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What You Feed Your Dog, How You Feed Your Dog, How You Care For Your Dog

Longevity: Our Physical And Emotional Care Has Doubled The Average Length Of Our Dogs Lives!
Nurturing The Physical And Emotional Needs Of Our Gentle Giants And Little Giants
Our Gentle Giants Are Living An Average Of 14 To 18 Years!

Is Your Dog's Food Heart Healthy?

Does Your Dog's Food Have Too Much Protein?

Does Your Dog's Food Have Too Much Fat?

How Many Times A Day Do You Feed Your Dog?

Do You Know The Correct Height To Elevate Your Dog's Food And Water Bowls?

Do You Know How To Avoid Bloat And Torsion (a major killer of many breeds)?

Are You Providing Your Dog With A Nurturing Living Environment?

(click 'heart' below for details)





All natural Gentle Giants dog food is EXCELLENT for all dog breeds,
from tiny 2 lb. dogs up to giant 300 lb. dogs


All natural Gentle Giants dog food is EXCELLENT for all ages,
from weaning 3 week old puppies to the oldest seniors



Bella is a 10 week old Newfoundland puppy
who loves all natural Gentle Giants dog food!




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All natural Gentle Giants dog food is available in the following stores:
Southern California
Stater Bros.
Ralphs
Gelson's
Major Market
Buzzard House
 
Central and Northern California
Lucky
Save Mart
McGowan's Feed


Note: If any of the above stores don't have Gentle Giants dog food on their shelf, please speak to the store manager and request it, or email us immediately at orders@gentlegiantsrescue.com and we will make sure that your local store receives as many bags as you want.

Here is an extra convenience for you:  When you purchase our 37.5 bag of Gentle Giants, you don't have to lift it up onto the checkstand. The UPC on the back of each bag has a 'peel off' label. Just peel off the label and hand it to the cashier.

Outside California: Click here to order Gentle Giants for home/office delivery:
*      *      *      *      *      *
Our Dogs Are Living An Average Of Twice Their Normal Lifespans!


"Wonder Woman" is our Great Dane
who is 14 years old (
left),
"Samantha" is our American Eskimo
who is 19 years old (right)

 

We adopted "Princess Leah" at 16 years old (left),
we adopted "Marble" at 8 years old (
center),
and we adopted "Sadie" at 2 years old (right)
3 Great Danes adopted to Ed and Lindy Kalpakoff
Email correspondence from our adopters, Ed and Lindy Kalpakoff (above right)
Hi Tracy,

Just wanted to let you know that your 16 year old "Princess Leah" acts like she's a puppy.

She's Ed's baby. Follows him everywhere and loves her walks.

She's awesome!!! 

I take "Marble" with me to the park on the weekends. All she wants is to be by my side.

YIPPEEEEE, I have my own dog, ha! ha!

"Sadie" is always causing some kind of ruckus. She's just like "Holly" in so many ways.

We will take some good photos of all of them and send them to you.

It just melts my heart to see "Princess" enjoying life in our home.

She's soooo happy!

And, so are we!!!

Lindy Kalpakoff


OUR FEEDING AND CARE TECHNIQUES
DOUBLING THE LIFE SPAN OF YOUR DOG!


We have achieved amazing success in lengthening the lives of our rescued dogs. We have our dogs living an average of twice their normal lifespans.

We have accomplished this by utilizing our feeding and care program and feeding all natural Gentle Giants dog food.

Here are the three critical areas that you should focus upon:

(1) What you feed your dog;

(2) How you feed your dog; and

(3) How you care for your dog.


What You Feed Your Dog - Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine

We have our dogs living far longer than is traditional for our giant breeds. Our program for increased longevity combines early spay/neuter, our special feeding and care techniques, and our high nutrition, balanced protein, low fat dog food. Because our dog food is so nutritious, your dog can obtain all the nutrition he/she needs by eating less food than with other dog food formulas. This provides your adopted dog with increased protection against bloat and torsion, a major killer of giant breed dogs, and a killer of other breeds as well.

We require dog food with our minimum specifications to be fed to our adopted dogs. The requirements are as follows:

Crude Protein = 22% - lower protein content to protect against hypertrophic osteo dystrophy in puppies and panosteitus in adult dogs

Crude Fat = 9% - lower fat content to protect against heart disease

What We Believe Is Absolutely Critical!
Only Feed Your Dog 100% All Natural Gentle Giants Dog Food!
Never Feed Your Dog More Than 22% Protein!
And Never Feed Your Dog More Than 9% Fat!
(check the "Guaranteed Nutrient Analysis" information on your dog food bag)

Our additional requirements are as follows:

Protein Source: Chicken, Fish and Eggs;

Vegetables: Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Beets, Peas, Celery, Lettuce, Parsely, Watercress and Spinach;

Fruits: Cranberries, Blueberries and Apples;

Nutritious Grains: Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Oatmeal and Flax Seeds;

Vitamins and Antioxidants: Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Beta-Carotene, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Niacin and  Biotin;

Omega-6 Fatty Acids = 1.25% minimum for healthy skin and a healthy coat;

Omega-3 Fatty Acids = .5% minimum for healthy skin and a healthy coat;

Glucosamine = 600 mg/kg for bone, hip, and joint benefits;

Chondroitin = 300 mg/kg for bone, hip, and joint benefits; and

Prebiotics and Probiotics to increase digestion and absorption of food.

We recommend Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine dog food to maximize the longevity of all dogs. It is specially formulated with the highest quality ingredients and with the proper balance of protein and fat content to maximize the longevity of all breeds at all ages.

In addition to complying with our minimum requirements, all natural Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine contains 3 protein sources, 9 real garden vegetables, 3 natural fruits, and 4 nutritious grains. It also includes enriched levels of antioxidants (Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Beta Carotene) to help support the immune system, sequestered trace minerals (SQM) for improved mineral bioavailability, and numerous important vitamins and nutrients.

How You Feed Your Dog

Here is how we feed our dogs to maximize their life span . . .

We feed Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine only, because it is highly nutritious with balanced protein and low fat content to be heart healthy.

We feed dry food only. Only if a dog is severely underweight or upon the recommendation of a veterinarian, do we add canned food.

We elevate all of our food and water bowls at a height so that our dogs don't have to lean down to eat, they just tilt their heads down to eat. We do this to avoid bloat and torsion, the number two killer of giant breed dogs.

We do not limit the amount of dog food that we feed at each feeding. If our dogs are hungry, we feed them more.

We feed our dry food for 10 to 15 minutes only, and then we remove the food. We never leave the food out (free feed) because if dogs have any stress or exercise with food on their stomach, they can bloat and die.

We always provide fresh water daily.

We do not allow our dogs to exercise for 1 hour before and for 1 hour after each feeding - We do not feed for at least 1 hour before and after riding in a vehicle.

We feed our puppies under 6 months of age 7 to 8 times a day.

We feed our puppies 6 months of age to 1 year old 6 to 7 times a day.

We feed our puppies and adults over 1 year old 5 or more times a day.


How You Care For Your Dog

Longevity: Our Physical And Emotional Care Has Doubled The Average Length Of Our Dogs Lives!
Nurturing The Physical And Emotional Needs Of Our Gentle Giants And Little Giants
Our Gentle Giants Are Living An Average Of 14 To 18 Years!


