The addition of Momentum or Pursuit in meat or fish- based diets works very well; we recommend you try these proven approaches:

Start slowly. Don't suddenly switch from your previous kibble to Dr. Tim's; use the method suggested in the feeding recommendations. Momentum and Pursuit are very energy dense; consequently, when you've made the switch to 100% Dr. Tim's kibble you will be feeding up to 25% less kibble than you were with your old kibble.

Your dogs will definitely digest the food better if given in smaller quantities in several feedings. Less food equals better digestion with these higher fat foods!

Soaked - vs. - dry kibble

The majority of successful feeding programs use Dr. Tim's as a dry kibble, and add the dry kibble to the meat mix just before feeding. Soaked kibble does work but may take more finesse in its application; always use a cold-water soak and try not to let it stand for more than 4 hours before feeding. And be sure to clean the cooler or bucket that you use to soak; it's a good place for angry bacteria to grow!

Troubleshooting

Momentum and Pursuit work best when water is available at all times.

Stool Issues

Soft stools

This is due to overfeeding the food, plain and simple. The food is very energy dense and the GI tract needs time to handle it; too much and the "end result" is the same as if you went to an Italian restaurant, wolfed down a lot of fatty foods all at once and then ordered some cheesecake for dessert. That kind of eating quickly turns into an expensive "rental" meal that makes your belly feel horrible and sends you to the bathroom in a hurry. Try giving less food (even if it seems odd) and look at the results. You can effortlessly overload a GI tract if you are not careful. Some folks add additional fiber such as psyllium, beet pulp, canned pumpkin or cooked rice, but this shouldn't be necessary in most cases.

Runny stools

This may occasionally come from overfeeding, but take a look at the general health of your kennel. Could there be one of the following things happening?

• Parasites. Hookworms, coccidia, giardia and tapeworms are potential culprits. A regular de-worming program using several different products during the course of one year should be a high priority. Periodic fecal examinations by your veterinarian can solve many a loose stool problem.
• Clostridium. With the recent understanding of just how common the clostridial problem is in Alaska, this should be considered. Symptoms of clostridium toxemia can include:
  • Lack of endurance, change in gait
  • Runny eyes
  • Bloody and/or mucous diarrhea
  • May have normal stool in kennel - then diarrhea during or after exercise
  • More prone to injuries, cuts and splits that don't heal
  • Hair loss
  • Dull coat
  • Extremely sick dogs may stagger
  • Convulsions, death
• General hygiene of the feed room. Clean your feeding implements periodically. Bacteria, flies and cross contamination from feces can complicate the feeding results.
• Storage and preparation of meat. Meat can go bad prior to or after freezing, and although dogs are tough, they can handle only so much in the way of spoiled product. Spoiling can occur during the thawing process, too, when the meat thaws too rapidly or in a warm environment/hot bucket of water for too long. This is especially true of poultry products.
• Additives. Depending on what you're adding, it may be overkill. Let us know how your additions have improved/inflamed your experiences and we'll all benefit...there is no such thing as too much information when it comes to feeding our dogs!
• Vaccinations. Make sure your dogs' vaccinations are up to date for preventable diseases that lead to diarrhea.

Loss of Interest in the Food

• Your dog is portly and isn't hungry anymore.
• Could there be a health concern that hasn't been detected yet?
• There is a girl in heat and amore is more important than the food.

You Suspect the Dry Food has Spoiled

Momentum contains the needed amounts of antioxidants and preservatives to keep it fresh. As with any high fat product, dog or human, store the food where it doesn't get extremely hot - decent storage is essential. If you receive a shipment that you question, don't hesitate to contact us.

My dog is losing weight on the food

More than likely, the dog is not digesting the food properly – the upshot being you are paying for some expensive dog doo- doo. Suggestions:

• Cut back on the amount you feed per feeding so they can digest it better; this is the most important thing to take home! This appears contrary to common sense, but it is not. They will better assimilate or digest the food if you feed in smaller amounts several times a day. You can't feed the same amount of food that you were previously feeding; the foods just aren't the same.
• Add meat or fish to dilute the food out, making it more available for digestion. What this means is the kibble is spread out more and the body can handle it better; fish works especially well here.
• Get some fecal samples checked if loose stools/weight loss continues despite your best efforts. Fatty foods can aggravate underlying intestinal conditions like whipworms, giardia, coccidia and clostridium; your veterinarian will help you figure out and treat these maladies.

Dr. Tim's Pet Food Company is interested in how you feed your dogs, the goals you've set for your dogs and the goals you've set for yourself. Our doors, ears and minds are always open to your suggestions about our product - we want to stay on the cutting edge of dog nutrition. Contact us! We're not kidding!

edith@drtims.com
drtims@yahoo.com

Dr. Tim's Pet Food Company
2361 US 41, South
Marquette, MI USA 49855
906-249-8486

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