hiya guys
have been meaning to post this question for a while but just not had the chance. Started work on Tues (first job in 10 years), and with the house, and the dogs just have been rushed off my feet (not even had a chacne to get to our allotment since we got Henry) Came down with chest infection too, so can you believe I haven't even had the time or energy to miss CD's ? :(
Anyway, my baby Basset Henry is 10 weeks today. The breeder said to give him calcium supplements as he's soo big boned. Now others I have spoke to who had Bulmastiffs advised against it...saying how if they are fed correctly they won't need supplements, and that I shouldn't start interferring with his structure.
What do you think???? I have to say he is a VERY big boy for his age.
Another thing.....the breeder recommends I give him cereal and eggs twice a day until 12 weeks. His poo's were really soft and mushy so after getting advise on here, I switched to goat's milk for his cereal and eggs. Anyway, he poo's like you would not believe....usually 6/7 a day, and after his cereal/eggs, they are still mushy. :(
Do you think it's ok to just give him his 4 meals a day of complete puppy food. He gets complete puppy food for his lunch and dinner (Beta Puppy as that's what the breeder fed him). And if he does get the 4 meals of 'complete' should I give him calcium supplements.
I have just bought the book "The Basset Hound" by Maryann Nixon as recommended by his breeder...just got it yesterday so not really had a chance yet to get anywhere with it. Was quite chuffed tho, as Henry's descendants are featured in the book. Was over the moon to see he come's from such a good line.....not that I really understand the pedigree's but it does look impressive. :)
I really look forward to receiving your advise on his feeding and supplements etc. I've never had such a large boned dog before, and obviously don't want to mess anything up for him. He's such a beauty, but then again, I would say that ;)
:)

Hi, if you go onto all 'complete' then he won't need the calcium at all. That will be to make up for the lack of calcium in the cereal and eggs, which I personally wouldn't be feeding more than once a day (but hey! I don't know about Bassets!). Personally I would change one of the cereal/egg meals to complete and see how he gets on.
:)

good idea JG.....will change him as off today, and see how he goes.
It's wonderful having a dog who loves his food, as Tess used to be fussy, and Rocky IS fussy...but Henry woofs down whatever is in front of him, and I'd like to keep it that way. Nothing worse than a fussy eater.

Just what i was about to say.

NO, NEVER, EVER give calcium supplements. Just feed in elements the correct in proportions and you need no additives.

Sorry what I meant was feed a food that has the elements in the correct proportions, a good quality complete food and you will be doing the very best for yor dog.

thanks for the info guys...but what do you think of Beta??? I only feed him that as that is what his breeder fed him on, so I continued and he has the most beautiful, gleeming coat. If you can recommend something better/more suited, the expense does not come into it.
And whilst we're on the subject of feeding, when does a dog change from junior to adult? Rocky (JRT) is 14 months now, and not sure what I should be feeding him on.

If Beta suits him, that's fine. It doesn't suit all dogs though, and many a loose stool can be laid at Beta's door (metaphorically speaking ;) ) In those circumstances I would suggest Burns as a good replacement - all dogs I've known that have switched to it have improved greatly.
:)

Thanks JG, I knew there was a better expression than "mushy poo's" lol, and as for laying it at Beta's door, well........lol lol
And if you can recommend Burns, then I'll def give it a try. Can you buy it in any pet store's, or does it have to specially ordered? Just that I don't recall actually seeing that name whilst in the shops.
Thanks for your help :)

A good pet store will order it in for you, or Burns will deliver to your door.
:)

If you search on www.google.co.uk - type "Burns+dog food" into the bar and up will come all the suppliers. I like Burns too, I think their puppy food is called Mini Bites. All the dogs I have see fed on it look very well.