[Kaci G]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 10 month old coonhound/Rottweiler mix with a problem. Up until last week we had him on Blue Buffalo’s puppy dry food and he was eating fine. He’s very high energy and it’s hard for him to focus on anything for long so eating can be challenging but after a recent vet visit where the vet advised me that he’s underweight and needs to gain weight, he’s stopped eating his food. Now, he’s only eating his brother’s food and treats, which is an adult salmon/sweet potato dry food. Of course, this food is not what he needs to gain weight. I was thinking about maybe trying a puppy wet/dry food mix? He definitely has a sensitive stomach, he can’t eat too much or he throws up. I was wondering if anyone might have any recommendations for a good wet food, I’ve never had a dog on wet food before, let alone one with a sensitive stomach. Thank you for any suggestions!

[Pitlove]

Regarding breed specific foods- Even the nutritionists at Hill’s (Science Diet) state on their site, that breed specific foods are nothing more than clever marketing. Aside from oddly shaped kibbles, I wouldn’t say there is anything tailored to a yorkie in the RC Yorkshire Terrier formula.

I feel a mixture of canned and dry is good.

I wouldn’t worry about kidney damage from one grape. The dose makes the poison.

Allergen free is a relative term, since you aren’t sure if she is reacting to something or what it is. Some foods are marketed at “hypoallergenic”, however they are only “hypoallergenic” to your dog if they don’t contain any of the ingredients your dog reacts to. A couple foods that my dog thinks are tasty(he’s picky) are Fromm and NutriSource. I will agree with Marie about the constant switching though. I switched my dogs food every 5lb bag and it made him more picky.

• This reply was modified 10 years, 1 month ago by Pitlove.

[InkedMarie]

Hi Michelle,
No proof just my opinion that breed specific food is just a sales pitch. All dogs are different in a specific breed. Blue Buffalo has had it’s share of problems; I wouldn’t feed it. If you do a google search for Dr. Karen Beckers video on the best food, you’ll see that she feels a high quality wet food (canned, raw, dehydrated) is better than dry. Dry food is dehydrating to dogs (according to her). If you must feed dry, at least add warm water to it and/or canned.
I doubt one grape will cause any kidney problems. Don’t bother talking dog food with your vet unless it’s a holistic vet or nutritionist. They get very little nutrition education in vet school.
Why do you think she has a skin allergy? Pick a food and stick with it. If you keep changing foods because you think she doesn’t like it, you’re going to create a picky eater. Switching foods often is a great thing to do but leave her on one food for a bag, or more, then transition to something else.

[Gracee Sunshine Alexiss]

I want to first apologize for my previous 2 posts as I think I should have posted them in a different part of the forum. Thank you for being patient and and answering my questions anyway. ok are breed specific brands such as royal canin any better than Blue Buffalo? and is a dry kibble better than wet? or should there be a combinatio? anyway I think she may have a skin allergy Im still investigating that. If you read my previous post you read that I gave my 8 week old a grape that she ate a pretty good part of and played with the rest for an hour or so to find out a month later to my absolute horror that they are quite toxic. I mention that as I am worried about kidney damage but have yet to make a move concerning that because of personal issues right now. She was also fed an adult type dog food not sure what kind I havent been able to contact my aunt as she is on vacation. I transitioned her the best I could to Wellness Tru Food she didnt seem to like it too much especially the little yellow pieces avoiding them completely but she is now coming close to the end of the bag and i want to gradually get her on a food that is allergen free and tasty. I feed her grilled chicken with her food every now and then and sometime for reward when training. She gets hiccups fequently but they subside quickly and doesnt seem to cause her any discomfort. Sooo taking all this into consideration….any suggestions and recommendations are greatly appreciated. I am going to ask about food from my vet but i would appreciate experienced suggestions as well. thank you to all who take the time to read my endless and frequent posts. you are greatly appreciated. thank you again,
Michelle and Gracee (my sunshine)

[Pitlove]

No problem. Here what chewy.com has for their selection of LID foods. This might give you some ideas

http://www.chewy.com/dog/dry-food-294/limited-ingredient-diet

[Fiona Z]

Thanks so much those chew things look good! For some reason I’ve always been wary of the Hills line.. Have no idea why.. Is it really expensive or had bad reviews in the 90s. Do you also do fish oil and coconut oil or just the chews and the dry food?

[Fiona Z]

I had my black lab on this for a month. She is 7 and in great shape. I thought it was a good idea and she was already on pro plan. I thought I noticed a difference in her energy levels and thought she was more alert. Precious lazy lab! Then after two weeks unbearable scratching and horrendous gas!two weeks of it and took her to the vet he said she was allergic to something and have her different antihistamine (I’d tried Zyrtec and Benedryl and it usually works) anyway long story shorter… She was better within the day and no gas! I went on the forum and read all about the ingredients and changed her food to a Blue brand basics. I didn’t like how we eat whole foods and I had her eating this long list! So my question for you guys is what can I add to her food myself? That would mimic the bright minds idea?
Sorry if there are typos I’m on my phone and the screen isn’t letting me edit. Thanks Fiona!

