Make sure when you transition over to new food that you do it gradually; 1/4 new to 3/4 old for a week, 1/2 new to 1/2 old for another week, etc. Switch straight across will only increase the Wendy’s Frosty-like poo-poo. Dutchess will thank you in the long run.

If you are open to a few other helpful pet suggestions…

I’m a huge fan of Science Diet doggie food, based on the recommendations of two different vets and our breeder. Sure it is more expensive, but if you register at PetCo for the PetcoPals club, they mail you coupons in addition to having regular discounts every month or so on Science Diet products.

Greenies… I can’t say enough about these things. They are green (duh) and shaped like toothbrushes. When a dog chews on them they polish and clean the teeth, leave a fresh breath, *AND* in my humble opinion, they help add a little bit of solid material at the exit point.

Lastly… (and most grossly)… anal glands. If Miss Dutchess has a stink ass, it could quite possibly that she needs her glands squeezed. I only wish I was making this up, but sadly, I am not. I can’t verify this, but I believe only short-haired dogs of all sizes have these glands that need a release. Next time you get her in the tub, squeeze around her exit with your thumbs in the same manner you would squeeze for a zit. I recommend not being in the line of fire for obvious reasons. Jake and Daisy get baths twice a month and they get the squeeze once a month. In reality, they could get the squeeze every 2-3 months, but 4-6 weeks is more of a precautionary measure.

and she’s being slowly transitioned into her new food. she really digs the stuff. the nutro is #1 here in canada, and is what my fahjah in law feeds his mangy crew.

i don’t know if she’s had greenies yet, but I plan on picking up some for her tomorrow.