Niska is a neutered female of 11 years and weighing in at 85 pounds. She is a beautiful purebred Malamute with a sweet temperament and is a good family dog, (especially with children). While the family is away she has been known to eat a 32 oz box of Belgium chocolates (on three different occasions), 100 Halloween suckers (papers and sticks accounted for), Costco’s large pack of raisins (2 lbs. I think), and even the kid’s tetra juice boxes (which she sucks out once punctured). If anything is dropped on the floor she is faster than a speeding bullet. She enjoys fruits and vegetables as a treat. Even though she is of a northern breed, she lives here in Ottawa (Canada) and is a house dog and couch potato. She enjoys lying out on the snow. Her coat is magnificent and she always smells fresh. She does have a bit of arthritis in her hips and they give her pain when she goes for a walk in the bush (we live in the country). Problem: We have noticed, during grooming, three pea-sized growths on her skin – one is on top of her head, one on her back foot and the third on her front elbow. We’ve been told that they are common on senior dogs and to just keep an eye on them for any changes. If this is true, what causes it? Could it be the food? We are feeding her “Restricted Calorie Eukanuba Vet Diets”. Information wouldl be appreciated. Thanks!