[zuponicafe]

Hi Debbie.
I have a 10 m/o medium/large mixed breed and after my initial puppy paranoia I decided to feed him a variation of different brands wet & dry.
I find great deals on some really decent food and it has helped to keep things w/in reason on food costs. Luckily he doesn’t have allergies so I’ve not had to worry there and his tolerance to switching has been fantastic.
I might add there are a lot of different pet food suppliers nearby, so I can kinda shop around which is great for finding deals.

[Ginette M]

Hi everyone, I have a 6 year old Morkipoo with lots of allergies and I’ve had a hard time finding food for her. She allergic to corn, carrots,potatoes,peas,barley and duck and that’s just the foods allergies.
Does anyone have any suggestion for a good dry dog food for her.

Thanks

[michael r]

I have a senior English mastiff (170 lbs) whose kidneys are starting to decline. Have been feeding Chicken Soup for the Dogs Soul Adult for several years. Can you recommend a dry and wet dog food that has protein 26% range and low phosphorus.

[Tom P]

My 11 year old mini dachshund has been fed Orijen for her whole life, with no problems whatsoever. A month or two ago she began having really bad diarrhea. Over the course of 3 weeks we took her to an emergency vet 3 times, and each time they gave us some antibiotics and plain wet food. Although it helped, her poop was still not back to normal. Throughout all of this my dog was acting perfectly fine, no change in energy or behavior, just diarrhea.

I was finally able to make it in to my normal vet, who explained to me that, as weird as it seemed, a dogs system can indeed change pretty radically in a short period of time, so it isn’t super unusual that a food which she had been fine with for years and years would suddenly upset her stomach. She prescribed me Hill’s dry kibble for sensitive stomachs and another round of antibiotics.

The antibiotics finished up long ago and she’s been eating Hill’s ever since. Her poop still is not back to the way it was, it’s definitely goopier and softer than it used to be, but whatever. However, I just don’t feel right going from a super high quality food like Orijen to Hill’s. Besides the nutritional content, Orijen is just more reliable in terms of not having to worry about recalls, etc.

Is there a high quality, more reliable brand that makes kibble for sensitive stomachs, prescription or otherwise? Am I worrying too much over nothing?

[Rebecca L]

Is Blue Buffalo dry or canned food any good?

Rebecca L.
Member
[email protected]

[Alex p]

I think Beneful Dry Dog Food, Healthy Weight, is the closest food to Simply Nourish Canned Dog Food.

[Susan]

Hi Michelle, my vet told me, when a dog is itchy around the lower back & top of tail area it’s normally fleas, check that she doesn’t have that one flea, some dogs are allergic to the fleas salvia, one bite & they go nuts with scratching & scratching, like my boy does….
I bath him in Malasab Medicated shampoo, weekly when spring & Summer come the Malaseb relieves their itchy skin, kills any bacteria & leaves them feeling beautiful & soft then I use the Paws Nutriderm Replenishing conditioner…. its Oatmeal & Ceramides for dry itchy skin…
For fleas I use the Frontline spot on, then about 2 days later I use the frontline spray, my vet recommended the frontline spray she said she has found work the best if you don’t want to use tablets….Patch suffers with IBD & Skin Allergies & had a reaction to the Advantage spot on, spewing blood, side of face & ear swelled up, it was awful…..the Advantage goes thru to the blood where Frontline only penetrates a couple of layers of the skin, I just bought the small bottle of Frontline & you put on a glove & spray around the tail area, back legs & front legs, I have problems when walking thru the park & fleas will jump on my boys legs then he brings home 1 hitch hiker (Flea) & starts going nuts rubbing his lower back up & down the walls, rolling on the carpet…I have found the frontline spray to work really well…… http://www.frontlineplus.com.au/Howtouse/Pages/how-to-use.aspx

A few ladies at the dog park all use Comfortis tablets, I don’t use on Patch cause he has IBD & I don’t like giving him any pills but I was using the Comfortis on my cat & the cat stopped bring home the fleas, the ladies at the dog park swear by Comfortis they said they were giving the 1 monthly tablet for 3 months then they noticed they didn’t have to keep giving the monthly tablet & stopped over winter & Autumn months, the fleas stayed away, but you must know your dogs proper weight & only give 1/2 tablet with food breakfast at first & then watch your dog for 1 hour just incase they vomit the pill back up, then if your dogs is OK, then you give the other 1/2 tablet with their dinner…If your dog does vomit up the 1/2 tablet the vet told me to come back & Comfortis give you another tablet this was for my cat the first time I tried it on my cat didn’t vomit….

