If we have ever discussed dog food, you know it’s one of my favorite subjects..for many reasons!
First because I LOVE DOGS. I believe it is our responsibility to take care of our families. Fur or otherwise.
Next, they deserve it! Just as we deserve to have healthy, nutritious food available to us..so should all the animals we choose to bring into our lives.
Then., I started my work with dogs in a veterinary clinic decades ago. There was so little thought to nutrition back then. Only costly treatments of symptoms. Not much has changed since.
Lastly, I have spent countless hours researching, developing and testing recipes to support pet health. What I’ve found after all of those years is that it can be simple. It can be cost effective, and it can improve the life of your Dog and improve the life you have with them AND the longevity!
SO! Here are the ingredients I use in my most basic stew STEW LOVE if you will.
You can use all of the ingredients, or some, or add different things according to your dog’s needs or tastes. You could even call me to make it for you!
I make my food without too much measurement, but I find making it with a stew like consistency is the most popular and effective use.
*This recipe is intended for supplemental feeding. Additional ingredients required to meet complete diet standards.
Ground Turkey
1 or 2#’s
wild caught whitefish (pollock, sole, smelt)
Alternative to whitefish can be canned pink salmon, sardines or whole smelt etc
canned pumpkin puree
sweet potato – I process mine with eggs in processer
whole egg, shell included (1/2 an eggshell fulfills daily requirement of calcium for most dogs)
apples or applesauce(unsweetened)
Baby lima beans
cut broccoli
French cut green beans
sliced carrot
brown rice
gluten free oats
This is the base recipe. You can use any other combo of fresh, dog safe ingredients.
I choose these to be a low allergen, low carb, low sugar option as a base for dogs with certain health issues. There’s so much more you can do!
If you want to know more get in touch! Or check out these great references I use myself Thanks. for caring!
Tag Archives: Health
Puppys First Grooming
I absolutely love when a client calls for Puppy’s first visit!
Puppies are not only adorable, but I appreciate the opportunity to make that first visit a great experience.
I’ve been in the dog care business for over 30 years, and I believe it is extremely important that the first grooming experience is a fully positive experience.
Here are a few guidelines I recommend when you are ready to get your pup started.
1. Finding a Groomer.
Finding a Groomer who is qualified and that truly cares, respects and understands the importance of that first experience is vital. Someone who is committed to taking the time and patience to build a trusting relationship with your puppy while respecting their boundaries, will make all the difference in your pup’s attitude and comfort when it comes to spaw day! Dogs are our family and its our job to raise, protect and advocate for them.
2. Start Them Young!
Bringing your pup in at a young age, gives them and your groomer a chance to help them acclimate to the grooming process. It’s important they get used to being handled on the table, staying (somewhat)still, brushing, nail trimming, bathing etc.. The goal being a dog that enjoys the attention and experience each time, trusts their Groomer and is calm and relaxed throughout the process.
Folks who come expecting a full haircut that first appointment…. who wait until the dog is almost grown and has a full, overgrown coat and little experience outside the home or at least in a grooming shop are almost always disappointed.
Dogs require and deserve time to get used to the pampering process. It is my goal and my favorite sight to see so many of my furry clients come bounding through the door excited for their spaw day!
3. Maintenance.
Once your puppy has had their first grooming it is important not to let too much time pass before the next. You run the risk of them forgetting all they learned at that first important visit and having to start the process over again. If too much time passes between grooming it will likely mean a longer process. More time and handling for your dog to tolerate and more cost to you. Creating a schedule with your groomer is a great idea. Regular grooming is an essential part to your dogs, health, comfort, and well-being. Whether you have a dog that needs regular haircuts or regular brushing staying on a schedule will benefit your dog, you, your floors, wallet and your Groomer!
Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that a good groomer will have patience and never force or push your puppy beyond their limits. Coming home from that first visit may look like a partial trim or just the essentials getting done. Rest assured the time taken today will benefit you and your dog for their lifetime.
Thank you for Caring!
Kimberley Welch
Healthy Nails!
Hello fellow dog lovers! I’d like to discuss a sometimes forgotten health point for our furry friends.
FEET!!
Your pups Paws.. your terriers tootsies.. your dogs..dogs. 🙄😆🐾
There are many health aspects that pertain to our dogs feet.
From the health of their pads and the care of the fur between…
to the length of their nails and the many moving parts.
They are regulators of temperature, supporters of joints and muscle and are quite necessary for rambling about for adventure and play.
Today I want to focus on those nails..
🐾When a dogs nails are at a healthy length there is less of a chance of a painful break and often profuse bleeding.
🐾Also there are adverse affects on your dogs gait, their hips, feet and back when nails are too long.. especially the older pups.
And no one likes getting scratched during an over enthusiastic greeting.
Length is important. 🐾
The best way to achieve and keep your pups paws safe is regular trimming.
* When a nail grows longer the bloodline or ‘quick’ grows along with it. Making it difficult and often traumatic and dramatic to trim.
* However when you trim just the right amount the bloodline retracts. And there are usually no tears🥲
* Once the bloodline retracts getting a trim on a timely basis can quickly get that quick to a healthy length.
* Then.. depending on your dogs age, size and activity level you can space out regular nail trims and keep them healthy!!
* Another issue has been dogs NOT liking having their feet fooled with!! I have a lot of experience with this and have seen great improvement with positive reinforcement and building trust.
I’m happy to work regularly with your pup to get them to a point of relative comfort with their feet.
Contact me anytime to set up a nail trim. It usually only takes a few minutes and the charge is only $10.
Next post will be about the importance of pad health and keeping those dogs.. dogs healthy and cool. ❤️🐾❤️🐾
Thank you for caring❤️🐾
A Dog Novel…
A couple of weeks ago we had a full day of distinguished doggos.
It was a quiet, calm, slow paced day and I enjoyed it very much. I’ve always had a soft heart for elderly pups. Grooming them, adopting them and loving on them. 
This day reminded me how special they are and how lucky anyone who has spent a part of their life with one is.
It inspired me to address some of the important needs and comforts that would improve the quality of their golden years. I’ll try not to ramble on…
First and foremost is diet. As dogs age their nutritional needs shift drastically. Especially if a dog has eaten highly processed food (kibble) most of their life. Simply supplementing their diet with real food can make a huge difference. Adding vegetables and proteins. Good fibrous foods and even spices and ingredients that can boost immunity and fight inflammation. There are so many options to pick and choose from to raise their quality of life, reduce stress and avoid illness and costly vet visits.
Another important step to a senior dogs comfort is grooming. Even if your dog didn’t get to the groomers much in younger years there are many reasons for regular grooming at this stage.
Like humans, dogs bodies change with time. They tend to shed more and seem to be growing fur constantly. Growing other things like warts, skin tags and all manner of lumps and bumps. All of which can present their own specific issues if left unchecked. Nails grow faster and thicker and often don’t get worn down as a dog’s activity levels dip. Long nails can also hinder their comfort not only in their paws but hips and spine as well. Most importantly regarding grooming is coming in regularly. Not only to make the experience short and sweet without the stress of having to spend long periods of brushing or trimming, BUT so we can see every inch of your aging pet regularly and be aware of any changes or issues that may occur and help owners be proactive.
I could seriously go on forever. However I will wrap this up by reiterating how important these things really are.
Specifically how much we truly enjoy pampering these sweet dogs with gentle brush outs, warm baths and pets and offering great advice and examples of nutritious, life improving food. They deserve TLC and patience and love. We’re happy to do our part. 
