[thumbelina]

I just got a puppy and i been feeding him Natural Balance is that good for him? his 7 weeks old. ho and one more ? does any one know what breed hi is?

[Keechak]

well a standing side view would be better but he looks like eather an Australian Shepherd Mix or a Border Collie Mix

[bully]

How is the dog's poop?

small and hard, or soft, runny etc.?

Cattle dog / Collie mix?

[Labsnothers]

Looks like a lot of Australian Shepherd.

Likely the Natural Balance is as good as anything. I think much of what you read about food comes from people selling something or those that want to affirm their choice by convincing everybody else to use it.

Some of the more solid information is sticking to what it was eating. Even changing food over a week is asking for trouble with a 7 week old. In 20 puppies, I have stuck to what it was eating and never had to change foods to solve a loose stool problem. That is with continuing the common brands widely based on the net that they were eating.

You should take it to the vet soon. If it had a combo shot at 6 weeks, see when the vet wants to do the next. If not, the sooner you get it in, the better. Take a stool sample. Loose stools are nearly always caused by parasites or changing food, not by what brand you are feeding.

[LynnInTenn]

I vote Aussie. He sure is a cute little bugger.

[thumbelina]

his poop is sometimes normal but sometimes is runny and it smells a lot ? is that normal? or should i change food?
Thank you all

[Erica]

Such a cute pup! Probably Aussie.

Hmm I think he might be too new in your house and you should wait it out for 2-4 weeks and then judging if his stool is too loose or if he's doing well on the food. It could be stress giving him loose stool.

I personally think Natural Balance is a great food and if he seems well, don't change it.

Sometimes runny poop isn't a great sign but he's still pretty young and new in your house so give him some time. As for the smell...I think it's pretty much normal for dog poop to smell bad unless you're feeding raw.

[Kina_A]

If his stool is pudding like consistancy then don't worry too much about it. It should clear itself in a few days. Like Erica mentioned, the stress of a new home maybe what is causing it. Just make sure it isn't getting more loose. And make sure he has access to water!

Natural balance is a good food, I would stick with it if he's doing well.

[briteday]

My rule of thumb is to get any new animal in our household to a vet for a thorough check up within 48 hours of bringing them home. And until they get a clean bill of health I do not let them mingle with the other animals in the house.

And I never underestimate loose poop in a puppy until the vet has checked it out and proven it to be nothing. If there is nothing medically then you can chalk it up to stress of the new environment. In the meanwhile I would stick with whatever food the breeder was using. Let the dog acclimate to the new surroundings for 4-6 weeks, then if you feel you need to change foods, do so.