Need help with changing food. - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Charlies Mamma · 08-20-2012, 05:01 PM

Charlie has been changed to Royal Canine Hepatic due to the MVD, he has been eating boiled chicken for the last 2 years. Now I was instructed to gradually change him over and I have been it has been about 2 weeks and he is down to about 1 whole chicken tender per day mixed in with the RC dry divided into 2 meals. Here is my problem.....

I have put down JUST the RC dry to see if he will eat it at meal time and he does not. he just looks at it smells it for the chicken and then walks away. I need to know if anyone knows how long could Charlie go without harm if I didnt put the chicken in and left him to simply have to eat the RC because there was nothing else. a day?? 2 days?? what are my risks here. Charlie weighs more than 12 pounds so he is not underweight, but will there be a risk of any kind with the MVD. keep in mind at this point he is only getting like 4 or 5 pieces of chicken meat per meal. and he DOES like the RC but if the chicken is not there he walks away.

Ok thats it, thanks

gracielove · 08-20-2012, 07:39 PM

Poor Charlie. How about if you pour some of the water/broth from boiling his chicken over the RC and cut up some tiny, tiny pieces of chicken to pour with it? You don't have to soak it but put enough on that it smells right to him.

I don't think it would hurt him to miss eating for a day but I wouldn't let it go past that. As long as you are boiling skinless chicken it should be fine for him. It's the skin that has most of the fat in it so the water will just have the chicken smell and taste.

107barney · 08-20-2012, 07:49 PM

I would make home made chicken broth, no salt added and I would skim the fat. I would freeze it in mini ice cube trays and add a cube of the chicken broth to each meal. This way he is getting the smell of the chicken on the food w/o the meat. My dog with MVD does not do well on chicken, and I would not add it to her meals but she is ok w/ chicken broth.

Lilymo · 08-21-2012, 04:00 AM

Sorry but what is MVD ?

Charlies Mamma · 08-21-2012, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilymo

Sorry but what is MVD ?

Microvascular Dysplasia it is where many tiny veins are shunting rather than the large portal vein in the liver. it is not corrected with surgery only treated with diet and meds

The broth would be a great idea except that he wont even go close to a wet food. the chicken that he ate for the last 2 years was boiled and then drained so it was just the chicken no skin or anything.

It is so funny because you know I posted this last night and around 10pm I was in bed, the lights were out and i heard "crunch crunch crunch" he ate an entire bowl of the kibble no chicken involved at all. Im starting to think its a game with him to see if he can get the chicken LOL

When I got up this morning I put down just the kibble and he ate some but not all. I just dont want him to be hungry I leave it out all day but he doesnt appear to snack on it or anything.

Charlies Mamma · 08-28-2012, 06:09 PM

Well I finally decided tough love was going to have to be the way out of eating the chicken. it has been 2 days and while he is eating the RC he is only eating about half of what he should be. I put it down for about an hour in the morning and if he doesnt eat it, then I pull it back up (I was leaving it out all day but he wouldnt eat any) my thought is that if he dont eat in the morning he will at dinner cause he will be hungry....... well that is not really true.

I put it down when we eat thinking he will get the idea but he is still looking for chicken, my dear hubby even pretended to go to the bowl and eat some trying to get Charlie to eat it ROFL wish I had a camera for that.

Charlie is eating a bowl full, but late at night, its like he dont want me to know hes eating it. I believe this is why he is not eating in the morning I had considered pulling it up at nite but dont want him to go that long with no food. Does this sound normal so far?? am I going the right route?? I just need to make sure he is off the chicken

concretegurl · 08-28-2012, 06:12 PM

One time I used chicken brith I made my self from boiling chicken brests to encourage my dog to eat.

He would only eat from hand abd it was tempting enough to get him to eat kibble from the bowl.
Over a two week period I lessened the broth amount.

Charlies Mamma · 08-28-2012, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by concretegurl

One time I used chicken brith I made my self from boiling chicken brests to encourage my dog to eat.

He would only eat from hand abd it was tempting enough to get him to eat kibble from the bowl.
Over a two week period I lessened the broth amount.

no I tried that tonight, he sniffed it and walked away, I didnt really think he would he doesnt like "wet" food

gracielove · 08-28-2012, 08:14 PM

Maybe he thinks that since everyone has gone to bed and there is no chicken to be found he better eat what is available.

Does he get much exercise during the day? Like a long walk or playing fetch? Exercise always helps to get the appetite up and helps to eliminate waste in the body as well. I know you don't want to stress his body but give him at least a moderate work out and then put out fresh food just before bedtime. Kibble reacts a lot like crackers or any dry food when exposed to the air for over an hour at a time. The scent is not as pronounced and it becomes like a moisture filled cracker. Not appetizing at all. Keep his kibble in an air tight container, that way it will always have that fresh scent to it when you serve it.

If he is eating alone at night then just encourage that by putting out fresh food at night time. Make sure you wash his dish before you put his kibble in it, too. Many dogs are scent motivated. If a dish has the smell of old food in it he may lose interest in the new food that is in there. Glass is one of the best substances to use for a dish because glass does not hold bacteria or scent as it is not porous so it is also easily cleaned.

