We believe that what you would feed your dog profoundly impacts their health. We try to feed and we also recommend raw food (BARF) diet and premium kibbles, when possible (depending on your lifestyle). Please note that in the summer of 2018, Dilated Cardiomyopathy (heart condition) was seen in several dogs with low taurine levels. Upon further investigation, most of the dogs diagnosed were being feed premium Grain Free Diets. Dogs that typically were being fed these diets have been diagnosed with varying degrees of DCM. Some reversible, some not. Some with lower levels of taurine, some with normal levels. The jury is still out as to what is causing this malady. I encourage you to speak with your breeder and your veterinarian to develop a varied diet for your dog, until the data proves additional insight into what is causing otherwise healthy dogs, to develop DCM. Please see the two links below for more information, and join the DCM Facebook group for real time stories.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY (DCM) RELATED TO GRAIN FREE KIBBLE:
VACCINES:
We also believe that over-vaccination of your pet can be deleterious to your health. While we strongly recommend that you take your pet in to the veterinarian annually for physical examinations, we also believe that antibody titers should also be run for most of the common viruses and bacterial diseases that your pet can contract, rather than over-vaccinate your dog or cat that is already showing an immune response. The one exception to this vaccine protocol is the rabies vaccine, which you should be giving according to your state regulations (usually every 3 yrs. for an adult pet). Please click on the link below to see Jean Dodds, DVM vaccination protocol recommendations:
Also do not feel the need to vaccinate your pet annually for the canine core vaccines. Rather, perform a titer through Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
take this form to your vet and have them submit blood on your dogs for a titer test. I would run the core vaccine test every 3 or so years to make sure they are still protected (have an immunity to Distemper, Parvovirus).
The rabies titer I would run every 3-5 yrs, again to make sure they are protected. State law may rule the frequency on this titer test. Check with your veterinarian.
Dr. Dodd's Pet Health Resource Blog
Does Your State Permit Rabies Vaccination Medical Exemptions?
Dog Food Reviews and Ratings | Dog Food Advisor
Dog Food Analysis - Reviews of Kibble
Dog Food Comparison, Ratings, Reviews - In-Depth Guide to the Best Dog Food
5 Star Dog Foods | Dog Food Advisor
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) > Labeling & Labeling Requirements