grain free dog food? and pet insurance

[Kerri & Mazie Belle]

So we will be getting our pup in about 8 weeks. I've put some thought into
It, and I think I want to go the grain free route with her food. Does this mean I should do the same for treats as well? And if she accidentally gets table scraps will it be upsetting to her stomach?

I've also thought about pet insurance and so I'm open to your opinions!! Thank you!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I would go to the Food Group to understand the reasons for feeding grain free.  I can personally attest to the value of Pet Insurance and getting it from the very beginning, before there are pre-existing conditions.  Mine has paid for itself over and over. Good luck with your pup!

[Kerri & Mazie Belle]

Yes, the breeder is providing her current food so we can gradually switch it over. I will take a look into that food group also, thank you!!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

You really have two big, separate questions here.  I would suggest that you join the food group for the grain free question and then do a search (see search box at the right hand side of the orange bar at the top (if you are on computer not a phone) on the Pet Insurance Issue.  The grain free question gets very complicated when you are looking at a puppy, so asking the question in the food group is your best option.  The answer to your question about pet insurance is definitely "YES".  We suggest you get it before you ever even bring the puppy home.  If you do a search you will find many discussions about it and even some comparisons between the various companies.  It seems that the two most popular are Pet Plan and Healthy Paws.  However, there are some who have some of the other plans like VPI and Trupanion among others.  The one we do recommend staying away from is the Banfield Clinic Plans where you have to take your pet there.  It is also possible that if you do a search on "grain free for puppy" that you might get some discussions on that as well.  Best wishes.  We look forward to lots of pictures.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Just to add to this, I filed claims today for Lucy allergy medicine. Her medicine is $120 a month.  That is only for the pills.  Her shots are in addition to that.  Lucy is now 7 and her policy is about $50 a month.  So, I'm ahead every month.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Please join the Food Group for answers to your questions about grain-free food, treats, and table scraps. 

You must not change or add anything to your pup's diet for at least two weeks after he/she comes home, and the reasons for that are in the Food group as well.

IMO, pet insurance is an absolute must. 

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Haven't needed to use our pet insurance but I think it's well worth it for peace of mind. Our doodles are family!

[SoSa]

I would definitely reccomend pet insurance and I would also look into puppy care plans offered by vets. My puppy care plans includes all vaccinations, fecal tests, blood work, unlimited office visits at no cost and nail clippings. It's $27 a month. It's well worth it when you add up the itemized costs of well visits, vaccinations, tests etc. My plan has already paid for itself. When you are a new puppy parent, what I notice is that you always think there is something wrong with your puppy. Knowing that I do not have to pay an exam fee everytime I bring puppy in is awesome. And should something actually be wrong, I have the pet insurance to cover that. Piece of mind as pet health is EXPENSIVE.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I'm not aware of these Puppy care plans as you call them.  Is this like the plans offered at Banfield?  

[SoSa]

I think so, I believe they do offer similar pet care plans. There are also care plans that will include neutering/spay.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

What I don't like about some of these care plans like the ones at Banfield is that you are limited in your choices of vets, and you often also do not have vaccine options other than giving all the vaccinations every year, which is now seen as unnecessary and possibly even detrimental. 

[Rhoda and Asta]

Some insurances call them Wellness plans.  While researching insurance Asta, I found Embrace, AKC Pet Insurance, Pets Best, and VPI offer this.  They are usually add-ons and cover neutering, vaccinations, etc.  I chose Embrace.  Here is a link that show comparisons.

http://www.consumersadvocate.org/pet-insurance/best-pet-insurance.h...

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I agree, the Food Group for researching your food question and IMHO pet insurance is not optional.  TG  I've never had to use the insurance for Tara but I have saved a bundle using it for my cat's health issues.  Tara eats grain free meals and treats but she does fine if she occasionally gets something with grain in it.