Our Dog Food Journey

 With any family pet, we have so many decisions to make when it comes to their food. Natural, grain free, cruelty free, and the list seems never ending. It took us almost four years, until we found a formula that worked for our Vizsla, inside and out.

While we were out last night buying a new bag of dog food, I started to think about the connection of Bailey's good health to his dog food. My husband, Travis, was shocked by the $60 price tag for the 25 lb. bag of dog food but his overall good health has been worth the hit to our wallets.

This was only the second shot I tried to get. I think it turned our great :)

When we lived in Washington, Bailey was on Taste of the Wild ‘Sierra Mountain’ formula and it seemed to work for him. His stools were solid, his weight was maintained and he had the energy of a Vizsla, until one day I noticed a rash around his groin. Thinking that there was nothing out of the ordinary in his diet/lifestyle, we took him to the vet. Our Veterinarian said it was “dog acne” prescribed some medication, sent us on our way and I felt like I was doing the right thing for my dog.

The rash went away and a few weeks later, it was back and I gave him more medication (it was an on going treatment that I could re-new). About a month later, I decided this is enough, I am NOT giving my dog any more un-necessary medication and we’re switching dog food. As I was at our local animal supply store, the owner of the store, mentioned that Bailey might have a LAMB allergy. I questioned her because I thought lamb was supposed to be great for sensitive dogs. She then informed me that she had heard of purebred's reacting negatively to lamb. Who knew?

Sure enough, I switch his food and the rash went right away within a week. I learned then that the root of most problems your dog may have, come right from the food they eat. We did switch a few more times until we found Natural Balance in the ‘Chicken, Turkey and Duck’ formula. We switched around because some formulas were too high in protein (bad dog gas) or some didn’t have a formula I knew Bailey would enjoy. Bailey loves chicken, so I know that any food we get as to have chicken in it and anything after that, I need to look into. We also know that if we go over 28% protein, he develops very bad gas and no one wants that, ha ha.

All in all, Bailey is healthy, his coat is shiny, his teeth are white, his stools are always solid and he has zero health issues (knock on wood). From my experience and recent experience as well, I have learned I no longer trust what a Veterinarian has to say about my dogs. Do your own research, figure out what your dog needs and try to make it work.

Meet My WOOF Babies

Picture quality is terrible because they're from my phone but I will be getting a better camera shortly.

Blogging about your pet is a brand new concept (ha) but my dogs are real characters. I really don’t have a better way or wording it, well, maybe the fact they drive me INSANE, would be a better option but I will stick with characters, for now.

I am not a dog expert but I am an expert in giving my dog’s the love and care they need. Do they give that back? Heck no. They give that to my husband when he comes home from work everyday. When my husband comes home, they greet him like he is GODS GIFT TO THE WORLD. Sure, he does a lot for our family, so, I will let him feel like a God for five minutes a day, ha ha.

Bailey being stole a clean shirt from the clean laundry pile

Bailey is a full blooded Vizsla and Molly is part Lab, Vizsla and according to everyone else, she is part some other type of dog. When we adopted Molly, we were told she was a Vizsla mix, the second we shared our adoption news and a picture, everyone became DNA experts and told us “NO” she is this breed or this breed, or this breed crossed with this breed. Listen, I am sure she is a mix of a MILLION different breeds of dogs but she is the most gentle, loving, non-aggressive dog we have ever known. Whatever mix of dog she is, she is the best mix of them all, well, besides a Vizsla. I can firmly say she does have Vizsla in her because of her appearance  and some traits we see in her, that Bailey has too.

Just an average day...

Until you have lived with a Vizsla, you won’t know what it is like to live with a Vizsla. I won’t even begin to go on about that now but Vizsla’s are highly intelligent. Sometimes, we think Bailey is smarter than all of us combined but even with that intelligence, you get the most tenderhearted little DEVIL you will ever meet.

Name: Bailey

Nickname: Boo Boo, Puppy, (Insert offensive words), Puppa's

Age: 4

Place of Birth: California

Location: Las Vegas, NV

Ball or no balls: No Balls (neutered)

Color: Red/Rust/Brown

Current food: Natural Balance Grain Free Chicken, Turkey & Duck

Hates: Cats, people walking anywhere he can see out of the balcony window and having his paw’s touched, carrots

Loves: Destroying everything and anything, stealing warm spots on the couch and sharing food.

Favorite snack: Homemade treats and pretty much every fruit and vegetable he can have.

Allergies: Lamb

Tricks: Sit, stay, Up, Roll Over, Beg, Lay Down, Paw, Explode it, High Five, Focus, Head Down and that’s it for now

Name: Molly

Nickname: Mama, Meme, Ma

Age: 2

Place of Birth: California???? Still unknown.

Fixed: Spayed in February 2012

Color: Dirty Blond

Current food: Simply Nourish Chicken & Brown Rice

Dislikes: Being in public, new people and being away from us (Stage five clinger)

Loves: Being with us, laying on something soft, chewing on bones and the fresh air

Favorite Snack: Homemade treats and nothing else because she doesn’t like much

Allergies: Nothing yet

Tricks: Sit, stay (still trying to stay longer than five seconds), Paw, High Five, Lay Down and Roll Over

Out bed is her favorite place in the entire house.

They are my babies, they make each day special and I love every minute with them.

Disclaimer: I am not a dog expert or Veterinarian. Anything I post about my dog’s in regards to diet, health, physical fitness, appearance or anything else in regards to taking care of a pet are mine and mine alone. I do my own research and talk with my friends and specialists to form my own informed opinion. Anything I share is my opinion, based on my research and is what works in my doggy family. Please do your own research and speak with your Veterinarian in regards to the health and well being of your family pet.