Organic Dog Food, Part II

I forgot to mention in my last post that in addition to buying them a higher-quality dog food, I have also been making a serious effort to exercise them more frequently and for longer periods of time. I figure exercise coupled with a protein-rich diet, and we may have a chance.

I think we're making some great progress. To date, there has been only one, little 'piddle' in the kitchen, and it's been over two weeks. As far as the coprophagia goes, there is some progress, but not as much as I'd hoped. I believe this is due to the fact that it has become almost habitual at this point. An acquired taste, maybe? Needless to say, I've had to become extremely vigil in my 'poop patrol' duties, picking them up with the scooper practically as they hit the ground. Of course, this is now one of Bailey's favorite games: who can get to the poo first. At times I've even had to run at her with the scooper shovel, brandishing it like a Spartan warrior does his spear.

I'd say overall, the experiment has been successful and canine moral is high. So I guess we'll just keep on keeping on.

Organic Dog Food, Part I

What finally put me over the edge was the realization that Skeeter was almost 3 and was STILL peeing on the kitchen floor. And after much research on coprophagia, I discovered that Bailey's desire to eat Skeeter's or her own feces, was unhealthy for an adult dog to be doing (apparently, only puppies get away with this). Believe me, I was very close to losing my temper with them both.

However, in my reading about coprophagia, which may have to do with a nutrient-deprived diet, I came across another behavioral problem with dogs who aren't getting enough nutrients in their food: excessive urination due to drinking a lot of water. I couldn't believe it. Here are my two babies eating feces and drinking water to fill their bellies because we can't spend a little more for quality food. It broke my heart.


I immediately began the transition from Pedigree - a low-grade, corn-based filler food (which was clearly going right through them) to Blue Buffalo - a high-end, protein-rich food that I could probably eat. Of course I remembered to gradually mix in the new food with the old, and of course I don't give them as much of the new food, since it is so rich. Now, wouldn't that be a nightmare for their digestion tracts - that'd be like switching from Fritos to Caviar!

Anyway, I'll keep you posted on the results.