Those who follow my blog know the struggles we've had with both our furbabies having seizures. Stella started having them throughout last year and Gracie has had some over the past 4 years. She's also had bouts of pancreatitis which then turned into EPI. After spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars on tests with no answers, we were basically told "some dogs just have seizures."
Really? Sorry, I'm not buying it. There's an underlying cause and I was going to try and figure it out.
Over the years I have purchased every &$*@% brand of quality dog food out there (I am not exaggerating) and we had problems with all of them. Stella and Gracie both have sensitivities to certain foods which is a nightmare to deal with.
I truly believe not only are many foods causing us humans problems, it's also affecting our furbabies. I could go on and on and on about our food... But I won't. I'll just ask you to raise your hand if you have suffered with indigestion, acid reflux, GERD, or esophagitis. (I am raising my hand)
How about raise your hand if your vet ever mentioned your dog or cat can get bouts of acid reflux, GERD, or esophagitis. (I am raising my hand)
After endless hours of research I came across a home cooked dog food recipe I found from a (nutritional) veterinary medical center that sounded logical as far as protein, fat and fiber goes. Heck, I was willing to try any recipe to help my girls.
Well, I am happy to report Gracie and Stella have both been seizure free since the beginning of September. We have no doubt the new diet has helped.
Basically the recipe calls for four main food ingredients. Chicken thighs, low fat cottage cheese, brown rice and spinach. It does call for strict measuring of these ingreds. I do buy organic brown rice and chicken that has no antibiotics/growth hormones since Stella had sensitivities to poultry. It's pricier, but I figure the $$ we save in vet bills (and keeping our sanity) is worth it.
I feed them 4-5 small meals a day and add in some dry kibble. I found Canine Caviar (Grain Free Limited Ingredient Alkaline food) to work the best for them.
I'm not saying this home cooked diet will free your dog from seizures. Absolutely not. I am saying so far, it has helped ours.
As you can see when I'm making their slop, they both come a runnin' looking for a pawout. Which I am happy to oblige.
Stella is always determined to get a better view.
So we've got out fingers crossed hoping and praying they continue to be seizure free.
Okay, I am stepping down from my dog food soapbox.
((giggle))
Happy Wednesday night, all.
:> )
5 comments:
Hi Karin. Thanks for the update on your beautiful girls. I'm so glad that they are both doing so well. I know how much they both mean to you and your husband. They also mean a lot to everyone who follows you. I feel as if I know Stella and Gracie personally.
"Some dogs just have seizures" is just such a pat reply. There is a reason why. Find it. Your girls are lucky to have you as their mommy. Not every dog has such a strong advocate.
Also, you're blessed to have those two wonderful girls.
Have a great day.
Hi again. Just a clarification. I meant the doctors needed to find out. My wording was awkward. You're a wonderful detective mommy.
Glad to hear Gracie and Stella's good news!
They are so stinkin' cute!
Audrey
Thanks, ladies. They truly are family. ♥
I knew what you meant, Phyllis. :> ) I agree. It's always, "We can test for this. Or we can test for that."
I know the bottom line is they are a business. But cripes! We didn't get any answers.
I was better off setting my money on fire. At least it would have kept me warm for a bit. ;> )
So happy the girls are great! and yes the food they eat is key. What lucky girls they are to have you for a mom.
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