Cost of feeding adopted stray animals

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Sat 05 Jul 2014 3:53 pm

I repeat my apology on the main forum for helping to lead the homecooked dog food post off topic..

However I would like to point out to Marion and Hippo that some of us (particularly those caring for more than one stray) simply cannot afford the cost of good (or even poor!) quality preprepared foodand have no option but to make our own, even though just opening a tin is much quicker, easier and pleasanter, particularly in this heat!

I would like to ask Hippo for advice on what to add to dog food to supply missing vitamins, and where the tablets can be obtained and how much they cost. I also give my dogs three or so Pedegree biscuits per day as treats/training aids. These claim to contain essential vitamins - will this help. Also which protein items I should avoid for the oldest dog (18plus) - she is taking Vit. B supplements recommended by the Vet after a stroke, but these are really made for humans!

One of the Supermarket is selling "dog salami" with added herbs, does anyone have any views on this? The packet advises adding "mixer meal" (I used to use "Winalot" in the UK) but havent seen anything similar here and of course pasta or rice do not really provide the bulk and crunchiness. Any ideas for a substitute?

Owl Lady · Post by **Owl Lady** » Sat 05 Jul 2014 7:49 pm

Hi RR I salute you for feeding stray DOGS and there are many. I have 2 rescue dogs,and on my own they are enough to cope with. I however always carry a bag of dog biscuits where ever I go and friends laugh at me. I am sure the dogs see me coming!! Lemar sell 20kg bags of Cottagro for 69tl,seems a lot, but a couple of handfuls will give added crunchiness to the meal and goes quite a long way. Only a thought, good luck and thanks.

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Sat 05 Jul 2014 9:39 pm

Sorry if I gave a wrong impression. What I was trying to say (which obviously I did not) was that from childhood, I have not been in the kind of situation some people are in of being able to give the very best. My family fed the dogs with what they had and sometimes the tins work out cheaper than preparing special food. No one has mentioned bones from the butcher here, and they are a good source if you can get them. Or left overs in restaurants. All great cheap ways of keeping the dogs teeth in a healthy state while providing some essential nutriments etc.

As to vitamin supplements, can't say I have ever done that, but I guess I treat my dogs/animals, the same way as I treat myself. I don't take extra vitamins but have been taught that all the goodness is already there in our food. So, in a sense I am happy to take any advice on cheap ways of feeding animals as I fed some stray cats (well, I don't know if they are stray or just not fed by the owners! I know they come in and steal my cats' food.

I am always open to suggestions for keeping down the bill as it is my husband hwo pays and he is not really an animal love,r but I think we have a duty as stewards of the earth to 'feed the hungry' no matter ow many legs (or feathers) they may have!

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Sat 05 Jul 2014 10:11 pm

Owl Lady: I am afraid your congratulations are misplaced. When I referred to feeding stray dogs, I really meant the ever inc reasing cost of dog food, on top of all the other costs involved in homing strays. I have three and it is definitely too many practically and financially, but of course now I have them I couldnt bear to be without them, though one is now so old, I shall have to face losing her soon. I do know of people who look after a lot more, and I just cant imagine how they cope and I get very uptight about those who carp about "irresponsible dog owners" when they dont appreciate the sacrificies involved in homing street dogs.

I dont generally feed strays (though I always carry water and biscuits in the car for my own - although I think they own me rather than vice versa! - and occasionally gave in in the days I could excercise them in isolated places ) as I think it can be a mistake to feed stray animals in residential areas as it attracts them to the area and may lead to ill feeling by non animal lovers and and even outbreaks of poisoning and with mobility problems I dont get to the areas where there are official feeding stations.

Ill look out for Cottagro though 20 kilos is rather more than I can carry, but thanks for the suggestion!