Because we have been enormously successful in prolonging the healthy, happy lives of our Gentle Giants, we have strict care requirements so that our adopters can hopefully enjoy the same amazing success that we have had. Everyone wants their dog to live the longest, healthiest, happiest life, and if you follow our feeding and care techniques and feed all natural Gentle Giants dog food, you will have the opportunity to love and enjoy your loving canine family member with you nearly twice as long as you might have otherwise.

Our Gentle Giants and Little Giants are house dogs, not outside dogs. And, they are not garage dogs, laundry room dogs, barn dogs, shed dogs or patio dogs. Your dog should live inside your home in the main living area as a member of your family, day and night, and go outside only to eat, to go to the bathroom, for short periods of play, and to be with you and your family whenever you are outside. At all other times, they should be inside the main living area of your home.

Many people have traditionally left their dogs outside during the day, and brought their dogs in only at night. Their dogs usually live short lives (in the case of Gentle Giants, usually 7 to 9 years). Some people leave their dogs outside day and night, and their dogs usually live even shorter lives. We cater to the physical and emotional needs of our dogs, and they live a lot longer.

For example, we allow our dogs the freedom to go outside whenever they want to, and conversely, the freedom to come back inside whenever they want to. These are the same freedoms that a human has. So, it does take a little extra effort to pay attention to what your dog is trying to communicate to you. And by doing this, your dog feels that he or she has some say so in their life and they don't give up and resign themselves that they are either “cooped up” outside or “cooped up” inside. This freedom we give them enriches their emotional needs and their spirit, and they are happier. Happier dogs live longer.

Our dogs go outside every few hours (or sooner if they want to). Yes, they frolic and play in between feeding times. You can see that in the many photos on our website. But, after about 15 to 20 minutes, they've had enough and that frolic and play gets old for them and they want to come back into their "den" (figuratively speaking), which is your house.

We say in our literature that a “doggie door” is optional, not required. What isn't optional is leaving your adopted dog outside other than when it is eating, going to the bathroom, briefly playing, or being with you or your family when you are outside.

Our dogs are house dogs, and your dog should be allowed to stay in your house, whether you are home or not.

When we started rescuing Great Danes 16 years ago (and more than 30 other breeds since then), our dogs were living an average of 7 to 9 years. Now, our Great Danes, and the many other Gentle Giant breeds that we rescue, are living an average of 14 to 18 years. A significant attribute of our success in doubling the length of their lives is to nurture their needs and instincts, and living inside has shown itself time and again . . . in fact, thousands of times with the giant breed dogs that we've had living here during the last 16 years, to be a key ingredient in lengthening their lives.


Spaying And Neutering

All of our Gentle Giants and Little Giants are spayed or neutered at six months of age or as soon as we get them after six months of age. Spaying (females) and neutering (males) does not only prevent excessive breeding, which, if left unspayed and unneutered, results in so many millions of unwanted dogs that end up in animal shelters each year (most of which are put to death), but, spaying and neutering your dog at an early age (the optimum age is five to six months) is critical to extend and prolong your dog's life.

Cancer is the #1 killer of dogs, and 85% of all cancers (whether they end up developing in the bones, organs, blood or skin) originate in the reproductive organs. So, by spaying or neutering your dog at an early age, you are giving your dog the gift of a much longer life! This is one of the most important things that you can do for your dog, and it is one of the key things that we do to help our dogs live an average of 14 to 18 years.

If you want to adopt a dog from us, you must spay or neuter your own dog prior to be approved for adoption. Also, unspayed and unneutered dogs do not always get along with spayed and neutered dogs, and we have achieved an amazing level of socialization, good behavior and easy handling with our dogs (see Our Gentle Giants Training) by combining spaying/neutering with our immensely successful training techniques. We feel that it is in the best interest and safety for our dogs and for your dog that you spay or neuter your dog before we adopt a dog to you.


We Use Crates To House Train Puppies!

Our dogs are crated trained, but we only use crates when our youngest puppies are learning to be housebroken. When our puppies are housebroken, usually at four to six months of age, we stop using crates. If a puppy is still in the chewing stage, we will "baby gate" them in our kitchen when we can't watch them. Giant breed dogs are not comfortable in crates, and they are not happy in kennels, so we don't use either after four to six months of age.

Keeping Your Dog Out Of The Sun And Out Of The Heat

The sun's rays can be very detrimental to your dog's health. Giant breed dogs and some smaller breeds need to stay out of the sun. Most giant breeds have a single coat of fur, and have no protection against the harmful rays of the sun. They can develop skin cancer very quickly. Once the skin cancer develops, the dogs usually develop internal cancerous tumors as well. This can quickly lead to death.

Other breeds of dogs have a short, thick inner coat of fur that protects them from the sun. Because most giant breeds do not have a short, thick inner coat of fur, they should not be allowed to lie out in the sun at all.

Giant breed dogs also need to stay out of the heat. Their bodies do not dissipate heat well, and they can get heat stroke, which can cripple them or kill them.

If someone wants to keep their dog outside, whether it is during the day or at night, whether they are home or not, we will not adopt to them.


Feeding Your Dog To Maximize His/Her Life Span

Our care and feeding program has worked magnificently for the thousands of giant breed dogs and many small breed dogs in the last 16 years here where we could see and experience the results first hand. No one else in the country that we know of who cares for dogs has accomplished this or anywhere near this to our knowledge.

It is our love for these dogs and our total commitment to saving, enriching and lengthening their lives that has provided us with the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these magnificent animals.

That is why we do what we do and why we have (what may seem strict to some people) the requirements that we have. In the end, the dogs we adopt have proven to be living longer, happier lives in their new adopted homes, and that has made their adopters happier because their loving canine companion is with them longer. You can read this first hand in the many emails that we have posted on our website.


You can experiece the same or similar results with your dog by following our feeding and care techniques and by feeding all natural Gentle Giants dog food to your dog.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION 1: WHY ARE YOUR DOGS LIVING SO MUCH LONGER THAN EVERYONE ELSE'S DOGS?
ANSWER: Because we are not prematurely killing them by how we care for them, by how we feed them, and by what we feed them. Dogs are physically not designed as sophisticated as humans are. Their bodies wear out easier and much sooner than ours. So, if we want to keep our dogs with us longer, we need to make a special effort to feed and care for them to maximize their life spans. We will tell you how to do that so that you can enjoy the same success that we've had, and so that you can have your dog with you a lot longer! Speaking our our success in helping dogs to live much longer lives, please watch the Fox News video at the top of our home page. Many of the dogs that in that video are 10 to 19 years old, already living twice their normal life span. Please check out the harlequin (white with black spots) Great Dane "puppy" climbing up on me as I sit on a bench. Her name is "Galaxy" and she is 16 years old, already twice the normal life span of a Great Dane (Great Danes traditionally live 7-9 years). Also note "Rhino", the Mexican hairless dog in my arms as I stand on our little bridge. "Rhino" is a Xoloitzcuintle who is also 16 years old!

