[Michael M]

Yep, Filler has really gotten a bad connotation. It’s gotten it for (mostly) good reasons of course. However, everything has to have some sort of “filler” in it unless you’re going a purely raw and natural diet.

I think following anon101’s advice makes the most sense and I was going to recommend the same. Also, if you don’t trust your vet, go find a new one! If you love your dogs, you can always get a second opinion. I do the same for my own health, and would also do the same for my pets.

[Michael M]

It’s hard to find a relatively heartworm medication these days. Bravecto, Trifexis, and NExguard have all caused major problems among their test subjects as well as just normal owners. I’ve even read they cause seizures. On the other hand, I’ve read that Sentinel is decent, and there are also these garlic pills you can buy. Might want to try that out as a cheaper option.

I’ve heard good things about Happy Pet Labs. Glad to know they’ve worked for you as well.

[Michael M]

I’m a lot like Althea – I tend to give whole foods that are just little pieces of fruit or small amounts of natural peanut butter as a treat. My pups loved them as I was training. The other benefit of giving whole food as a treat is that you know exactly what’s in them.

[Michael M]

Amazon has gotten too expensive since they started kicking out all the little guys. Even eBay can be bad, but not as much. I recently got the generic nitenpyram from Happy Pet Labs. It seems to also work just as well as the big brands. I bought this one here: https://happypetlabs.com/collections/flea-medicine-for-flea-control/products/nitenpyram-12mg-for-cats-and-dogs

They also had one for bigger dogs. https://happypetlabs.com/collections/flea-medicine-for-flea-control/products/nitenpyram-57mg-for-cats-and-dogs

I also like LCD’s products, their lufenuron is excellent. But yeah, it seems like any of these should do.

[Michael M]

I was actually recommended this food for one of my rescues that had some nerve damage in her back from being abused and as such was getting constipated quite easily. I used this for her and it definitely helped. I have heard good things about it all around, and I think that being more easily digestible will help your pup with GI issues.

[Michael M]

Hi Shane,

The most important thing to think about for any sort of start-up is using the “jobs to be done” framework. For dog treats and dried food with conditions, think about what products people use for their dogs. Talk to people who have dogs with those problems and see what they have “hired” to help out their dog.

Getting information about actual target users is the best possible place to start. Wish you the best of luck!

[Michael M]

I’ve personally never had problems with the Costco dog food, but this is very good to know.

Also, I wouldn’t trust Consumer Affairs entirely as their entire business model revolves around blackmailing companies with negative reviews until they get paid. Pretty messed up practice, they’re just like BBB who position themselves as “for the consumer” when it couldn’t be anything farther from the truth.

However, it’s always smart to stay informed. Thanks anon101 for the link to that other page, and to everyone else for their insight on the issue.

[Michael M]

I’m a big proponent of diatomaceous earth since it’s nontoxic. Also, if you live in a humid area (like I do) then a dehumidifier is a great purchase because fleas require a certain amount of humidity to live and actually hatch from eggs. A dehumidifier is just good in general if you live in a humid area, so it’s a double win!

This article goes into some other interesting options like pennyroyal plants as a sort of flea repellant. It lso suggests trimming outside areas that could foster fleas. https://happypetlabs.com/blogs/happy-pet-tips/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas-on-a-dog-fast

[Michael M]

I personally use Moringa Oil on my dog’s coats. Most of them don’t need it, but one my rescues had a serious skin condition. The oil is really healthy, although I will say it doesn’t smell the best. And for this oil, you apply it directly to their skin, not orally. Massage it in and leave it there for a while, and then wash after a couple hours.

It has anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties due to the high amount of Vitamins in it.

[Michael M]

Wow, glad to know this information about Greenies – this is part of the reason why I joined this forum. I’ve gotten them for free and hadn’t paid for them, and I rarely give my dogs any types of treats besides peanut butter. I hadn’t thought too much about the ingredients. Luckily, it was only twice that I’ve given it to mine.

That being said, they definitely didn’t do a great job of cleaning their teeth. I also switched to pig ears – stuff that won’t easily get caught in their throat but provides some good chewing action.

[Michael M]

Lisa – From when I was researching phytoestrogens for my own physical health, I learned that they tend to cycle out of your system pretty quickly – I think within a day. It will take a bit longer for a human to go back to normal hormonal cycles, and I’m sure with pets it will be the same. Give your dog a week or two with normal food, and it should be all set.

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