Edit To Ruby's Diet

Hi all! I hope you had a fabulous Christmas and New Year!

Over the past few weeks I have noticed that something has not quite been right with Ruby, every other poop has been very soft, if not total water. A call to the vet has confirmed that this is not due to a blockage or bug, but her diet. The only issue was finding out what the cause of this mess actually was.

It has taken us weeks to rule out her treats, chicken, vegetables and most other things. Finally, I removed her morning serving of James Welbeloved complete dry food. Her stools have since hardened properly, and have been more regular. We used this food as it is free of most things that cause dogs issues, such as milk, and is hypoallergenic. Obviously, this is not the case for Ruby.

I believe that Ruby may be allergic to oats / oat flour. This would explain her reactions to the product when given in large quantities.
Since this discovery four days ago, her stomach has settled, she has more energy, and seems a lot more cuddly. Also, her amount of gas has vastly reduced.

This brand of dog complete feed is brilliant for my Dad's Malamute, Jess, but does not agree with my Siberian, Ruby. I believe it is different for every dog, and every breed.

Also, I previously mentioned that both Ruby and Jess were fed frozen meat packs from our local pet shop. Recently, both dogs have stopped eating this food altogether as the brand has added more fillers. Neither dog will touch it now, so this has also been removed.

Ruby does, however, receive around quarter a cup of the dried complete feed throughout the day as a treat to ensure that she is getting all the vitamins ect that she needs. This small amount does not appear to affect her.

Ruby's diet is now very similar to what she had before, but rather than biscuits for breakfast she has two chicken legs, and for dinner only one chicken leg with some mixed vegetables.

Ruby's Husky Diet...

This diet consists of Ruby's daily meals, and treats, including training rewards. This is approved by my vet, and Ruby's previous vet.

BREAKFAST
-One cup of 'James Welbeloved' chicken and rice biscuits.
-Quarter cup of mixed frozen vegetables. (Ruby prefers frozen food to cooked) .

LUNCH
-One 'Jumbone' or similar treat when leaving her alone.

DINNER
-Two frozen chicken legs.
-Half pack of frozen minced whole meat dog food.
-Both served with quarter cup of mixed vegetables, or one whole carrot, chopped and raw.

SUPPER (upon return from evening walk, along with quarter cup black, weak, decaff tea)
-Quarter cup of 'James Welbeloved' biscuits.
OR
-One turkey neck, from the butchers.

TREATS
-'Misfits Scruff Bites' broken in half for training rewards.
-'Pedigree Cheesy Bites' as rewards.

Ruby is also walked four times a day.
-30 mins before breakfast.
-45 mins before being left, or at lunch time.
-45 mins before dinner, or on returning home if out for more than two hours.
-45 mins before settling for the evening, before supper.


It may seem like a lot of food for a little dog, but the portion sizes ensure that she is not being overfed, as do the long walks and rigorous training schedule we have set in place.

There is a lot of speculation surrounding chicken bones and dogs eating them. I have researched this both independently, and with my vet and we have discovered that when served uncooked and more importantly frozen, they do not pose a threat to dogs. When cooked, all bones splinter, making them unsafe for consumption. That is why Ruby is served frozen chicken legs, it is one of her favourite meals, and it means that she cannot rush her meals either, which leads to a lot of sick!

Dogs are natural scavengers, who will eat anything and everything they can. The key is to instil rules for your dog, so that they understand you are the boss, and they are not permitted to steal food. Don't worry, this is still an ongoing battle with our little madam.