QUESTION 2: WHAT MAKES YOU AND YOUR GENTLE GIANTS DOG FOOD DIFFERENT FROM OTHER DOG FOOD MANUFACTURERS AND THEIR DOG FOOD?
ANSWER: We are worlds apart from every other dog food manufacturer. Dog food manufacturers are in the business to make money selling you dog food. We're in the charitable business of helping dogs live longer! Dog food manufacturers main focus is on MAKING MONEY WITH DOGS. Here at Gentle Giants, our main focus is on ADDING YEARS TO DOGS LIVES! We measure our success on how long dogs live, not on how much money we make. Dog food manufacturers test their dog food on dogs in cages in laboratories (usually 10-15 dogs during a 1-2 week period). We've tested our dog food on thousands of dogs since 2005, feeding 600 lbs. of our all natural Gentle Giants DAILY! Who do you think has conducted more valuable testing on more dogs in a real life situation rather than testing a few frightened dogs couped up in cages in a testing laboratory?

QUESTION 3: WHY DO I HAVE TO LIMIT HOW MUCH MY DOG EATS WHEN I FEED OTHER DOG FOOD?
ANSWER
: Other dog foods are not designed for your dog to self-regulate how much your dog eats. In fact, they are designed just the opposite way . . . to make you dog eat more of their dog food! Other dog foods contain too much fat, among other things, which makes your dog more hungry! So, when you feed your dog other dog foods, what is actually happening is that the dog food that you are feeding to your dog is making your dog wanting more and more, which may be good for the dog food manufacturer who gets to sell you more of their dog food, but it is really bad for your dog to overeat. So, what do you do to keep your dog from overeating the dog food that you are currently feeding to your dog? You
LIMIT how much you feed your dog to keep your dog from overeating. And why is that so bad? Well, first of all, when you LIMIT how much you feed your dog, you don't know if you are giving your dog too much dog food or too little dog food . . . you're guessing. Much worse for your dog though, is the fact that what you are feeding to your dog at every meal is making your dog more and more hungry, and then by you denying your dog the additional dog food that he/she thinks that he/she wants/needs, (1) you are causing your dog be stressed that he/she can't have all the dog food that he/she wants to eat, and (2) what you are feeding to your dog is filling your dog's body with excessive fat and nutritionally empty calories. Do you remember the story on TV several years ago called "Super Size Me?" A man went into McDonalds every day eating every meal there for one month. He gained 50 lbs. and became quite ill. He gained the weight because of the fat content in the food that he ate. A recent report currently circulating through veterinarian clinics states that as many as 40% of all the dogs in America today are overweight. Ask your vet if your dog is overweight, and if so, ask your vet if being overweight can and will likely shorten your dog's life? The answer is "Yes."

Occasionally, someone says that their dog is not hungry and leaves dog food in their bowl. When we ask them if their dog is overweight, they admit "Yes." Then, we ask them how energetic their dog is, they answer "Not as much as he used to be." This is an unhealthy situation where their dog is being overfed and is not as fit and healthy as he should be.

QUESTION 4:
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR DOGS TO SELF-REGULATE HOW MUCH DOG FOOD THEY EAT?
ANSWER: Assuming that your dog is not being tricked into believing that he/she wants more and more dog food by the excessive fat content in the dog food that you are currently feeding to your dog, when your dog eats all natural Gentle Giants dog food, your dog gets all the nutrition that he/she needs with low fat content, so your dog won't feel hungry, won't feel stress, won't become overweight, but instead will feel better, and can live a much longer, healthier, happier life. Please watch this video of our dogs self-regulating how much of our all natural Gentle Giants dog food that they are eating. You will notice that
NONE of our dogs are overweight and ALL of our dogs are HEALTHY and LOOK GREAT!

QUESTION 5:
HOW IS IT THAT YOUR GENTLE GIANTS DOG FOOD IS THE ONLY DOG FOOD DESIGNED FOR DOGS TO SELF-REGULATE HOW MUCH THEY EAT WHEN EVERY OTHER DOG FOOD REQUIRES ME TO LIMIT HOW MUCH OF THEIR DOG FOOD THAT I FEED TO MY DOG?
ANSWER: All natural Gentle Giants dog food has maximum nutrition with minimal fat content.

QUESTION 6: WHY ARE DOGS HEALTHIER AND WHY DO DOGS FEEL BETTER WHEN THEY EAT ALL NATURAL GENTLE GIANTS DOG FOOD?
ANSWER: You can easily discover that for yourself. Take what we call "The Clogged Arteries Test." Closely examine the dog food that you are currently feeding to your dog and compare it to all natural Gentle Giants dog food. Place a small amount of whatever dog food that you are currently feeding to your dog into the palm of your hand. For 5 to 10 seconds, use your fingers to rub the dog food firmly back and forth in your palm, then open your hand. Do you feel a greasy stickiness? If so, that is SATURATED FAT FROM LARD OR ANIMAL FAT that has been sprayed onto your dog's food to get your dog to eat it.

Now, think of that greasy stickiness coating the arteries of your dog. Think about what would happen to you if your own arteries were clogged with saturated fat and cholesterol from eating EVERY MEAL IN YOUR LIFETIME with your food coated with lard or animal fat? Now, isn't it easy to understand why dogs live such short lives?

Did you also know that dogs get heart attacks just like humans? Now, test Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine dog food in the same way and your hand won't feel sticky. Which dog food do you think is better for your dog's health? Which dog food do you think can help your dog live a much longer, healthier, happier life?

So, when your dog is eating EVERY SINGLE MEAL of his/her short life with excessive fat content inside their food combined with saturated fat from lard or animal fat coating the outside of their food, is it any surprise to you that what you are currently feeding to your dog is prematurely killing your dog? We all love our dogs, so the next time you get ready to fill your dog's bowl with dog food, do you want your dog eating what you've been feeding to him/her or would you like your dog eating heart healthy all natural Gentle Giants dog food?

QUESTION 7: WHAT IS BLOAT AND TORSION, WHAT CAUSES IT, AND HOW CAN YOU AVOID IT HAPPENING TO YOUR DOG?
ANSWER: Bloat and torsion is the #2 killer of giant breed dogs and a killer of all dogs, including small and medium breed dogs. Bloat is the distension of a dog's stomach and torsion is the turning of a dog's stomach which is what actually kills a dog in one of the most agonizingly painful deaths imaginable. Horses get a similar killer called colic.

We like to explain bloat and torsion in a way that everyone can easily understand. Do you remember when you were a child and your mother or father said to you, "Don't go in the swimming pool for at least 30 minutes after you eat!" Do you know why your parent told you that? It's because if you have any stress or exercise when you have food on your stomach, you can get a cramp. The difference between what happens to a human and what happens to a dog is that when a human gets the cramp, the human can get out of the pool or eliminate the stress or exercise, lay down, and the human will feel better and be fine. Unfortunately, when a dog goes into the cramp, THEY CAN'T GET OUT OF IT! If this happens to your dog, you have about one hour to get your dog to an expert surgeon, not your typical veterinarian, who can perform open stomach surgery, untangle your dog's stomach and tack the right side of your dog's stomach to the right side of your dog's body wall (muscle to muscle).

