i have been feeding my dogs, 12 of them, IAMS and one of the dogs had to go to the vet because it could not go to the bathroom. The vet did surgery and took out a golf ball size kidney stone and said that it was her dog food that caused it. Does anyone know what I could feed the dogs that would be safe and pure. I've been scanning the web and most sites say to feed them people food. Is this correct ? What would be cheep because I have so many of them?
The are several causes of stones, including genetic predisposition, bacterial infections, diet, and urine pH. Any one of these could be solely responsible but it is usually a combination of any or all of them.
As your other eleven are all well, I would continue feeding them the same diet, and get a special diet from your vet for the one that has the stones.
I would never give my dogs dried food, it is not good for them. I give my dogs blocks of meat from Pets At Home, (they are in the freezers), defrost them with a pack of frozen veg and feed them once they have defrosted and then add buscuits. My dogs thrive on it and it is a natural colouring/additive free diet. My boy dog has a very sensitive tummy and tinned or dried foot gives him the trots. This is the only food he can stomach.
Sorry but I disagree that it is not good for them. I have fed my dogs on complete dog food (Eukanuba mainly) for over twenty years now and have never had a problem, in fact they are show dogs and three of them did well at Crufts this year, including one who is twelve and a half. My oldest one died on Christmas Day at almost sixteen years old. I have oldies who are ten, eleven and twelve, and have always reared my puppies on Eukanuba.
I gave up Eukanuba and Iams with my Cavalier when I saw the appalling tests and treatment they carry out on dogs, not to mention the standard of kennel they keep them in.
I moved my dog onto Burns, a 100% natural food developed by vet John Burns. There is no preservatives or other added checmical nasties. It can be difficult to get hold of but there is mail order if you are not near a stockist.
My dog used to suffr awfully with bouts of colitis but not since the move to Burns. I can't recommend it enough.
And whilst I feed dry, they have just brought out awet canned food if you prefer that.