Tuesday, September 27, 2011

What Should I Feed My Dog?

Mostly Mutts highly recommends you purchase the highest quality food for your dog you can afford.  Read the ingredient labels.  Avoid foods that consist of meat by-products. These can include feet, gristle, and all kinds of things not good for your dog.  The best food is where the first ingredient is a meat or chicken meal and no by-products. Also avoid food and treats that are preserved with BHA and/or BHT.  These preservatives have been linked to possible cancer, in both humans and animals.

Always be very careful giving dogs “people food."  Examples of  good "people treats" are carrots, apples, cottage cheese, grilled or boiled boneless chicken, hard-boiled egg slices, pumpkin, cooked or from a can, broccoli and green beans.   NEVER give your dogs raisins, grapes, chocolate, raw onions, garlic or Macadamia nuts as they are very toxic and can cause major liver problems and possible death.  Xylitol, a sweetener found in some sugar-free chewing gums, candies, baked goods and other products is also extremely dangerous for dogs and can be fatal. Be sure to keep any product containing Xylitol away from your pets. 

Some controversial ingredients to look out for:

  • Propylene glycol - formerly considered a generally safe additive. Current studies show that it reduces the survival of red blood cells. Propylene glycol is now prohibited in cat foods. 
  • Eethoxyquin - used for many years as an additive. Current studies show links to allergic reactions, skin problems, major organ failure and cancer.


Keep in mind obese dogs are unhealthy dogs and a dog who is only 10% overweight could have his lifespan shortened by 33%.  Obese pets can suffer from orthopedic disorders, respiratory difficulties, heat intolerance, heart disease, gastrointestinal distress, diabetes, incontinence, urinary tract infections and stones, immune system suppression and cancer. 

Keep your dog healthy and you’ll all be happier. Please remember the first ingredient should be a meat or a  meal, but NO byproducts.  We recommend you do not buy Beneful as the first ingredient is corn, the second by-products.  Animals need protein from meat.  If changing food, do it gradually.  MM also does not recommend rawhides nor treats preserved with BHA and/or BHT as they are being linked to cancer

Monday, September 19, 2011

Daisy's Story

She was a 4 month old sweet chocolate Labrador that should have been with a loving family and enjoying her puppy hood. Instead, she was dumped at a shelter where she was scared and wondering what she had done to deserve this. Daisy had done nothing except being born and that wasn’t her fault! As each day passed, she kept thinking they would come back for her, so the emotions of confusion, sadness and fear stressed her young body. With this, her body was invaded by a dreaded disease that can be deadly to unvaccinated dogs, mostly young ones. If treated early, the survival rate is higher. A volunteer with Mostly Mutts found out about her and remembered a couple that was looking for a Lab puppy. They were contacted and signed-up to foster and possibly adopt. Once they saw her shelter picture, they named her Daisy and were almost positive they were going to keep her. When the volunteer saw her, she knew she was very sick, so she called the couple and ask if they were still interested with her being sick. Without hesitation, they were on board and ready to meet the volunteer and Daisy at the closest vet since she needed immediate medical attention. While she was in the exam room, the couple patiently waited to meet their new puppy and take her home. That did not happen. Their first meeting was while Daisy’s lifeless body was laying on the exam table. She was now wrapped in a blanket and had a name for the first time in her short life. She never got to meet the family that wanted to give her love and comfort.  Please do not let Daisy’s death be in vain. Spay/neuter and vaccinate!  Donate to rescue groups, so they can save more lives and pay their overwhelming vet bills. Rest in Peace sweet Angel!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

What's Up With the Mutts?!

Mostly Mutts has been having phenomenal success at each at our adoptions.  This past weekend we had over 14 dogs and cats adopted or moved into foster homes.  Now we can save 14 plus other animals from terrible situations and give them a second lease of life.  Thank you to everyone who opened their hearts and homes!

Arnold the pig was adopted out this weekend to a family who has a small farm and is starting to add animals to it.  Yea for Arnold!

Did you know that the medicine used to treat heartworm in pets is now no longer available from the distributor?  That means that it is now more important than ever to keep your pet on preventative medicine.  Look for a blog post in the next few days for more information on how to ensure your pet is protected.

Want to help the Mutts earn some much needed donations?  We have two fund raisers coming up so come join us!  If you like tennis, we have a tournament and silent auction coming at Lost Mountain Park off Dallas Highway on October 28 and running through October 30.  We need players from junior age on up for junior singles, men’s and women’s doubles, mixed doubles and parent and child doubles.  Fees are $30 for singles, $40 for doubles and include a T-shirt, gift bag and players party.  Call 770-528-8525 to register or for more info.  Play some tennis and help the Mutts!

We have two folks ready to help out with a high end thrift shop to benefit the Mutts who are looking for retail space in the Piedmont Park area.  They really need an affordable location and the landlords can get a tax write off.  If you know of a space please contact Diana at Dianad@bellsouth.net. 

Need your Mostly Mutts fix?  Connect with us socially at the following location and be sure you’re not “chasing your tail” to find out the latest happening with the Mutts!  You have found our blog; now find us at the following places:


Want to be a volunteer or a foster parent?  We can use you!  Contact us at volunterr@mostlymutts.org or foster@mostlymutts.org for more information.

As always, we appreciate your support!