Cost of owning a dog

workaccount

Hi,
If was to get a boxer how much would it cost a week for food etc. and what other expenses would there be.

How much does it cost to get a dog trained?


Also, I work 5 days a week and am home for an hour for lunch everyday. What would I need to do with the dog during the day? He would need to stay indoors if he were at the house?

Thanks.

kerrysgold

for the food it really depends on what you're going to feed him, you can get cheap crappy food or expensive food from the vet's like burns which is supposed to be good, personally I think a natural fresh meat with veg diet is good.

the initial costs would be vaccinations, neutering and a microchip if you wish.
a bed, 2 bowls, a collar and lead or harness and maybe a coat for the wet weather, grooming brush, dog shampoo, toys, blankets etc.

you can do basic training at home, sorry I don't know how much training classes are but I'm sure someone else will.

You could also hire a dog walker to take him out for an hour or so in the afternoon because boxers are very sociable and bouncy so they need LOTS of excersize.

I also wouldn't reccomend getting a pup unless there is someone at home all day so in your position you'd be better of going for an adult boxer.

Aedh Baclamh

Is it really not recommended that you get a pup and not be at home during the day to care for it?

Bluefrog

I do think leaving any dog (nevermind a pup) on their own all day isn't a great idea - dogs are social animals and need their pack structure around them for healthy development. This is even more true for a pup as you are trying to establish good habits and set boundries.

I have neighbours who have a German Sheppard pup and he's left alone for most of the day and he cries and barks pretty much constantly which would suggest to me that he's pretty upset at the isolation. When I see them walking him already he's taking the upper hand and he's still small. I suspect that when he grows they'll dump him because he's unmanagable but it is THEIR fault, not the dog's. 30,000 unwanted dogs are dumped every year here simply because prospective owners didn't think through the practicalities.

Just ask yourself how would you fancy being all alone 8 hours a day every day?

hardly work'n

Bluefrog wrote: »

I do think leaving any dog (nevermind a pup) on their own all day isn't a great idea - dogs are social animals and need their pack structure around them for healthy development. This is even more true for a pup as you are trying to establish good habits and set boundries.

Just ask yourself how would you fancy being all alone 8 hours a day every day?

I know leaving a dog at home specially an active dog like a boxer is not fair. But a lot of responsible owners have to leave there dog at home while they work & have happy healthy dogs. You said your at home for an hour at lunch. A quick run will help spell some of the energy. One alternative is doggy day care. Or if your getting a puppy there are a few places that offer a puppy classes. Also get in contact with IKC registared breeders and you could find an older dog looking for a good home. They will also be able to help you know if this is the right breed for you. And direct you to some good dog training classes in your area.

Don't discount not getting a dog becouse you work. You may just have to choose another breed or go to your local rescue center & have a look around. Your perfect dog could be there and not even a pure bred. We have three rescue dogs (all neutered!!!!!) & would never buy a purebred dog again. If your heart is set on a boxer let the rescue center now what your looking for & they might surprise you.

Best of luck

padi89

As well as the financial cost you are also going to have to give up a fair bit of your time.The dog will need exercise on a regular basis, ideally twice a day everyday for its life, so you will have to be prepared to get up an hour early to walk in the morning and in the evening when you get home from work.

Glowing

hardly work'n wrote: »

Your perfect dog could be there and not even a pure bred. We have three rescue dogs (all neutered!!!!!) & would never buy a purebred dog again. If your heart is set on a boxer let the rescue center now what your looking for & they might surprise you.

Best of luck

I'd second this. You could save yourself 500 quid by just not going to a breeder and getting your dog from a rescue instead.

Although, financial reasons should be the least of your concerns when getting a dog, if you've never had one before, you'll be shocked about the amount of work and attention they need.

