What a cutie.Just got a second GSD. Had him for three weeks now, this is the little guy (Tex) at 6 weeks when he came home; and his big brother Indy (who’s a year old, 98lbs, and came from the same Dam and Sire) Tex is growing like a weed, much faster than Indy, even though I avoid high protein diets. I like the low and slow method to help them avoid pano and similar ailments.View attachment 130565
If you look at commercial feed, you’ll generally see between 28%-32% protein in the puppy offerings. That’s way too high, especially for large breeds. It just promotes an artificial and rapid growth rate which leads to weak bones, bad bone structure and panostitis.What a cutie.
Not sure what you meant by avoiding 'high protein" diets.
If that's referring to kibble brands; the fact is that vets get on average, four hours of lectures on pet nutrition which is often given by pet food reps.
Dogs are canines which should not ever be fed carbohydrates [The modern rise in diabetes in dogs closely follows and parallels th rise in use of commercial pet food]
My 50kg Rotti lived to 14yo. He had no health issues apart from arthritis in his back legs the last 18 months of his life. He was fed a 100% raw meaty bone and offal diet.
My German Shepherd, a rescue with a shocking history of abuse and neglect, had only ever been fed kibble his whole first 2 1/2 years of life.
He was so excited when he smelled the large chunk of raw for dinner the first few months he was in my care, he'd zoom around the backyard at full speed. He still gets excited at dinner time, leaping and dancing.
My local vet is right to call kibble "junk food for dogs".
Here's his website for those who might be interested.
www.rawmeatybones.com
No not true. One can't make a silk purse out of a pigs ear.If you look at commercial feed, you’ll generally see between 28%-32% protein in the puppy offerings. That’s way too high, especially for large breeds. It just promotes an artificial and rapid growth rate which leads to weak bones, bad bone structure and panostitis.
I feed raw diet, but supplement with Adult feed with a 24% protein. I also give all my dogs a dietary supplement that includes amino acid chelates, turmeric, and other fortified minerals and vitamins.
They grow at a slower but more consistent rate. My dog gs don’t reach their full adult size until 2 1/2- 3 years. I see a lot of GSD’s topping 90lb range at the 8 month mark..... that’s WAY too fast. It’s also why you see a lot of GSD’s with hip displasia problems. All too often, there’s the knee jerk reaction that’s is simply a result of poor genetics and breeding. That’s too simplistic to explain the abundance of hip displascia amongst GSD’s.
I'm sorry for your loss ?Let’s see your best friends, gentlemen (& gentlewomen)!
This is Colonel. He made it 14.5 years. Loved Sherlock Holmes and aromatics. He was about a year old when this pic was taken. Still miss him like crazy.View attachment 110471
Thank you. He was a good one. Miss him every day.I'm sorry for your loss ?
Had a cat named Banjo.View attachment 130811
This is Banjo. He was my work partner for about 9 years. He apprehended many felons for me. Lost him earlier this year to spleen cancer. He left a huge void in my heart.
Well here’s an interesting tidbit. Some banjo strings are made out of cat gut. Not sure how they manufacture that. But there ya go.Had a cat named Banjo.
Actually sheep gut. The Armour Packing Company American Lawn Tennis - Google BooksWell here’s an interesting tidbit. Some banjo strings are made out of cat gut. Not sure how they manufacture that. But there ya go.
I suspect that dog loves sitting on your lap anytime ?View attachment 130925
Peanut loves sitting in my lap when I smoke.