Yonjuro

I think this is just one of those situations that happen sometimes, with both parties contributing. Your dog shouldn't have rushed over but they were equally a bit silly to take a reactive or aggressive dog, on leash, to an off leash park.

Scary situation for sure.

I don't think Mals are an aggressive breed but they are big. I believe most Mal owners keep them on a leash as they can be a bit like Huskies and don't have great recall. Hard to know whether the Mal was playing as they are quite mouthy when playing and look very scarey. Dunno really, but glad no one was hurt, I am also glad that the Mal owner was able to hold their dog back because they are super powerful.

I wouldn't say that either of you were in the wrong. It is natural for your dogs to be curious and it seemed the mal owner was keeping a good eye on his dog and acted quickly. In a perfect world your dogs wouldn't have approached the other dog and the mal wouldn't have reacted - but hey, we are seldom blessed with perfect scenarios :)

There is no such thing as an aggressive breed :) Each dog, even within a breed, is an individual. You can't say that this dog's behaviour was, or wasn't, aggressive because of it's breed.

I agree with what you are saying. As I said it is hard to know whether the mal was being aggressive - there is no way in hell that I would say I was certain it wasn't :)

Scary situation for sure.

I don't think Mals are an aggressive breed but they are big. I believe most Mal owners keep them on a leash as they can be a bit like Huskies and don't have great recall. Hard to know whether the Mal was playing as they are quite mouthy when playing and look very scarey. Dunno really, but glad no one was hurt, I am also glad that the Mal owner was able to hold their dog back because they are super powerful.

I wouldn't say that either of you were in the wrong. It is natural for your dogs to be curious and it seemed the mal owner was keeping a good eye on his dog and acted quickly. In a perfect world your dogs wouldn't have approached the other dog and the mal wouldn't have reacted - but hey, we are seldom blessed with perfect scenarios :)

I've seen the aftermath of a malamute after it killed a toy poodle belonging to a gorgeous elderly gentleman with no provocation whatsoever. This sweet old man was absolutely devastated to say the least. But the worst part was that the rotten piece of !!!!!! walked away with his dog and offered no assistance. On the other hand, another Malamute owner had the sweetest most gentle huge boy who loved the little dogs and was ever so gentle with them.

Wow, that is horrible, the same thing happened to a poodle at our local dog beach the attacking dog was a Great Dane. But yeah, any breed can be aggressive and the bigger they are the more dire the consequences. This mal in question may indeed have been agro, but had this been the case it would have been very very hard to restrain. They are bred to pull great weights. Any way, I am just hypothesising on the event :)

Scary situation for sure.

I don't think Mals are an aggressive breed but they are big. I believe most Mal owners keep them on a leash as they can be a bit like Huskies and don't have great recall. Hard to know whether the Mal was playing as they are quite mouthy when playing and look very scarey. Dunno really, but glad no one was hurt, I am also glad that the Mal owner was able to hold their dog back because they are super powerful.

I wouldn't say that either of you were in the wrong. It is natural for your dogs to be curious and it seemed the mal owner was keeping a good eye on his dog and acted quickly. In a perfect world your dogs wouldn't have approached the other dog and the mal wouldn't have reacted - but hey, we are seldom blessed with perfect scenarios :)

I know a lot of Husky owners swear by coconut oil (extra virgin if you can get it) for allergies and itching skin conditions - even flea rash. I will not say that this is going to be a cure-all or be right for your particular dog and conditions but it might be worth looking into if you are at your wits end. It is mainly used as a food supplement but can also be used topically.

I must state that I have no experience with elimination diets so I am unsure if adding another element to a diet will further complicate an already complicated process :)

I also think there has been some excellent advice given above from those with far more experience than I for such a condition.

5 Days of treatment and today is the first day she hasn't stopped and refused to continue our walk, she is no longer hopping or limping on her hind feet and today she actually wanted to pull out on her lead and run.

:thumbsup: Yea for Musher's Secret.

That is awesome news! Keep up with the Mushers Secret before and after long walks especially if on paths, gravel or bitumen. I agree that as others have said that I don't believe it will harden or toughen paws per se, but it will protect and heal. I would imagine that the paws will naturally become more resistant to the issues you have been experiencing over time.