If you're willing to keep a dog in the house, a retired/rescued greyhound would be a fabulous choice. They're a lot more maneagable and will sleep most of the day if given a warm soft bed. They're quiet and won't cause a racket to upset the neighbours. They love routine so you coming home at lunch time will be their highlight. Two 20 minute walks a day (one at lunch, one in the evening, and a longer walk at weekends) would keep then happy. They are also not as highly strung as boxers, keeping a boxer locked up all day might drive him demented. They'll also eat a lot less than a boxer would.

http://www.irishanimals.com/adoptagreyhound.html

hardly work'n

Heres a few websites to check out www.paws.ie www.ashanimalrescue.com

And think this is the best one of all www.freewebs.com/boxerrescueireland/ There's a number there to ring & all

workaccount

I really like greyhounds. There are some gorgeous dogs there on http://www.irishanimals.com/adoptagreyhound.html

I think I would like to adopt and give some poor dog a second chance. Poor things!

carwash_2006

Second the elderly greyhound option for your circumstance. They won't mind being alone while you are in work, all the more peaceful for a good long snooze. Then a nice walk and lots of lovin' when you get home. Almost any other dog will cause you stress and worry leaving them on their own for that long each day.

workaccount

carwash_2006 wrote: »

Second the elderly greyhound option for your circumstance. They won't mind being alone while you are in work, all the more peaceful for a good long snooze. Then a nice walk and lots of lovin' when you get home. Almost any other dog will cause you stress and worry leaving them on their own for that long each day.

I'm not so sure about elderly though. Would a young greyhound not be ok?

Glowing

Well a 'retired' greyhound can be as young as 18 months .... you'd be better off getting a slightly older one - maybe around 3 or 4, so they're a wee bit calmer. Unfortunately, you have a huge choice in the shelters!

Good on you considering a greyhound - they really are fantastic pets, and so affectionate! (I have 2!)

workaccount

Bluefrog wrote: »

I have neighbours who have a German Sheppard pup and he's left alone for most of the day and he cries and barks pretty much constantly which would suggest to me that he's pretty upset at the isolation. When I see them walking him already he's taking the upper hand and he's still small. I suspect that when he grows they'll dump him because he's unmanagable but it is THEIR fault, not the dog's. 30,000 unwanted dogs are dumped every year here simply because prospective owners didn't think through the practicalities.
/QUOTE]

I actually have a neighbour and their dog does that all the time. Barking and howling because he is left locked up. I have thought once or twice about calling the ISPCA. Would this be warranted?

workaccount

Glowing wrote: »

Well a 'retired' greyhound can be as young as 18 months .... you'd be better off getting a slightly older one - maybe around 3 or 4, so they're a wee bit calmer. Unfortunately, you have a huge choice in the shelters!

Good on you considering a greyhound - they really are fantastic pets, and so affectionate! (I have 2!)

How much does it cost to feed one for a week?

Glowing

I actually have a neighbour and their dog does that all the time. Barking and howling because he is left locked up. I have thought once or twice about calling the ISPCA. Would this be warranted?

Well you can call them all you like, but in reality, once the pup is fed and has shelter, there is not a lot they can do.

This is a very common situation unfortunately.

Where is the pup kept during the day?

Glowing

workaccount wrote: »

How much does it cost to feed one for a week?

They don't eat a huge amount of food, but what they do eat needs to be good quality. They can have sensitive stomachs so their dried food can be a bit more expensive than the regular 'pedigree chum' stuff.

With all due respect, if your worried about the cost of food, would you be able to cope if the dog needed vetinerary treatment? Visits to the vet aren't cheap these days, and the cost of medication etc can add up.

hardly work'n

workaccount wrote: »

How much does it cost to feed one for a week?

Gain does a lot of Greyhound food for dogs in training & out of training that is very reasnable in price and it is designed for greyhounds. They have a special food for dogs out of training with a very low protien content. Plus a bit of boiled chicken (not last nights curry takeaway!!) is always a nice treat mixed in with the food.

