Quick background..I needed a mouser and my mother in law had just the right one out on their farm. Our Lilith. We brought her home January 9th. Then we found out that she is pregnant, despite what my mother in law said.
So, I have a sweet little pregnant girl. She's close to birthing..about two weeks, judging by size, fetal movement and her behavioural changes.
She developed scabby spots since coming home with us. I took a look at the kibble bag and wheat features heavily. I had bought a bag of grain-free kibble because I know grains aren't necessary, but hadn't used any of it yet. Over the past couple of days, I noticed she wasn't eating much, decided to take the plunge and switched over. She is happily eating the grain free. (The only real reason for knowing to look for wheat is that my dog is already on a grain-free diet for the same reaction..it made sense to me.)
At the same time as I noticed her appetite change, I started reading. I didn't know wet was better..I was raised with the belief that kibble is better for teeth, etc. Now I know better. My husband bought the best wet food he could find today based on my gluten and grain free guidelines. Friskies Pate. She ate some of that today and is happy with it, particularly when I mix in warm water. She's not having any issues at the other end..stool and urine are good, no throwing up, etc. She is also more frisky than she has been for the last few days as well.
I live in a small town..the grocery store is expensive and limited. We make a trip into the city every two weeks to twenty days for groceries. I'll have numerous stores available to me to work with. So....
What would you recommend to me? I've read numerous articles and get the gist of it..low ash, stay away from glutens, wheat, and other grains.
I live close to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. We have Wal-Mart, PetSmart, Superstore (Loblaws/No Frills is the same company) as well as a myriad of over-priced smaller pet stores. I would prefer to avoid them if I can. As much as I want to give her the best, I do have to watch my pockets..particularly with the spay coming up once she's weaned her kittens and we're looking into having all of the litter done as well before finding them good homes.
So, I have a sweet little pregnant girl. She's close to birthing..about two weeks, judging by size, fetal movement and her behavioural changes.
She developed scabby spots since coming home with us. I took a look at the kibble bag and wheat features heavily. I had bought a bag of grain-free kibble because I know grains aren't necessary, but hadn't used any of it yet. Over the past couple of days, I noticed she wasn't eating much, decided to take the plunge and switched over. She is happily eating the grain free. (The only real reason for knowing to look for wheat is that my dog is already on a grain-free diet for the same reaction..it made sense to me.)
At the same time as I noticed her appetite change, I started reading. I didn't know wet was better..I was raised with the belief that kibble is better for teeth, etc. Now I know better. My husband bought the best wet food he could find today based on my gluten and grain free guidelines. Friskies Pate. She ate some of that today and is happy with it, particularly when I mix in warm water. She's not having any issues at the other end..stool and urine are good, no throwing up, etc. She is also more frisky than she has been for the last few days as well.
I live in a small town..the grocery store is expensive and limited. We make a trip into the city every two weeks to twenty days for groceries. I'll have numerous stores available to me to work with. So....
What would you recommend to me? I've read numerous articles and get the gist of it..low ash, stay away from glutens, wheat, and other grains.
I live close to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. We have Wal-Mart, PetSmart, Superstore (Loblaws/No Frills is the same company) as well as a myriad of over-priced smaller pet stores. I would prefer to avoid them if I can. As much as I want to give her the best, I do have to watch my pockets..particularly with the spay coming up once she's weaned her kittens and we're looking into having all of the litter done as well before finding them good homes.