Hiya
Was wondering if anyone out there is feeding their basset on Burns. I have an 8 month old basset who can be a fussy eater and have seen many of your comments recommending Burns. She's started her 1st season (which I think lasts for up to 10 days?), and after this, I plan to introduce this new food that I've already taken delivery of for her. As they are proan to 'bloat', I also liked the idea that you feed lesser amounts on burns.
Also, have any of you carried out the 'starving' rule for introducing the food to dogs with upset tummies etc? Sounds harsh to me, but they must know what they're talking about?
Any feedback from you experts out there will be greatly appreciated.
Many Thanks
Jo

Hi Jo,

Welcome to Champdogs-

I feed both my labs on Burns and they are thriving. Although your Bassett is only 8 months old, I should go straight on to the adult formula, it will help your dog grow slowly.  As I'm sure you're aware, its better that they grow slowly and steadily than put loads of extra stress on their joints by shooting up too fast.  I have always introduced my dogs to any new food over a 5-7 day period, adjusting the amount of old-new food daily until they have swopped.  If you have nay queries about it, the Burns webpage is good and I've always found their advice very sensible.
IMHO, I would try the Venison and Brown Rice, mine are both on this, the small amount of extra oil helps to keep their skin/coats really healthy.
Good luck- let us know how you get on.
Ali :)

You were right about the Venison mentalcat ! Having placed the samples of the 3 flavours under her nose, she went mad for the Vension - she must be a 'classy' dog afterall ! 
I'm pleased you confirmed about her going onto adult food too, although they state this at Burns...its was them that also suggested the starvation period too....so outsider knowledge is very much appreciated.
Do you think that I should let her finish her season off before introducing this new food? Or am I just molly coddling her too much - and should just start slowly introducing it now?

Hi
I did send you a reply regarding Rosie on the 10th of Feb.
Owl

My Gordon Setter is on Burns - he is on the chicken and rice one, and his coat too is really glossy - think all varieties are good, but its personal preference, as already mentioned. Just take your time changing over, I did it over 2 weeks just to be on the safe side, as my lad gets upset tummy quite easily, and he had no problems. Good luck!

What on earth is the "'starving' rule" anyone know?

Is it not the rule that dogs are always starving :D

Just to say a big thank you to those of you who have been kind enough to respond politely. Your advice is very much appreciated and respected.
I have now joined as a member, and can therefore express my opinion about the few on this forum who are just plain rude....are we not meant to be helping each other hear?
Anyway thanks so much
p.s. Jackie H - I thought I'd entitled this message with 'Burns'???...you obviously don't use it, otherwise you would of been aware that the company issues advice on how to introduce their food....and in some instances, it is KINDER to starve them for 12-24 hourse before introducing the new food due to stomache intolerances.

Actually Jo I do use Burns, and it was an honest question because I had not heard of the "starving rule" possibly because I have been changing dogs from one food to another for the last 50 + years and am arrogant enough to do it without reading the whole of the food producers web site.

I diagnose another case of sense of humour bypass here

No...no Tohme! I did actually double up laughing at your straving dog comment....its sooo true of my greedy basset!! And with dogs like these....how could I NOT have a sense of humour....while chasing her round my kitchen to recover by 'smalls'......or are they 'biggies'!!

You must have a sense of humour to own a Bassett. :D Personally I prefer Bertie :D

Unfortunately....all that sugar goes straight to my hips....if my dog can't watch her figure...then at least I should !

http://www.burns-pet-nutrition.co.uk/products.html
this is the burns website u could see if u can talk to anyone there that will help
i hope u get on well and would love to hear what advice your given
i didnt no if u new of this site or not hope u get good infomation from any
kind people

im sure ur basset will be fine on burns its a good food i no a min poodle on it  thats fine
but as bassets are prone to bloat i would feed it small meals with water on it but im not
the worlds best expert ok hope you get on ok

Hi,
Burns is certainly a good food, but I'm not sure what you mean by the 'starving rule'. Certainly when a dog has an upset stomach it is a good idea to starve them for 24 hours before slowly introducing very bland food before you get them back on their normal diet, but I wouldn't do it when introducing a new food. I would gradually replace some of the original food with some of the new and slowly (over a week or so) complete the change.

Oh, and her season will last at least 21 days, not 10.
:)

Thank you so much for that Jeangenie. I will now ignore the instructions about starving (for dogs with intolerances etc) on the advice leaflet from Burns and will do as you've advised - I thought it sounded too harsh and am pleased that you agree with me.
Oh...and thank you for confirming the season duration too! (My own Vet told me it would be 7-10 days!) Your knowledge and advise is sincerely appreciated.
As you've been so helpful, could I also ask....I work 3 hours a day, although Rosie is absolutley fine (I go back and look through the window at home to check!...bless her!)...should I be taking time off to be with her at this time?
Thank you Jeangenie

if u only work 3 hours a day im sure she will be absalutly fine

Thank you f.a.brook - I did as you said and emailed Burns to confirm what their leaflet said about starving before introduction for those with tummy intolerances - they have even suggested it for fussy eaters before now!! Anyway, I shall be taking others' advice, and introducing her to it very slowly.
Thanks for your feedback on Rosie at home too. It is the first 'season' I have experienced with any dog...so was unsure what others do...even in the case where dogs are fine 'home alone'

dont worry about it i was  happy to help
i would personally put her onto burns slowly and im sure she will be fine

Hiya,
As long as she is safe in the house (away from the possible advances of any would-be Romeos! ;) ) I wouldn't worry about her while you're out. She'll sleep quietly I'm sure.

You will probably find a copy of "The Book of the Bitch" invaluable. It is a goldmine of information about bitches. (And better-informed than your vet! Bitches are usually fertile around the 10th day of their season, not coming out of season!)

Hope this helps.
:)

Thanks for that Jeangenie...do you happen to know the author of the book so I can order it off the net ?...(perhaps I should purchase and additional copy for the local vet. practice?)

I think it is by White and Evans. (Googling should find it for sure).
:)

Hi Jo,

I'm glad that she likes the Venison!

As to the question of when to start changing her, I would say that it depends on how well she 'copes' with her season. My bitch, Isla never batted an eyelid, if I hadn't seen the discharge, I wouldn't have guessed she was having one!. That said, I also know several bitches that really get quite upset about the whole business,  I would play it by ear, if she seems ok to you then start to introduce it gradually over about a week or so.  If she's a bit unsettled, then leave it for a while- there's no rush:)

Hope it goes ok for your girl.
Ali :)

Thank you so much for recommending "The Book of the Bitch" ....finished it at 3am today and found it to be sooo informatative. Really appreciate the recommendation....at a mere £6.70...its the best money spent so far...every bitch owner should have one :)

Happy to have helped! Thanks!
:)