"Betsie our Toy Poodle had a lack of D3 in her diet causing multiple bone fractures when she was 4 years old. We had consults with Arielle and she has been on Greta and Green Crunch ever since (she is now 9!). She is now amazing. Running, playing and back to her favourite game of fetch. I am so grateful for everything Arielle has done for Betsie.
She was a very poorly dog and we nearly lost her." - Dot and Betsie
Here is Betsie’s story and one of the many reasons why it is SO important to supplement a homemade wholefood plant-based dog food diet:
Betsie is a darling little Toy Poodle who was fed unsupplemented homemade food by her devoted Mum thinking she was doing everything right by Betsie. She used organic, wholefood ingredients. I received a very distressed e-mail from Betsie’s Mum in 2021 -
“I would like to book a telephone consultation as soon as possible. Betsie our vegan toy poodle lacks Calcium and it has affected her bones. We have had a CT scan and the neurologist is concerned about her diet as she already has fractured ribs. She is very poorly and her veterinary team advise that she needs a balanced diet and extra supplements to aid her recovery. The neurologist has advised us not to walk her or let her use the stairs until her bones are stronger. She is in great pain and we are really worried about her.”
By not adding a supplement to Betsie’s homemade food, she did not get the required amount of Calcium for her bones. She also did not get the required amount of Vit D3 to aid its absorption in the body (Vit D3 added to our Omega 3 Daily).
Betsie's Mum kindly shared in the recipe that she was feeding to Betsie -
INSTANT POT RECIPE —organic when available – twice a day
· 30% whole barley and brown rice
· 20% veggies—courgettes, green beans, peas, small amount of broccoli or cauli, seasonal veg.
· 50% peeled sweet potato, carrots, potato,
· Red lentils—cupful in 3 weeks worth
· Peeled and cored apples x 3, sometimes blackcurrants,
Small amount of frozen spinach or kale
Add ins after cooked—
· spirulina.
· yeast flakes with b12 - not measured just poured in.
· whole ground organic flax seeds.
· 2 tbsp peanut butter.
The recipe appear healthy and complete but due to a lack of adding in any supplement to provide the extra Calcium, VitD3 and minerals that Betsie needed, this deficiency caused all her symptoms of crumbling bones and fractures and severe pain.
Her Mum was so concerned about the deficiencies and instead of continuing with home cooking, she preferred feeding Betsie complete dry food to ensure that Betsie received all of the nutrients she needed.
"Betsie is doing amazingly well since we have switched her over to the complete vegan food. Her bones are strong and she is enjoying a normal life. It has taken over 12 months to get her to this stage. We have been feeding her Greta and green crunch which she loves"
Her Mum shared a photo and this comment very recently about her sweet little Betsie which is just so heartwarming -
"Betsie was 9 years old last August !! People stop us to say Hello and think she is still a puppy. Sincere thank you for your care with Betsie over the years; we are truly grateful.
Betsie has amazing summers with us; long walks on the beach and lots of playing with her numerous toys. She is funny, loving and makes us smile every day. Thanks for looking after us and for looking after so many others, too."
- Dot and Betsie
💚 Dr Arielle Griffiths Vegan Vet (Read more here)
