Hi Don..
To me, it sounds like the dog is getting ready to bloat. I am guessing the vet was suggesting tacking the stomach? Bloat is an emergency, bloat with stomach torsion is a killer. Unfortunately there is no definitive cause, but deep chested and large breeds are more prone to it and many have a genetic factor. If this is the case I can not imagine how food would stop the issue.
As for the Retriever I would change that if for no other reason then it’s very poor quality.
Melissa
Find out what kind of surgery was recommended.