What ever you do please spay or neutror you dog! You dog will be happier & healthier for it. You eliminate a lot of cancers dogs get! Plus no little "accidents" Your dog will be happier & you as an owner will be too!!

workaccount

Glowing wrote: »

With all due respect, if your worried about the cost of food, would you be able to cope if the dog needed vetinerary treatment? Visits to the vet aren't cheap these days, and the cost of medication etc can add up.

Absolutely not worried....yet!

I have a nice income and know that I can probably afford a dog. I need to have an idea though to add into the budget to see how much expense it will be over the course of a month...a year etc.

If a greyhound eats less like you say and a boxer more....then perhaps a greyhound might cost me 400e less over the course of the year. Half my insurance cost for the car.

So this greyhound food then...how much is an economy bag and how long will it last. I just need to know if the dog will cost me 20e to feed a week...10e a week etc.

Thanks for all the advice so far though.

workaccount

hardly work'n wrote: »

Gain does a lot of Greyhound food for dogs in training & out of training that is very reasnable in price and it is designed for greyhounds. They have a special food for dogs out of training with a very low protien content. Plus a bit of boiled chicken (not last nights curry takeaway!!) is always a nice treat mixed in with the food.

What ever you do please spay or neutror you dog! You dog will be happier & healthier for it. You eliminate a lot of cancers dogs get! Plus no little "accidents" Your dog will be happier & you as an owner will be too!!

If I get a dog I will get everything done required to be a good dog owner including the above.

Glowing

I'm sorry, i don't have an exact figure for you! But hang on long enough and you should get a reply from someone else ... there are a few greyhound owners here.

In the mean time, have a read of the Greyhound care sheets online - do a google for 'Greyhounds as pets" for a better idea of their care.

hardly work'n

Glowing wrote: »

Well you can call them all you like, but in reality, once the pup is fed and has shelter, there is not a lot they can do.

This is a very common situation unfortunately.

Where is the pup kept during the day?

What you can do is keep a log of times the dog is barking, ect & report to the guards as a sound nusince. You will get further that way. Becouse unfortantly the laws surrounding animal welfare aren't very strict & as long water, food & shelter are provided there is little they can do. But a noise nuisince is a different matter. It is just said that you have to go down that route. And even worse for the dog. Maybe leave them a flyer with the name & number of an local dog trainer or classes in your area? If they are out walking him in the evening that's a good start!!

hardly work'n

We feed our three Gain & it works out to about €40 per week in Dry Food with another €40 in "treats" they are extremly spoiled rotten!!

I think the last time I checked for the greyhound food it was about €20 for a 20kg bag. I'm not sure how much you would go thru? I'd say anthor greyhound owner would know. Two of my three are over 60kg! So they do eat alot!!

Our annual vet bills run between €150-€200 per year.

Toys don't ask!!! Trips to the beach ect ect will all add up but you get back a thousand fold in return.

mags16

Glowing wrote: »

Well a 'retired' greyhound can be as young as 18 months .... you'd be better off getting a slightly older one - maybe around 3 or 4, so they're a wee bit calmer. Unfortunately, you have a huge choice in the shelters!

I used to work on the edges of the greyhound industry. A colleague rescued a few greyhounds and was interested to learn that track vets were unfamiliar with ailments that greyhounds develop as they get older. That is because the vast majority of greyhounds don't get older. They are disposed of when they are no longer of use.

Be aware that an adult greyhound won't be toilet trained. Have any of you greyhound owners had problems with this?

I'd agree with the posters who say they are great pets. Beautiful to look at, lazy and just need 2 short walks a day.

kerrysgold

There's also little bags of frozen meat cubes that you could get in Aldi/Lidl to cook and mix in with the dry food that'd be a nice little treat too, and there are only around €2 a bag.

check out www.paws.ie and www.cottagerescue.ie they usually have lots of greyhounds and lurchers.

Good for you for considering a greyhound, I really want one some day too, they seem like lovely dogs.

javaboy

Glowing wrote: »

With all due respect, if your worried about the cost of food, would you be able to cope if the dog needed vetinerary treatment? Visits to the vet aren't cheap these days, and the cost of medication etc can add up.

