Our Hank turned 3 in July and is doing great! He’s still a head-turner, of course.  And he’ll drive you crazy one minute and be the most adorable thing the next…but that’s a weim for you!

Quick question: what food are you now recommending?  We have purchased Eagle Pack since Hank was a pup, but are considering a switch.  He has seemed to have an upset stomach some mornings in the past few months (not as interested in his food, eating grass, etc.).  We don’t feed human food, aside from a carrot once in a while or a little peanut butter as a treat occasionally, so we don’t think that’s the culprit.  Our vet suspects acid reflux and prescribed essentially a Pepcid once a day with his food.  It seems to help actually, but we’re wondering if a new food is in order.  We would transition gradually, of course.  Thoughts?

Breeder’s Comments: First, Eagle Pack brand is no longer made by a small family operated corporation. Eagle Pack corporation was bought out by the Wellness LLC, and Wellness makes some quality dog food. Therefore, the Eagle Pack brand is manufactured by other than soap and candy companies. If you check, you will discover that most dog food is made by these large conglomerates. While this food received a four-star rating on the dog food advisor ( click here), the fourth ingredient is corn. Whether it is the corn or other ingredients, there is a good chance this food is not working for Hank. There is no such thing as one food fits all. We have been using Diamond Naturals Lamb Meal and Rice, a four-star food, (not to be confused with Diamond). (Click Here). Prior to using the Diamond Naturals, we have used other four and five-star foods with mixed results. 

Our OwyheeStar clients have heard us talk about do a food change in the right way. Changing food should be done gradually, but also with the consideration that food changes are tough. Be honest, the Weimaraner would prefer the poor-quality food. It is like many of us prefer a candy bar, cake, or pie rather than our green beans. Some Weimaraners will steal another pet’s lesser food, or gobble these junk dog foods. Never let them eat cat food; this can cause serious health problems.

We have had the best luck with grain-free foods. It is hard to know which food to select. Availability, Digestibility, and Affordability can play a big factor is your selection. One clue is that most grocery stores do not carry what you want to feed your Weimaraner. Farm stores may carry a good food, but knowing what you are buying is important. The clerk may try to sell you on the brand that works for them, or nets the biggest profit. The dog food adviser can help you make a better decision.

If your Weimaraner is on the heavy side and likes green veggies, you could add some to their food without doing them a great disservice. Some foods will unbalance their diet, but many veterinarians recommend adding green beans to the food to cut down on calories. Not every people food is bad, and when used correctly they can help bridge the gap during a food transition. Too many rich, high-calorie human foods can cause health issues. We are suggesting the safer green vegetables, carrots, or a bit of meat broth. If your Weimaraner doesn’t chew their food, you may need to make the carrots bit-sized rather than larger whole ones. Using a grated carrot is even better.

Finally, consider adding cooked whole pumpkin, canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix), or a baked sweet potato to your Weim’s diet. This can benefit their health. This is a very good thing to add during the transition phase, or to use as snacks. It is less expensive and better to prepare your own, rather than buying processed pumpkin or sweet potato snacks. Who knows where these were made, or what happened to them? A single pumpkin or sweet potato can be made to last quite awhile. It can be cooked, frozen, and served in frozen chunks.

Pepcid can help cure tummy upset caused by acid reflux. Yes, dogs get this just as humans do. Fasttrack Microbials have been helpful to many who have found their Weimaraner struggling with an on-going upset tummy. Most Weims like this sprinkled on their food. It is relatively inexpensive, harmless, and for whatever reason helpful; most likely, it is the combination of enzymes, and the good bacteria encourages a health gut.

Note: OwyheeStar clients that have specific food questions are asked to send these to Cliff. Please be detailed, giving him information on the current food you are using, and what you want to use. He is best able to help you. Dog food is complicated, and the ratios are as important, as the ingredients. We regret that we can only post information like this for non-OwyheeStar clients. There are not enough hours in a day to help everyone. 

As always, thanks for keeping us weim-lovers updated on the blog and facebook! Thank You Suzanna!

Hank and Suzanna — August 2009 (remember when!?!)