Resources

What We're Feeding

In June 2022 we switched our dogs to Fromm and have loved the shiny coats, better muscle tone, healthier older dogs, and less supplements! It's available at select pet retailers and online.

Store locator | "Fromm Gold" the base line (not grain free options) | "Fromm Four Star" interchangeable formulas (not grain free options)

When our dogs need a nutritional boost, on of our favorite lines is Nature's Farmacy supplements. Order through this link to receive 10% off!

Our Amazon Recommendations

Here are some guidelines and links to our favorite suggestions. Please be aware that as an Amazon Associate, we do earn from qualifying purchases.

1 / Crates

We highly suggest using a crate for feeding, and comfortably containing your dog when you can't watch them. In addition, being comfortable in a crate will make potential vet visits and grooming visits much more enjoyable.

Adult shelties should be in crates a minimum of 32"L x 23"W x 23"H

We'll let our bigger dogs stretch out in crates that are 36"L x 26"Wx26"H

2 / Crate BOWLS

Dogs should have unlimited access to water. We use these dog buckets and clips for their crates. These buckets are great for feeding in their crates too, so you aren't climbing into the crate for a bowl they pushed to the back. Normal stainless steel or ceramic bowls work too, just avoid plastic as the oils in the food get embedded into it over time.

3 / Dog beds & crate pads

These are some example pads and beds our shelties have loved. If it's for your crate, be sure to check the sizing matches the crate you selected.

4 / collars

All dogs leave Somerled with a martingale collar and leash. Martingale collars are the safest collars for shelties and also work the best with their hair. Given their lean skulls, normal buckle collars slip off easily, where a martingale will tighten if a dog pulls, and can only tighten a fixed amount unlike a choke chain.

Collars that can be adjusted from 12-15" fit most of our dogs who outgrew their puppy collars.

We love the Max & Neo ones since they have the buckle to help get the collar on and off, but the Burberry pet ones are also great and more colors!

5 / fooD

In addition to the links about to Fromm's direct site, you can purchase Fromm through Amazon. A 5 pound bag will last just over 2 weeks for a dog being given 1C/day, and a 15 pound bag will last about two months.

To keep your food fresh, store it in an airtight container in it's original bag. The 5lb bags are 15" x 9" x 3" and the 15lb bags are 19" x 14" x 3".

We just plop our bags into these plastic containers, but if you want to be able to pour your food into a container, the Vittle Vaults are food grade plastic that won't react with the oils in your dogs food.

5 / FOOD STORAGE

. To keep your food fresh, store it in an airtight container in it's original bag. The 5lb bags are 15" x 9" x 3" and the 15lb bags are 19" x 14" x 3".

We just plop our bags into these plastic containers, but if you want to be able to pour your food into a container, the Vittle Vaults are food-grade plastic that won't react with the oils in your dogs food to release dangerous toxins, but should be washed with soap and water, and completely dry when you're ready to add a new bag. We also suggest using metal measuring scoops for the same reason.