Here are the steps we follow to avoid bloat and torsion in our dogs:

(1) Elevate your dog's food and water bowls to a comfortable height to make it as easy as possible for your dog to eat and drink. The top of the food in your dog's bowl should be about level with the bas of your dog's neck. Your dog should simply tilt his/her head down to eat and drink, never have to lean down or lean up to eat and drink;

(2) No exercise for one hour before and one hour after eating;

(3) No riding in a vehicle (motion) for one hour before and one hour after eating;


(4) Feed your dog five (5) or more times each day. Smaller more frequent meals are much better for your dog than one or two big meals. Translating that to your own life, we suggest that the next time you visit your doctor for a physical, ask your doctor this question, "Am I better off eating one or two big meals each day or four or five smaller meals each day?" You already know the answer. Your doctor will say, "Four or five smaller meals."

(5) Feed your dog only all natural Gentle Giants dog food because it was designed to avoid bloat and torsion.

QUESTION 8: HOW IS IT THAT YOUR GENTLE GIANTS DOG FOOD IS THE ONLY DOG FOOD DESIGNED FOR DOGS TO AVOID BLOAT AND TORSION, THE #2 KILLER OF GIANT BREED DOGS AND A KILLER OF ALL DOGS?
ANSWER: Giant breed dogs are more prone to getting bloat and torsion than small and medium breed dogs. Nevertheless, all dogs can get bloat and torsion and all dogs can die from it. Remember the movie "Marley and Me?" That's how the dog died in the end of the movie . . . very upsetting, but unlike a dog being struck with cancer, bloat and torsion is ENTIRELY PREVENTABLE!

As the world's largest giant breed dog rescue having rescued, fed, cared for and adopted 14,000+ dogs (primarily giant breed dogs) in the last 17 years, we have had to be especially careful with all the dogs that we rescue (usually under great stress when they first arrive here) to make sure that they don't bloat. Over the 17 years of feeding 600 lbs. of dog food every day, we have become acutely aware of what we need to do to avoid bloat and torsion in our rescued dogs. We are most proud of the fact that NOT ONE of our 14,000+ dogs under our care during the last 17 years has ever bloated!

Understanding that the best way to avoid bloat and torsion in dogs is to have a minimal amount of dog food in a dog's stomach at any given time (that's one of the main reasons why we feed our dogs five (5) or more times each day), we've spent six (6) years developing our own dog food that contains the maximum amount of nutrition in the smallest quantity of dog food. All natural Gentle Giants dog food is the result of our observation and evaluation of feeding 600 lbs. of dog food each day for the last 17 years to our rescued dogs, ranging in size from 2 lbs. to 305 lbs., and ranging in age from 3 1/2 week old infants to 21 year old seniors.

Dogs eating our all natural Gentle Giants dog food usually eat 1/3 less of Gentle Giants dog food than other dog food formulas. That results in significantly added protection against bloat and torsion, 1/3 less stool to clean up, and your bag of Gentle Giants dog food lasting 1/3 longer than other dog food (which saves you money).

QUESTION 9: WHAT IS BETTER FOR MY DOG - EATING INEXPENSIVE GROCERY BRAND DOG FOOD OR EXPENSIVE PET STORE BRAND DOG FOOD?
ANSWER: Actually, NEITHER! Traditional grocery brand dog food is very low quality, usually with lower fat content and lower protein content (we've heard comments like, "How much protein can you get out of shoe leather?").

Pet store brand dog food is much higher quality, but is compromised by its too high fat content and too high protein content. Too much fat and too much protein is equally damaging to your dog's health and maybe even more damaging to your dog's health than poor quality dog food. Here's why and what we've experienced in our 17 years of operation:

(1) Excessive fat content (more than 9% fat): we've discussed that in our answers to the above questions;

(2) Excessive protein content (more than 22% protein): High end dog food manufacturers want to sell you their dog food. So, how do they differentiate their dog food to you from the high end dog food of the next manufacturer? They believe that you are more likely to buy their dog food if you see more protein in their dog food. They assume that you will think that getting more protein for your money is better for your wallet/pocketbook and better for your dog. They may be right that you will believe that,
BUT NOT AFTER READING THIS! We have found that feeding any of our dogs - small to large and young to old - more than 22% protein can prematurely burn a dog's kidneys out, shortening their life. We have also found that feeding any puppy more than 22% protein in their dog food can cause hypertrophic osteodystrophy (see photo) where their forearms swell up so much that they can't even walk. Further, we have found that feeding any adult or senior dog more than 22% protein in their dog food can cause panosteitis (often mis-diagnosed as arthritis), a lameness that travels from leg to leg in older dogs that cripples them.

QUESTION 10: WHERE SHOULD I LOOK TO DETERMINE WHAT THE FAT AND PROTEIN CONTENT IS IN THE DOG FOOD THAT I AM CURRENTLY FEEDING TO MY DOG?
ANSWER: Look on the back or sides of the dog food that you are currently feeding. By law, manufacturers must provide a "GUARANTEED NUTRIENT ANALYSIS." The first two items listed are (1) protein content and (2) fat content. The protein content SHOULD NEVER BE MORE THAN 22%! The fat content SHOULD NEVER BE MORE THAN 9%! Even one percent (1%) more protein or fat is way too much for your dog!

You can experiece the same or similar results with your dog by following our feeding and care techniques and by feeding all natural Gentle Giants dog food to your dog.

How We Feed And Care For Our Dogs

Every day we feed more than 600 lbs. of our Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine dog food to our rescued dogs.  We feed our adult dogs five (5) or more times each day, and we feed our puppies eight (8) or more times each day.

Unlike other brands of dog food where you have to limit and regulate how much your dog eats because your dog might over eat another brand of dog food, with our Gentle Giants dog food, your dog will actually SELF-REGULATE itself how much he or she eats and will not over eat our Gentle Giants dog food. Most people find that their dog will actually eat as much as 1/3 less of our Gentle Giants dog food than what they fed their dog before switching to Gentle Giants dog food. Feeding all natural Gentle Giants dog food to your dog can make your dog's coat look healthy and shiny, your dog can have more energy, can make your bag of Gentle Giants last 1/3 longer than other dog foods, and you can clean up about 1/3 less stool!

We receive dozens of emails each month from people who have had amazing results from feeding our all natural Gentle Giants dog food and following our feeding and care techniques that provide their dog with the opportunity to live a much  longer life.

Switching Your Dog's Food To Gentle Giants

Here is our recommended method for switching your dog's food to all natural Gentle Giants dog food:

Mix the dog food that you are currently using with Gentle Giants in the following proportions:

Day 1: 80% current dog food, 20 % Gentle Giants
Day 2: 70% current dog food, 30 % Gentle Giants

Day 3: 60% current dog food, 40 % Gentle Giants
Day 4: 50% current dog food, 50 % Gentle Giants
Day 5: 40% current dog food, 60 % Gentle Giants
Day 6: 30% current dog food, 70 % Gentle Giants
Day 7: 20% current dog food, 80 % Gentle Giants
Day 8: 100 % Gentle Giants

If during this transition period your dog gets loose stool, stop the ratio change until your dog's stool returns to normal.
If for some reason the loose stool persists, then put in a cup of cooked rice with the food to help tighten up the stool.

