Boyoboy, it sure DOES get expensive!!  Y'know, i think you have to do what's right for you and not worry about any extraneous theories. Whatever works...works. ;-)

Hi, Rebecca--  Hope this reaches you. I'm not sure how to use this part of the MyCorgi.com website.

Yes, I do feed my dogs actual real, cooked food, although right now they're on FreshPet because I've been enjoying a spate of surgery. As soon as I feel up for it, though, we'll be back to the real stuff. I've described how I make this food at my website, Funny about Money:

funny-about-money.com/2008/10/02/diy-dog-food-spend-a-little-more-and-get-a-lot-more/

http://funny-about-money.com/2012/02/22/how-to-make-dog-food/

http://funny-about-money.com/2008/10/26/cassies-dog-treats/

In the years since I wrote that post, some of the cooking strategy has changed. I now look for boneless meats (boneless chicken thighs,  Costco's version of "country style" spareribs, hamburger, whatEVER) and cook the  meat in a slow cooker. You can also cook sweet potato in with the meat, when you use a slow cooker. Then all that remains is to cook up and grind or chop the veggies. In a pinch, I put a few handsful of frozen veggies into the slow cooker one time but found it hard to break them up, once they were cooked, into reasonable doggie size. It's easier to microwave frozen veggies until they're just cooked, run them through the blender or food processor, and mix them in with the cooked meat and starch.

Bear in mind that dogs can develop allergies to various proteins. Ruby is currently allergic to beef (and indeed, beef is one of the commonest canine allergens, because dog food manufacturers rely so heavily on it). You can minimize this tendency (but probably not get rid of it) by varying the types of meat you feed the dog. I rotate as many different kinds of meat as I can get my  hands on (excluding beef, unfortunately) -- at Thanksgiving, for example, you can often get turkey very cheaply (not boneless, alas, but what the heck). Also sometimes ethnic stores sell various meats. Organ meats such as liver and kidney can be used.

Be careful not to feed your dog anything that contains onion or garlic, as these are both toxic to canids -- that's one reason you shouldn't feed your dogs from your own plate. Chocolate, of course, is toxic, as is anything that contains caffeine. So are grapes and raisins. Avocado is said to be bad for dogs, but I do not know if this is true. Here's a fun listicle on things dogs can eat: http://www.pawnation.com/2013/04/12/what-human-foods-can-dogs-eat

Rebecca, thanks for the sweet words.  I appreciate it.  So glad I found this site. 

Baden is such a beautiful and happy boy.  Good luck.

I understand completely! Tommy is always "forgetting" his training as well haha. I'm also considering agility ... i'd love to do herding but I can't find anywhere around here that offers it! Please keep us posted on Baden's activities! :)

Thanks for the well wishes for Tommy!!! :) Is Baden going to be a therapy dog like Teddy was? Tom is definitely too ornery for such an endeavor! 

Thank you for the friend's request, Rebecca.

Thank you for the friend add :) They are gorgeous pups, thank you <3

Hope all is well.  We got a new dog last Sat. His name is Gizmo. He is 4 and we are sure enjoying him with Grace.  Hope your Corgis and cats and getting along fine.  Waiting for pics.

I know You're tired of hearing this but,PICTURES COMING SOON WE HOPE???Can't wait to see the new furbabies at home together :)

Wasn't yesterday the big day of getting Scout? I was thinking you had said the 19th, but I couldn't remember. If you do have both your babies now, how are things going? Give both Dollar and Scout belly rubs from me and kisses from Noodles.

I am so thankful that you have found good little buddies.  Each has its own different personality.

Your pup is adorable. Good luck.

I think the new additions to your family are fantastic!  You obviously have so much love to give and you shouldn't wait to give it!  Good luck with them and God bless. 

reading your great news brought tears to my eyes~

Congrats on you new fur kids!! Lots and lots of corgi kiss coming your way :))