Diet(s)

It's well known that an important part to staying healthy, especially while training for a physical venture, is in what you eat.

I take great pride and care in making sure that Koda's diet is one with which he can:

1) Gain weight off of (he is about 5-10 lbs to light right now)
2) Grow muscle mass from
3) Gain energy from
4) Maintain healthy skin, joints, etc

Now, is this to say that Koda's diet is stagnant?  No. I'm constantly looking at labels and reading things about what larger dog breeds should be eating.  I also have a pretty awesome vet that is always willing to talk about these things.

Right now, Koda's main source of food is Eukanuba Large Breed.  After a long day of hiking/outdoor activity, I may treat him to some soft food, but still staying within the Eukanuba brand.   So far, the favourite has been this one.

Similarly, at dinner, if I am browning some lean hamburger/bison meat, I will give Koda  few chunks in order to keep him interested.  I found out that he likes peppers and carrots, so I may occasionally give him one of those as a snack.

Speaking of snacks.

When I adopted Koda, he had a comfort food (which I what I used as a vehicle to get him comfortable to me and to train him).  For the good or the bad of it, Milkbones are to him what mashed potatoes and gravy are to me.  He gets about one of those a day. (1/2 in the morning and 1/2 at night)

I also use Pet Botanic's "Training Rewards" for any other training adventure we might be engaging in.  He didn't take to these right away, but enjoys them now.

My diet, thank goodness, is a little more varied than his.  I do try and make sure to eat more protein than carbohydrates.  I also try to balance out every protein dish with a vegetable/dark leafy greens/fruit dish. I don't drink a ton of milk (about one glass every 3 days), mostly due to the fact that I just prefer to drink water).

There are a few other guidelines I try to follow:

- None of my meals are fried.
- I don't eat hamburger meat more than once a week (I mostly indulge in chicken, fish, bison (a lean red), turkey, and pork).  THIS IS A MAJESTIC FEAT WHEN LIVING IN THE GREAT PLAINS.
- Spinach is the only leafy green I purchase
- I rarely eat out
- I do drink alcohol (generally found in the form of a beer) about once a week. Never to excess.
- I don't own a microwave and only use them when I have to (they "suck the soul out of food" as a friend once said).

I'll post more on my diet later (I'll track it for a week and let you know what it is).  It's late here and I have to work in the morning.

Best,
A