Food, Supplements, Treats and Chews

 What I feed puppies up to 12 months. With just 14% Fat and a 1.4 to 1.0 Calcium to Phosphorus ratio, Nutro Ultra Large Breed Puppy is ideal for promoting slow, steady growth.

What I feed adults 1 year and older. Nature’s Logic has no wheat, corn or soy, but more importantly it has NO peas, NO potatoes and NO added copper. Look for these formulas to keep the copper content in the 10.0-10.7 mg/kg range:

Original Grain-Inclusive in Chicken, Beef, Sardine or Duck/Salmon

or

Original Grain-Free in Chicken or Beef

If you prefer more natural foods, but dislike the idea of raw, then try The Honest Kitchen line of human grade, dehydrated recipes. Or if you feed raw, but would like to add grain-inclusive or grain-free fruits and veggies, check out their Base Mixes.

For 15% off Your Order Use code SUMMERSTOCKUP

Omega 3 provides countless health benefits from healthy skin/coat, to cardiovascular health, to joint health, and even neurological development. Dogs do not need Omega 6 or 9 as they get sufficient amounts through their diet, but unless your Doberman is eating a diet heavy in cold water fish like Salmon or Sardines, then Omega 3s are always lacking.

1.5-2 tsps of this oil daily will meet the typical requirements for a standard size, healthy Doberman. Double the amount if you are treating conditions, if your dog is a senior or unhealthy. 

Understand Omega 3s and how to read labels by watching this video starting at timestamp 2:22 https://youtu.be/favlNLy1dE4

Omega 3 provides countless health benefits from healthy skin/coat, to cardiovascular health, to joint health, and even neurological development. Dogs do not need Omega 6 or 9 as they get sufficient amounts through their diet, but unless your Doberman is eating a diet heavy in cold water fish like Salmon or Sardines, then Omega 3s are always lacking. This particular brand is jam-packed with Omega 3, making it unusual.

Just 1 capsule daily will meet the typical requirements for a standard size, healthy Doberman. Double the amount if you are treating conditions, if your dog is a senior or unhealthy. 

Understand Omega 3s and how to read labels by watching this video starting at timestamp 2:22 https://youtu.be/favlNLy1dE4

I have been using products by Nature's Farmacy for decades. All dogs in my care, be they my own or client dogs, get this blend of prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes every day. Probiotic Max helps Dobermans glean the most out of their diet, and helps with gas and loose stool.

A tiny spoon is included and a 1 lb tub will last one dog for months and months.

 Before my puppies are even born they are on NuVet Plus through the supplementation of their dam. And they stay on NuVet the entirety of their lives for healthier immune systems and skin/coat.

As a Registered Veterinary Technician, I am always skeptical about supplemental product claims, but when I saw what NuVet did for my dogs, I was sold!

To see the amazing before and after photos of my own dogs treated with NuVet go to https://www.adamasdobermans.com/NuVet.html

 Sure, you COULD just shove a pill down your Doberman’s throat, but how would YOU like it? Instead, make pill time into treat time with Greenies Pill Pockets. Available in a variety of flavors and package sizes.

Farm Hounds Giant size, sustainably sourced, 100% Beef Hide Rolls are for aggressive chewers. Given to your Doberman for 30 mins daily for stress relief and good old fashion fun, each roll will last far longer than other chews you have tried. Check out their bags of dehydrated treats too. See my review of the Beef Hide Rolls in this video.

Feel free to use the one of the following discount codes! DISCOUNT will appear during checkout.

TDW10 for 10% OFF Site Wide 

TDW15 for 15% OFF Your First Order of $60+

Nylabone’s line of chew toys. Power chews for Dobermans over 6 months, and Puppy chews for under 6 months. My guys love the Original and Wishbone Power chews.

 Benebone is a line similar to Nylabone. You get the most bang for your buck with Benebone’s variety packs.

 Kong toys can double as a distraction device when filled with kibble, treats or peanut butter. There are many knockoff Kong toys- these knockoffs are dangerous, so stick with the real thing! 

West Paw toys makes a variety of softer, but sturdy rubber toys. They may not be appropriate though for the toughest chewers. My dogs’ favorites are the Bumi, Tux, Tizzi and Jive. See more about the West Paw company and its toys in this video.

Also made by West Paw, the Toppl is ‘da bomb’ for keeping your Doberman entertained! Fill with yummy goodness and freeze. Plug the side hole with the Stopper, and you can fill your Toppl with liquid or soupy goodness. See ideas of how to fill your Toppl in this video.