When Patch is trying to scratch around his tail & rubbing up & down the walls cause a flea as bitten him, if I have the time I bath him in his Malaseb shampoo so the fleas get off him, but if I haven’t the time to bath him then I use some Sudocrem to relieve his itch its for Nappy Rash, Dermatitis, Eczema, Sudocrem is excellent as a stop itch cream, even Aloe Vera cream is also good to quickly relieve the itch..

Antiseptic Healing Cream

Also once fleas bite your dog, your dog will get tapeworms again, tapeworms are from fleas… so I wait about 2 weeks then I give Patch an Allwormer, I have found Milbemax is a milder allwormer & doesn’t upset Patches stomach & bowel like the other allwormers do…..Once you control the fleas you’ll stop the itch & stop the tapeworms…

[Gracee Sunshine Alexiss]

I got my baby yorkie Gracee at 8 weeks she was on purina super cheap adult dry dog food don’t even know how she chewed it. Changed gradually to Wellness trufood. She has received 2 sets of shots and due for the 3rd tomorrow. She’s on Revolution for flea conyrol, heartworm prevention. She had tapeworms but finally got rid of those completely nasty things eeeyyyukkk ! For the last 3 weeks she is so itchy I scratch her all the time around her hiney especially I check for fecal matter and sometimes there’s a bit so I remove it of course she also seems to be itchy around her armpit area where her hair seems to be kinda thining. But when we are training she is always stopping and tending to her rear area I always check where she is tending seems to be her little nub and the backs of her little legs. Please help me find some relief for my little darling I just love her so much and it breaks my heart to see her so uncomfortable. I did try to add some coconut oil but was unsure of the amount and frequency and I had concerns of her lipids going of the charts. Thank you for obliging my super long post. I tried to find some answers before my post by I have to go to work and I’m impatient I guess. Any and all suggest are welcomed. I would also appreciate a #1 food for complete nutrition and weight control. Thanks everyone for your valuable time.
Gracee ‘ s Momma

[anonymously]

I lost a corgi to cancer too, at 9 years. I’m thinking that there may be a genetic link, like with German shepherds and golden retrievers.
Anyway, I used to feed her about 1/2 cup of Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea dry, but I would add a lump of chopped up chicken breast (cooked) or lean meat. Chopped up broiled chicken liver is good too. I fed her this twice a day.
You can add water to the cooked chicken and blend it with a smoothie wand, so that it is like lumpy thick gravy and put a tablespoon over her dry. You can soak the dry in the fridg overnight in water to soften.
She loved food and had a tendency to put weight on easily, but 3 to 5 mile walks daily seemed to keep her weight stable.
Brush her teeth every evening (YouTube has excellent how to videos).

PS: I get the chicken breast, lean meat at the reduced section of my local market, freeze then cook. I have been doing this for a long time and haven’t had any problems. Chicken livers are cheap, and you only add a little. Plus you can divide up and freeze.
If you weigh the dog once a week you will be able to see if she is gaining and decrease the amount. Get on the scale weigh yourself, then get back on the scale while you are holding her, then deduct your weight from the number you get 🙂 Do this before the first meal of the day.

[Katherine O]

Hi,
I lost my corgi of 5 years this summer to cancer and was ready for another dog this month and adopted a 7 year old (they think) corgi mix. He had some teeth issues that resulted in all of his upper back molars being pulled. I am currently feeding him the food the rescue fed him (Nature’s Recipe) softened, but he doesn’t seem very excited about it. He also gets ~2tbps of canned food (pedigree, which I plan on changing) at dinner.

I fed my corgi ~3/4 – 1 cup of Wellness core/day + dental stick and he maintained ~33/34 pounds (he was larger than breed standard). My current dog (26/27 pounds) was being fed 1 cup/day + 2 tbsp wet food + 1 milkbone (which I haven’t been feeding him). I am looking for suggestions on dry food that does well when softened and how much to feed with the minor addition of the wet food.

According to the calculator, my corgi should have been fed 2 cups/day. My parents dogs are fat because they feed them too much and I don’t want that to happen to my new dog.

Right now it is hard to tell if my new dog is not interested in the food due to dislike of how it tastes when it is softened or if his teeth are hurting (vet had me stop painkillers due to adverse reaction). He always gobbles up the wet food, but I have no idea how much wet food to feed and if that amount would be cost prohibitive.

[Samantha P]

Thanks anonymously – the research I have done suggests acute as this was her 1st experience with this but I am sure it won’t be her last. I will do everything in my power to help avoid another attack if we can just get her better this time. Her white blood cell count was a little high yesterday so they have now started her on antibiotics, she was put back on her fluid IV yesterday morning and they gave her some nutrical for energy and some meds to help reduce acid in her stomach. Waiting to hear from them this morning as we are getting close to another 24 hours on the IV – fingers crossed she hasn’t vomited anymore and that she is perking up a bit. It’s so hard to see her so weak and blah like she was yesterday.