I hope Charlie starts to eat more for you. You certainly have done what you can for him. He is going to have to give in soon.....I hope.

Charlies Mamma · 09-29-2012, 09:06 AM

Well we are finally on an all veggie diet and not as secretive about eating it. LOL when I put it down in the morning he eats freely in the evening I put it down and he will eat a couple kibble but eat the remainder after he thinks Im in bed asleep he isnt losing weight at all so I know he is eating well.

Have been having trouble finding the can version of the RC hepatic in stores. I would like to try him on it but dont want to buy a bunch and then have him not eat it. anyone have any suggestions on this? I have been to all of my local Petsmarts and they only have the dry version which is what he is eating. just thought the can would give him some variety if he liked it.

MY OSCAR · 09-29-2012, 10:30 AM

i know you can order the rc hepatic cans online but it is very expensive because you have purchase by the case..

can you get single cans from your vet ??

Charlies Mamma · 09-29-2012, 12:44 PM

you know they dont carry the RC hepatic dry or wet. they carry Hills and Charlie wont eat that. I bought a can of Natures Recipe _Vegetarian recipe, anyone know anything about this brand, if it is good if their babies like it? I have read the can and it is safe ingredient wise.

Also can anyone explain "Crude Protein" to me??? I have been looking for items with LOW crude protein in them thinking that it needed to be very low, the Natures recipes I bought has 6% crude protein so I came home to see what was in the RC hepatic and it has 14% I was shocked, so I guess I dont understand like I thought

MY OSCAR · 09-29-2012, 01:31 PM

I HAVE NEVER USED THE NATURES RECIPE VEGETARIAN BUT I THINK IT IS PRETTY GOOD FOOD..

I FOUND AN ARTICLE ON "CRUDE PROTEIN" THAT MAY ANSWER YOUR QUESTION...

What exactly do they mean by “crude protein” in dry dog food? | Tracie Hotchner Blog

Charlies Mamma · 09-29-2012, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MY OSCAR

I HAVE NEVER USED THE NATURES RECIPE VEGETARIAN BUT I THINK IT IS PRETTY GOOD FOOD..

I FOUND AN ARTICLE ON "CRUDE PROTEIN" THAT MAY ANSWER YOUR QUESTION...

What exactly do they mean by “crude protein” in dry dog food? | Tracie Hotchner Blog

Hmmm, well it explained some except that Charlies food is ALL veggies no "high quality meat" that the article suggest I look for in a food. I am going to have to research this some more I guess. I thank you for the article it did help some

MY OSCAR · 09-29-2012, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlies mamma

hmmm, well it explained some except that charlies food is all veggies no "high quality meat" that the article suggest i look for in a food. I am going to have to research this some more i guess. I thank you for the article it did help some

you are welcome

08-20-2012, 05:01 PM	#1
Charlies Mamma Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: With CharlieBrown of course! Posts: 1,404	Need help with changing food. Charlie has been changed to Royal Canine Hepatic due to the MVD, he has been eating boiled chicken for the last 2 years. Now I was instructed to gradually change him over and I have been it has been about 2 weeks and he is down to about 1 whole chicken tender per day mixed in with the RC dry divided into 2 meals. Here is my problem..... I have put down JUST the RC dry to see if he will eat it at meal time and he does not. he just looks at it smells it for the chicken and then walks away. I need to know if anyone knows how long could Charlie go without harm if I didnt put the chicken in and left him to simply have to eat the RC because there was nothing else. a day?? 2 days?? what are my risks here. Charlie weighs more than 12 pounds so he is not underweight, but will there be a risk of any kind with the MVD. keep in mind at this point he is only getting like 4 or 5 pieces of chicken meat per meal. and he DOES like the RC but if the chicken is not there he walks away. Ok thats it, thanks __________________ Mom to Bug and Charlie-R.I.P my sweet Charlie 2021

08-20-2012, 07:49 PM	#3
107barney T. Bumpkins & Co. Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 9,816	I would make home made chicken broth, no salt added and I would skim the fat. I would freeze it in mini ice cube trays and add a cube of the chicken broth to each meal. This way he is getting the smell of the chicken on the food w/o the meat. My dog with MVD does not do well on chicken, and I would not add it to her meals but she is ok w/ chicken broth. __________________ T. Bumpkins & Co. Washable Doggie Pee Pads (Save 10% Enter YTSAVE10 at checkout) Cathy, Teddy, Winston and Baby Clyde...RIP angels Barney and Daisy

08-21-2012, 04:00 AM	#4
Lilymo YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Scotland Posts: 441	Sorry but what is MVD ? __________________ Eileen mum to Mitzi Brodie Robyn Molly and Lilly RIP Morgan