 Lick Mats are a good way to distract your Doberman and release calming hormones. They can also be used as a reward device when teaching certain behaviors. See how to use lick mats in this video.

I have found that Zonas tape quality has diminished over the last couple of years. So I am now recommending Hampton Adams which is available in white or black. This box of 8 rolls should be sufficient to get most puppies through their posting period.

 This adhesive has been the gold standard in ear posting for decades!  

This adhesive remover beats UniSolv hands down! Makeup artists use this to remove prosthetics like fake noses off actors, so it is made to be VERY safe and non-drying on skin.

If possible, order from Amazon as delivery will be quicker. But sometimes Amazon does not have this in stock. If that is the case, then go to https://www.ppipremiereproducts.com/products/telesis-super-solv

Heavy duty, 175 lb zip ties for strengthening backer rod. These are the Mac Daddy of cable ties. What you don’t use for posting, you’ll find uses for around your house.

Bandage Scissors will not get bogged down by the adhesive on tape and will make short work of thick zip ties. Keep the extra pair in your first aid kit.

Backer Rod aka Caulking Rod aka Foam Rod. The ½” will work for most puppies. Puppies with very small bells may need the 3/8”. Pups over 6 months may need the 5/8”.

3/8” https://amzn.to/3Fx0JXe

1/2” https://amzn.to/4kthYb2

5/8” https://amzn.to/45vpaPk  

Antifungal powder to keep the ear bells dry during posting.

Cotton Rounds for cleaning ears, padding ear posts and to use as bumpers.

Pool Noodles tend to be a seasonal item. To get them from Amazon, you have to buy several. Try your local dollar store or Walmart. Ask a local pool supply store if they have one in the back. Or ask a friend or neighbor with a pool if they have an old one to donate to the cause.

This dispenser is super handy to keep your homemade ear cleaner in (1 part rubbing alcohol and 1 part white vinegar). 

Some puppies are not tolerate of the ear healing and posting process. You can protect their ears from scratching by using a neck pillow like this one.  Be sure to measure for proper fit. And if it should deflate, open it up to stuff with old rags or paper packing, then sew or tape in back shut.

I have found that Zonas tape quality has diminished over the last couple of years. So I am now recommending Hampton Adams which is available in white or black. This box of 8 rolls should be sufficient to get most puppies through their posting period.

Guard-Tex tape as seen in this video from 4:25 to 18:00 mins. Guard-Tex must be applied loosely, and then secured as shown in the video or it will slide off the ear. Available in green, black or blue.

Vet wrap as used in this example at 32:25 mins. NEVER apply Vet Wrap with tension. Because Vet Wrap does not stick to the ear, and the danger of cutting off circulation, most posters do not use this product. 

Gorilla tape for the zip-tie method as from 39:27 to 51:15 mins. Do not apply Gorilla tape (or any duct tape) directly to the ears.

https://amzn.to/4a09l3y (white)

https://amzn.to/3ZYgEUS (black)

T-Rex tape for strengthening posts as seen from 8:00 to 13:45 mins.

This adhesive has been the gold standard in ear posting for decades! 

If your puppy has an adverse reaction to Torbot, or does not need quite that much hold, give Skin Tac a go. Creates a very tacky barrier between the ears and tape. As seen at 1:35 mins. https://amzn.to/4h0lEPu  (for the wipes)

https://amzn.to/40fmYIW  (for the bottle)

This adhesive remover beats UniSolv hands down! Makeup artists use this to remove prosthetics like fake noses off of actors, so it is made to be VERY safe and non-drying on skin.

If possible, order from Amazon as delivery will be quicker. But sometimes Amazon does not have this in stock. If that is the case, then go to https://www.ppipremiereproducts.com/products/telesis-super-solv

Heavy duty, 175 lb zip ties for strengthening backer rod. These are the Mac Daddy of cable ties. What you don’t use for posting, you’ll find uses for around your house.

Bandage Scissors will not get bogged down by the adhesive on tape, and will make short work of thick zip ties. Keep the extra pair in your first aid kit.

Milwaukee Jobsite Scissors as seen at 40:00 mins. (I instead recommend the bandage scissors above) 

Backer Rod aka Caulking Rod aka Foam Rod. The ½” will work for most puppies. Puppies with very small bells may need the 3/8”. Pups over 6 months may need the 5/8”.