Thanks for the help Susan – I just requested to join the group on Facebook, I need as much support as possible right now and that FB group seems like it would be so helpful! Thank you for that! We were feeding her boiled chicken breasts prior to Friday when we found out it was pancreatitis and she has been hospitalized since. She has always ate Taste of the Wild – the Lamb one and she loves it, she is a much bigger fan of dry dog food than wet so I thought it was possibly the issue and why she wouldn’t eat the Hills Monday night but since the vet said she chowed down the wet Hills ID the first time and her entire demeanor changed it was more than just her not liking the food 🙁

I am bringing her a diff blanket from home, one that smells like us and her brother who misses her like crazy. I truly hope she isn’t there until Saturday but if she is, we have planned to bring her brother in to help cheer her up. He has really began acting out at home so I know he is really missing her too. The vet closes around the same time I get off work, so it hasn’t given me much time to bring Rocco in but I do go see her on my lunch hour and then again right when I get off work until they close. We are also bringing her some of her normal food to see if she will start to take that down. The vet said they wouldn’t think we should switch from TOTW once she is better as the vet personally uses that for her dogs – but I am definitely open to all suggestions. I will see which Hills ID they are giving her now – I do know it doesn’t smell too great and looks pretty nasty. I was there Monday night and tried to see if she would eat while I was there with her but no interest at all. Thank you so much for your response – I am excited to get added to the group on FB, I need to hear some success stories to try and boost up my spirits so I can boost up hers!

[Pitlove]

The Primal rep that comes to my work a few Saturdays a month always throws samples of their freeze-dried at me for my cat and dog. Dog loves them, cat used to like them, but did not like the Chicken & Salmon variety I brought home recently. She won’t eat raw either. She eats around the Primal if I put it in with her canned. I am however feeding her Ziwipeak Lamb now for canned food and it’s got a lot of the organ meat and bone in it that raw has. That could be another option for you guys. Shes eating that for breakfast and Orijen dry for dinner.

[Susan]

Hi Samantha, go shops, buy some chicken breast or lean turkey breast mince lightly cook till its just cooked cause the chicken breast can go tuff if over cooked then cut up, I also add a bit of boiled sweet potatoes not much take to the vets & ask can this be feed instead of the vet diet, cause she isn’t eating…. the Hills I/D Gastro is still high in fat at 14% if its the Hills I/D Gastro the pink label there’s the Hills I/d Low Fat GI Restore & the fat is lower 8.5% find out which one she is eating… if your on Face Book join this group “Canine Pancreatitis Support Group” these ladies will help you & your baby, what to ask vet, what are good low fat foods, no more kibble, as kibble is harder to digest she will need wet tin foods or cooked meals all low in fat also the fat on wet tin foods are higher then what the fat is on a bag of kibble, if the wet tin food says 5% fat on a tin, when converted to kibble fat that’s around 22% fat dry matter (Kibble)….
Hills Vet Diets convert all their Vet Diets they have already been done, but all the other vet diets aren’t convert or the pet shop foods…. so be careful & remember if you see 5% fat on a tin, its high you need 3%max fat & under in wet tin foods.. there’s the Royal Canine Low Fat Intestinal she may eat that one… the fat is only 7% fat …..also visit her & take her brother, it will boost her spirits ….Good Luck

[C4D]

Hi Kevin R,

I give my dogs both coconut oil and fish oil. Fish oil is the common source of Omega 3, Poultry and eggs are a common source of Omega 6 and Coconut oil is a common source of medium chain fatty acids. They all have a useful purpose in the diet. I use fish oil to supplement my arthritic dog (but the others get some too) as it’s an anti-inflammatory, along with all of the other great properties.

Here are some links to help explain all of the various Omegas:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/85285-coconut-oil-omega3/

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/15_9/features/Fish-Oil-Supplements-For-Dogs_20600-1.html

http://www.dogaware.com/articles/suppsoils.html

Red is correct regarding kibble. The long storage and oxydation after opening the bag are likely to destroy the EPA & DHA in the fish oil in dry dog food.

[anonymously]

Any fish oil that is in dry dog food mostly dissipates as soon as you open the bag (no matter the quality of the food). This was told to me by a dermatologist/specialist that treated my dog.

[AshDad]

Hello everyone, long time listener, first time caller.

We have a 4.5 month old GSD that may have a chicken allergy. He’s super itchy, even with the benedryl the doc put him on. I’ve been in search of and been researching to find a non-chicken large breed puppy food that looks acceptable, without much success. (Breeder had him on Royal Canin Maxi Puppy and Chicken Soup for the Dog Soul Large Breed Puppy. He has stayed on the RCMP, though we’re looking to move him off of that. He didn’t like the TOTW Puppy, just for the record)

Before I pull the rest of my hair out, I thought I’d ping the community. He’s about 52 pounds right now, with males from his parents generally being in the 115-140 range as adults. Any insight is appreciated…

AshDad

[jakes mom]

I have an 11 year old beagle mix. He did fine on the BJ’s food (dry). I’ve used it as part of his rotation diet in the past but now he gets mostly raw.