Converting Your Dog's Feeding Program To Gentle Giants

Here is our recommended method for converting your dog's existing feeding program to Gentle Giants multi-meal
self-regulated feeding program. Our dog food is designed for dogs to self-regulate how much they eat, not limit how much they eat. The amounts shown on our dog food bag indicate what you will eventually offer to your dog, not what is expected to be consumed by your dog.

Most regular dog food has 12% or more fat content. This causes dogs to eat more than they should and more than they need.

Gentle Giants dog food has only 9% fat content, which does not cause dogs to eat more than they should or more than they need.

If a dog has been raised on Gentle Giants, it will only eat what it needs to eat. That's why we can present it with more dog food than we expect it to consume, and that is how it can self-regulate how much it eats without overeating.

If a dog is switched from another dog food to Gentle Giants, the conversion period to allowing the dog to self-regulate how much it eats can be several months.

Converting dogs to our way of feeding (5 or more feedings per day), which is how we believe that we are able to help dogs live considerably longer lives, must be a very gradual process for a dog who has only been fed a high fat content dog food (over 9% fat) and who has only been fed 1 or 2 times a day.

How we convert them is as follows:

1. Immediately spread the same total daily amount of dog food that you are currently feeding to your dog into five smaller meals. Do not change the total daily amount of dog food that you are currently feeding until your dog is 100% on Gentle Giants for at least 30 days. For example, if you are currently feeding your dog 2 1/2 cups of dog food twice a day, your total daily amount of dog food is 5 cups. In that case, you would spread the 5 cups of dog food over five feedings, thus feeding 1 cup at each of the five feedings. At the same time, you should begin switching from your current dog food to Gentle Giants as described above in "Switching Your Dog's Food to Gentle Giants."

2. When your dog has been eating only Gentle Giants for 30 days (about five weeks after you began switching your dog's food to Gentle Giants), add 50% more Gentle Giants to each feeding. Using the example above, you would feed your dog 1 1/2 cups of Gentle Giants at each of the five daily meals and visually evaluate how your dog responds.

In the unlikely event that your dog starts gulping down the additional amount, then immediately reduce the amount of dog food to the amount that you were feeding (using the example above, you would return to feeding 1 cup of Gentle Giants per feeding) so your dog doesn't over eat. Again, using the example above, you should then slowly increase (carefully watching that your dog eats normally) the amount that you feed to your dog until you are up the the 1 1/2 cups of Gentle Giants per meal.

If your dog eats the additional 50% amount of Gentle Giants at each of the five feeding per day normally, or picks at the additional Gentle Giants, or leaves some of Gentle Giants without eating all of it, that is excellent, and that is what you want - your dog is starting to self-regulate how much he/she eats.

Over a period of time, usually two to three months after you have switched your dog to Gentle Giants, you will likely notice that your dog actually eat less of Gentle Giants. This is because Gentle Giants is so nutritious and low in fat content that your dog will only eat what he/she needs and leave the rest. Dogs eating Gentle Giants dog food usually eat about 1/3 less than other dog food formulas, which results in 1/3 less stool and your bag of Gentle Giants lasting 1/3 longer than other dog foods. You should also see your dog look and act healthier, feel better, and lose any extra weight if your dog was overweight.

We regularly receive emails from people who dogs have displayed amazing results from eating all natural Gentle Giants.


QUESTIONS?

We invite you and encourage you to follow our feeding and care techniques and to feed our all natural Gentle Giants dog food to your dog. Please let us know of your results. If you have questions, you can send email to us at
info@gentlegiantsrescue.com.


invitation
We invite you to accept our invitation and feed your dog
all natural Gentle Giants dog food

(click on photo above)



Watch the video below to see how all natural Gentle Giants dog food is made




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Watch the video below to see how we feed and care for our dogs






TESTIMONIALS ABOUT GENTLE GIANTS DOG FOOD


A new customer whose small breed Pomeranian loves Gentle Giants dog food as much as his Great Danes

Subject: Food for our Danes
From: Dan Lerch
To: info@gentlegiantsrescue.com

To this wonderful food, and those who make it of such purity and pride

We were lucky enough to stumble upon this remarkable product, and it's so great that our Pomeranian loves it as well as the Danes.

And like I stated, there is no going back for any other food!

*      *      *      *      *      *

A new customer who is feeding Gentle Giants dog food to her older shepherd

Subject: Gentle Giants Dog Food
From: Karen Price
To: info@gentlegiantsrescue.com

Hi . . .

I just wanted to tell you I started using your dog food a week ago and my older shepherd is a different dog . . . What is the deal?

I also wanted to ask if you make cat food?

*      *      *      *      *      *

A new customer orders six bags of Gentle Giants dog food for her dogs.

Subject: Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine
From: Lilian Crabtree
To: orders@gentlegiantsrescue.com

I ordered six bags and they were delivered last week. All my dogs love the food!

I've never seen them so enthusiastic about their kibble.

Have a great day.

Lily

*      *      *      *      *      *

People tell their family and friends how well their dogs do on Gentle Giants.

Subject: Gentle Giants dog food
From: Judy Nike
To: orders@gentlegiantsrescue.com

I just wanted to let you know that I was visiting my mother-in-law and for some reason we were talking about your dog food. She originally gave me an article to read that she saw in our doctor's office on Gentle Giants.

She actually switched her dogs to your food so she gave me enough to transition my Sheltie over and he's been doing great on it.

In fact, we have told many more friends and they switched over as well.

I guess I's like to say thanks for creating a healthy, affordable and agreeable food that my critter does extremely well on.

It is great to know there are people out there who are more about the animals than the profit.

Thanks.

Judy

*      *      *      *      *      *

 
















On 12/20/2010 6:57 PM, Keith Bolechowski wrote:


I just wanted to share my experience with Gentle Giants Dog Food.

My 2 year old Boxer “Duke” has been on Gentle Giants Dog Food for 12 months now. We had gone through about 5 different brands of big name dog foods and even tried Boxer breed food, until we came across Gentle Giants brand. Duke could not get a solid stool from any of the other brands. It was becoming frustrating as he was losing weight, his coat was not as shiny, and he was losing hair.

When we heard of Gentle Giants Food through word of mouth, I researched the website and headed down to the local Ralphs store to purchase a bag.

I was hesitant to buy food for a dog from a grocery store. I have to say that this was the best purchase for Duke.

I believe in this product 100% and am extremely happy of how it has made Duke feel. He is a vibrant and playful dog, and his owner is happy that his stools are solid.

I have recommended this food to other dog owners that are completely satisfied as well.

Thanks for bringing about a great product at a reasonable price to the consumers.


Keith Bolechowski



Hi Keith:

Thank you for your kind correspondence.

I am glad to hear that Duke is doing wonderfully with our all natural Gentle Giants dog food.

We designed our dog food to help dogs live the longest, healthiest, happiest possible lives.  Every day, we feed 600 lbs. of Gentle Giants to our rescue dogs, ranging from 2 lbs. to 300 lbs.

The reason that we sell our dog food primarily in grocery stores is to keep the price as low as possible to consumers.  Chain pet stores want to sell our dog food for as high as $75.00 per bag (we don't want that), because it is superior in quality to everything else that they sell.  We want everyone to be able to afford our dog food for the dogs they love.

