Toothless foster dog needs to eat-but what?
 

I did it again.:wall:. I took in a poor little yorkie X shih zsu that has been used strictly for breeding who pathetically begged me to get her out. I did. I did notice a 'snaggle' tooth but did not inspect everything as it was impulsive on my part. I saw, felt horrible and took.

So my findings are as such:

Anywhere from 10+.
Huge teats that have been used over and over again
Pregnant? Not sure yet - vet visit tomorrow
Teeth (or there lack of): HORRIBLE. 6 teeth left. Snaggle tooth hanging and 2 front teeth barely hanging on. 2 rear teeth beyond recognition that they are actually teeth.
Anyways - just a mess.

Upside:

Sweetest little soul that is learning everyday to be a happy little dog. Such a wonderful soul.:cloud9:

Now my question:

What the heck do I feed? It is apparent that kibble is not the way. I have been feeding her Merrick can which she goobles in no time. Not to be a cheapy (but I have to bring this up), this is costing me more than imaginable. About 1 can per day at $3.50 per can.

There has to be something more cost effective and even better for her. This is the best place to ask all my dog savvy food specialists.

So I need HELP:yell:. Anyone?

The vet will see the teeth and I have a feeling I already know the answer. I need to get myself and her ready.

Any suggestions....please..:sad::pray:

Aww, good for you BenMax!!! She sounds like such a sweet little thing,:lovestruck: I'm glad you found her.

As for what brands of food, I have no suggestions. Maybe the vet will be better able to let you know?

The only advice I have is that if the vet does decide to pull all her teeth, she won't be able to eat canned food the same that she is now. Generally the soft food clumps as they lick, which can make them have a heck of a time picking the clumps up if they have absolutley no teeth.

My suggestion would be to find something chunky in a gravy base that you can cut up so that she can use her tounge - like a frog to a fly - type of an idea. Does she refuse to eat the dry food, or have you tried her yet? I've known a few dogs that had no teeth that did a-ok on the dry and had no problems at all.
What do you think about wetting the dry kibble down and squishing it up with a fork?

What about Natures Made? I know they have a soft tube of food that you could cut up into small pieces....Not sure off hand what the cost is though.

I discussed this with Frenchy last night over a glass of wine.:p. She also suggested kibble saturated in water.

The Merrick is large clumpy, meaty food. She has absolutely no problem with eating it as it is moist and easy to lick up onto her tongue.

I watched her eat a wellness training treat which is like beef jerky but soft. I can see that she has difficulty with that even with the teeth she has. I truly believe that she is in pain when she eats. Heck if I remember loose teeth and trying to eat, it was not pleasant. I am certain she is feeling the same way I did wayyyyyyyyyyyy back then.

Benmax.

I have heard that some kibble should not be soaked.

but what about grinding ( like the magic bullet or coffee grinder) the kibble into a powder and mixing a small amount of moist to make a paste.

or grinded kibble with a little water (not soaked) to make a paste??

[QUOTE=breeze;815161]Benmax.

I have heard that some kibble should not be soaked.

but what about grinding the kibble into a powder and mixing a small amount of moist to make a paste.

or grinded kibble with a little water (not soaked) to make a paste??[/QUOTE]

Great suggestion. Thank you Breeze.

I never heard about not soaking some kibble.

With Julia, I feed her Acana. She gets her Merrick with Acana only at dinner and kibble only in the am. Is Acana ok with an older gal...grinded of course?

:cry: Thank you for taking her BM :cry:

Send her to me? :o

[QUOTE=babymomma;815163]:cry: Thank you for taking her BM :cry:

Send her to me? :o[/QUOTE]

I actually thought of you BM when I saw her...(funny isn't it) Only because she looks very yorkie. Funny looking gal - yorkie head with the Shih Zsu body!

Do you have any suggestions on feeding?

[QUOTE=BenMax;815162]Great suggestion. Thank you Breeze.

I never heard about not soaking some kibble.