I would recommend pet insurance for anyone especially those getting a purebreed. It has saved my gf about €5k in the 2.5 years we have our dog. I would hate to ever be in the situation where my dog needed a big operation and I couldn't afford it.

Glowing

mags16 wrote: »

Be aware that an adult greyhound won't be toilet trained. Have any of you greyhound owners had problems with this?

Not necessarily true. Racing dogs are usually confined to crates for most of the day, and have learnt not to spoil their sleeping areas. So they will be aware that they can't just go 'anywhere'!

They might need a bit of help with training for the first few days (i.e bring him out every hour and give him mad praise when he goes), but they're intelligent and it will usually only take a day or two for the message to sink in.

hardly work'n

Glowing wrote: »

Not necessarily true. Racing dogs are usually confined to crates for most of the day, and have learnt not to spoil their sleeping areas. So they will be aware that they can't just go 'anywhere'!

They might need a bit of help with training for the first few days (i.e bring him out every hour and give him mad praise when he goes), but they're intelligent and it will usually only take a day or two for the message to sink in.

Most dogs want to be clean and do not want to sleep in a soiled bed or area. It's amazing what a few minutes of your time every day will do. Also a lot of greyhounds are trained to go on command before races. And a routine too will help make it easier for your dog.

Most of the reason dogs mess in the house is not becouse the dog is stupid or lazy it's becouse the owner hasn't taken the time to train them

Lauragoesmad

hardly work'n wrote: »

Most of the reason dogs mess in the house is not becouse the dog is stupid or lazy it's becouse the owner hasn't taken the time to train them

Very true!!!

kerrysgold

javaboy wrote: »

I would recommend pet insurance for anyone especially those getting a purebreed. It has saved my gf about €5k in the 2.5 years we have our dog. I would hate to ever be in the situation where my dog needed a big operation and I couldn't afford it.

Why more so for a purebred?

As for the toilet training, I wouldn't worry about that, my dog wasn't house trained when I got her aged 3 and she caught on within a few days.

javaboy

kerrysgold wrote: »

Why more so for a purebred?

As for the toilet training, I wouldn't worry about that, my dog wasn't house trained when I got her aged 3 and she caught on within a few days.

It's not always true but often purebred dogs are more prone to certain conditions. I think it comes from not enough variety in the gene pool. Mongrels are generally (but not always) a bit hardier.


Edit: Some quick googling tells me this may be a bit of a myth. Most evidence is probably anecdotal anyway.

workaccount

javaboy wrote: »

It's not always true but often purebred dogs are more prone to certain conditions. I think it comes from not enough variety in the gene pool. Mongrels are generally (but not always) a bit hardier.


Edit: Some quick googling tells me this may be a bit of a myth. Most evidence is probably anecdotal anyway.

So how much does insurance cost?

Also, are there issues with spoiling a dog? ie. Giving it too much attention and making it into a fool?

hardly work'n

A lot of "pure breed" dog breeds do pass on certian gentic disabilities or diseases. For example Dalmations blindness, certain lines of Irish Wolfhounds have liver problems, Newfoundlands / Black & Golden Labs Hip displasia (sp??) Lots of toy dogs with heart problems!

But that's what you get when you get people breeding just for money and money alone. A good dog breeder will not breed dogs that carry these gentic problem and will not breed that line. And will breed to improve the breed and make it more valuable. Becouse then in the long run they can charge a premium for a healthy dog

It never fails to amaze me that if you look thru dog for sale in your local paper you'll see the same phone numbers come up time and time again with all sorts of "high end breeds"

I think I have gone off thread a bit, but it just gets to me.

Glowing

As a general rule, Greyhounds don't seem to suffer from those serious genetic abnormalities or diseases since they are breed for strength and vitality (racing), not for a 'stubbier nose' or some other aesthetic reason.