Currently, we have a Christmas and New Years special pricing of $29.99 per 37.5 lb. bag in all grocery stores in California through January 31, 2011.  And, as you know, our dog food is all natural, is preserved with Vitamin E, and has a shelf life of 12 months.

I want to wish you and Duke continued success with Gentle Giants.

Merry Christmas!

Burt Ward
CEO, Gentle Giants Products
 

TESTIMONIALS ABOUT GENTLE GIANTS DOG ADOPTIONS

Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions adopts
wonderful and loving Gentle Giants and Little Giants

 
Happy Adopters of the Month!

Gentle Giants Adoptions Testimonials

 
  December 15, 2010

Hi Tracy and Burt,

I just wanted to touch base and let you know that we're doing absolutely great. I haven't thought of the perfect name yet--and when you've had pets you named Freddie Mercury and Queen, Wilshire Coronado, Joy Noelle, etc., you can't just slap a boring, "normal" name on him!--but the dog formerly known as Lieutenant and Zen is amazing and I am thrilled to have him.

After we'd gotten settled in yesterday, I took him back outside and sat on the grass. He plopped himself down in front of me, in full contact with my legs, looking as regal as a Dane can . . . and I started sobbing. We were facing Freddie's "lemon burial ground"
(
where he'd bury lemons when he got done playing with them--and where we buried some of his ashes), and I guess all the emotions of the weekend, the reality of finally having a new boy . . . it just all came out. Lieutenant/Zen gave me this deep, long, mournful look--and then promptly started licking and slobbering all over my face. It's all good.

Thank you both for making my mom and me feel welcome, and especially for doing what you're doing. Your dedication and kindness are obvious, and very much appreciated.

I've written a blog post detailing our story thus far, and it includes some pics, so please take a look if you'd like! Grace's Blog

Thanks again for everything,

Grace
 

*      *      *      *      *      *

  December 21, 2010

Dear Tracy and Burt,

It was a delight to meet you and see your amazing facility! I'm so impressed with the amount of work, dedication and LOVE you give your gentle giants. You two are by far the strongest guardian angels I have ever met. Really. Bless you and your work you are doing for these magnificent creatures.

I also wanted to thank you again, for all the time and energy you spent with us. You walked through the rain and the mud to bring dogs to us from your home to your new adoption center, and I know how hard both of you tried to make the perfect match for us . . . and you DID!

We are thrilled, and cannot wait for Kashi and Jester to join our home. Truthfully, the timing is perfect. Especially since we now have TWO boys coming home with us. We want to get Jester his bedding and feeder set up, just like we have Kashi's set up already. It's no big deal to come down whenever it's convenient for you . . . those two boys are worth the wait and the five hour drive. I'll come when you think they are ready.

We thought about their names on the way home . . . their personalities and their PRESENCE. To us, they seem like larger than life rock-star personalities. Yep. Those two boys have all the flash, stage presence
and CONFIDENCE of a rock and roll superstar! BUT. They are
HUGE. So we decided they are the whole ROCK BAND.

We thought that fitting names (and since they are bond-
brothers
) would be Led Zepplin for Kashi, and Pink Floyd
for Jester. We'll call them Led (who could probably really
BLOW THE LEAD OUT when he runs
) and Floyd for short.

If you know music, I think you'll agree that these
boys are truly music in motion.

Our hearts are filled with joy and anticipation.
Thank you again . . . and see you soon

Sincerely,

Avalon


 

*      *      *      *      *      *
A Gentle Giants adopter who just came back and adopted another Gentle Giant from us.

Subject: Our adoption of another Great Dane from Gentle Giants
From: Scott Harkness
To: adoptions@gentlegiantsrescue.com

Thank you so much for your patience and the great work you do for all the Gentle Giants out there.

We are so blessed and fortunate that we met you the first time, or we may have never met Waylan, and he may not of ever become such an important part of our family.

And, when it came time to add a new loved one, it was not even a question of who we should go to to adopt from.

No one can match the love and mercy and grace that you lavish upon every canine that passes through your home. Words are not enough to describe the gratitude we feel.

Just, thank you. Thank you so very much.

The Harkness Family

*      *      *      *      *      *

A Gentle Giants adopter is proud of her dog being featured as "PET OF THE WEEK" in her local newspaper.

Subject: Prince Charming
From: Laura Belter
To: adoptions@gentlegiantsrescue.com

It is with wonderfull news that Prince Charming and Buster made it our local news paper as PET OF THE WEEK.  Here is the news paper clipping.

Prince is doing really good here. He loves to play with my 16 year old and follows me from room to room.  He sleeps with me, not sure if he gets any rest, because half the night he is running in his sleep. LOL!

I took him out of his first walk using the Gentle Leader and he did wonderful.

I am waiting to heal from my surgery and will start to try and get him into tv and movies.

Laura Belter

PET OF THE WEEK, JULY 16, 2010



*      *      *      *      *      *

Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions adopts
wonderful and loving Gentle Giants and Little Giants

Gentle Giants adopters thank Gentle Giants for adopting a loving Great Dane that is wonderful with them and their children.

Subject: Astro
From: Amy McClaughry and Oliver Parker
To: adoptions@gentlegiantsrescue.com

Hi Burt and Tracy:

We are home with Astro and he's doing great!

We just absolutely love him!

Here are a couple of photos with Astro and the kids.

As you can see, he has made himself right at home.

We are so happy.

Thank you so very much for such a wonderful dog!

Thank you.

Amy McClaughry and Oliver Parker








*      *      *      *      *      *

Listen to a recent Radio Talk Show
about our Gentle Giants dog food!



Click the 'Play' button below to listen


KFIV Modesto, CA
Dave Diamond Radio Show
Dave takes calls from listeners who discuss
their results feeding Gentle Giants dog food.




(be sure to turn up your volume)

*      *      *      *      *      *

These people switched their dog's food to Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine in time - their puppy will be fine!

Subject:  Success story
From: Nita Newsom
To: adoptions@gentlegiantsrescue.com

Dear Burt,

My husband and I were approved to adopt from you a few months ago, but were then made aware of a great dane puppy that was blind in one eye who was not receiving the attention needed. After much consideration, we decided that we wanted to help this guy out. He was three months old, living outdoors in Kansas in the winter. We paid to have him flown to us after discussing his health for over three weeks with the owner/breeder. We were appauled at the condition of this poor puppy upon arrival. No veterinarian should have given the "ok" to fly. He had to go immediately to the hospital and was admitted for two days due to infection. Both eyes were infected and swollen shut. His muzzle was swollen and oozing blood and puss from the whisker holes. His lymph node was the size of an apple! It was the saddest thing we had seen.

So, he just finished a month of anti-biotic treatments along with anti-microbial/anti-fungal wipes and four other meds. The point is that he's getting all the fur back on his face and he CAN see out of one eye. We are taking him to the Opthamologist soon to see if we can restore sight in the other. But, after a LONG month, he is happy in his new home and playing, carefree, like a puppy should.

