One thing we had trouble with was Maeby eating. She just did not want to eat her food.
Was she sick? Lonely? Depressed from the huge change she had just gone through? Probably a lot of things things contributed. But we felt like she had an appetite, just not for what we were giving her. We had bought a great deal on this food that was more natural: not full of chicken and meat bones, or weird processed things. She just would not eat it.
We were starting to get really worried, when I started thinking...Back in Ecuador, people didn't really buy dog food. They would cook up rice and chicken, and dogs loved it. They were healthy and happy. This got me thinking, why can't I feed my dog rice and chicken? Do dogs really have to eat dog food to get all their nutrients, or is this just a part of the culture? We are busy people, we have a hard enough time cooking for ourselves, let along a dog. But really, how hard could it be?
So I started doing some research. I can't tell you how many websites I investigated, scouring the internet for clues on what and what not to feed your dog. I've discovered macadamia nuts are fatal! Good to know, don't think I'll be keeping those anywhere in her reach. Kale is cancer fighting and builds strength in the hips and joints. Perfect! Maeby is a 65 pound Retriever. She is going to need all the help in her hips and joints she can. Flax seeds, oats, green beans. All great sources of health and energy. Sweet potatoes are the perfect food! Full of vitamins and folic acid, she DEVOURS them. Rice eases her digestive systems, regulating it. And the best part about all of this? The girl loves her food! Even the mention of breakfast or dinner get's her heart racing.
Yesterday, I asked her if she wanted "Supper, puppy" (Thanks Amy and Steve!) and she bounded out of the living room, into the kitchen, ears flailing behind her. She literally could not wait to eat. It feels so great to go from begging her to eat, to having to slow her down. She is getting so healthy. You can see it in her coat. She is getting a bit darker, and shinier. You can see it in the strength in her back legs. She is thinner, and stronger. I can't express the amount of joy it brings me to see her thriving! And the cool thing is, what goes in, comes out. Her bowl movements outside don't stay long. You know when you see dog poops outside and they have turned white? This is a sign of the preservatives placed in her food. That poop isn't going anywhere. Maeby's poops kind of become part of earth again. Real food, biodegrading.
Be warned: if you decide to feed your dog this diet, don't be scared if their movements are bright orange. The sweet potatoes are the same color going in as out. This is natural :)
Also, an interesting thing we noticed: The other day Ben and I had pizza. Maeby loves pizza. She always begs for it, but we only ever give her a bite of the crust. So Ben had shared a little nibble with Maeby, and she seemed a bit mopey. The next day, she threw up a little bit. Ben was eating more pizza, and shared another bite. Almost immediately, she spit up a bit again. It dawned on me: Maeby isn't used to eating the processed crust. Her body is probably rejecting it, because all we feed her is fresh food. I got so excited to realize this! It's funny too, cause it's making us reevaluate what we put into our own bodies.
A couple extra facts: melons and some fruit can be great for pups. Maeby loves apples and bananas. Just make sure you never let them eat apple seeds. These have toxins that can really hurt your dog. Also, never share yeast dough with them. You know how your stomach feels eating raw yeast dough? Imagine that on a smaller stomach. Ouch! Also, think of what alcohol does to our livers. Maeby's poor little liver couldn't handle even a small amount of alcohol. It would shut down before too long. Be careful what you let your dog get into. Most everyone knows not to give their dog onions and garlic, but just reminding you.
So...how do we find time? Every weekend, usually a Sunday afternoon, we get a huge pot, and fill it with about 6 to 8 cups of brown rice. Cut up about 3 to 4 sweet potatoes, break in bits about 18 green beans, add some oats and flax, then water! Let it cook still the rice is soft. On the side, boil some chicken. We make big batches that last a week to a week and a half. Store in the refrigerator, then when serving, warm up in a pan with a bit of water. Let it cool, then serve! Your dog will love you for it.
Maeby's eating times are some of her favorite of the day. Check out her breakfast this morning!