With Julia, I feed her Acana. She gets her Merrick with Acana only at dinner and kibble only in the am. Is Acana ok with an older gal...grinded of course?[/QUOTE]

I think so..isn't Acana good for all life stages??

the soaking of kibble is somewhere posted on this site.. have to do a search

Kibble is actually loaded with bacteria and potential mold toxins that multiply rapidly when moistened. If she eats it all in one sitting, it's not so bad, but I wouldn't leave it out for more than 20 mins. Make sure to thoroughly wash the dish with soap between meals.

[QUOTE=sugarcatmom;815179]Kibble is actually loaded with bacteria and potential mold toxins that multiply rapidly when moistened. If she eats it all in one sitting, it's not so bad, but I wouldn't leave it out for more than 20 mins. Make sure to thoroughly wash the dish with soap between meals.[/QUOTE]

I never leave food behind so I can do this! Thanks Sugarcatmom.:):thumbs up

You are such a good person. She must be such a little angel.

What I feed my gang only costs $2.50. 13.5oz Innova EVO. I can't imagine a Yorkie would eat more than a can a day. :shrug:

[QUOTE=ancientgirl;815181]You are such a good person. She must be such a little angel.

What I feed my gang only costs $2.50. 13.5oz Innova EVO. I can't imagine a Yorkie would eat more than a can a day. :shrug:[/QUOTE]

She eats a can. And I get the feeling she could eat more but I cannot do this until I see the vet. She weighs about 15lbs max.

She is an angel, but this time I bit off more than I can chew....(ok not funny).

Maybe she's making up for eating so little in the past?

[QUOTE=ancientgirl;815185]Maybe she's making up for eating so little in the past?[/QUOTE]

She was at the shelter for 2 weeks and eating well there. They de-wormed however I am having the fecal sample tested for all types just in case. Her appetite is endless, and she is rather on the 'hefty' side but this could either be due to pregnancy or a large tumour. Results to follow once vet visit is done. Just say a prayer for her.:pray:. Regardless of the results, she is too lively and happy to consider anything other than finding a safe, loving home...for however long that may be. Feeding her right now is my priority, pregancy, tumour and teeth secondary - but obviously to live through whatever, I need to get a grip on what and how to feed her...and economically require a suggestion(s).

[QUOTE=BenMax;815164]I actually thought of you BM when I saw her...(funny isn't it) Only because she looks very yorkie. Funny looking gal - yorkie head with the Shih Zsu body!

Do you have any suggestions on feeding?[/QUOTE]

I bet shes a pretty girl.

Feeding.. hmm...

I would try wellness small breed formula.. I know she is on good food now, but the wellness small breeds kibble is small.And if you soak it it almost instantly swells up because it is so thin. But keely is doing very very good on the food. And her coat is great. She has good muscle tone and it keeps her at a good weight. Even if she were to eat it dry its very easy to chew it seems.

Maybe get a free sample?

Also, [URL="http://www.thedogoutdoors.com/dog-beer--bowser-beer-nonalcoholic.html"]this stuff [/URL]would do her some good. We've been using it (from a different suppplyer tho.)

I dont know if that would be better then soaking the food with water. Its actually very good for them. It doesnt take much of it to soften the wellness a little.

Im not suprised about her teeth.. Actually im surprised she has any at all.. Yorkies are proned to having terrible teeth.. And living in her situation I can only imagine how much worse the teeth situation was for her. Poor thing..

[QUOTE=babymomma;815188]I bet shes a pretty girl.

Feeding.. hmm...

I would try wellness small breed formula.. I know she is on good food now, but the wellness small breeds kibble is small.And if you soak it it almost instantly swells up because it is so thin. But keely is doing very very good on the food. And her coat is great. She has good muscle tone and it keeps her at a good weight. Even if she were to eat it dry its very easy to chew it seems.

Maybe get a free sample?

Also, [URL="http://www.thedogoutdoors.com/dog-beer--bowser-beer-nonalcoholic.html"]this stuff [/URL]would do her some good. We've been using it (from a different suppplyer tho.)

I dont know if that would be better then soaking the food with water. Its actually very good for them. It doesnt take much of it to soften the wellness a little.[/QUOTE]

BabyMomma - I have so many free samples, I could make a large 50lbs bag.:laughing:

Dog beer?? I never heard of it!