[zuponicafe]

yjessie~ I have a 10 m/o mixed breed who’s eventual adult size we were unsure of (still growing!) so I went for the foods that were w/in the limits of the large breed calcium guidelines. He’s lab/shep/husky/clown.
I have switched his foods around pretty regularly since we got him at 8 weeks, but always with an eye on the calcium & so far so good. And I swap his food around a lot. Dry & wet, different companies, different proteins.
There are occasions when he gets a squirty crap, but nothing note worthy. Like my husband says, that dog has better turds than I do.

[Christie]

My puppy and 6 year old have been on Whole Earth Farms Chicken and Turkey dry and wet for the past few months now (after switching from Ideal Balance puppy and adult dry foods). I’m not exactly thrilled at Merrick’s decision to partner up with Purina, despite the company’s saying that it won’t be changing the formula. For now. And since WEF is owned by Merrick, I really don’t want to support Purina by way of buying a Merrick product.

I’m not running out tomorrow to make a change…any change to the product will most likely take time if it happens. But I’m not fully invested in the brand and neither dog ‘loves’ the food. I’m really just biding my time until the puppy is old enough to eat adult food and I can switch both to an “Adult” quality food.

For now, I’m stuck with All Life Stages food. I saw in the ratings that Berkley & Jensen dry food is 4 stars. It’s the same price per pound as the WEF dry (BJs Chicken formula) and it has some really good reviews. Does anyone have experience with the brand? And I see that they also have a wet food line, but it isn’t rated here.

During a recent trip to the vet, the doc admonished me on choosing a ‘holistic brand’ because they typically lead to stool, hair and digestive issues. She told me that she only buys Royal Canin for her dogs and recommended that. The previous vet told me (when I was feeding my adult dog Blue Buffalo) that the BB was terrible and to feed my dog what he feeds his: Purina Pro Plan.

[Ptcbass]

My dog I just lost had horrible allergies. They were finally getting better after I switched her to Grandma Lucy’s Venison. Her face would get red and swollen, her paws red and sometimes she would break out in little bumps. During her bad break outs I would use aloe vera (natural from whole foods) and rub it on her face and all around her mouth. I would put coconut oil on the rest of her spots and sometimes I would use Vets Best Ear Relief. Unfortunately she did take benedryl every day. We tried Zyrtec but then we found out that with some when it is wearing off it can cause itching. Crazy that a allergy medicine can cause itching! Anyway best of luck with your pup. Oh and I sometimes used apple cider vinegar as a rinse after a bath.

• This reply was modified 10 years, 2 months ago by Ptcbass.

[Rusty T]

I’m curious. I have a 90 pound mixed breed and a young 65 pound Shepard. Based on the reviews, I’ve had my dogs on Blue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe for Large Breed Dogs (dry food) and Newman’s Own Organic Beef/Liver Canned Food (1/2 can per dog per day mixed with dry food in the evenings). The 90 pounder was raised on it and has done well, and the Shepard also does well on it, although we’ve only had her for six weeks. I additionally had my older lab on it, however, he passed away about 3 months ago from bone marrow cancer. He did extremely well on it. Why are these still on the 5 star listing, but not the Editors Choice?

[anonymously]

Her symptoms may or may not be food related.
Allergies tend to get worse with age. My dog does best on Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea (dry and canned) check Chewy . com.
Although her allergies are environmental. My dog may also have some food sensitivities.
Check the search engine here (type in allergies), you may find some tips:

Intradermal Skin Tests http://www.allergydogcentral.com/2011/06/30/dog-allergy-testing-and-allergy-shots/
“An intradermal skin test involves the injection of a small amount of antigen into your dog’s skin. This procedure is most often performed by a veterinary dermatologist or pet allergy specialist”.

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2011/09/integrating-myths-and-nonsense-with-standard-advice-for-allergic-pets/ (excerpt below)
Bottom Line
Allergies are a serious medical problem that causes a great deal of suffering for pets and their owners. Causes are complex and involve both genetic, developmental, and environmental factors, and symptoms tend to come and go unpredictably, which makes evaluating the effects of any particular intervention challenging. While there are many safe and effective therapies that can help manage allergy symptoms, there is no cure. Only complete avoidance of the antigens the individual is allergic to can eliminate symptoms entirely, and this is often not possible. No treatment that has any benefit is completely without risks, and the risks and benefits must always be carefully and rationally weighed.

