Dog Food
Committed to the best healthy dog food for three generations
DOG FAQ
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Q: How are your pet foods preserved?
Star Milling’s pet foods are preserved with Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols – alpha, beta, gamma and delta isomers), Vitamin C, and propionic acid, which is a natural mold inhibitor. We do not use preservatives such as BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.
Q: What if my dog eats cat food or vice-versa?
Dogs and cats have different nutritional requirements. It is normally safe for dogs to consume cat foods, but it is not recommended for optimum nutrition.
Cats are true carnivores, so they require more protein than what is found in dog food. It is okay if cats eat dog food occasionally, but they may become malnourished if dog food is their main source of nutrition.
Q: My dog has loose stools. What's wrong?
There are a few different causes for loose stools or diarrhea, such as over-feeding, switching to a new food too quickly, or a non-food related condition.
Over-feeding is a common cause of loose stools. It causes the dog’s system to overload and its body reacts by producing loosely formed stools. By reducing the feeding amount, the stools may return to normal in a day or two.
Abruptly switching foods may cause loose stools as well. It can take a dog’s digestive system up to six weeks to completely adapt to new food. Slowly adding the new food over three weeks can make the change easier on the dog.
Please consult your veterinarian if you believe the problem is not due to over-feeding or a recent change in dog food.
Q: Why does my dog have gas after eating?
It is natural for dogs to have gas, and some have more than others. Younger dogs often have more gas than older dogs. Excess flatulence may be due to overeating, eating too fast, or a recent change in diet. If your dog has recently changed food, his gas may decrease naturally within a few weeks.
Tips:
- Break up your dog’s food into more, smaller meals.
- Verify you are feeding the correct portion size.
- If applicable, cease feeding supplements to your dog.
- Help your pet eat slower by feeding them on a plate or tray.
Please consult your veterinarian if these common solutions do not work for your pet.
Q: Are purebred dogs better than mixed breed dogs?
The benefit of a purebred dog is that you know how he will look as an adult. In a puppy’s mother, you can get a good idea of the final size, coat type, and characteristics. This helps you to choose a dog that fits your lifestyle. However, mixed breed dogs have less genetic disorders.
Q: How often should I feed my puppy?
Puppies from 10 weeks to 6-8 months old get three meals per day. Dogs older than eight months can be fed once or twice daily, depending on the breed, activity, and appetite. Feeding an adult dog two small portions a day, instead of one big meal, can help prevent bloat.
Q: What is the shelf life of feed?
Every bag or tag has an expiration date that displays the shelf life. Typically it is one year from the date of manufacture for dry dog foods. It is important to check the stamp on the bag or tag for expiration dates.