Awwww, BenMax, it is never ending isn't it :cry: :grouphug:.

Maybe you can spice up her grinded up kibble with some yogurt or broth. Poor girl would probably love to have an extra special treat with her food.

[QUOTE=Love4himies;815190]Awwww, BenMax, it is never ending isn't it :cry: :grouphug:.

Maybe you can spice up her grinded up kibble with some yogurt or broth. Poor girl would probably love to have an extra special treat with her food.[/QUOTE]

Don't cry L4H - (I already did that for us all). She is going to be just fine. I will do whatever I can for the little monkey.

I added the yogurt and I am not sure but I think it was too cold and maybe in pain. She would want to eat it but would look at me with eagerness, but stopped eating. I think the coldness of the yogurt hurts her mouth. Man I wish I was a dog communicator so I could know how she is feeling.:sad:

But warm broth is a good idea. Thanks.

[QUOTE=BenMax;815189]BabyMomma - I have so many free samples, I could make a large 50lbs bag.:laughing:

[COLOR="Red"]Dog beer?? I never heard of it[/COLOR]![/QUOTE]

lol.. I know.. Weird huh? first time i seen it I was like "Wth".. But we bought some in a local pet supply store and come to find out its good for them:shrug: hmm, go figure.. Plus keely likes it so thats a plus.. lol...

I reeaally hope you can find something that works for her. :fingerscr:goodvibes:

Any chance of getting a few pictures of the girly:o:p

I will definately get pics soon. Now she has KC and green snotty nose - I don't think you want to see that!:yuck:

BTW - the KC is not interferring with the appetite. She is hungry!

[QUOTE=BenMax;815191]Don't cry L4H - (I already did that for us all). She is going to be just fine. I will do whatever I can for the little monkey.

I added the yogurt and I am not sure but I think it was too cold and maybe in pain. She would want to eat it but would look at me with eagerness, but stopped eating. I think the coldness of the yogurt hurts her mouth. Man I wish I was a dog communicator so I could know how she is feeling.:sad:

But warm broth is a good idea. Thanks.[/QUOTE]

Of course it may, she may have a crack or exposed nerve. :cry: The poor girl.

[QUOTE=BenMax;815191]Don't cry L4H - (I already did that for us all). She is going to be just fine. I will do whatever I can for the little monkey.

I added the yogurt and I am not sure but I think it was too cold and maybe in pain. She would want to eat it but would look at me with eagerness, but stopped eating. I think the coldness of the yogurt hurts her mouth. Man I wish I was a dog communicator so I could know how she is feeling.:sad:

But warm broth is a good idea. Thanks.[/QUOTE]

you can also warm up the moist food, just a little so that it will take the chill off of it when you put it in the fridge.

[QUOTE=breeze;815205]you can also warm up the moist food, just a little so that it will take the chill off of it when you put it in the fridge.[/QUOTE]

I have been opening 2 cans everyday so that she gets the room temperature food and Julia gets the cool food. Julia is not impressed as she thinks she is missing out on something...little brat!:p

[QUOTE=Love4himies;815204]Of course it may, she may have a crack or exposed nerve. :cry: The poor girl.[/QUOTE]

No doubt L4H. The gums have recinded to the point where the teeth are just hanging. One tug and they are gone. Her jaw is also angled so who knows if this was genetic or a swift kick.

All I know is that I want the very very best for her. I want her senior years to be the greatest thing ever so that she forgets the past. Her nails were so long they were circled. She has had it rough yet maintains such trust.

Even Julia that is not the most welcoming with dogs, did not react negatively at all to her. Julia is teaching her to go up and down stairs, play with 'babies' and ask for yummy treats. She is just the most adorable dog. I just want to get past the next few days and find out where we stand. The food and feeding is my priority for now. Anyways - vet visit tomorrow.