The reason I'm letting you know about this is that in the middle of all our issues, we were trying to put weight on the poor guy as well. When he first arrived we were feeding him a 24% protein food (Blue) with canned food of the same brand mixed in. I had researched the food like crazy, but was having a hard time finding what we needed. We do have another 5-year-old dane. Blue seemed to be the best choice of what I could find, at least on paper. The point of my story is, that within ONE WEEK of eating this food our puppy's legs started to bow out a little. At first I thought it was nothing, but then my husband mentioned it, too. We had already ordered the Canine Cuisine from Gentle Giants but it was taking a LONG time to arrive. That's when I called the number and you answered, directly. We had the food the next day.

Our puppies legs are STRAIGHT. He is gaining about five pounds per week, and since we switched food, his legs don't look even remotely crooked. I can't believe how quickly that was resolved.

I just placed another order for two bags of Gentle Giants food today. With a hungry puppy and a 5-year-old, we are using the food pretty quickly. Please find the attached pictures of our pup, Butkus.

Thank you,

Nita Newsom







*      *      *      *      *      *

These people didn't switch their dog's food to Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine in time - their puppy died!

Sammy Hartnett wrote:

I am sorry if this is the wrong section for this letter, but the site is loading slow and I am slightly desperate

I was told of your rescue by my mother-in-law who lives in Norco, California.
 
I have a four month old Great Dane. He is an ornery stubborn lovable harliquin with blue eyes and I adore him to pieces. In the last month he has developed panosteitis (sp). The first episode was not that bad and lasted a few days.

He is currently on his 4th day of not being able to get up on his own. I had been feeding him Iams Large Breed Puppy food. I have found out that is not good and have discontinued it. He is taking aspirin and pain killers.
 
I am scared for him and do not know what to do. I need some serious guidance because he is breaking my heart with every wimper and whine. Any help suggestions or advice you can give me would be HUGELY appreciated.
 
My sons and I are praying for him and need HELP!
 
Sammy

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 17 May 2010 19:48:48 -0700
From: adoptions@gentlegiantsrescue.com
Subject: Re: 4 month old great dane


Dear Sammy:

Thank you for your correspondence.

I am sorry to hear of the problems that you are having, but knowing what you've been feeding your puppy, I completely understand it.

First of all, you should only be feeding your dog our dog food, Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine, for his entire lifetime. 

We believe that our dog food is the finest dog food in the world, and it is designed to avoid panosteitis and hypertrophic osteodystrophy and many other issues, which large breed dogs are particularly susceptible to, and which is caused by feeding your dog too much protein.  In addition, too much protein can burn your dog's kidneys out and shorten his life tremendously!

When we rescue dogs that have been fed other dog food and exhibit the problems that your dog is having, and when we switch them to our dog food, within four to six weeks (
sometimes sooner), they are walking properly again.  Not all vets are competent in dealing with panosteitis.

You should also be following our feeding and care instructions, as we have doubled the average life span of our giant breed dogs.

Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine is available at all Stater Bros. markets, at all Ralphs grocery stores, at all Gelson's supermarkets, and at all Major Market grocery stores.

If you wish to discuss your issues further, and if you want me to detail to you our feeding and care techniques, please feel free to call me at (951) 818-2512.

Wishing you and your puppy all the best,

Sincerely,

Burt Ward
Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions
(951) 818-2512

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sammy Hartnett wrote:

Mr. Ward,

Thank you for your response. I am in Rockford, IL or I would probably be on your door step with Zeus. I slept on the floor with him last night, because he cried every time I walked away from him. I have an 8 month old human baby, so sleep is not easy to come by as it is. Zeus's issues are not helping!!
 
He is doing better this morning. He cried to go out and do his business which is HUGE after the last few days.

How can I get the food that you have recommended to me shipped to me?
 
Can you recommend a veterinarian in my area that is familiar with Great Danes? I am in the process of talking to a breeder here, but if you know of any or know someone who knows someone, that would be wonderful.

Thank you very much for your response. I am beside myself right now trying to fix Mr Z. He is very ornery and quite the trouble maker. I am desperate to get him back to that!!
 
Sammy

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Tue, 18 May 2010 12:51:08 -0700
From: adoptions@gentlegiantsrescue.com
Subject: Re: 4 month old great dane


Dear Sammy:

I didn't know that you weren't located locally when I responded to your email.

You can order our Gentle Giants dog food online at the following link: Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine

Don't make him exercise any more than walking to go to the bathroom.

Regards,

Burt

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sammy Hartnett wrote:

Mr Ward,

Just wanted to give you an update on Zeus. He is walking. Not limber or running but I am happy with this for now. Showing a bit of attitude but I think it's just from being in pain. I might be a little cranky if I were him too. Keeping that in check. Getting him out in the sun/shade and fresh air as much as possible.
 
Thank you again for all your help.
 
Sammy


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Wed, 26 May 2010 20:08:11 -0700
From: adoptions@gentlegiantsrescue.com
Subject: Re: 4 month old great dane


Dear Sammy:

Thank you for your correspondence.

I'm glad to hear that Zeus is doing better - it takes time!

Please keep me informed of his progress.

Regards,

Burt

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sammy Hartnett wrote:

Mr. Ward,

We came home today and Zeus had died. My heart is very broken. I don't understand what happened. I just wanted to let you know.
 
Thank you very much for all of your help. If we lived closer I would do all of my homework and then adopt one of your puppies.
 
Thank you again.
 
Sammy


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thu, 27 May 2010 19:33:44 -0700
From: adoptions@gentlegiantsrescue.com
Subject: Re: 4 month old great dane


Dear Sammy:

I am so sorry to hear that - it breaks my heart.

I think that you should have an autopsy to determine what happened.

Regards,

Burt


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sammy Hartnett wrote:

Mr. Ward,

That is what my husband said about the autopsy, but I couldn't do that to Zeus. He'd been through so much in the last month and I just couldn't let him be cut open. I know in my head I should have, but my heart couldn't let him be put through any more. To say I am a wreck would be an understatement. Zeus was chewing on my end table 3 days ago getting back to himself, and now he's gone.
 
My sister is the breeder. She is devistated, also. She is upset about the autopsy, because she is scared it could have been genetic. She feels some what to blame. This was her first litter. I got Zeus because his mother stepped on his tail and it broke. She became attached to him since he had to be separated from the litter for a while, and talked me into taking him. I am wondering if there wasn't some thing more wrong with him and his bones than simply pano.
 
I know this e-mail is not put together well and is a bit all over the place. I really am more intelligent than this. My heart is so broken, my head is not functioning well.
 
You have been an incredible help. I am getting another great dane as soon as my heart feels better and I do all the research and homework required to raise one. I feel like this is all my fault because I didn't know what I was getting into, and didn't realize what Zeus needed.
 
I will probably be in touch to ask questions and get some education as my journey eventually starts over - as soon as my heart heals.
 
Sammy


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Fri, 28 May 2010 23:21:05 -0700
From: adoptions@gentlegiantsrescue.com
Subject: Re: 4 month old great dane


Dear Sammy:

Thank you for your correspondence.

Did you ever get Zeus on our Gentle Giants dog food? 