08-28-2012, 06:09 PM	#6
Charlies Mamma Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: With CharlieBrown of course! Posts: 1,404	Sloooow going Well I finally decided tough love was going to have to be the way out of eating the chicken. it has been 2 days and while he is eating the RC he is only eating about half of what he should be. I put it down for about an hour in the morning and if he doesnt eat it, then I pull it back up (I was leaving it out all day but he wouldnt eat any) my thought is that if he dont eat in the morning he will at dinner cause he will be hungry....... well that is not really true. I put it down when we eat thinking he will get the idea but he is still looking for chicken, my dear hubby even pretended to go to the bowl and eat some trying to get Charlie to eat it ROFL wish I had a camera for that. Charlie is eating a bowl full, but late at night, its like he dont want me to know hes eating it. I believe this is why he is not eating in the morning I had considered pulling it up at nite but dont want him to go that long with no food. Does this sound normal so far?? am I going the right route?? I just need to make sure he is off the chicken __________________ Mom to Bug and Charlie-R.I.P my sweet Charlie 2021

08-28-2012, 06:12 PM	#7
concretegurl Between♥Suspensions Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Vaissades Posts: 7,979	One time I used chicken brith I made my self from boiling chicken brests to encourage my dog to eat. He would only eat from hand abd it was tempting enough to get him to eat kibble from the bowl. Over a two week period I lessened the broth amount. __________________ Shan & 8 kids now!

08-20-2012, 07:39 PM	#2
gracielove YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NY Posts: 6,582	Poor Charlie. How about if you pour some of the water/broth from boiling his chicken over the RC and cut up some tiny, tiny pieces of chicken to pour with it? You don't have to soak it but put enough on that it smells right to him. I don't think it would hurt him to miss eating for a day but I wouldn't let it go past that. As long as you are boiling skinless chicken it should be fine for him. It's the skin that has most of the fat in it so the water will just have the chicken smell and taste.

08-28-2012, 08:14 PM	#9
gracielove YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NY Posts: 6,582	Maybe he thinks that since everyone has gone to bed and there is no chicken to be found he better eat what is available. Does he get much exercise during the day? Like a long walk or playing fetch? Exercise always helps to get the appetite up and helps to eliminate waste in the body as well. I know you don't want to stress his body but give him at least a moderate work out and then put out fresh food just before bedtime. Kibble reacts a lot like crackers or any dry food when exposed to the air for over an hour at a time. The scent is not as pronounced and it becomes like a moisture filled cracker. Not appetizing at all. Keep his kibble in an air tight container, that way it will always have that fresh scent to it when you serve it. If he is eating alone at night then just encourage that by putting out fresh food at night time. Make sure you wash his dish before you put his kibble in it, too. Many dogs are scent motivated. If a dish has the smell of old food in it he may lose interest in the new food that is in there. Glass is one of the best substances to use for a dish because glass does not hold bacteria or scent as it is not porous so it is also easily cleaned. I hope Charlie starts to eat more for you. You certainly have done what you can for him. He is going to have to give in soon.....I hope.

09-29-2012, 09:06 AM	#10
Charlies Mamma Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: With CharlieBrown of course! Posts: 1,404	diet update Well we are finally on an all veggie diet and not as secretive about eating it. LOL when I put it down in the morning he eats freely in the evening I put it down and he will eat a couple kibble but eat the remainder after he thinks Im in bed asleep he isnt losing weight at all so I know he is eating well. Have been having trouble finding the can version of the RC hepatic in stores. I would like to try him on it but dont want to buy a bunch and then have him not eat it. anyone have any suggestions on this? I have been to all of my local Petsmarts and they only have the dry version which is what he is eating. just thought the can would give him some variety if he liked it. __________________ Mom to Bug and Charlie-R.I.P my sweet Charlie 2021

09-29-2012, 10:30 AM	#11
MY OSCAR YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: USA Posts: 4,514	i know you can order the rc hepatic cans online but it is very expensive because you have purchase by the case.. can you get single cans from your vet ??

09-29-2012, 12:44 PM	#12
Charlies Mamma Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: With CharlieBrown of course! Posts: 1,404	you know they dont carry the RC hepatic dry or wet. they carry Hills and Charlie wont eat that. I bought a can of Natures Recipe _Vegetarian recipe, anyone know anything about this brand, if it is good if their babies like it? I have read the can and it is safe ingredient wise. Also can anyone explain "Crude Protein" to me??? I have been looking for items with LOW crude protein in them thinking that it needed to be very low, the Natures recipes I bought has 6% crude protein so I came home to see what was in the RC hepatic and it has 14% I was shocked, so I guess I dont understand like I thought __________________ Mom to Bug and Charlie-R.I.P my sweet Charlie 2021 Last edited by Charlies Mamma; 09-29-2012 at 12:48 PM.

09-29-2012, 01:31 PM	#13
MY OSCAR YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: USA Posts: 4,514	I HAVE NEVER USED THE NATURES RECIPE VEGETARIAN BUT I THINK IT IS PRETTY GOOD FOOD.. I FOUND AN ARTICLE ON "CRUDE PROTEIN" THAT MAY ANSWER YOUR QUESTION... What exactly do they mean by “crude protein” in dry dog food? \| Tracie Hotchner Blog