Poor little thing

My first impression was she should be put to sleep, however she seems to be getting lots of care and love and seems to be relatively happy???? I dunno, it is very sad for sure

Yonjuro - a lot of people on this forum feed their dogs RAW - myself included.

However, people get a bit tired of having their choice - dried - run down all the time by a few raw zealots. This happens every few months when someone finds the dog food analysis website and post it up like it is the gospel. People are sick and tired of being called lazy for not feeding raw. I feed my dogs about 1/2 raw and 1/2 dried because I don't have a PhD in animal nutrition and don't want to miss out on nutrients. My dogs are happy and healthy. I spend most of my free time with them and they learn agility and obedience. They are walked daily and do tricks and tracking to keep their minds active. I am not a lazy owner and it is tiring hearing that cry from raw zealots.

I understand where you are coming from. However I haven't pushed raw at all in this thread. The links I first posted for information were primarily dry foods (many of which are available in Australia), if I were a zealot I would hardly recommend a site that gives unbiased reviews on dog food nor a retailer that sells primarily dry food.

I am all for people making an informed choice on the whichever food model or brand one wishes to take, I will say for the record that I do not believe that a raw diet is right for every dog. Nor do I believe that someone who likes to research food and nutrition is a zealot.

...Really! Wow, how silly of me :laugh: Look HW, I didn't recommend raw for this person so get off that merry-go-round!

Trying shedding the persecution complex. I'm not out to lynch you. I'm not being a smart arse.. its a genuine question. Why cook everything???

I have merely offered an alternative. I am sure that it would be possible to make an efficacious meal using raw ingredients, however I didn't wish to suggest such a controversial ingredient into this equation. This is a whole different debate.

Why cook everything???

I looked at that , and thought that there are lots of folks who dislike feeding/keeping raw food .. esp in countries where there are salmonella risks?

This... and it is probably easier to cook and combine the ingredients to prepare these meals and then freeze them.

For those with open minds, here is an article on foods for kidney issues.

http://www.dogfoodad...tein-dog-foods/

For those that want to consider making their own kidney specific foods here are some recipes; Beware though that these recipes contain no floor scraps, by products or flavour enhancers.

- Apologies to the OP for the thread drift as these foods are not dry.

I note all ingredients in the recipes are cooked.

I wonder if the cooking part is essential for some reason. ????

Beware though that these recipes contain no floor scraps, by products or flavour enhancers.

Really? What do you call bone meal?

erm...crushed up bone :laugh:

For those with open minds, here is an article on foods for kidney issues.

http://www.dogfoodad...tein-dog-foods/

For those that want to consider making their own kidney specific foods here are some recipes; Beware though that these recipes contain no floor scraps, by products or flavour enhancers.

- Apologies to the OP for the thread drift as these foods are not dry.

I note all ingredients in the recipes are cooked.

I wonder if the cooking part is essential for some reason. ????

...Really! Wow, how silly of me :laugh: Look HW, I didn't recommend raw for this person so get off that merry-go-round!

For those with open minds, here is an article on foods for kidney issues.

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/low-protein-dog-foods/

For those that want to consider making their own kidney specific foods here are some recipes; Beware though that these recipes contain no floor scraps, by products or flavour enhancers.

- Apologies to the OP for the thread drift as these foods are not dry.

The thing that opened my mind was actually having a dog diagnosed with kidney failure.

Beware in promoting alternative homemade diets to those with dogs that have kidney disease. It is a very serious condition and people should not attempt to try different recipes without consulting their vet first.

I agree with you the vet should be consulted for sure. If my dog had such an issue I would be researching everything I could fine to ensure a happy and healthy life. If Hills K/D came up as the best food for the condition I would 100% be feeding that. If I found a better way regardless of cost I would be taking the recipe in to the vet and discuss.

The OP said something along lines that her dog didn't have kidney disease. The vet believes that the higher protein foods were putting at bit of strain on her dogs kidneys but didn't need a specific kidney disease diet. I must admit I am a little unsure as to why a dry food is being sort. I would have thought the water in a wet food would have been valuable in helping process the foods.

