"Everything your dog needs" and a whole lot of crap they don't.. Have to hand it to advertisers and marketing teams, make it look good, sound good and they will buy.. fell for it hook line and sinker myself.

Do yourself and your pooch a favor... read the ingredients. Get educated a little on dogs nutritional needs. Pay close attention to the first couple ingredients on the list, that is a tell all about the product you are about to buy and feed your furry friend / family member.

I have come to learn that Preservatives, Fillers, and By-Products are a major No No...

things like:

Barley, oatmeal, corn, grains, soy, wheat glutten, white rice...all bad over time to your pets overall health. NO BHT, BHA preservative..Meat By-Products are a definite NO..

There is also a Number one NO-NO... never feed them Deli Meats of any kind, there are so many processes and additives, etc. in these meats that just screw up your dogs digestive system, and many of these chemicals linger in your dogs for longer periods of time causing other health issues that can develop down the road.

The more you can clone nature the better when it comes to foods for your furry friend. Things like:

Turkey Hearts, Liver, oassionally some Ginger in low amounts, fish, and other natural foods like veggies, some fruits, etc. You have to remember that their ancestors where carnivorous, eating animals and other natural things and thrived for centuries. MEAT.. not dried out, baked kibble full of junk from the processing plants and mass produced name brands. The more natural the better.

I could rant for hours, but enough said.. just be sure to read the ingredients before waisting your money on fillers, etc, and give your pet the best chance at a healthy, happy life. Yes it can be more expensive to go this route, but hey are you in it for the love, and health of your friend, or just pascifying their hunger with whatever ya have or can afford at the moment??? If ever in doubt, REAEARCH before applying !

Take a look... the word Supplement appears no less than 5 times in this ingredient list.. granted its vitimins, but it is still a produced by-product of something else. First ingredient is Corn.. that tells you what the primary ingredient is in this bag of kibble..ground yellow corn, corn germ meal, and soybean meal (soybean meal has industrial applications, such as in biodiesel production and as a component in some plastics and cleaners. ) Seriously..??? I know its a high protien based animal, poultry and livestock feed.. but seriously.. It says Chicken flavor, but where is the chicken?

Take another look at the front of the bag.. I see Chicken, Pork, Beef...where is it in the list of ingredients??? Marketing at its best....

*** Disclaimer

I am not deliberately pointing out the flaws of Purina, this is true of most major brands of dog food, and I am merely pointing out buyer-be-ware... read the ingredients, get educated, and feed your pet what they crave and will be happy with for a longer life.

 I have developed what I believe to be inflammatory laryngitis. I tried to bark at a sound I heard yesterday and all of a sudden, boom a horse bark developed. Not sure if its allergy related, or what, because I hardly ever strain my vocals as I do not bark a lot, only on occasion. Dad had given me a new treat over the past day or so, and is now wondering if there is something in them that I may have had a reaction to, so he has stopped giving them to me for now to see if it make any difference.

Hopefully it is just something simple and not a more serious condition that can lead to respiratory issues down the road. We will keep an eye/ear on it for a day or two and see how things go, otherwise a trip to the vet may be necessary to rule out other things. 

--------------------------

When we adopted him, the staff said the previous owner stated he had a cough of sorts, and they along with us had not observed or heard any such cough, and the vet said his lungs sounded great.. Wondering if this was something they misinterpreted as a cough and its been happening off and on previously. Its kind of like when we talk and suddenly our voice cracks.. well his bark does the same thing. He gets maybe one bark and then it kicks in.

UPDATE: 07/18/2025

Seems to have passed over a couple days. I am guessing that after his first encounter with the other dog and putting a lot of strain on his neck, may have caused an irritation to the larynx, and his first bark after a day to relax, kind of just wasn't there..a few corrections within 36 hours for his attempting to bark and keeping him mellow, seems to have worked out ok for him as he no longer has that harsh, hourse sounding bark, he is back to normal and we have since changed him to a harness for his walks taking the collar pressure off his neck, and larynx area.

 Well so far we have determined that sudden loud noises do not seem to alarm him any. He has sat on the porch durring some thunderstorms with close lightning strikes, the fireworks having been set off close by in the neighborhood, and he doesn't even flinch. he sends a glance toward me or the closest person to see if things are alright, but thats about all you get out of him. So its good to know that he is not reactive or gets into an anxiety stage. He's basically pretty chill. Only thing that triggers his reactiveness are other dogs in his close vacinity. From a distance he could care less, he just watches them, but up close and withing a range of about 20-30 feet he responds. Tenses up, goes on the offensive, but we are/will work on that. So far he has been great with people, he met and welcomed our mechanic the other day with no issues at all, basically just a hey, I'm here, pet me dude.....a couple sniffs and a tail wag and he was all good. He has met and said a how-do to a couple of Nikki's co-workes with absolutely no issues as well. We have yet to introduce him to our grandddaughter Aria to see how he does with children, however I do not anticipate there being any issues but we will take precautions just the same until we know for sure.

He is basically a happy go lucky pooch who likes to chill out and not be bothered unless on his terms..lol. He is very affectionate but that also comes with some red flags according to several animal behaviorists so we are still in the sit and see aspect of this whole relationship.We are aware, he is aware, and so far it seems to be working out ok for all.

 

On the hunt for this Purina Pro Plan dog food. I have talked to several folks and many have recommended it and use it for their dogs. According to most its a bit expensive for the amount you get, however they say its really the best deal as far as a healthy food source and pooch. Of course there are other flavors as well and priced accordingly too... I would like to get brock on a consistant diet as far as eating choices so long as he enjoys the taste and will eat it. Since we took ownership of him, he has been getting different kinds of food and its starting to mess with his digestion and pooping. He has been getting some severe gassiness and stench from mixing foods and his stools are now becoming really loose and runny. So I would prefer a consistant food source to see if that will make a difference in his overall health.