[Ptcbass]

Wow, I went to lunch and come back to lots of great info. Yes Shawna I also believe food is medicine. I went 2 years without healthcare and have successfully treated health issues with health food and supplements (Ginger, turmeric, cinnamon and ginseng).

Anonymously – The prednisone come weeks before and then tiny stones were present (small enough to pass). Then she was on the prescription food for one week and developed acute pancreatitis. That is what killed her. The prednisone I am sure didn’t help her immune system and have read it can cause stones and isn’t good for the pancreas. Just a horrible situation all the way around and especially knowing that if I didn’t take her to the vet at all and just kept treating her myself with “healthy” stuff then she would more than likely still be with me today.

My other dog is a little over weight and gains easily. She is 9 years old, has a history of crystals and UTI’s and has a short nose and has trouble breathing sometimes so I can’t exercise her like I would like to. She is still otherwise healthy and still likes to play (what time she isn’t eating or sleeping LOL!).

I am looking into
Horizon Amicus Small & Mini Breed Senior & Weight Management Grain-Free Dry Dog Food and Annamaet Grain-Free Lean Low Fat Formula Dry Dog Food.

I like the Natures Logic but it isn’t grain free and has higher fat content (except for the fish). The calories are still ok thought which I really don’t get but have moved on.

Thanks again! This has been super hard and have never had to experience anything like this with any of my dogs in the past. Also, in the same week my mother in law had a stroke. Now I just want to help get her healthy and do what I can for my other furbaby.
Thanks for the support here!

• This reply was modified 10 years, 2 months ago by Ptcbass.

[anonymously]

No, I suppose a simple Google search would reveal this information.
I just know that my dog’s specialist approves of both brands and my dogs do well on them. I recently tried Newman’s Dry Adult food, in-between Chewy deliveries….I noted the difference in quality right away. Although, I would still use it as a back-up.

[Pitlove]

Hi Ptcbass- Very sorry for your loss. I can’t say whether or not the rX food caused the loss of your pet. My cat was on Royal Canin SO for a UTI, but he died 2 years after I put him on it.

Zignature is an excellent dry kibble to look at. It’s certified low glycemic and grain and potato free. Primal Freeze Dried is an organic freeze dried raw food that might also meet your needs and for a small dog, wouldn’t be too expensive to feed.

http://www.zignature.com/product_range_dog_dry.html

Goat Milk <br> Select Variety

edit: as an aside, if she needs to drop a couple pounds, just feed for her ideal (target) weight and current activity level. She needs to burn more calories than she takes in to get back to a healthy weight.

• This reply was modified 10 years, 2 months ago by Pitlove.
• This reply was modified 10 years, 2 months ago by Pitlove.

[Bobby dog]

Hi anonymously:
I am on the fence with Nutrisca due to their recall history at this time. It’s sold in my grocery store, very convenient, but I still hesitate. You often recommend Wysong and Nutrisca, do you know who manufactures Nutrisca dry and canned and if Wysong still uses Evanger’s to can their foods?

I agree, different foods work for different dogs; very important to keep in mind IMO! 😉

[Debra F]

I am beginning to think my two-year-old black lab pit mix has a potato allergy. She has one ear that gets very dirty and smelly. She has been on Back to Basics Lamb and Potato as her main dry food (I supplement with other flavors). As we all know by now B2B is going to stop producing dog food by the end of the year so I have been researching other quality, limited ingredient foods. It is nearly impossible to find a dry food that does not contain potatoes.

Additionally, I believe she has a problem with berries. When we first got her we put her on Blue Wilderness grain-free which contained berries. She had very back digestive problems so we then switched her to B2B.

Has anyone had issues with both potatoes and berries? I am not putting my dogs on a raw diet so please do not suggest this.

Thanks!

[Susan S]

What dry dog food does anyone feed for a dog with constant yeast? Someone recommended Taste of the wild pacific salmon. Is this food considered nutritionally complete and balances?

[Susan]

Hi, read the protein % & the fat % when buying a kibble I have to sick with kibble with 26% & lower for protein & 13% & lower for fat % fiber 4% for my boy or his poos are slop…
I don’t know how high the fat, protein & fiber is in the Victor dog food,
You need to get his stomach & bowel use to a protein around 24%, fat around 12% & fiber 4%… then when he’s doing real well slowly introduce a higher protein kibble,

Rachael Ray Nutrish Grain Free Salmon & Sweet Potato….the protein fat & fiber are good sold at Walmart……
http://nutrish.rachaelray.com/dog/dry-food/zero-grain-salmon-and-sweet-potato

or Wellness Complete Health….I’m feeding the White Fish & Sweet Potatoes it has no peas….
http://wellnesspetfood.com.au/dog-wellness/dry-recipes/#product_listed_2

If his diarrhea doesn’t clear up you will need to see a vet to get some Metronidazole a antibiotic for the bowel….

