[PRIYERZ]

Brining home a 7 week boxer/GSD mix on Friday. Any recommendations on what to feed him? He currently lives on a farm and isn't fed anything special. He was part of an accidental litter and so the owners were not sure what to do and they just got him vet checked this week (everything good except fleas/ticks which they are taking care of).

Any tips? I was going to ask the vet as well. Also, am I supposed to get him eregistered or something, or is having the papers enough. Any other tips are welcome.

I have spent all week puppy proofing, preparing, and reading! I'm very excited!

[Lara's mom]

You have a few options:

Buy the very best quality puppy chow that you can.

Combine that puppy chow with home cooked food.

Some people are fans of raw diets. Personally, I'm not but the option exists.

Make sure you have lots of toys and safe things for the puppy to chew on. It may save your personal belongings.

Your puppy is a mixed breed. Where would you possibly register him?

[Todd]

Hello, welcome to the forum, and congrats on the new pup!

In my opinion, the most natural, best diet you can feed your dog is a raw diet. I am one who believes that a dog's diet should match that of a wolves diet in wild. A raw diet mostly consists of raw meat and bones, but some raw diets also include some pureed veggies, fruits, or other supplements. You can buy pre made raw diets online and at the pet store, but the best way to do it is do it yourself, both health-wise and economically. Here are a few links explaining raw feeding further;

http//:Jane Anderson's Raw Learning Site

Why PMR? | Prey Model Raw

How to get started | Prey Model Raw

Raw Feeding FAQ

I personally feed my Lucky raw meat, bones, and organ meat as well as some pureed veggies, fruits, and other healthy additives from my kitchen.

If for some reason you just don't feel comfortable feeding raw or it doesn't work our for your dog, a home cooked diet is the next best thing. Here are a few good resources on home cooked dog diet recipes;

HOME MADE DOG FOOD-Organic, Gourmet and Home Made dog food recipes, reviews and ratings

Homemade Dog Food Facts, Recipes, and Information

*Note: there are also many very interesting youtube vids on homemade dog diets;

YouTube - homemade dog food

If you are unable to take the raw or homemade approach, there are also many good dry dog foods or kibbles on the market. In my opinion, foods like Science diet, Iams, Purina, Kibbles and Bits, etc are very poor food choices. Here are some of the best commercial dog foods;

BEST (Generally grain-free with higher protein content <30%)

EVO

Taste Of The Wild

Instinct

Origin

Wellness CORE

Canidae Grain-Free Formula

Timberwolf Organics

And More

NOT AS GOOD AS "BEST" BECAUSE OF THE GRAINS BUT CHEAPER AND STILL QUALITY

Innova

Wellness

Canidae

California Natural (especially for dogs with allergies/sensitive systems)

Natural Balance

Chicken Soup For The Dog Lovers Soul

And More

LESS EXPENSIVE DOG FOODS: FOR THOSE ON A BUDGET BUT STILL WISH TO FEED QUALITY FOODS

Fromm

Premium Edge

Diamond

Kirkland And More

Here's a great resource of dog foods and how they rate;

http//:Dog Food Analysis - Reviews of kibble

(click on reviews to see ratings for foods)

Good Luck!

[PRIYERZ]

Very interesting. I suppose I will have to do my research in the next week that I get him, speak to the owner of the mommy dog, and talk to other dog lovers and figure out what works best!!

Thanks for the input!!!

[Lara's mom]

I'm just curious...Are you being sold this dog under the premise that it is some new breed? Is that why you asked about registration?

BTW, depending on how you decide to feed your new baby, I have some tried and tested home cooked recipes that I'd be happy to share with you should you decide to go that route.

[PRIYERZ]

Sorry. Perhaps my terminology is incorrect. When I say "register", I am making an attempt at asking the question: "How do people know he's mine?".

All I need is for the owners to give me his papers? Or do I need to take him somewhere to get a license to have him? That is all I am asking. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to have some sort of documentation besides his papers and if I need to go somewhere specific to do this.

[Todd]

I think it depends on which state/country you are from. I am from the USA in Ohio and you have to have a dog license. Check with your local counties auditor site and readthe rules. In Ohio it gives you a section to fill out to get your dog license for ownership and in case it attacks someone or whatever I guess. It cost me like 20 bucks. Again, depends on where you're from. Where are you from? If you're from the usa, what county?

[Lara's mom]

I know what you mean now. You're talking about getting your dog licenced and microchipped.

You get your dog licenced through whatever the version of animal control exists in the U.S.A. I think it is different than it is in Canada where I live. Hopefully, an American will read this and give you the correct information.

You take your dog to your vet to get him/her microchipped.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

I know what you mean now. You're talking about getting your dog licenced and microchipped.

You get your dog licenced through whatever the version of animal control exists in the U.S.A. I think it is different than it is in Canada where I live. Hopefully, an American will read this and give you the correct information.

You take your dog to your vet to get him/her microchipped.

also if u ever go to a dog festival, event, or expo they sometimes microchip dogs at discounted prices or free. I've also heard of free microchipping clinics and such. just keep your ears and eyes open.