I believe that even Hills don't recommend their prescription diets for dogs that don't require such a specific diet, so I would be hesitant to recommend such a diet for a dog that may not need it - regardless of my personal opinions of the quality of food used in their foods.

I truly believe that one of the great things about a forum or questions such as these is that you get to hear different views, some you might agree with and others not, as seems to be the case with a few usual suspects that attack anything I might suggest regarding food.

My vet, many years ago suggested my dog go on Hills canned w/d for crystals and stones and weight (I think it was WD I cant recall exactly it may have been RD but that is not crux of the issue anyway) . He also said that it was the easy solution, however he also suggested that if I was prepared to do my research and go to all the hassle of preparing the food, I would get a better, non-processed food that would be better for my dog. And this was coming from a Hills sponsored vet.

ahhh the lynching mob is almost complete now

For those with open minds, here is an article on foods for kidney issues.

That counts you out :laugh:

How very lame

For those with open minds, here is an article on foods for kidney issues.

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/low-protein-dog-foods/

For those that want to consider making their own kidney specific foods here are some recipes; Beware though that these recipes contain no floor scraps, by products or flavour enhancers.

- Apologies to the OP for the thread drift as these foods are not dry.

Chicken and Potato

Low Protein, Low phosphorus, High Potassium, Low Sodium

1/4 cup cooked chicken breast (72 grams)

3 cups potatoes boiled in skin (369 grams)

2 tablespoons chicken fat (28 grams)

1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600 mg calcium)

1/2 multiple vitamin mineral tablet

provides 689 kcalories, 18.9 g protein, 26.8 g fat

supports caloric needs of 21 to 22 pound dog

provides phosphorus 45%, potassium 301%, sodium 54% of a dog's daily needs.

To feed this diet with a normal amount of phosphorus substitute 3 grams bone meal powder for the 1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets

Beef and Potato

Low Protein, Low phosphorus, High Potassium, Low Sodium

2 ounces (raw weight) lean ground beef, cooked (57 grams)

3 cups potatoes boiled in skin (369 grams)

2 tablespoons chicken fat (28 grams)

1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600 mg calcium)

1/2 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet

provides 737 kcalories, 18.6 g protein, 32.5 g fat

supports caloric needs of 23 to 24 pound dog

provides phosphorus 43%, potassium 293%, sodium 54% of a dog's daily needs.

To feed this diet with a normal amount of phosphorus substitute 3 grams bone meal powder for the 1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets

Beef and Tapioca

Low Protein, Low phosphorus, Low Potassium, Low Sodium

4 ounces (raw weight) lean ground beef, cooked (114 grams)

2 cups tapioca, cooked, (125 g dry before cooking)

2 tablespoons chicken fat (28 grams)

1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600 mg calcium)

1/2 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet

provides 845 kcalories, 19.9 g protein, 37.2 g fat

supports caloric needs of 28 pound dog

provides phosphorus 18%, potassium 29%, sodium 55% of a dog's daily needs.

To feed this diet with a normal amount of phosphorus substitute 4 to 5 grams bone meal powder for the 1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets

Chicken and Tapioca

Low Protein, Low phosphorus, Low Potassium, Low Sodium

1/2 cup cooked chicken breast (143 grams)

2 cups tapioca, cooked, (125 g dry before cooking)

2 tablespoons chicken fat (28 grams)

1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600 mg calcium)

1/2 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet

provides 763 kcalories, 20.8 g protein, 27.3 g fat

supports caloric needs of 24 to 25 pound dog

provides phosphorus 20%, potassium 22%, sodium 55% of a dog's daily needs.

To feed this diet with a normal amount of phosphorus substitute 5 grams bone meal powder for the 1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets

Eggs and Rice

Low Protein, Low phosphorus, Low Potassium, Normal Sodium

1 cooked whole egg, chicken

2 cups cooked rice, white polished, long-grain (320grams)

1 tablespoon chicken fat (14 grams)

1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600 mg calcium)

1/2 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet

provides 721 kcalories, 15.2 g protein, 31.4 g fat

supports caloric needs of 23 pound dog

provides phosphorus 40%, potassium 30%, sodium 90% of a dog's daily needs.