[Freddy w]

As far as dog food my choice is Acana dry
It can be found on chewy.com

But get that diarrhea under control first please

You can also try 1 table spoon of pepto bismol
Once in the am and once at night

But try the pumpkin and boiled chicken
Remove as much skin as you can

Let’s us know how your dog is doing 👍🐾🐾🐾🐾

[Diane W]

I do have a concern, and I’ll have to follow some of the links for transitioning dry food addicts to canned, for Skeeter. Dougal, my Burmese, can’t consume very much canned food or he vomits. I’m talking a baby spoon-and-a-half, or he’ll vomit. Right now it’s not an issue as far as me being able to feed him small amounts throughout the day, but in about a year I’m hoping to be working again. So I’ll just give him small amounts throughout the day for now and slowly increase the amount of the feedings over time to see if he can handle it. I don’t know if it’s because he eats too fast or if it’s “rich” or a combination. I think because at this point it’s more of a treat is the reason, so he eats it too fast and then goes to see if Skeeter left anything in her bowl and eats that too quickly.

I’m not upset with my vet for putting them on the Royal Canin dry; after all, he’s not a nutritionist and he can’t be an expert in every subject. Ultimately it’s my responsibility as the meowmee to research and learn how to care for my furry babies.

I appreciate your posts and response and help!

Thanks!
D.

[crazy4cats]

Hi Diane-
I sure hope the first ingredient isn’t chicken toe nail. RC food is way too expensive to be including those! Lol! I believe Royal Canin is a reputable company and should have decent ingredients. I fed the RC s/o dry for a while after a urinary blockage as well. If I remember correctly, this food helps manage crystals with low mineral levels and a little added salt to increase thirst. It is so important for indoor cats to get as much moisture in their diet to help the urinary tract flowing.

I have a similar crew at my house: Two big dogs that are brothers and four cats. Take a look at those links. Come back and share or ask questions. Welcome!

[Diane W]

I didn’t know that canned food was better for cats than dry! I have my two adults on a prescription dry food (Royal Canin SO) at the advice of my vet (whom I absolutely love) because our female had some urinary problems a year or so back. I then discovered that male Burmese are especially prone to urinary tract problems. The vet/breeder I purchased my Burmese male from advised Royal Canin, but when I looked at their canned food ingredients the other day I saw that byproduct was the first ingredient. How do I know that the byproduct isn’t chicken toenail?

I’d be very interested to learn more about cat nutrition. I’m really glad I found this site and this forum. I just learned about it today when I went to a local TailSpin store. I’ll definitely follow the links in your post.

We now have three cats: Skeeter (she adopted us as a subatomic kitten at about 6 weeks old & is now 8 years old; Dougal, a Burmese I purchased from a vet/breeder who is now 5 years old, and just recently Pumpkin joined the family, another subatomic now 7-8 week old abandoned kitten). We also have two Boxers: Molly & Omar (brother & sister) who will be 8 yrs in January.

[Anonymous]

Come to think of it, my senior dog that has occasional anal gland issues does well on Wysong senior dry food, soaked in water overnight in the fridg. I have had him on canned, but a combo works best.

Another small breed of mine who has allergies and has had a positive response to immunotherapy, does well on Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea dry as a base. Prior to her allergies being treated by a dermatologist, she had occasional anal gland issues. Issues appear to be resolved at present.

So, when the dust settles, ask your vet if he thinks these foods might be worth trying 🙂

PS: check Chewy .com for price comparison

[C4D]

Hi Trevor V,

I’m just curious, do you only feed one formula of the Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost? There are several different proteins. As DF said, it could be an intolerance to a particular protein, or possibly something in the food that is causing a soft stool, if that’s the case. Stools that are too soft and/or loose or too small and dry can cause the anal gland issue, which is why I suggested adding pumpkin. You can add any type of fiber, as long as it works. It is highly possible that NV Instinct just doesn’t work for your dog. Just an FYI, the three foods recommended by your vets are all made by the 3 most common vet formulas. Hillspet, Purina and Royal Canin. I’m not saying use or don’t use, but that’s probably why those brands were recommended by your vet(s). It’s likely that’s what they’re most familiar with. It’s up to you to decide what works for your dog.

Red,

I’m not sure why you included the skeptvet links as neither of these links have any direct articles on anal gland issues. Your link on the “oops” comment leads to a search engine for DFA anal gland discussions rather than an actual discussion.

It seems that you simply like to discredit any alternative or natural methods other than what you believe in. I’m not sure if the “Dr. Google” reference was to me, but if it was…….I have spent many years owning and fostering a lot of dogs with many different conditions, including CCL, liver and kidney disease, every type of worm and parasite, broken teeth, and a host of other medical problems, too many to list. I’ve also dealt with a lot of personal and foster dogs with social issues as well, involving a lot of time with trainers. I’ve used MANY vets, both for my dogs and whatever vets are used by the various rescues. I think there is value to both the traditional and alternative methods of treatment. I’ve used both and have found that both have flaws and both have value. I’ve had vets completely misdiagnose a dog or be spot on and I’ve had natural and/or alternative methods cure in a much less toxic way or not work. There is room for both.

