Supplements

[Marie + Marshall]

Does anyone here use Supplements (maybe I haven't found it on here yet)? Also has anyone ever used the Kirkland Puppy Formula? I have an 11 week old Goldendoodle. He came to us from Breeder on the Food and seems to be doing fine on it and I did look it up and found out it had a 4 out of 5 rating. And last question- sorry.. what about giving him a Himalayan bone...his chewing is driving me crazy. He has had one bully stick, which he loved..but almost eat the whole thing in less than an hour, I took from him before he could eat it all. I am ordering from bestbullysticks today and getting some bully sticks & yam treats. But wasn't sure if he was old enough for a Himalayan bone? The stuff Kong doesn't last that long- maybe 20 minutes at most. He is SO active :) Thanks for any advice.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi Marie, I saw that you originally posted this in The Food Group, where we do have a lot of information on the topic of supplements, food choices, chews, and just about everything else related to feeding. 

We also have a list of Recommended food brands, based on more in-depth research than what is done on most "ratings" sites; among other things, those don't take frequent recalls,  the sourcing of the ingredients  or the manufacturing practices into account, we do. Kirkland is not one of our recommended brands for that reason. Lots more info on this in TFG.

The short answer to your other questions is that no 11 week old puppy who is eating a good quality AAFCO approved food should need supplements of any kind. Many of us do give certain types of supplements such as Omega 3 fatty acids. Again, lots more info on this in TFG.

And Himalayan Chews are great, and one of our FG approved products. We also have lots and lots of discussions on those, bully sticks, other good chews and an approved treat brand list in...you guessed it, The Food Group. :)

[Marie + Marshall]

I didn't see my post in the FG....new to this. Thank you so much. I will look over food recommendations and see about making the change. And will get the Himalayan chew. I am having a bad few days with him. But have been reading in Puppy madness and I feel better all ready. I just need a bag of tricks and lots of advice :)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Puppies are both "the pits" horrible  or absolute dreams.  If they weren't so cute, I can't imagine ever having one! :-}  Our Springer, as a puppy, was so active that he never slowed down, so I feel your pain.  Reading about others' experiences and how they handled problems in Puppy Madness will help a lot!  With lots of loving attention, patience, and training, you will have a fabulous adult dog.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Try a couple elk antler splits for the chewing. Himalayan Dog Chews are wonderful and do last longer than bully sticks, but they still wear down quickly and the cost and calories can add up. Antlers are worth the cost, lasting multiples months at least. Benebones are another great option for a chew. They are similar to nylabones, but made with a higher, food grade nylon (still not edible, but safer).

[Marie + Marshall]

Thank you for the advice!! He has no interest in any of the nylabones (maybe 2 minutes). He LOVES the bully sticks. But eats them and I have to sit there and watch..so not too helpful. I am going to bite the bullet and get a antler today. It just gets too confusing. I have read on here about breaking baby teeth. But, I will have to chance it and try.. as he needs to chew something!! Also will look for the Benebones. I love this guy to death and trying to do right by him...thank god I found this site.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Suggestion:  You can get your bully sticks from Costco, but don't get his dog food there.  There are so many better things available.  Bully sticks are imported from South America and my dogs have all loved them.  They get 20 minutes a day to chew their sticks (outside) and then they bring them back to me and I put them in a zip lock bag until the next day.  It takes about 3 chews to devour a bully stick.  Things I watch for in food is Omega 3 and Omega 6, prebiotics and probiotics.  Any products or ingredients from China should be avoided for obvious reasons. 

[Marie + Marshall]

I plan on changing food- he is 11 weeks and the Vet has asked me to wait a bit and do it very gradually. Because he is doing very well on the Kirkland Puppy Food. I WILL change though.. But to tell you the truth, I am not sure what I will use...as I don't like the idea of ONLY being able to get food online (which is the case for me with some of the recommended on here) and do not plan to do raw as I just simply work too much (he comes with me to work everyday). I am not sure, I understand the grain free yet. I plan on doing research this weekend and find a food that works for him- HOPEFULLY!! So happy to have found so many experienced Doodle parents :)

[Abigail *George & Juno*]

To ease your mind about buying the food online, a lot of us on DK use chewy.com and love them. Personally I could purchase orijen six fish locally at a pet specialty store about 45 minutes away, but they don't always have it in stock, I have to pay tax, and lug a 30lb bag of dog food to my car, drive 45 minutes and then lug it into my house. I love that specialty store and go there when I can for other smaller purchases, but between their limited hours and the drive..I prefer to have our food delivered from chewy. It takes about a week to ship to me and I order accordingly (and also have an extra bag on hand) it ships free and they have awesome prices...and I just lazily scoot it through the hallway to my pantry. :)

[Shelly]

Hi Marie,

Marshall is so sweet! And your description of him is much like what I experienced. My little shadow is a big time chewer and most toys and treats are short-lived. I found that stuffing a kong with peanut butter and applesauce, or yogurt then freezing it worked great for occupying Henry for extended periods of time. I also purchased short, white natural  bones from my local pet store and stuffed those with a variety of items as well (although stuffing and freezing is not necessary as he will chew on the bones plain too). West Paw makes some great, durable toys and the Kong Safestick is equally great. Additionally, the Omega Tricky Treat ball has kept Henry busy and makes him work for his food. Much luck and enjoy your new best friend!

[Marie + Marshall]

Just ordered the omega tricky treat ball. I have added more exercise the last few days and that's helped a lot! And freezing a kong as we speak. I adore this dog and he really is so smart. Potty training has been a breeze and so has night sleeping- even though I'd love to sleep past 6 on the weekends ;) we will get this chewing thing down. Thank you for your time and advice. This site is great!!