Hey I highjacked my own thread...that was fun (and acceptable because I said so.;):):laughing:

[QUOTE=BenMax;815207]I have been opening 2 cans everyday so that she gets the room temperature food and Julia gets the cool food. Julia is not impressed as she thinks she is missing out on something...little brat!:p[/QUOTE]

:laughing: I get that here too :frustrated::laughing:

just use reg, kibble and put with water for 20 secs in mirovave it works great have to do this for 1 eyed nick, not to many teeth left and she loves it----- see i told you, you were a :angel2: brenda and the pins.

[QUOTE=the gang;815211]just use reg, kibble and put with water for 20 secs in mirovave it works great have to do this for 1 eyed nick, not to many teeth left and she loves it----- see i told you, you were a :angel2: brenda and the pins.[/QUOTE]

Ok - you have the same problem...I will give it a go. What do you think of someone's idea of grinding the food into a pulp? If I do this, then could I add some raw or organs to add moisture? Would this be too much for her?

I did up a bit of home cooked recently, frozen veggies, some fresh veggies also, meat and organs, and blended it all up to take out the chunks. A bit of yogurt and it was set to go. But if you don't feel up to that (or have time heaven knows) I'd go ahead and try wetting the kibble a bit and microwaving it then setting it out. It should soften up okay. Bless you for saving another one BM.

Don't add raw to the ground-up stuff unless the kibble was grain-free...

[QUOTE=Dog Dancer;815229]I did up a bit of home cooked recently, frozen veggies, some fresh veggies also, meat and organs, and blended it all up to take out the chunks. A bit of yogurt and it was set to go. But if you don't feel up to that (or have time heaven knows) I'd go ahead and try wetting the kibble a bit and microwaving it then setting it out. It should soften up okay. Bless you for saving another one BM.[/QUOTE]

I can do that. I will make the time. Where there is a will there is a way right? How about the age though? Would too much protein be harmful? I am so not savvy on this level.:wall:

[QUOTE=bendyfoot;815232]Don't add raw to the ground-up stuff unless the kibble was grain-free...[/QUOTE]

I have Acana so it should be ok.....right?

You know, I'm not too much up on that really, but my older girl is 12 and she eats the EVO Red Meat which is like 42% protein plus I add on fresh meat every meal (2x per day) sometimes cooked chicken or liver or hearts (chicken liver and hearts are sooooo cheap out here). From what I hear lately the higher protein for older dogs is actually good for them, or so I've read. Oh yeah, I put brown rice in it too. But I didn't keep making it as my younger dog (who has lots of allergy issues got the runs when I fed it to her - apparently my cooking makes my dogs sick!)

[QUOTE=BenMax;815235]I have Acana so it should be ok.....right?[/QUOTE]

I just googled the ingredients for the Adult version...it's not grain-free (oats and rice in the first 5)...I would not add raw to this food.

Are you trying to make it more palatable, easier to eat, or to get some weight on her?

[QUOTE=bendyfoot;815242]Are you trying to make it more palatable, easier to eat, or to get some weight on her?[/QUOTE]

Just easier to eat and also to be more cost effective. I have been feeding Merrick can only and 2 dogs on this is killing me.

If you wanted to go raw you could grind up meat/organ and add bone meal...no need to worry about dental benefits of whole meat/bone chunks with this one. I'm not sure what the bone meal would cost, but you could probably get a nice butcher to do the grinding for you...

Ben-Max,I cannot add anything about what to feed her,just wanted to say she's a lucky little girl that you found her:thumbs up

[QUOTE=chico2;815250]Ben-Max,I cannot add anything about what to feed her,just wanted to say she's a lucky little girl that you found her:thumbs up[/QUOTE]

Thanks Chico2. I just want to do whatever is right. I have nil experience with food, the elderly without teeth. And I certainly don't want to sound cheap about spending the money on the food, but it will bust me, so I need some ideas.

[QUOTE=bendyfoot;815246]If you wanted to go raw you could grind up meat/organ and add bone meal...no need to worry about dental benefits of whole meat/bone chunks with this one. I'm not sure what the bone meal would cost, but you could probably get a nice butcher to do the grinding for you...[/QUOTE]

I think I could 'charm' the butcher.:D (the things you do for your animals)!:laughing:

Na - I don't think dental benefits is in the equation for this little gal.:)