Basic Nutrition                 

 Welcome to the Dream Acre's Diet and Philosophy Page. I am not a Veterinarian and in no way am I suggesting that I hold the answer to all your questions; I can only offer you advice as it pertains to my experiences. I am a licensed nurse with over 18 years of experience currently specializing in Allergy/Immune Therapy.

I was raised in a family that bred and showed Dobermans. My mother passed down her great wisdom to me. Combining this knowledge with my medical experience, I have devised a Health and Wellness Care Plan for my Bullmastiffs. I have been asked over and over to share "the secret" of the overall health and appearance of my animals, so I hope this will be of help to all. I would like everyone who purchases a Bullmastiff pup from me to please follow this to the best of their ability.

After approximately 4 months of age, your pup will lose its passive immunities it acquired from the mother. This means everything I have done for my dogs will no longer contribute to the wellness of your new baby. It is vital that you continue your baby's regular visits to the Vet and up to date immunizations. It is also important for you to support and nourish your baby correctly at this point. It is likely that if you begin having certain issues with your pup at this time, the cause could be one of several things: (1) diet is lacking, (2) environment is detrimental to the pups health, or (3) there is a possible underlying health issue.

It is my opinion that the first year of life is so difficult for a pup, between the stress of continual immunizations and mass fluctuations in hormones not to mention the changes of the body itself. Immunizations, although a necessary evil is extremely difficult on a puppy because for each shot it is given, it must fight against this organism which causes an antibody reaction. In short, the first year can cause great stress for the developing puppy and this stress can exhibit itself in many ways, especially if the puppy is already weakened by poor nutrition or an unfavorable environment.

Bullmastiffs have a predisposition to several illnesses which include: skin sensitivity, allergies, systemic yeast, bloat, and Hip Dysplasia. These are all illnesses that can be prevented or controlled with a correct diet. Of course there are many illnesses that are inherited; the key here is to study your breed. It is my intention to breed the healthiest individuals possible. Here is a synapse of our nutritional care plan.

  Basic Nutrition

Although your puppy/adult can be maintained on a good kibble (dry food), with the essential added vitamins & minerals, antioxidants and fatty acids. I believe in "Top Dressing". Kibble, no matter how good of quality it is. It is still processed food.

Processed food loses natural enzymes that aide in the absorption and digestion process.

The heating process also depletes vitamins and minerals.

Kibble is the staple in your pups diet, so choose wisely. You can use any puppy kibble you like but please remember to check the ingredients. Don't choose a kibble just because its cheap. Your vet. Bills wont be !! When looking for a dry food remember not only do you have to keep in mind basic nutrition but also Breed specific needs/issues.

Bullmastiffs are prone to skin/Allergy/bloat/dysplasia .Most Allergies are really just a symptom of poor diet. Although I would never keep a dog on a lamb/rice only diet.. As this is not a proper protein/mineral variation I recommend trying this short term to do a process of elimination if a pup starts having "Allergy issues". The major offenders in the Allergy forum would Wheat/Corn ..

I am really big on skin health this being the largest organ of the body. If this system is stressed and or is lacking then it only makes sense that a overall degradation of health is not far behind. I call this the Domino effect. So besides the caloric need of your pup you must think of the nutritional aspect.. All kibble no matter how good it is, will be lacking in certain things that are very important to your pups overall health?Here is where the supportive supplements and Top dressing come in play.

Your Puppy will come with a starter supply of essential Vitamins and minerals. I highly stress the continual use!!! If your diet is lacking and you are not supporting it with essential supplements you may be in for a world of mess and not know what or who to blame. We supplement all of our babies with a multivitamin geared for skin health .In addition supplement with Biotin ( we use human grade) you can adjust the dose as you your pup matures. This is an essential B Vitamin that is certainly lacking in all kibble and is difficult to induce in diet using whole foods.. It is the most supportive of the skin and coat in all dogs/and humans.. My whole family uses it daily..

TOP DRESSING: This is when you combine whole foods to kibble. Whole foods can also be served as snacks. Examples: Carrots, Broccoli, Zucchini, Squash, Green beans,(Steam or slow cooked) Raw vegetables are harder to digest .Better absorption is maintained if slightly cooked .

 FRUITS--- Apples, Bananas, Melons, Berries (Blue Berries are the King of Antioxidants)

Tomatoes, Oranges.

Yogurt----- Plain..( this is an important food to be added to dogs diet) Yeast also being a huge issue in all dogs.. Most skin Allergies are really systemic yeast infections. To keep this in check either feed pup a snack of yogurt or supplement with Acidophilus. The active cultures balance yeast growth with positive bacteria, this aides in digestion and supports healthy skin.. I highly recommend if you have a dog with Bloat, Diarrhea, or systemic yeast.. (chronic itchy skin) to make sure they are getting at least 1cup of plain Yogurt daily.

Avoid-----Raw eggs.!!!!! If uncooked they contain a chemical called AVIDIN (a anti-vitamin if you will). Avidin negates the absorption of vitamin B..(BIOTIN) The one vitamin essential for skin and hair health and Maintenance ..Remember Bullmastiff are already lacking here that is why we supplement with BIOTIN!!!!!

Avoid----RAW MEATS?( remember this is my opinion) I Saute and or slow cook all my meats.. for two reasons To kill Bacteria and also because many raw meats can have a laxative effect on your dog. Do I feed Raw...hmmm well yes but then again I raise and cull animals specifically for my dogs diet. I don't think feeding animals or humans for that matter hormones,antibiotics, and the gross amount of chemicals that are in routinely put in to our foods/meat. I raise all organic/hormone free livestock  therefore I will feed this to my family (cooked) and to my dogs Raw.

Avoid ---Starchy foods like white rice and Potatoes, use in small quantities as a filler is fine if you want.. But try to stick with long grain wild or Brown Rice.

***NEVER FEED**** Chocolate, Grapes, Raw Onions, Mushrooms, Spinach

Make sure you keep all medicines out of a dogs reach.

Also watch your plants in and around the house many are toxic!

Cigarettes, Cocoa, and anything with caffeine.. Anti freeze

Any and all cleaning supplies..

 There are so many opinions on what is right and wrong as it pertains to Diet. I can only convey to you what works best with my Babies.. Remember that every pup is its own entity every pup is different.. There is no one definitive right when it comes to an individual. It is my hope that anyone that obtains a pup from us respect our nutritional beliefs and continue to nourish these beautiful babies as they should. That said I am always willing to work for you.. Always open to questions anytime.. WE can set a personal Diet plan for your individuals specific needs.. Just a phone call away. I don't profess to have all the answers but rest assured I will research any questions and concerns to the fullest.. This is a lifetime of support. Dream Acre's is here for you!!!