I'll Be Doing LOTS of Homecooking

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Murph has just had his worst stomach episode yet.  We've been struggling with intermittent diarrhea for the past few weeks (since he went off the last meds).  Yesterday it got really bad and he also started to vomit.  So we were back at the Vet this morning.  She definitely believes it is chronic gastrointestinal disease, which is what they suspected the last time.  So, he's back on meds and she said I have two choices.  I can either feed the Vet prescription food or I can take him off all dog food and home cook.  Well, that's a "no brainer".  I had printed out the reviews of the foods the Vet sells for dogs with GI issues, and as we all know they were horrible.  I asked her why that would even be one of her recommendations.  Her response was that people just do not want to cook for their dogs, and these foods will in almost all cases stop the diarrhea.  I asked her if she even tells people home cooking is an option, and she said she definitely does, but I am the only one who has ever decided to do it.  I think it's really unfortunate that there isn't a specialty food that is good quality.  It's kind of sad when the only two choices are home cooking or feeding garbage.  It's going to be different having Murph on all home cooking....I'll need to make some REALLY big batches of food.  He has lost 4 pounds, and she feels now he's slightly underweight.  She wants him eating 1000 calories a day at this point.  So, I'm hoping this will work the way it did for Guinness.  She also said that at some point when his GI track is fully matured we may be able to reintroduce regular food.  That's what has happened with Guinness...he's now able to tolerate about 40% Acana and 60% home cooking....a big change for him.  So, if I'm not on DK much anymore, you'll know I'm cooking for the "big guy".

[Jennifer and Jack]

Well I think those options stink. I went through a period where I did almost pure home cooking for Jack but I added the raw diet into it as well, Have you considered the raw diet, or the barf diet, they are raw and Jack did well on them, One such as instinct sells them in patties that has all the ingredients you need with the right amount of protein etc to feed them that exclusively.

 

I also did a full home cooked meal for Jack but I didn't have enough confidence in my ability to make sure all of his food was being properly balanced. Some of the home cooked foods I gave him is Salmon that was wild caught, organic chicken with brown rice. I also gave him on occasion beef cubes.

 

I hope your baby begins to feel better and get some pounds back on him...

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, Jennifer.  I did consider the raw diet, but because we have the grandkids around so much I decided against it.  I still have one who is a "crawler" and that just makes me nervous....potential bacteria.  I realize that's probably pretty silly, but I can't help myself.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Jane, I am so sorry to hear about Murphys problems getting worse again!!  Well, you did a great job of getting Guiness through his similar problems so as far as I know you are the pro!!  I am totally confindent you have the knowledge you need to help your boy!! Now about that addition to the kitchen...

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, Ricki.  We already did the kitchen renovation....ate in the garage for six weeks.  Never again!  I'll die in this kitchen.

[Sally loves Maple & Lucky]

Transition is hard but if it's the SOLUTION, the work will be worth it. I was not surprised at the Vets comment about people not cooking for their dogs. I'm amazed at how many people don't cook for their (people) families!

I get accused of spoiling my dogs when people find out I cook round steak as a topper for them! At $3.99 or less a pound it's cheaper than canned organic. And the smell is deelish.

I know you've cooked for Guiness, but do you have a large programmable crock pot? It can take the "chore" out of preparation. Hang in there, you're a good Mom :)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

You know I haven't used my crock pot since I retired...but what a great idea.  Thanks!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Jane, I am sorry Murphy is having all these problems and I hope everything gets resolved soon for his sake and yours. What a mess, I am sure. Poor Murphy, but he is in good hands. Fudge and Vern are sending hugs your way.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks for those hugs, Fudge and Vern.  Murph is saying....what's the problem, I LOVE home cooking.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I too am surprised there isn't a high quality prescription food. It's unfortunate. I hope Murphy starts feeling better soon!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Somebody could probably make big bucks by coming up with a well balanced, wholesome, RX food.  Thanks for your well wishes for Murph.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Caitlin and Albus, thank you.  As long as he starts to feel better...that's all that really counts.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Good luck Jane!  I know you can do it!  YOU CAN DO IT!  Murph will get much better :)