Flint River Ranch Feeding Guidelines

If you are changing to Flint River Ranch food from another brand, please remember that food changes can upset a pet's digestive system. You should make the change gradually over 5-7 days by mixing the Flint River Ranch food with the brand previously used. Start with a mixture of 10% - 15% Flint River Ranch food, then increase the percentage of Flint River Ranch food by 10% - 15% each day until the transition is complete. Without the gradual transition from the other brand to richer Flint River Ranch food, pets may get upset stomachs and diarrhea. Don't try to speed the process by mixing a bag of each food together for a 50/50 mix and starting your pet on that. You and your pet may both be dissatisfied with the results.

Feed your dog twice a day. Have plenty of fresh water available. Feed an amount that will maintain your dog's weight. Following are suggested daily feeding amounts however, keep in mind your dogs breed, age and activity level determines the amount you should actually feed (my theory; all dogs deserve a waistline):

10-15 lbs.	0.5 to 1.0 Cup per day
20-30 lbs.	1.0 to 1.5 Cups per day
40-50 lbs	2.0 to 2.5 Cups per day
60-70 lbs.	2.5 to 3.0 Cups per day
80-90 lbs.	3.5 to 4.0 Cups per day
Over 100	4.0 to 5.0 Cups per day

Because Flint River Ranch dog food products are high-density, you should feed 20-25% less than other foods. Each serving delivers the maximum nutrition without fillers, so you'll notice less stool volume and cleanup. Generally, you can free-feed dogs through their first year. Feed your adult dog once or twice daily. Quantities will vary based on the climate, breed of dog and activity level. You want to feed an amount that will maintain the dog's weight.

Keep in mind, when you feed a diet that is low in protein and fat, sometimes the pet will eat more than they should in order to satisfy their taste buds. Improper feeding is the greatest cause of a pet being overweight (along with those extra treats from the dinner table), not the protein content or quality of the food.

SOFT STOOL. Premium food is very rich and has little in the way of useless fillers - during a change to a premium food, some pets may have a softer stool. A premium food will start cleaning the pet's digestive tract rather than just passing though the system. In time you will have a firmer, much smaller stool for easy clean-up.

COMPARE - WITH THE "BLOAT" TEST: In one bowl place 1/4 cup Flint River oven-baked dog food. In a second bowl place an equal amount of any other dog food. Add warm water to cover and shake. Keep the food covered by adding water as needed. At the end of the day you will find that the Flint River Ranch food has broken down and has not expanded. Depending upon the brand of the second food, it may have expanded in bulk 2 to 3 times the original size. Many professionals believe food that expands can cause a serious bloat problem in your dog's stomach.

OVERWEIGHT PETS. Humans and pets both have to push away from the table. We find many pet owners that have switched to Flint River Ranch products still feeding the amount of food they formally fed. With concentrated Flint River Ranch super premium foods, it is best to feed at least 25% less. Pets, like humans, require a little adjustment over a period of time to the stomach and reduce their food intake. During this period of reducing the amount fed to a dog, add lightly cooked vegetables of all types - carrots, rice, broccoli, potatoes, celery, green beans and pasta. This is great for your dog's health.

For older dogs or dogs having trouble losing weight - I like Life's Abundance Weight Loss Formula

• Weight-Loss Formula is made with the freshest ingredients to provide your dog with the best quality possible!

• We use quality ingredient selection and our exclusive “fast-cook” process to preserve the fresh taste of natural foods.

• This technique maintains natural flavors and nutritional value better than more rigorous cooking techniques found in many store bought products.

• We don't add flavor enhancers or coloring to replace what high-temperature cooking destroys. We don't need to. We keep all the natural goodness.
• We don't use chemical additives or preservatives. Not a single one. And we never will. We use a blend of natural antioxidants to help our food stay fresh as well as helping your dog to maintain a healthy immune system.
  
• The convenient, re-closable bag helps protect against moisture and pests.

Does all this make a difference? You bet it does. We take great pride in providing your dog with the finest quality foods. We invite your close inspection of the wholesome ingredients in Life’s Abundance Weight-Loss Formula.

Wholesome Ingredients:

• Premium All-Natural Chicken Meal, Catfish Meal and Eggs provide high-quality, easily-digested protein sources to support strong muscles, healthy organs and overall health.
  
• Chicken Fat, Catfish Meal, Whole Ground Flax Seed, Eggs and Stabilized Rice Bran provide a natural balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to promote a healthy shiny coat, health and vitality.
  
• Wholesome Oatmeal and Pearled Barley provide excellent sources of complex carbohydrates your dog needs for energy, while nutritionally managing his or her weight.
  
•  Fresh Vegetables supply natural plant sources of phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and potent bioflavonoids that help support an active immune system.
  
• Optimal Levels of Fiber with added Fructooligosaccharide and Natural Bacteria Cultures help the digestive system work at peak efficiency, allowing your dog to get even more nutrition from our wholesome food.
  
• Patented source of Stabilized Rice Bran provides an easily-digested, natural source of healthy fat that helps to sustain high energy levels while on a reduced calorie program.
  
• L-Carnitine helps build lean muscle, support a strong heart and to turn fat into energy.
  
• Free from Artificial Colors, Flavors and Preservatives. Contains a blend of natural antioxidants, which helps to maintain a healthy immune system, as well as ensuring the freshness of Weight-Loss Formula.