If you get another dog, I think that you carefully read and follow our feeding and care information, and feed him Gentle Giants.  We have had so much success with our program, and I would like you to benefit from it as well.

You have a direct communication link with us, and you should use it to make sure that you are always doing the very best for your dog.

Best regards,

Burt


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sammy Hartnett wrote:

Burt,

IF I get another, ok, WHEN, lets just be honest, I get another great dane, I will use your site and you as my bible. No exaggeration.
 
I was raised in a very abusive home. I was taught very young never EVER cry. I don't know why, weakness I suppose.

Anyway, I never cry even now. NEVER. My husband and I have  been together 13 years and the only time I shed a tear was when I had my first son. Not tears of pain, just a few at the end, because I was happy. I have been crying for 2 days. Not sobbing, ok, occasional sobbing. Tears just keep leaking out of my eyes. My husband is completely whigging out! LOL. He has no clue what to do. Zeus crawled right into my heart and broke it into a million little pieces.
 
Last night I couldn't sleep and got on-line. I looked up anything I could find on Great Danes.

I found a site that talked about Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy. Burt, that was Zeus. At first I wasn't sure and found another site that had pictures.



These pictures are EXACTLY what Mr Z's legs looked like. I was wiping gunk out of his eyes for the last day. He had lost 10-ish pounds and his paws in the front were so incredibly swollen. Not only that, but Zeus's first episode that lasted 3 days hit when he was 3 months old.
 
I had taken him to a different vet than my australian shepherd and my akita because the new vet did his ears. I just decided to be consistant with who he saw. I never in a million years questioned what she told me, because I never had a great dane and I never had issues with any other dog. I had a lab that was allergic to grass and fleas, which still makes me laugh because he was a dog for goodness sake. Other than that though, I never had any dog with a health issue. I woke my husband up and made him come down and see it at 3:00 in the morning. If the dumb moron vet I took him to had xrayed him and we found this, no way would I have ever put him through this past month. I couldn't have knowing what this site says. I took him to my other dogs vet for cremation, and now I am kicking my own butt for not listening to my husband and having the autopsy done. Yes, I know you said so, too.
 
I am still very angry at myself for not being informed. When I got my Akita I read as much information as I could before I found a breeder. I had him trained with an emergency down just incase he went wacko. I messed with him every day when he ate so that he wouldn't be food aggressive and wouldn't hurt my future kids (I didn't have them yet). I took it very seriously with the aussie, too. She does obsticle courses in the back yard because if not, she gets loopy about leaves being in the yard and tries to herd our kids.

I completely and utterly dropped the ball with Zeus, and I know I screwed up. I wasn't prepared.

Honestly from my heart, USE MY STORY AS A WARNING TO PEOPLE!

Find a vet familiar, more than familiar, with Danes. Do the homework. Do the research. I am back-tracking now, and it can't undo the damage my ignorance caused. 

 
I am sorry this is long and gabby. I am a girl though, and we girls tend to do that.
 
Sammy


PRESS ARTICLES



Ex-'Batman' star creates line of dog food

Burt Ward claims Gentle Giants brand succeeds in extending canine lifespan.
By Lori Consalvo, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/11/2010 09:32:39 PM PDT

Former television star Burt Ward, who played Robin
on the 1960s action TV series "Batman," has developed
a dog food he says will keep canines living longer.
(John Valenzuela, Staff Photographer)

Burt Ward is in the business of keeping dogs healthier for longer.

The former actor — he played Robin in the 1960s TV series "Batman" — and co-creator of the large breed dog organization Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions has developed a high-end dog food line that he says nearly doubles the lives of the animals he shelters.

"We measure the success of our business in terms of life," Ward said as he sat near the pool of his home in Norco, which doubles as the nonprofit's location.

The average life span of a large-breed dog is about seven years, Ward said.

Until recently, Ward cared for a 21-year-old Great Dane, and still has 18-, 16-, and 14-year-old dogs running around his property with canines half their age.

Ward and wife Tracy, who helps him run the rescue, started producing Gentle Giants dog food in 2005.

The food can only be found in grocery stores, such as Ralphs, in California. Ward decided to bypass all the boutique and chain pet stores, he said, to make the product more affordable and accessible.

It's working. His product has been on Stater Bros. shelves almost two years and Ward said sales have more than tripled.

Jack Brown, chairman and CEO of Stater Bros. Markets, confirmed that.

"It's very tough to get placement in a store," Brown said. "It must be a product we believe our customer will purchase and repurchase."

There are 45 to 50 dogs, ranging from 2 to 300 pounds, on Ward's property. They are fed his product daily from 16 large bags — or about 600 pounds.

The food has no fillers like corn or wheat, Ward said, and no added lard. It includes chicken, fish, eggs, nine vegetables, three fruits, four grains, vitamins and Glucosamine.

Ward believes in his product and is passionate about dog food quality.

"There is no dog food in the world that will accomplish what we've accomplished with our dogs," he said.

And he throws out a challenge to every dog owner.

"Compare our dog food to anybody's," Ward said.







Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions adopts
wonderful and loving Gentle Giants and Little Giants

Would you like Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine dog food
to be available for your dog at your local grocery store
or mass merchandise store?


You would save shipping costs! And, you would always have it immediately available!

Most important!
Your dog can greatly benefit from our all natural dog food and our feeding and care program!

Here's our suggestion:
Ask the store manager of your local grocery store or mass merchandiser to call
his corporate pet food buyer and request that Gentle Giants be carried in their stores.

If you want, you can call the corporate office of your favorite grocery chain or mass
merchandiser and ask to speak to the pet food buyer. Buyers listen to their customers!

Here is our contact information for pet food buyers:
Gentle Giants Products
Contact: Mark Rumsey
(951) 491-9002
Email: mark@gentlegiantsrescue.com



We Would Like To Hear From You!

Do you have questions about how to feed and care for your dog?

Do you have questions about our all natural Gentle Giants dog food?

Ask us! We will answer your questions and give you the benefit of our expertise!

And, of course, we would like to hear your results of feeding
all natural Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine to your dog.

You can call us here: (951) 818-2512
You can email us here: info@gentlegiantsrescue.com




Test Your Dog's Food Today!
"Take the Clogged Arteries Test"


Place a small amount of whatever dog food that you are currently feeding to your dog into the palm of your hand.
For 5 to 10 seconds, use your fingers to rub the dog food firmly back and forth in your palm, then open your hand.


Do you feel a greasy stickiness? If so, that is lard or animal fat sprayed onto your dog's food to get your dog to eat it.

Now, think of that greasy stickiness coating the artieries of your dog.
Isn't it now easy to understand why dogs live short lives?


Did you also know that dogs get heart attacks just like humans?

Now, test Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine dog food in the same way and your hand won't be sticky.

Which dog food do you think is better for your dog's health?

Where you can buy Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine dog food:

Southern California: Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine dog food is available . . .
in all
Stater Bros. markets
in all
Ralphs grocery stores
in all
Gelson's supermarkets
in all
Major Market grocery stores

in Buzzard House

Northern California:
Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine dog food is available . . .
in all
Lucky grocery stores
in all Save Mart supermarkets
in McGowan's Feed

Outside California: Click here to order Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine dog food for delivery to your home or office.



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