Over the years I’ve had to field a lot of questions about my borzois, and what they eat. In the early 90’s when I had my first borzois,it was usually just curiosity on the part of the asker, plain and simple.  But in the last few years, with people going so rescue-crazy and people wanting to see villainy where none exists, there have been a lot of nosy questions about what I do – or do not – feed my dogs.  I’ve even been accused of “starving my collies”… you know, for fashion.

People can be astoundingly dumb.

So, when I’ve had a few people writing in and asking about Zen’s diet the last couple weeks, it’s been a real pleasure to see that spirit of curiosity take back over, and get nice questions from nice people who are really just wanting to know what the nutritional requirements of such a beastie are – especially one that’s eating for ten!

Zen’s a petite girl, but man does she love to EAT – especially when I break out the good stuff! For the first couple weeks after the puppies were born she was kind of picky about finishing her meals, but that has really changed this last week. I’m sure part of that’s the demands of milk production, but I think the big change is that we added raw back into her diet.

At first she was getting a premium quality kibble, top dressed with a similar quality canned food, whole milk plain greek yogurt, a canine probiotic and an all-around mineral supplement. She also got a calcium supplement right after the puppies were born, and Fenugreek (an herb, in tablet form) to help her milk come in and keep flowing.  She’d eat, she’d even clean her bowl, but it seemed kind of dutiful and not particularly joyful.

But then…

Oh yes, Zen… you’re not imagining that distinctive stench emanating from the kitchen.  You’re having Green Tripe for dinner tonight!  And breakfast, tomorrow!  Green Tripe, an important part of YOUR balanced diet!  Along with other totally gross stuff, like raw turkey necks and chicken backs.

Here’s what it looks like all mixed up.  Hey, misery loves company.  Enjoy the view.  At least you don’t gotta smell the “phew!” 

This big bowl of gross brought to you by housesitter, hound hugger, guest blogger and fantasy author C.T. (“Chelle”) Griffith… who is really considering a genre change to Horror after this particular post.