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Recently I have been questioned about the special diet that my "babies" (dogs) are on. Especially seeing their sizes :) So I decided to just do a write up on.... Then all I'll have to do is direct them to my page ;)

When we took our pups home they were barely 3 weeks old. Too soon to leave the comforting presence of their mum and her nourishing milk. It is always hard if not impossible to find a substitute for mum's milk and the vet did warn me that it will be very hard for them to survive. (Wish he could see them now)... Our current vet is a different person due to change in towns/cities... And he visits our dogs quart- yearly to give the injections.

The first day was sort of rushed... Even my bro complained that I had got 3 puppies instead of the one that Mum had asked for. Well that was because or incase anyone didn't make it... sort of contingency against any mishaps... Prior to this adoption I had done some research which I'm summarising in point form below:


Normal cows milk is fatal for pups. It has to be SMA Milk or baby formula or goats milk.

1. Have to have a bottle to feed pups
2. Porridge, weetbix, rice mixed in milk is the normal solid diet
3. Cerelac and baby food is given as well

As the pups grown and start having teeth, they need protein. We got protein injections for our babies and put them on high protein diet.

1. Mince meat is not good. Not knowing just how old it is worms are a high possiblity.
2. Mince Meat- Pups/Dogs start shedding hair (from experience) and can start having worms (heart/tapeworms) - from Vet.
3. Dog food sold in Supermarkets are good but highly priced. If affordable go for it and if not then read below.
4. I buy fish fillets directly from Fiji Fish (sort of 40-50kg) and cook it with rice and vegetables and feed them 3 or more times daily.
5. The above dish has to be of a liquid consistency (sort of soup) and should be cooked without salt.
6. Salt is a direct link to the amount of hair the dogs shed. So lesser the better..
7. Do not feed them bones from chicken or other meat pieces which are small in size. This can get blocked inside their food passage. So the general assumption that food scraps from the table can be used as dog food is wrong.
   
8. Give them big bones to chew or sharpen their teeth on.
9. Give worming tablets regularly. Instruction are on the packets.
10. Visit the vets regularly and keep a medical folder for them.
    
11. We give 2-3 normal meals (depends on weather)... 3 times in cold weather and twice in hot times.
12. In between we give them snacks.
13. Some examples of snacks are:
• Breakfast crackers
• Bongo (as a treat once in a while)
• Smoked fish- the sardine variety
• Dog Biscuits
  
• Ice block (very special treat!!!)
• meat stock (Instead of discarding the liquid portions after boiling meat, cool it and give it to them as a treat)
• Milk
• And if you could think of anything :)

Some general tips:

• If you have more than 1 dog then always allocate separate dishes or bowls for them.
• Always feed them at the same time every day. Don't change the routine
• Feed them at the same place. Again do not change the routine.
• Allocate a part of the yard to them where they can run freely. Do not confine them...
  
• If you are tying them up also allocate an area for them and try to make it as comfy as possible. Place water bowls close by. Also give them their toys. And give them treats.
• If possible give them a dog house....
• Play with them, groom them regularly
• Most importantly.... Talk to them and love them...
  

Yes my friends... having pets are time consuming and should not, I repeat, should not be treated lightly. Those who can make the effort then and only then they should get pets. Nowadays having pets is like having kids. Its for life unless you are a hard hearted person and can have a pet "put down" due to inconvenience....

Nowadays the proper terminology for pets are companions and where once people were called pet owners, they prefer being called as caregivers :)

So hope this was of some help... :) Let me know how it goes with your pups!!!