To feed this diet with a normal amount of phosphorus substitute 3 grams bone meal powder for the 1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets

Yes I am aware that the K/D can be purchased on the net however it is supposedly meant to be a diet prescribed or recommended by a vet for a particular condition.

Okay so what you are saying is "Experience has taught me that there is no one answer as to the "right" diet for a dog." but feed Hills K/D because you have found it good???

I haven't recommended a true Raw diet as I don't think that it would be good based on the required protein levels. So I think you are being ridiculous by stating I am waxing lyrical about Raw to the OP. However I am glad you are happy feeding a food with a major component of Pig fat and liver flavouring :) I just thought it better to let the OP know what was in the food you are recommending.

This is meant to be a forum where people can contribute with different views on a topic, not get frustrated because someone has a view that differs from your own.

I wouldn't care if it was made from crushed Barbie dolls if it prevents my dog's kidney condition from deteriorating. I've been a forum member here long enough (since 2004) to know what its aims are and fully acknowledge that there will be many views different to mine. You are naturally entitled to your view. My point is that where people are seeking practical help, its good if people focus on providing it.

My mistake I had hoped that the link I provided would help the OP to easily find out what foods would match the desired dietary requirements - sorry that this was so detrimental to the process of finding what is out there in the market - go figure??

Did you even read the original post? They specifically asked for recommendations and didn't want to have to research.

...surprise surprise Minimax. I responded to the OP as no one else had after a couple of hours. I hoped to offer a link that would short cut the hours of research! But your post has been truly helpful. Many thanks.

Yes I am aware that the K/D can be purchased on the net however it is supposedly meant to be a diet prescribed or recommended by a vet for a particular condition.

Okay so what you are saying is "Experience has taught me that there is no one answer as to the "right" diet for a dog." but feed Hills K/D because you have found it good???

I haven't recommended a true Raw diet as I don't think that it would be good based on the required protein levels. So I think you are being ridiculous by stating I am waxing lyrical about Raw to the OP. However I am glad you are happy feeding a food with a major component of Pig fat and liver flavouring :) I just thought it better to let the OP know what was in the food you are recommending.

This is meant to be a forum where people can contribute with different views on a topic, not get frustrated because someone has a view that differs from your own.

I wouldn't care if it was made from crushed Barbie dolls if it prevents my dog's kidney condition from deteriorating. I've been a forum member here long enough (since 2004) to know what its aims are and fully acknowledge that there will be many views different to mine. You are naturally entitled to your view. My point is that where people are seeking practical help, its good if people focus on providing it.

My mistake I had hoped that the link I provided would help the OP to easily find out what foods would match the desired dietary requirements - sorry that this was so detrimental to the process of finding what is out there in the market - go figure??

Calm down HW, I am entitled to my opinion as much as you are. I am not prepared to make a specific diet recommendation for someone else's dog that is not 100% well, rather, I gave the OP some links to do some independent research into branded foods and their analysis - but this will take some effort on their behalf. One of the links shows exactly the protein and fat for each food which is what I thought the OP was needing. I have also given the information on the particular diet you are recommending so they can at least make an informed decision on its contents.

Sorry if this is not enough information to you. You however are prescribing a diet that should only come from a vet??

I can see that you and I will never agree on food and nutrition so lets just leave it at that shall we?

Nope, it can be bought over the internet without prescription :)

And don't worry, I'm calm. Just a tad frustrated at people trotting out their personal feeding philosophies when what people are seeking is practical help. You writing off foods you have no experience of feeding as "crap" IS unhelpful. This is not the only thread where that is occuring.

You can wax lyrical about raw feeding all you like with little argument from me as long as the assertions made have some basis in fact. 5 years ago I was as hard core on raw feeding as you can get. Then along came a dog that changed everything. Nowadays I'm in the middle ground. Experience has taught me that there is no one answer as to the "right" diet for a dog.

What I can tell you is feeding "crap" as you describe it to a dog diagnosed with early stage renal failure has held his kidney condition stable for over 12 months now. I call that a good result and a damn side more useful as advice than a bunch of internet links. The OP asked for dry food recommendations, not a sermon.

Yes I am aware that the K/D can be purchased on the net however it is supposedly meant to be a diet prescribed or recommended by a vet for a particular condition.

