Learning to serve the proper dog food portions taught me a very expensive lesson not too long ago.

So when I received this email – I just had to share my response with all of you –

Hi:

I see you decided to start feeding the Ziwi Peak to your doodle.  I have a Goldendoodle 58 pounds.  He’s tall so he has more of the poodle in him.  How do you feed this food with the price for your dogs?  Does it seem like it’s enough food? The website says he’d get about 4.19 scoops.  in an 8 pound bag I(‘d have to feed at least 2  bags per month at over $200.  Do you add anything to stretch it out? Thanks, Monica

Monica, your questions are sooooooo familiar to me –

Switching to Ziwi Peak was a necessity. Allergies were running a muck and I needed to feed them something more “species appropriate.” For many reasons I was unable to transition to raw. Ziwi Peak became my alternative…

LET’S TALK PORTIONS –

Ziwi is 95% digestible, high in protein and kilo calories – therefore you feed less. Something I learned the hard way.

Like you, I too thought the scoop was really small…

When I saw the small amount of food the scoop held, I got concerned…

All on my own I decided this couldn’t be enough and I started giving them “heaping” scoopfuls…

Not only did that deplete the bags faster, but Jax started to swell up right before my very eyes.

Over a couple of months he gained 4lbs. #notgood

I now “correctly” follow the scoop chart on the side of the bag…

Their vet approves of my food choice, however, she asked that I add fiber in their diet. Specifically cauliflower.  Why cauliflower?  Because it is –

rich in different vitamins to include antioxidants. It can sometimes reduce inflammation. 

Steamed broccoli and cauliflower are added to their dinner a couple of times a week…

I also give them Olewo Carrots – at least once a week.

NOTE: Giving them veggies with their dinner is not to stretch the food, its to add the fiber and benefits each vegetable provides.

ABOUT THE MONEY –

Let’s call it like it is – Ziwi Peak is pricey.  But what the Boys used to eat in the past wasn’t cheap either. It’s dreadful that quality dog food is so expensive. It really shouldn’t be. #butthatsanotherstory

Dr Karen Becker addressed why expensive dog foods cost so much –

The reason expensive dog foods cost so much money is because of the quality of their ingredients and type of processing they use. Most expensive dog foods use natural whole meat as their primary ingredient. They use complex processing methods like freeze drying or dehydration to maintain the nutritional integrity of the food. Also, they are usually scientifically formulated and update their ingredients as new nutritional information is discovered by researchers. When you buy the most expensive food, you are getting nutrition that you can trust. Source: Dog Food Insider

When I looked for a list of the most expensive dog food brands on the market and WHY they cost so much – Guess who made the Dog Food Insider list?

ZiwiPeak Air Dried Dog Food is a prime example of an expensive dog food using a unique processing method and high quality ingredients. They use only whole meat ingredients like fresh cuts of lamb, beef, and venison, along with organs and bones for the most biologically appropriate food. Beyond just offering a formula that resembles what dogs would eat in the wild, they air dry their kibble to protect against nutrient loss from processing.

Also on that list was –

• Merrick BackCountry
• Orjen Adult
• EVO Red Meat

–  along with comparable/alternative brands for those on the list.

WITH TWO DOGS –

I average about two bags per month. My purchases come from Chewy(dot)com because they ship free, fast, and with their reoccurring shipment option there’s a tiny discount #everybithelps.

The additional funds required for food, has taken me down another path – one I’m actually having some fun with. I’ve learned alternatives to commercial treats.

Teaching myself to make treats has been financially smart and their snacks are much healthier.

I dehydrate sweet potatoes, apple slices and chicken breasts strips in the oven now. Read here from Kimberly about Easy DIY Jerky Treat Recipes.

Making snacks are super easy and both Harley & Jaxson love what’s coming out of Cathy’s Kitchen 🙂

AT THE END OF THE DAY –

We all want the very best for our dogs, yet we all have to live within our means. Talk with your veterinarian if you’re concerned about the dog food you’ve selected. There are many ways to get nutritional species appropriate foods into your dogs diet. With a little research and discussion with your vet I have no doubt you will find a happy healthy medium!

Monica – I hope I’ve answered your questions.  Let’s stay in touch, if you find some Doodle*licious recipes – please share 🙂

DISCLAIMER: I am not a veterinarian nor a scientist. I’m a pet parent always interested in understanding more about my dogs.

Have a magical, magnificent, marvelous Monday ❤