Oh and seperate to that issue, when you get your Greyhound from a shelter, it will already be neutered or spayed for you - thats to ensure breeders aren't going there just to get a free dog.

Ruby Soho

Hi everyone, I have two greyhounds who are fed on Hill's Science plan, it costs 60 euro every three weeks for a 15kg bag, but when broken down, it only costs 10 euro per week per dog which I think is very reasonable, its a very high quality food.
Absolutely though, please consider a retired greyhound!!! There are so many misconceptions out there that greyhounds are vicious, highly strung child-gobbling monsters who need a twenty mile run every day, the reality couldn't be further from the truth. I would have ten greyhounds before I would have 1 high energy collie type dog (no offense to collie lovers out there!!). They really are low maintenance dogs with regard to grooming / exercise etc. Thats not to say they wouldn't enjoy a really good romp in the countryside, they do, but half an hour round the block on a cold windy night suits them just fine.
Also, like a previous poster said, the rescues are stuffed full of them so there's a dog to suit everyone out there... young, bouncy, playful and boisterous 2 year-olds or more mature, dignified and affectionate 6 year olds!! They also come in the cat friendly variety, and more colour combinations than you could shake a stick at!!
They are also generally free from most genetic / congenital problems, a greyhound showing any of these signs would most certainly not be bred from.
Sorry for the long winded post, I could go on all day about these dogs!!

javaboy

workaccount wrote: »

So how much does insurance cost?

Also, are there issues with spoiling a dog? ie. Giving it too much attention and making it into a fool?

You can get a quote from Allianz here:
http://www.allianzdirect.ie/?m=p&s=a&c=1&Ad=3.1.2

The price depends on the breed/size of dog AFAIK.

When it comes to spoiling a dog, the same rules as spoiling a child generally apply. Spoilt dog/child->bold dog/child.

There's no problem giving your dog lots of attention but as with a child, if they get attention when they misbehave, they will learn to associate misbehaviour with reward.
Any good dog training book will cover this kind of thing.

Alfasudcrazy

I have two dobies and a lively collie x and between the three the cost is pretty significant. I however never think of it as a cost like putting petrol in the car etc and worry that the first question you ask about owning a dog is the cost?

Perhaps a goldfish might suit better. It pains me to see people loading up with cheap Lidl dog food etc. Owning a dog is like (or should be like) getting a new member of the family and needs a lot of commitment and effort. You seem to have never owned a dog previously - if so you should think carefully BEFORE you get a dog.

Demonique

A couple of years back The Irish Times did a feature and reckoned it cost £1500 to keep a dog or a cat for one year.

Ruby Soho

Maybe if the cost is a real issue then you should think long and hard about getting a dog. If you're lucky, you might get a great healthy animal who only needs to see a vet once a year for vaccinations, but between one thing and another, this is RARE!! A visit to the vet for something as simple as a bout of diarrhoea or parasites may easily cost 60 euro or more, depending on the severity, thats just for a consultation / medication in some cases. A simple fractured leg can set you back 600 euro to put in a pin quite easily. A chronic skin condition can cost 5euro PER DAY to treat, depending on the problem. You really need top assess whether or not you would have this kind of money available to you should poor Rover have an accident or get sick. Im not saying that you need to be loaded to own a dog, but you really need to be able to get money when the time comes!! I just hate seeing animals euthanised because the owners cant afford the cost of treatment, of resorting to amputation instead of a repair of a broken limb because its cheaper.

Demonique

Someone on another forum had their dog's leg amputated because fixing the dog's leg would have ended up costing £1500 whereas amputation was £70

workaccount

Alfasudcrazy wrote: »

I have two dobies and a lively collie x and between the three the cost is pretty significant. I however never think of it as a cost like putting petrol in the car etc and worry that the first question you ask about owning a dog is the cost?

