Sustenance

As previously detailed, Maisie eats raw food.  A few months back, I decided to investigate some less expensive options (including grain-free kibble) but ultimately opted to keep her on raw.  I did, however, change brands...initially because it was a lot less expensive than the first one.  Since then, the price has increased a bit (to around $3.70 per day for approximately 40 lb. Maisie), but I have kept her on it because she seems to be doing better on this food.

And by "better," my fellow dog people know I mean better poops.  Not to get too gross with details, but let's just say there is a more consistent firmness that was sometimes lacking before. Plus the dinner bar format is perfect for me because each bar is one pound...which just happens to be the exact amount Maisie eats every day.  They are conveniently pre-scored to be easily divided into two (or more) meals.

I have also started adding a few different things to one of Maisie's two meals each day, for added flavor and benefits.  I add a tablespoon of probiotic-rich Greek yogurt every other morning, and on the other mornings I switch between the same amount of either cottage cheese or applesauce (the no sugar added variety).

Maisie's breakfast yesterday was yogurt with beef (which I alternate with chicken to mix up the protein).

She loves it when I let her lick the yogurt-y spoon as an appetizer!

At the suggestion of Our Waldo Bungie, I also have been sprinkling a dental supplement over Maisie's food.

It took a while to see results, but now I think there has been at least a slight reduction in tooth discoloration so I am continuing to use it.  Unfortunately, the product's claim that it helps bad breath is pure fiction!

Since Maisie's food is grain-free, I give her grain-free treats as well.  When she's a good girl (or just extra super cute, like always), she receives a reward from the treat jar.

I also try to keep her Kong fillings grain-free, mixing any combination of yogurt, applesauce, sweet potato and/or banana with canned ground meat.  I put a little peanut butter in there every now and then too.

Regardless of what she's fed, Maisie still has to "wait" until I give her permission to dig in.  Sometimes she likes to show me how hungry she is in the meantime...I think that's so she can be sure I really appreciate her waiting.

The instant she's "free" to eat, she chows down.  The bowl is always completely empty within a couple minutes!

p.s.  for more frequent Maisie updates and pics, please "like" our Facebook page if you haven't yet!