Changing foods and a New Puppy on the way, confused

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

My Puppy is arriving at the end of June and the breeder feeds Hills Science.  I am wondering at what stage I should move the puppy onto either Orijen or Acana both of which I can get here as I'm not sure that the Hills Science diet is good enough.   All your other recommended brands are not available in Ireland.  I have also noticed mention of Yoghurt and am wondering when and why you feed it.  Do you use the Probiotic Yoghurts and how much?  Also how can I know whether my dog will take to a new food and whether I can ask for samples as I have in the past bought huge bags of Dog food only to have the dog turn his nose up at it and I ended up donating it to the Rescue centre!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Thanks, I thought as much.  Trouble is here there is very limited choice of quality treats and chews. I'm going to have to make my own treats and as for chews I'm not sure.  All I see here are those rawhide sticks and pigs ears!  I think the rawhide is dangerous from what I know.  I can get the nylabones but that's about it.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Look for beef tendons, those are safer than rawhide. Beef tracheas, antlers, or plain old beef marrow bones from the butcher or grocer. We have nine million discussions about marrow bones here in the FG, you can do a search. I am sure they must sell soup bones in your area, and beef femurs (marrow bones) are often used for that purpose. We also have information on making your own chicken jerky.

Do some internet searches for mail-order pet supplies if the products aren't available in your area. Your best bet locally is a small, privately owned pet supply store, those kinds of places usually carry top-quality products and will steer you in the right direction.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

 I would love to be able to get antlers here as I remember when the blacksmith came to shoe the horses he would trim the hooves and the dogs loved the clippings!

I have always used marrow bones and other large soup bones from the butcher and I will be using those again.  No food can be imported to Ireland as we are a meat exporting country  and it is against the law (I just didn't want you to think I am some complete idiot) and there are several constraints as to what is possible.    Many many thanks for your patience on this subject. I am clear on everything that I need now.