eat and eat and eat-but she metabolizes well and stays very trim.
So, my concern is, what are my options due to Ginger Roses weight-(she needs to lose a pound or 2)and her allergies? I’m stuck on what to feed her. So many starches in some other dry foods, and that feeds her yeast. Then, there’s the weight problem
AdventureJess says
February 4, 2012 at 8:54 AMThanks for your questions Patti. Grain-free food is recommended for dogs with allergies. If they are caused from food it is most likely the grain content. I have actually read that it is the filler carbohydrates/grain in traditional kibble can cause yeasty ears. There are also grain-free foods that are even don’t have potato (white potato…sweet potato is something different) so if a regular grain free still doesn’t get rid of her allergies I would try one of those.
As you have expressed, keeping your Dachshund at a healthy weight is an important concern. I have found varying fat contents in grain-free food ranging from 11 to over 20%. The traditional kibble we feed now is 11% so if weight was one of our concerns I would go with a grain-free with a fat content similar to what they are getting in their traditional kibble now. Side note: active dogs need a food with somewhere around 20% fat where less active dogs should get somewhere around 15%. Same goes for calories as the current fat content – choose one that is closest to the calories they are getting now (it is possible as you will see with my research later). Still, Grain-free food is known for keeping your dog more satisfied because of the higher protein and nutrient content. My guess is that if you pick one with similar calories to what you feed now, gaining weight won’t be an issue (because a calorie is a calorie), however, I have heard that you may need to cut down portion size when you switch to grain free.
Because of her allergies and need to lose weight, this would be what I would do if it were me: Switch her to grain free with a calorie, fat and protein content closest to what she is getting now (or at least not more). Cut the amount of kibble you currently feed her in half but make up the “other half” with canned, no sodium green beans and the occasional scoop of canned pumpkin (not sweetened the kind for pie). While she is trying to lose weight, keep her in-between snacks to a minimum but when you do give them to her, pick low calorie ones like 3-calorie Zuke’s Mini Naturals or give her a green bean (not joking…I have friends that do that) and take her on an extra 10 minute walk (minimum) most days of the week. I put Chester on a similar diet and he lost 3 pounds in about 4 months.
I will be giving more details on my research later including fat, calorie, carb ans protein content of some of the most popular grain-free foods.
Tara Hart says
February 6, 2012 at 8:55 AMHi there – I work with Taste of the Wild and also feed it to my mini-doxie, Molly Jane. MJ has done AWESOME on ToTW! When I adopted her she had bald spots all over, dry skin and often refused to eat unless I was standing next to her. She has the SOFTEST skin ever and now dances for her food! She hasn’t gained a pound and has good poos, too. I highly recommend ToTW, not just because I work with them, but because of my personal experience. You can call them and get some samples to try, if you’re interested. I see a lot of folks recommend going 100% grain-free (meaning treats, too) so after you transition Chester and Gretel, you might consider that.
Good luck!!
AdventureJess says
February 6, 2012 at 7:36 PMI have looked at TOW but we are looking for something with a little more fat and protein to start. If they start to gain too much weight I am thinking I would switch to the TOW for a little less fat and calories….and cheaper price tag.
cyndiann says
August 5, 2012 at 5:31 PMA couple of comments. You said ” I don’t think I am ready to take the raw leap. For me it seems to take too much preparation – cooking, mixing, blanching, freezing, refrigerating or any combination of the above.”
There is no preparation in feeding raw except some bagging if you buy cases of meat as many do. You don’t cook it, mix it, blanch it. You buy it, freeze it then defrost it that morning to feed in the evening.
Second point is that dogs are better off with food that is processed as little as possible, just as people are. I’ve stopped eating processed foods just about all together and try to make most things from scratch, using organic when possible. I make my own mayo for instance, to stay away from soy which isn’t all that great when not fermented.
I feed my pets the same way. Any commercial food has a lot of ingredients in it and it’s over processed, cooked way too long in most cases, and has many ingredients that really doesn’t belong in a species appropriate diet. That is the key, the words species appropriate. That doesn’t include carbs at all, doesn’t include cooking, veggies, fruits, additives, supplements, spices, fillers, soy, anything at all but meat, bones and organ meats. The only exception I make is the addition of fish oil and vitamin e to even out the omegas that get out of whack when you feed your common grocery store meats which are full of antibiotics and were grain fed. If I could afford to feed grass fed I surely would!
I find it interesting that you are evolving as time goes on. Many people do, and most of those evolutions center around imitating what a dog would naturally eat in the wild (species appropriate). I just stopped the imitating and switched to the real thing. There really is no substitution no matter what those dog food companies say. Dogs are designed to eat raw meat. Their teeth are designed to rip up meat, their short digestive systems are designed to digest meat, their strong stomach acids are designed to digest meat. The lack of a “doggie” smell, the clean teeth, the shinier coat, the smaller stools, the great doggie breath, the increased energy, these things happen for a reason. All these things we once thought were a part of owning dogs turns out to be due to feeding improper foods and that’s all. Most of all, if you feed mainly kibble you are going against the natural wetness that comes from feeding species appropriately. They were never meant to eat food that is dried out like that and this factor alone causes a lot of problems in the long run. I noticed this with pet rabbits in the past too. When a rabbit is allowed to feed on grass and other natural foods they don’t drink water at all. Raw fed dogs drink much less than those on artificial diets. Adding extra water to kibble really doesn’t even things out. Dried out food isn’t natural at all.
AdventureJess says
August 5, 2012 at 6:06 PMI do not disagree that raw feeding mimics the most natural food source for dogs. It is often hard to thoroughly communicate all of your reasons (and I don’t feel that I need to) for doing something in writing. Again, I appreciate your opinion and passion but please respect my choice and stop bombarding me with comments trying to convince me. The number and tone of your comments come across as pushy, repetitive and like you are trying to “educate” me so I will make the same choice you did. As you said, it does seem I am evolving and I plan to experiment with raw food but will likely never go completely raw. Nothing you are saying to me is new information I have not researched on my own. I will not continue to try and explain my choice because it needs no defense.
cyndiann says
August 6, 2012 at 2:22 PMIt’s not about you. Lots of people post and read here. Over several days I’ve only posted about 5 times so obviously I’m not “bombarding” anything.
When I see something posted that is way off, especially when it would influence someone not to give raw a try, I say something. I’m sorry you find me a threat in some way. We are all here for the same reason, to give the best to our pets. Correcting inaccurate comments (“it seems to take too much preparation”) helps people and isn’t about convincing you at all. It’s about caring for dogs and wanting to see them treated as well as possible. The dogs come first, not you nor I.
Since I was not the only one posting positively about raw I have to assume I won’t find out what your real problem is. That’s ok. It doesn’t matter. The dogs come first.
AdventureJess says
August 6, 2012 at 2:50 PMWhen I say “It takes too much preparation” I mean for my liking. It is a personal statement of opinion as a reflection of what fits with my lifestyle and current routine. I did not make a blanket statement that it takes too long for everyone. You can not argue my personal opinion so that statement, in the context, is not “Inaccurate”.
This is my blog so I do take comments made here personally. That is the nature of blogs. Commenter are writing in reply to what you personally think, feel or experience. It IS a conversation between you and me. Tone is hard to communicate accurately in writing. I apologize if you think I have taken what you have said the wrong way. I do not mind a healthy debate at all. This felt more like a personal attack on my personal choice. Maybe it is due to your misunderstanding of the intention of my statement above.