In reading about processed dog food, I became aware that I was not giving my dobermans the nutrition I always sought for myself and my children. Partly out of convenience, and mostly out of ignorance. After reading about nutrition and talking to many people who are homecooking, I was convinced. We made the switch and my dobes have never been happier. Of course, you have to find what works best for you, so I have added links to books I have enjoyed and learned from. Take a look.
I currently feed raw muscle and organ meats, veggies, fruits, and grains that include oatmeal and millet, as well as garlic, apple cider vinegar, honey and yogurt, Vitamin C and fish oil and wheat germ. They also get raw meat bones and raw whole carrots, which they love better than a rawhide, which I no longer feed. I feed two meals per day, in the morning I feed grains and fruits, yogurt, honey, Vitamin C, and wheat germ served at room tempurature or slightly warmed, and in the evening they get the raw meat with veggies, garlic, fish oil and vinegar.
Credit for this diet goes to my friend, Christy Waehner, whose page you can view by going to my links page. Christy has done tireless research on canine nutrition and has successfully been feeding her dobermans on this diet for several months with great success.
I was feeding a premium kibble which cost me approximately $110.00 a month to feed three dobermans. I am saving money feeding naturally by buying in bulk. Of course, this is not for everyone. It does take a bit more time than kibble, but not much. The transition process was much easier than I thought it would be.
Good luck and happy reading to one and all.
Below are some books I have read, which you can order directly from this page. To purchase or read reviews about these books, click the link next to each book jacket and it will take you into Amazon.com
Check out my links page to find out more information on Canine Nutrition and Natural Feeding.
Doberman Links
The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog by Wendy Volhard and Kerry Brown, DVM
This book was an easy read and very informative. The Volhards practice what they preach and hold seminars all over the United States.
Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats by Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM, Ph.D. & Susan Hubble Pitcairn
This book was also a great read and very informative. Together with information from friends, I was able to make the transition to Natural Feeding.
Save that Dog: Everything you need to know about adopting a Purebred Rescue Dog by Liz Palika
Second Hand Dog: How to Turn Yours into a First-rate Pet by Carol Lea Benjamin
Doberman Pinschers: Everything about Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Diseases, Behavior, and Training
Guide to Owning a Doberman Pinscher: Puppy Care, Health, Training, History, Grooming, Breed Standard by Joseph P. Schau
The Canine Good Citizen, Every Dog Can Be One by Jack & Wendy Volhard
Training Your Dog - A Step by Step Manual by Joachim Volhard and Gail Tamases Fisher
All About Agility by Jacqueline O'Neil
Don't Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training by Karen Pryor
This book was a good read and a must for all who have pets, kids, spouses, co-workers, or live in humanity!
Lads Before the Wind: Diary of a Dolphin Trainer by Karen Pryor
Enjoying Dog Agility: From Backyard to Competition by Judy Daniels
Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
The Body Language & Emotion of Dogs by Myrna Milani
Schutzhund: Theory and Training Methods by Susan Barwig and Stewart Hilliard
Agility Training: The Fun Sport for all Dogs by Jane Simmons-Moake
Dog Problems by Carol Lea Benjamin
Fun and Games with Dogs: Educational and Fun Games to Teach Your Dog to Enjoy Working With You by Roy Hunter, Judy Duffi
Clicker Fun: Dog Tricks and Games using Positive Reinforcement by Deborah Jones
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Clicker Training for Obedience Competition: Getting Top Performance - POSITIVELY! by Morgan Spector
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Training that Works for your Dog (1995) by April Frost
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Woof Woof - Uncle Matty's Guide (1997) by Matthew Margolis
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Woof!: Guide to Dog Training by Matthew Margolis