Okay so what you are saying is "Experience has taught me that there is no one answer as to the "right" diet for a dog." but feed Hills K/D because you have found it good???

I haven't recommended a true Raw diet as I don't think that it would be good based on the required protein levels. So I think you are being ridiculous by stating I am waxing lyrical about Raw to the OP. However I am glad you are happy feeding a food with a major component of Pig fat and liver flavouring :) I just thought it better to let the OP know what was in the food you are recommending.

This is meant to be a forum where people can contribute with different views on a topic, not get frustrated because someone has a view that differs from your own.

here are the specs, surely there has to be a better option out there for the OP, who states their dog's kidneys are under a bit of strain but not necessarily needing a drastic kidney disease diet.

Such as ?????

I gave a concrete example of what I feed. What's your suggestion other than "not Hills crap" ? How is what you're saying assisting the OP to feed her dog?

Calm down HW, I am entitled to my opinion as much as you are. I am not prepared to make a specific diet recommendation for someone else's dog that is not 100% well, rather, I gave the OP some links to do some independent research into branded foods and their analysis - but this will take some effort on their behalf. One of the links shows exactly the protein and fat for each food which is what I thought the OP was needing. I have also given the information on the particular diet you are recommending so they can at least make an informed decision on its contents.

Sorry if this is not enough information to you. You however are prescribing a diet that should only come from a vet??

I can see that you and I will never agree on food and nutrition so lets just leave it at that shall we?

Just a point to keep in mind with protein and kidney disease - the focus is not so much on restricting protein to low levels but ensuring there is not a 'surplus' for the kidneys to deal with. It's also important that it is good quality protein.

I gather phosphorus levels are important too Rappie?

I think K/D is 14% protein. I try to feed treats lower than that. For the older boy in my house, he loves Dentasticks and they are 10% protein or thereabouts. They are his daily treat. :)

here are the specs, surely there has to be a better option out there for the OP, who states their dog's kidneys are under a bit of strain but not necessarily needing a drastic kidney disease diet.

Ingredients

Brewers Rice, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Powdered Cellulose, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Beet Pulp, L-Lysine, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Citrate, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Iodized Salt, Calcium Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Threonine, Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Tryptophan, Magnesium Oxide, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.

Analysis

Protein - 14.7%

Fat - 19.4%

Carbohydrate - 59.4%

Crude Fibre - 2.3%

Soluble fibre - 0.8%

That is wonderful, thanks so much for sharing.

I am pretty sure the at the music is from an old Terrance Hill spaghetti western. My Name is Nobody???

Hi all, I am hoping you can spare me hours of research here! Casper's just had his 6-monthly vet check (I prefer to have him checked twice yearly now that he's no spring chicken). A blood test showed that his kidneys are taking a bit of strain (don't ask me the technical terms!) and the vet has suggested I change his food to a low protein one. I also need it to be low in fat and gentle for his sensitive stomach.

I know I'm asking for a lot but if you can point me in the right direction, I would appreciate it. I'm currently feeding him Holistic Select for Seniors and 1/2 Barf (usually rabbit) patty per day.

As always, thanks in advance.

Have a good look through this site http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/ they have most dry foods listed and will give you the ingredients, the protein fat etc %s and an overall rating. Check out the online shops that carry the lesser known brands so you can get an idea of what is available here in Australia. eg http://www.pookinuk.com.au/index.php/for-dogs.html this way you can make a short list and go from there. At least this way you can avoid crap like Hills.

Another solution is to explore making up your own barf that adheres to the protein/fat %s you require.

THat is great to hear. I only put the link for Waggle as they came up when I googled for an Aussie supplier so I am glad it worked out. Dunno if there are any Waggle people here, but I am sure they would be pleased with your positive feedback.

reminds me of a song lyric "the lunatics are running the asylum"

Great! Keep us posted with your results.

There was something similar in WA a couple of months ago. A blue staffy puppy stolen. The family who were regular battlers (not rich) ended up putting up a $5000 reward which got a lot of media coverage. A few weeks later they remortgaged their house and posted a $10000 reward, after which they got their dog back. It seems like a good business for scumbag dognappers or thieves