Perhaps a goldfish might suit better. It pains me to see people loading up with cheap Lidl dog food etc. Owning a dog is like (or should be like) getting a new member of the family and needs a lot of commitment and effort. You seem to have never owned a dog previously - if so you should think carefully BEFORE you get a dog.

Ruby Soho wrote: »

Maybe if the cost is a real issue then you should think long and hard about getting a dog. If you're lucky, you might get a great healthy animal who only needs to see a vet once a year for vaccinations, but between one thing and another, this is RARE!! A visit to the vet for something as simple as a bout of diarrhoea or parasites may easily cost 60 euro or more, depending on the severity, thats just for a consultation / medication in some cases. A simple fractured leg can set you back 600 euro to put in a pin quite easily. A chronic skin condition can cost 5euro PER DAY to treat, depending on the problem. You really need top assess whether or not you would have this kind of money available to you should poor Rover have an accident or get sick. Im not saying that you need to be loaded to own a dog, but you really need to be able to get money when the time comes!! I just hate seeing animals euthanised because the owners cant afford the cost of treatment, of resorting to amputation instead of a repair of a broken limb because its cheaper.

Come on guys please. Money makes the world go round. It has to be considered in everything you do...absolutely everything.

If you were planning to have a baby you would have to consider costs and just because you do consider costs does not mean you are going to cut costs!

workaccount

Ruby Soho wrote: »

Hi everyone, I have two greyhounds who are fed on Hill's Science plan, it costs 60 euro every three weeks for a 15kg bag, but when broken down, it only costs 10 euro per week per dog which I think is very reasonable, its a very high quality food.
Absolutely though, please consider a retired greyhound!!! There are so many misconceptions out there that greyhounds are vicious, highly strung child-gobbling monsters who need a twenty mile run every day, the reality couldn't be further from the truth. I would have ten greyhounds before I would have 1 high energy collie type dog (no offense to collie lovers out there!!). They really are low maintenance dogs with regard to grooming / exercise etc. Thats not to say they wouldn't enjoy a really good romp in the countryside, they do, but half an hour round the block on a cold windy night suits them just fine.
Also, like a previous poster said, the rescues are stuffed full of them so there's a dog to suit everyone out there... young, bouncy, playful and boisterous 2 year-olds or more mature, dignified and affectionate 6 year olds!! They also come in the cat friendly variety, and more colour combinations than you could shake a stick at!!
They are also generally free from most genetic / congenital problems, a greyhound showing any of these signs would most certainly not be bred from.
Sorry for the long winded post, I could go on all day about these dogs!!

Ok so If I was looking at e135 for insurance.
10e a week for food = e520. Plus put away 500 to cover vet costs and I'm talking in or around e1200...max!

javaboy

workaccount wrote: »

Ok so If I was looking at e135 for insurance.
10e a week for food = e520. Plus put away 500 to cover vet costs and I'm talking in or around e1200...max!

Probably add on a few quid for toys/beds/leads etc. Maybe kennel costs but that depends on your own situation. AFAIK with Allianz, the first €60 for any new condition you have to pay but after that it's covered.

workaccount

So is everyone here sure that a greyhound would be fine at home until I come home from lunch and then grand until the evening again?

hardly work'n

workaccount wrote: »

So is everyone here sure that a greyhound would be fine at home until I come home from lunch and then grand until the evening again?

Yes he will be fine. The fact that your taking the time to research & looking into what breed or type of dog that would best suit you and your lifestyle says a lot!! I wish more people took the time to consider which breed or type of dog would be best for them. They are great dogs as so many owners have said. You will be giving your dog a lot more time from the sounds of it, then a lot of dogs get. It will take a little time for the two of you to get to know each other but that is only one of the great things about getting a rescue dog. I wish all the best! And thank you.

When you do get him/her post a picture!

carwash_2006

Personally I think you are being responsible by trying to find out how much things are likely to cost.

