Joy-A-Len Kennels has been breeding quality Bouvier Des Flandres since 1969. Our first priorities are solid temperament, intelligence and a sound body. Since we are currently involved with agility, obedience, conformation, herding and carting, health is very important to us.

We realize that most of our clients are not interested in showing and just want a reliable, lovable companion. However, it does not cost anymore to feed a well bred dog and vet bills will be substantially less on a dog who has a family history of strength and durability.

The phrase, "you are what you eat" applies to your dog as well!

Current Joy-A-Len Bouvier owners know that we have recommended - Hund N' Flacken made under the Solid Gold label. This is the brand of food we have used for almost 10 years. Unfortunately, as of May 2003 the company made some changes to the way the food is processed. We had numerous calls from distressed owners and had experienced digestive upsets in our own dogs. However, many Joy-A-Len Bouvier owners have not had any problems with this change. The new formula was not agreeing with some of our dogs. If your dog experienced lose stool or vomiting, try switching the dog food.

Products containing chicken should be avoided because unless the chickens are Amish, they have been fed "ethoxyquin" in the feed and carry that chemical in their fat which goes into the dog food. Ethoxyquin is a chemical that is fed to chickens to reduce a disease called "Blackhead".

We have found that foods with Ethoxyquin cause skin problems and fertility problems. After talking with many breeders from a variety of breeds, we found we were not the only kennel with this problem.

Since Solid Gold changed their formula for Hund n' Flacken, Judith has switched to California Natural by Natura - Herring and Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food. This brand of food has a 21% protein level. Lee Ann feeds her dogs Purina ONE Lamb and Rice Dry Dog Food which has a 26% protein level. Her oldest dog, Maggie eats Purina ONE Sensitive Systems made with Salmon because she had adverse reaction to the change in Hund N' Flacken seems to do the best on a fish based food.

From the California Natural website: Herring & Sweet Potato Adult Dry Dog Food has been formulated based on our time-honored Pure & Simple philosophy: less is more! What makes California Natural products so special is not only what we put into the formula, it's also what we leave out that can make the difference to your special dog. Rather, our singular attention to unique ingredient selection assures a simple and uncomplicated formula for your special dog. Our customers continue to request that we make diets using alternative protein sources. California Natural Herring & Sweet Potato Adult Dry Dog Food provides another Pure & Simple choice. Fresh herring and herring meal are used as the only animal protein source in California Natural. Herring is highly digestible and an excellent source of Omega 3 essential fatty acids. Sweet potato is not only a source of energy; it supplies important nutrients and is a natural source of dietary fiber. Wholesome barley and oatmeal are also efficient sources of energy that help support exercise, endurance and a healthy skin and coat. The California Natural Herring & Sweet Potato Formula contains no ric.

 

When trying to decide what to feed your BOUVIER remember that they need a food that has a lower protein level (perferably around 21%). If you dog's food is too high in protein, your dog may grow too fast and experience bone problems. Think of this in comparision to Thoroughbred race horses. They are fed a high protein diet to encourage rapid growth for size and speed. They are broken to ride and raced at two years old. They are often retired by three or four years old due to crippling leg problems and require pin-firing of joints. We want our Joy-A-Len Bouviers to grow slowly and evenly to enjoy their golden years comfortably.
When looking for a new food, find a product with no dyes or food coloring, and no preservatives. These ingredients can cause Bouviers and many Terriers to have itchy skin problems. Anything with Chicken should be completely avoided and beef is greasy. We find that something with Fish or Lamb works the best with our dogs.

 

Treats: NO milk-bones, rawhide pieces or packaged doggie JUNK food. The large rawhide bones that are knotted on the ends are great for teething but take them away before they ingest them. Always keep a close eye on a dog with a rawhide bone. If they try to swallow a chunk that is too big, they could choke!
The BEST TREATS are raw carrots, potatoes and apples. Cheese is okay in moderation. We often use cheese when event training.

Supplements: In moderation, Joy-A-Len Bouviers do well on a digestive enhancer called DogZymes produced by Nature's Farmacy, Inc. (1-800-733-4981). This will help eliminate the famous "Bouvier Gas" that can quickly clear a room.
Other helpful nutrients are Kelp and Hokamix. These contain natural vitamins, minerals and essential trace minerals. Kelp is a nutritional source that is used to promote healthy glandular functions, focusing especially on the thyroid. By regulating the thryroid, Kelp helps balance the metabolism. It also helps improve digestion, stimulate kidney functions, increase circulation and purify the blood. Kelp is also known to treat inflamed joints and tissues caused by arthritis and rheumatism. Furthermore, Kelp enhances the immune system and eliminates the negative effects stress may have on the body. Kelp can be purchased at any health food store.
 

Judith Allen & Joy-A-Len Kennels.

 

 Please feel free to contact us at joyalenbouviers@hotmail.com if you have any questions or concerns about what to feed your dog!!