Home Cooking Update - My Vet Is A "Believer"

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

You all helped me to start on my home cooking journey with Guinness.  My vet supported that this was the right path for him due to her IBD diagnosis and the fact that we could not find ANY of the high premium foods that didn't give him diarrhea.  But, I must admit she was a little apprehensive, and so we agreed that I would bring him back in six weeks for a "check up".  Today was the day.  I think she was totally amazed, and I suspect that she "is a believer".  She thought his weight was perfect - he gained a pound and a half and he grew an inch.  I think she had worried that he would have a greater weight gain with home cooking.  She thought his coat looked amazing.  She was absolutely shocked that we had had NO other occurrences of diarrhea since we went to home cooking.  We talked for a very long time, and she had lots of questions.  Because of all your input, I actually had answers for her.  The only change we agreed to was the dosage of calcium I'm giving him.  She thinks it's high for a mini Doodle. Karen, I think you told me this weeks ago - but 600 mg is what the books said. From now on I'm listening to Karen and Lynn....forget the books.  Apparently the mini breeds can be prone to calcification "stones" in their urine, and too much calcium exacerbates that.  I did mention that he recently started licking himself immediately after peeing which made me wonder if he was experiencing some discomfort.  She did a quick urine test, and there is no UTI, but she did send a sample out to answer the calcification question.  Either way, that is no "big deal".  So, this is just one more milestone for us in our journey.  He's happier than ever, and I'm getting so much more creative with my "recipes".  I'm going to have to get much better about putting some of them out in our "cookbook".  I've landed on a couple of supplements that I like (and so does Guinness), and I just rotate them.  Bottom line, my Vet is wonderful and very open-minded, and while she previously supported my decision I think there was a little doubt in the back of her mind.  After today, I think that is no longer the case.

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

The Dark Side is beginning to make sense to many, many people. More and more vets are embracing it, also. I am so glad Guinness is doing well and pretty soon, I'll bet you will be giving advice to newcomers to The Dark Side, too.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Jane, you have come a long way and obviously have done a fantastic job! Good for you. And good for Guinness especially. Keep up the good work and yes, please share your recipies. Like Lynne said, you will be giving advise soon too.

[Trina M. Shea]

Jane - Between you, Karen, and Gracie's mom, Tammy I am going to be entering the "dark side" before it's over!! Great job!! Ya'll are all so informed and encouraging to those of us who are floundering around!! Thanks!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

MERE WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS HOW HAPPY THIS UPDATE MAKES ME!

[Lee Seidman]

We home cook for Lexi, she eats mainly chicken, pork, cheese, scrambled eggs etc. I would love a look at the cookbook and be able to prepare some healthy meals. Could you please provide a link to receipes?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

On the main page of the Food group there is a link to the DK Cookbook. Just click "The Food Group" at the top of this discussion near Jane's name.