Demonique

The better quality the dog food you feed your dog, the healthier it will be.
Pedigree Chum IS NOT quality food, "top breeders recommend it" refers to the winners of Crufts who are obliged to do an ad for Pedigree because Pedigree sponsors the competition

Dry food is better than tinned food which is too moist, tinned food can result in tooth decay. I dispise tinned food because I have Asperger's syndrome and one of the symptoms can be hypersensitivity to certain stimuli, like sounds and smells.
The tinned food = smell of tinned food coming from the dog's ar*e which isn't a nice smell anyway even if you're not hypersensitive to smells, the smell is a lot worse for me, particularly as my father thought it was cruel not to give the dog tinned food and he used to buy that awful Super Valu tinned dog food which was €2 for 6 tins. He stopped buying the tins when they started disappearing (over the wall courtesy of me)

Some people advocate a raw food diet for dogs. I bought a €1.50 cut of some sort of steak for the dog. I brought it home and my mother said "he won't eat that, your father said he won't eat raw meat". Bulldren, the dog, a black cocker spaniel, did a vanishing act with the steak within three minutes of being given it.

Obviously, if you can't afford it there's no need to feed a dog fresh meat on a daily basis. In America some people source meat for their dogs from local farmers and buy whole carcasses worth of meat. I think someone mentioned spending $100 for enough meat to last her dogs several months, but that would be a lot more over here.

You can look up recipes for dog food on the internet, like recipes for home made dog biscuits, etc

Lauragoesmad

Demonique wrote: »

The better quality the dog food you feed your dog, the healthier it will be.
Pedigree Chum IS NOT quality food, "top breeders recommend it" refers to the winners of Crufts who are obliged to do an ad for Pedigree because Pedigree sponsors the competition

The smell of the stuff tells you its not quality food.

kerrysgold

Most of it stinks, I only give my girlie foil packs if I have absolutly nothing else, cesar doesn't seem too bad, other wise she get's proper meat etc, I must try the raw meat thing too.

carwash_2006

Cesar is rubbish. If you are feeding a manufactured food, always go for a good quality dry food. Look at the list of ingredients, the first ingredient should be meat. Remember dogs do not digest cerials well so if the first ingredient is cerials most of it will just end up coming out the other end.

The exception would be some of the diet foods as they sometimes have to have a slightly different make up. I guess if you need to feed a diet food check the ingredients on the non diet foods in the same brand to see if it's a good brand or not.

Lauragoesmad

I know this is totally off the point but has anyone ever heard of "mammy mix"? (People obviously have different names for it)
A family down in Leitrim we know, their dog had pups and they made up a mix of porridge, boiled eggs and something else for the mother while she was feeding the pups. Supposedly all the farmers give it to the collies when they have pups down there. Has anyone heard of this? I have never heard of it before.

hardly work'n

carwash_2006 wrote: »

Cesar is rubbish. If you are feeding a manufactured food, always go for a good quality dry food. Look at the list of ingredients, the first ingredient should be meat. Remember dogs do not digest cerials well so if the first ingredient is cerials most of it will just end up coming out the other end.

The exception would be some of the diet foods as they sometimes have to have a slightly different make up. I guess if you need to feed a diet food check the ingredients on the non diet foods in the same brand to see if it's a good brand or not.

One thing to remember dogs are like humans they are omnivores. That means that they eat both meat & plants. Alot of cheap dog foods do use ceral fillers & yes you will need to feed more to get the same nutrional value as a more meat based product. And what goes in must come out! There are a lot of good quality dog food out there. That don't break the bank. So a strictly meat based diet is no more healthy for them as it is healthy for humans. We feed our dogs Gain which I find to be a great irish made brand. They make not only greyhound food, but horse feed too. The other good thing is that you know everything in that food is sourced in Ireland. Your not getting it shipped in from overseas. Also in there diets is fruit & veg! Our Great Dane cross will climb up the apple tree to get to the apples & drops them down for the others. Our wolfhound cross has something about bananas! Broccilli is also very very good for dogs & my lads love it!