I do know that several local grocers like Walmart and Pet co, etc have this brand of foods, its the cost comparrison thats a bit harsh. I've seen anything betwen $20.00 for this 6 lb. bag upward of $70.00 for a 48-50 lb. bag. But I guess iffin' ya love 'em, it comes with it right..! So I will be price comparing and shopping for this food for Brock.. for all our benefit. Besides I guess $20.00 for a 6 lb. bag is worth the trial to see how he does with it, then maybe a bigger purchase down the road.. we'll see.

UPDATE: 07/19/2025

Managed to find the brand at a local PetSmart. Also managed to get a case of the wet food as well for topping of the dry to keep interest and for added flavor. Includes the veggies and such.. Yah!

Natural ProBiotic Fiber, nourishes specific intestinal bacteria for digestive health..

Live Pro-Biotics, helps promote gut microbiome resilience during naturally occuring stress..

High Quality Protein, helps support strong muscles, including a healthy heart..

Omega-6, fatty acids and Vitamin-A to nourish skin and healthy coat..

Crunchy kibble, and tender, shredded pieces for delicious taste and texture..

 

This boy has had a busy/active day today. He is actually snoring, he is out hard! Normally I cannot even tip-toe past him and he jumps up ready to follow no matter where or when.. NOT this time..lol.

Its good to know I am able to keep him active enough to get tired and just relax at night. Neighborhood dogs ar barking and he is none the wiser. Wish I could sleep so soundly as he does.

 Today was the first time I have seen Brock be reactive to another dog while out taking our walk. Another dog about the same size was walking toward us with its owner. Neither of us saw each other due to the overhanging tree branches and being on a corner turn of the sidewalk, we both just got a surprise yank on the leash. All was good, were still at a decent distance from one another so we quickly gained control of the dogs. We were both appologetic toward each other and went about our walks. But it was the first time I have seen Brock get reactive other than an occasional bark if he hears another dog in the neighborhood.

We may just be taking advantage of the Obedience Classes that BSCO offers for adopted dogs. It could have turned out ugly, but all is/was well. Just a big surprise for everyone involved . I know his intentions were good as he looked at me afterwards looking for approval or dis-approval of his actions.I don't think it was a fight or flight reaction, more-so a protective action of me and his proximity area. Verbally corrected, treat withheld, accepted consequence. Quickly jumped back into his normal self, but we will definitely be working on that issue as there are a lot of folks with dogs in the area that walk the same lanes and park, and for continuity and calmness of all, its a neccesity.

Today I recieved my QR Coded coller ID. This device is offered by Hey Buddy. Its  great way to keep track of me if/should I wonder away from my home or Mom/Dad. It has a link to my profile and can give all the details you need to know to contact them. Once you scan the device, It will send an alert to dads phone app. telling him that you found and have me safe. Great small device for so much relief. If you have pets of your own, you might consider getting one for your beloved pet, its great peace of mind.

 

Im so happy... Look what mom/dad got me today. No more laying on an old chair cushion that was way to small anyway or on the concrete porch floor. I love this new thing, its soft, fluffy and can even raise my head while laying down. Look at me just 'chillin here, I now have the good life and finally feel like I am home forever. It is truly my Independance Day!

 

Well I now have my first vet. visit on record. Today dad took me to the Island for an established visit and a check-up. All was good, I was tempted only a couple times to play with others in the waiting area but I listened really well and stayed to myself like I am suppose to. I greeted people nicely and listened well.

We were given some medicated shampoo to address my dry skin issue, and my next dose of flee/heartworm, etc. to take home as I am due for them again. Might possibly have an alergy of some sorts due to the frequent red eyes and goopies I get lately.. So we were asked to just keep an eye on that and if needed we could use on OTC drops to help that issue.

 I do have some sort of small bump/growth on my right rear toe as well, to keep an eye on. The vet said it was still to small to get a needle in there and see what was going on with that. Just to be aware and keep an eye on it so that it doesn't get any bigger and to also be sure to lather up them toes with the medicated shampoo when bathing to see if that will clear it up any.

Otherwise I am a healthy/ happy doggo. Temp. was right on, heart rate was great, and no apparent lingering effects of any previous issues. I also have gained 1 1/2 pounds, I am now 60lbs..

I was so well behaved everybody was giving me treats and when folks left the room I just layed there chillin' !

Today I saw:

     Dr. Cloe Williams DVM.

 

Tomorrow I get to go to a new Vet that Mom/Dad have selected for me. Its basically a meet and greet with a simple review of my medical record, a few how-do's, etc. I will be using the Island Animal Hospitals team of vets and techs for my health and wellness now over on Merrit Island. 

Looking forward to going and meeting some new foks and get my bill of health. Hopefully I will never need their services other than for regular shots, check ups, etc. Do not plan to have any emergencies, but ya just never know and its nice to know who will be trying to fix me up if I do.Maybe we can snap a couple pictures of the adventure and the fine folks that are over there, we'll see!

 

Today or I should say this morning I demonstrated my ability for total recall on a non-verbal command for "sit" My dad was so proud of me too. He used a closed hand followed by lifting his pinky finger and I new what that meant and complied without hesitation. be sure to check out my "Training "page to see a short video of my success. My dad is so proud of me... thats one down and I dont know how many more he has planned for me, but I am willing to learn..by the way don't I look cute and handsome?? I told ya I am the perfet package in a small body..😋