3/8” https://amzn.to/3Fx0JXe

1/2” https://amzn.to/4kthYb2

5/8” https://amzn.to/45vpaPk  

Moleskin (not to be confused with Molefoam which is much thicker) for use in the Moleskin Zip Tie method as seen at 51:10 to 1:06:30

Zymox Ear Wipes with aloe, for ears that are red or irritated. Otherwise I suggest a simple, at-home mix of 1 part rubbing alcohol to 1 part white vinegar.

Cotton Rounds for cleaning ears, padding ear posts and to use as bumpers.

Small Makeup Wedges to pad posts for the Zip Tie method.

 There is NO item more important to have on hand for an emergency than a Bloat Kit. If your Doberman is bloating but the stomach has not twisted yet, and it will take time before you can get to the ER clinic, using this kit can be the difference between life and death. I keep a kit in my RV so it is handy whether I'm at home or on the road.
 

 Just as with your family, it is always a good idea to have a first aid kit handy. While no kit I've looked at had everything I would personally include (maybe one day I'll make a kit with my own collection available), this one ticks most of the boxes. 

 Nu-Stock is my go-to for any odd, dry, localized hairless patch. It is Sulfa based so it is stinky (think rotten eggs) so be sure to wear gloves when applying it per the directions. Because of the odor and not wanting it to get on any furniture before it is dry, I usually apply it either outside and wait an hour, or if inside I put the dog in a crate for an hour. Not for systemic (more widespread) hairless patches. Do not apply more often than directed. If it is working, I will typically see hairs starting to grow in 6-10 days.

 FitPaws K9 Fitbone is my go-to for building core strength, balance and rehabilitation. I also use it for improving confidence in puppies and adults, and to train stacking. The Fitbone pairs great with any of the other FitPaws balance objects. Videos are available on their website to help you get started!

 Dog Pacer is the brand of treadmill in my home. It allows me to keep my clients' dogs in show condition even during the extremes of weather. It also gives dogs an outlet for excess energy so they can focus better. 

 Large Pet Scale. When you see your dog every day, it is hard to tell when there has been a fluctuation in their weight. This Redmon brand is the same one I use to keep my dogs at their ideal weights. 

  Superior to any brush or curry comb device, the Zoom Groom's flexible rubber teeth penetrate the coat to massage and stimulate the skin. It loosens dead hair, dirt and skin cells, and stimulates blood flow which promotes oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Best yet, the dogs LOVE the massage! See how to use a Zoom Groom in this video starting at timestamp 8:10

https://youtu.be/favlNLy1dE4

 

 If your Doberman has a dull coat it may be holding onto dead coat that needs to be striped out. The 5" version is the best overall size for Dobermans, though I also have a 2.5" to work in smaller areas.

See the incredible job a SleekEZ does in this video 

https://youtu.be/0WAfM2L_rdM

 Don't pay for expensive ear cleaners- make your own that does a better job! 

Mix 1 part Rubbing Alcohol and 1 part White Vinegar and keep it in this handy pump dispenser. With its antimicrobial quality, the vinegar helps control the growth of bacteria and fungus (like yeast), while the rubbing alcohol acts as a disinfectant and evaporates quickly, helping to keep the ear dry.

 Neglecting your Doberman's oral health can result in bad breath AND hefty Vet bills for dental cleanings and extractions. Just like us, poor oral hygiene can cause receding gums and tooth loss. This chicken flavored paste makes for a pleasurable experience for your dog, so routine brushing can go quickly.

 If you want a lustrous dark and shiny coat on your Doberman, you can't go wrong with One Stray Hair's Wicked Black shampoo and condition. Even though it is marketed towards black haired dogs, it works beautifully on deepening reds as well. The key to any shampoo and conditioner to rinsing, rinsing, rinsing so you don't leave residue to cause irritation and catch dirt. If Wicked Conditioner is out of stock, the Fancier Conditioner is a close second.

Use promo code DOBERMANWAY to save 10%.

 Need a gentle shampoo to hydrate dry skin and hair? Then this is the pair that I use. With a light vanilla and almond scent. 

The key to any shampoo and conditioner to rinsing, rinsing, rinsing so you don't leave residue to cause irritation and catch dirt. 

This is the combination you see me use in this video at timestamp 14:51 along with the Zoom Groom shown above.

https://youtu.be/favlNLy1dE4