Feeding Advice??

[Nikki]

Have been reading through a lot of the posts about feeding and I'm now not sure what I should be feeding Millie (11 week BC) ??

She is fed on pedigree dry at the moment but reading previous threads this doesn't seem to be an ideal choice!

I have read about the raw diet but i don't think that would suit me very well as I'm not very good with meat

I would like to keep her on mainly dry food but with maybe a little variety for a treat such as possibly chicken or something like that??

Does anyone have any advice???

Sorry if it is a bit of a ramble!!!
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When a dog wags her tail and barks at the same time, how do you know which end to believe?

[Fiona]

James well beloved is the best on the market as far as I know
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Dogs are like Chocolate, you just can't have one!

[marcella]

Yes, James Wellbeloved or Burns if you want to feed dry food. Bin the Pedigree and whatever you do avoid Bakers!!!!! You'll end up with one VERY lively collie on your hands feeding either of these!

[Nikki]

Well she is a very hyper dog even after playing in the garden, but I was thinking it could be down to not being able to go for walks yet.

But after reading a lot of the threads i am now thinking it could be her diet as well.

I think I will go with burns.

Any recommendations on how to switch foods??
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When a dog wags her tail and barks at the same time, how do you know which end to believe?

[marcella]

If you contact Burns online I think they give good advice and also they might send you a sample!!!!!
Sheryl switched her dogs to Burns ........... she got quite a bit of advice from them.

[John Thomson]

Feeding is the most important decision you can make regarding your dogs health and well being.

Get as much info as you can and make your own mind up..........generally the less additives the better.........read labels and understand what they mean ( for example 'chicken meal' does NOT mean tasty pieces of chicken breast meat )

Every dog is different and will respond to a particular food in it's own way.........what works well for one dog may not work for another.
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John Thomson
www.cumbernaulddogtraining.co.uk

[Suzanne H]

We use James Wellbeloved - dog loves it and he seems to be thriving.

The amount worries me though - we fed him more than they stated and he was still very thin. So have upped it to 600g a day. (He is still growing and is meant to be lean).

[Fiona]

Jake currently eats 950g per day (most days a little more) and he is only 5 months old I think the recommended amount for him is something like 600g but no way could I get away with that! He is perfect weight just now. Think that's why they are only guidelines, I just amended it as I see fit
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Dogs are like Chocolate, you just can't have one!

[carol]

I feed a holistic diet which is suitable for dog of all ages. Luaths recipe by George Burns
From 12 week to senior, because it is an all natural food its easily digested by all ages.
It also has the super food "Spirulina" and "green tea", along with brown rice, chicken (which is suitable for human consumsion) and lots of natural food, and no additives.



http://www.landofholisticpets.co.uk/

[suzanne l]

nikki, remember that collies are naturally very excitable and hyper anyways! especially if not out for walks yet so dont expect a miracle! once shes bigger you'll be able to walk her for miles and she'll still be ready to go!! its hard to tire a collie!
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your cat will never annoy by barking at 3am, he wont attack the postman or eat the curtains, although he may climb them to see how the room looks from the ceiling...

[Janice]

Dale, BC, was on JWB when he came to us and is now on Burns. I can't honestly say I see much difference but Burns is a smaller Scottish company and JWB is owned by Pedigree. I have a friend who uses Arden Grange which also seems to good. Again it doesn't have artificial additives or lots of E-numbers.

An adult working collie would probably be eating about 22-24% protein so a non-working dog will need less. Pups need more, but a lot of people would advise getting them on to adult food sooner rather than later, possibly as early as 12 weeks, but talk to your vet. Puppy and junior food usually has higher protein levels and this encourages faster growth. The problem with this is it can increase the chances of joint problems.

If you're using dry food don't be tempted to add too many extras. Its balanced and adding to it upsets the balance. I only add a bit of fruit or veg for variety. Collies aren't usually fussy eaters just watch the protein levels. They've got plenty of energy as it is
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Janice and Dale

[marcella]

Arden Grange is also a good choice! A lot of GSD breeders use that too.

[Nikki]

Thanks everybody great advice I will definitely have to do some more reading!!!

Only one more day until she gets out so hopefully see some difference in her energy!!
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When a dog wags her tail and barks at the same time, how do you know which end to believe?

[Nicola]

I've used James Wellbeloved, Burns and Arden Grange on my Westie - all three with success. I'm now, for the timebeing, sticking with Burns chicken and brown rice, they both seem to be thriving on it.

The James Wellbeloved, Burns and Arden Grange treats/biscuits are good aswell.

I agree with Marcella, stay well away from Pedigree complete foods, and supermarket complete foods.

[carol]