Things (May) Happen for a Reason

Do you believe that things happen for a reason? Personally, I go back and forth. 

Recently, what seemed to be a setback, proved to be a blessing in disguise.

Due to covid-related supply chain issues, Pettigrew’s dog food is no longer available. With no expected return date.

If you have been following this blog for a while, you know that Pettigrew is a finely-tuned guy. Small tweaks in his diet can send his gut quickly into a tail spin. 

I did not take this setback with complacence.

I mobilized my friends to see if they could find any cans tucked away in the stores they frequent. 

They came up empty. All of them.

I searched the internet. Different pet stores. Amazon. Called the vet. No luck.

While this was taking place, I was watching my supply of dog food dwindle precipitately. 

Knowing I would be better off doing a phased-in introduction of a new food, I started experimenting. Half a can of new food with 2 ½ cans of old. Slowly increasing the supply of new to see how much he could tolerate.

It didn’t occur to me that different formulations might have wildly different calories. But they do. And it is great. Because even though previously I was feeding Pettigrew enough for a 65-pound dog (at least according to the packaging), he was able to maintain only a 53-pound physique. Too skinny by far. 

Turns out, younger dogs get more calorically-intensive food than their elder statesman.

Turns out, part of Pettigrew’s tummy issues might be caused by quantity of food.

So, when I had him up to two cans of the food meant for dogs ages 1+ and one can of the food meant for dogs ages 7+, I noticed he was gaining weight.

A wise friend suggested I look at the nutrition information and I discovered that I was feeding him 50% more calories.

Life is good.

He’s getting plenty to eat. Bulking up and feeling more content.

We never would’ve discovered this if his old food hadn’t gone off line. I don’t think we will go back. 

Now if only I had his metabolism!

Note: For those of you who read last week’s blog, Pettigrew did fine with his surgery! Well on the road to full recovery. Thanks for the good wishes. He’s also thinking about blogging about his experience. Not sure he sees it the same as I do.