Which multivitamin do you give?

[cocoincanada]

I am going to start homecooking very soon, and was wondering which multivitamin you buy and give to your dogs daily? I have been looking locally to find a place that sells doggy multivitamins, but haven't found anything. I may have to order online...Also, do any of you give plant enzymes? And for the fish oil, do you just buy the regular human type found in grocery stores and other pharmacies?

Thanks!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

We do have a supplement discussion here, there are also mentions of various types throughout the group. here's the result of my search for "supplements"
http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/thefoodgroup/forum/topic/search?g...

I am surprised that the pet supply stores in your area have no multi-vitamins. The stores near me stock quite a few. I bought one called Nutrivet, it seems as good as any other. It's supposed to be chewable, but not for Mr, Picky Doodle, lol.
Do a search for enzymes, I know Dianne has addressed that often here.
The fish oil can be purchased in either human or grocery stores. I know we've talked about that a lot, too. Let me go get you some more links.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here's one of Dianne's discussions on enzymes, there are more if you click "back to the food group discussions" above and then do a search.
http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/thefoodgroup/forum/topics/eagle-p...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here's a good discussion about adding EFA's (fish oil, etc):

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/thefoodgroup/forum/topics/salmon-...

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

I use a Canine MV about every other day or so. You can get them in any Petco or Petsmart. I get mine from onlynaturalpet.com. Foster's and Smith has them too, if you want to order online. I also use the Salmon oil from onlynatural. It comes in a squirt bottle which is convenient. When you homecook, you can control more of what the dogs are eating and add ingredients like you do for your family. Broccoli gives people and dogs the same vitamins. Same with everything. If you are mixing it up, vitamins are less important than when kibble or can feeding the same thing everyday. Add some yogurt or cottage cheese once in awhile, liver, crazins for UTI, blueberries, etc., and you are the one in control of nutrition. Plant enzymes is not something I have given in pill form, but give a variety of protein, fruits and veggies, add different carbs and they are getting all they need. It is a myth or a lie or whatever you want to call it, started by the commercial DF business, that Complete and Balanced is the way. Before 50 years ago, dogs hunted, were given people left overs, hen eggs, etc., no vitamins, mo vaccinations, no crap...and they lived much longer than dogs do today. Less crap in...less crap out, literally! Good Luck!

[fergie11]

Lynne - does broccoli give them gas?

[fergie11]

I make up food once a week or less and freeze it so I can remove it as necessary. I add this stuff (It's similar to Lynne's concoctions (sp?) on top of their kibble and I just throw a fish oil geltab (same thing as people take) into the bowl along with a vitamin supplement from naturalpet for skin and coat because Fergie's coat was pretty dry for awhile. She just got groomed and all that dry stuff is gone and I want to keep it that way. I give Lucy Probiotics in pill form - (I got those from NaturalPet too) - I just throw that pill in her bowl too and she eats it down with all the other stuff. She had very loose stools since I got her but finally, since I've been doing this she's got great "tootsie roll" poops.

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

I like that...Tootsie Roll Poops! I have not have ANY problem with gas since I started homecooking. With canned commercial foods, always, but real food, no. I have even gives beans, lentils and chick peas, no gas. I think it is the REAL in homecooking that makes a difference.

[cocoincanada]

Well, OnlyNaturalPet is a great online store - and they even are offering a 5% off to Canadians right now. They have a great multivitamin I want to buy, and a probiotic, too....but the shipping cost to Canada is $54!!! Outrageous! I'm going to call them to see if they can give me an actual shipping cost, versus a flat rate. Thanks for the tips on the multivitamins. I am going on a business trip this friday and plan to buy Dr. Pitcairns book for the long flight there...and when I get back, I plan on starting my homecooking! I can't wait :)

[cocoincanada]

I am thoroughly disappointed. I called OnlyNaturalPet, and they said that IS in fact the shipping cost. It would cost $9 to fedex the package to the US, yet it would cost $48 to ship that same package to me in Canada. I don't even live in a remote area or anything...

I am so disappointed, because there were several products I wanted to order from there. I expressed my concern to the lady on the phone and mentioned they probably lose a lot of potential Canadian customers when they see the cost of shipping...I know it's expensive because it's an Express option, but they don't even offer a regular shipping option to Canadian customers.

[Ellen aka BeauBeau's Mom]

I use the NuVet vitamins and love them. They are recommended by most of the goldendoodle breeders.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The breeders recommend the NuVet vitamins because they get a commission when you order them using the breeder's number. It is a multi-level marketing thing. They are no better than any other multi-vitamin, and much more expensive than most.