[Trevor V]

Hey all,

I’m new to the forum and I need some help. We’ve been feeding our dog (Schnauzer/Powderpuff Cross) Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost (Dry) for about a year now. She has some anal gland problems and our vet has recommended we change her food and that a food that is too high in protein may not be good for her. She has recommended Hills Ideal BAlance, Purina Pro Plan, or Royal Canin. They don’t sell any of these brands, so I don’t believe she’s recommending them for financial reasons. These foods all rate MUCH lower on your site than what we’re currently feeding her.

Can anyone help me parse this out? 2 different vets have both said those 3 are all good foods and that our dog would do well on them but this site rates them all poorly. I don’t think that either this site or the vets are trying to mislead us so I’m confused as to what to do.

[yjesse]

Hi everyone, would love your opinion and/or experience on this topic.

I have a 6-month old Golden Retriever. She is adorable and the joy of my life. When she was younger (2-4 months) she had chronic diarrhea. I always had to “reset” her stomach with boiled super lean ground turkey or chicken, brown rice cooked to mush, a scoop of pumpkin and a teaspoon of probiotic powder. That always did the trick. After everything returns to normal, I would introduce dry food. After many brands, I’ve found a mixture that seems to work. I am currently feeding 20% Orijen Regional Red and 80% FirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish, and she’s doing quite well on it. We haven’t had a diarrhea episode yet.

What is your view on mixing food? I want to make sure she is getting the nutrition she needs, and that it is also tasty. Thank you!

[JUDITH B]

I don’t know about anyone else, but as I begin to read the evaluation of one of the 5 star rated food, it sounds great. Then I go to the reviews, and the evaluations cover the range from great to bad.
I read through several 5 star foods, and basically found the same thing.
That’s why I’m now confused. I understand the reactions to each dog food may be different for each dog. So how do I know which would be best for my dog? It would be almost impossible to try a sample of each and every 5 star rated food. Right now I’m using a 4 star rated dry dog food – Lotis Baked Chicken, and my dog loves it. I haven’t had any noticeable issues. I have to admit I often combine it with a “stew” that I make in a slow cooker that contains beef cubes, chicken breast pieces, and occasionally pork chops. Also included is beef broth (Swanson), 2 cans of tomato soup, and a small jar of cheese type spread (I forget the actual term for it); and either broccoli or spinach and cut fresh organic carrots. I cook it approx. 6 hrs., then put one soup ladle full in freezer quart size bags. Then it goes in the freezer. I heat this up each night and combine it with the kibble. (it is not a large amt. of kibble – about 1/2 cup.) My dog loves it. For the morning feedings, I buy canned turkey, chicken, and albacore tuna (all packed in water), and rotate them to add to breakfast. I take a small amt. of the meat with a little water, heat it in micro., and add it to the kibble. He seems to love this also.
Am I doing all the wrong things? I have purchased only nutritious dog treats, and use only for training purposes. Can anyone give me their educated opinion on this? After reading all of the info. – I can’t decide whether what I am doing is good or not good for my dog. He weights about 37 lbs and is a min. pin. mix. Thanks so much for your input.

[Susan]

Hi, change kibble & feed breakfast/ & dinner, not just the big 1 meal a day, half the meal, have a look at Holistic Select Senior, Holistic select also has wet tin foods maybe feed 1/2 -1 tin of the wet tin food for breakfast & the dry kibble for dinner, she probably looks at her boring meal & thinks YUK same boring thing…. My boy has IBD but I still mix things up a bit & I ask him what do you want for breakfast & dinner, (he will lick the cup of kibble or cooked meal in container, I show him to pick from) & he gets excited…. Holistic Select is made by Wellpet who also makes Wellness Core…
http://www.holisticselect.com/senior-dry-dog-food-chicken-meal-and-rice

[Larry A]

My 11 year old labradoodle is perpetually underweight. The vet has commented at every visit that she is underweight and is concerned that she is not eating adequately. She doesn’t show any other symptoms of a GI problem and has good energy levels. She weighed in yesterday at 44.1 lbs, down one pound from last year, and at her lowest weight since reaching adulthood.

For years, we fed her Wellness CORE Original Recipe and now that she is older, she eats Hill’s Ideal Balance Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Mature Adult Dog Dry Food. We offer her 3 cups once a day, and she rarely eats the full 3 cups at meal time. Frequently there is still a cup left in her bowl by her next feeding.

The doctor suggested that we are feeding her too healthily (?!) and might consider additional treats each day or a different recipe.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks

[DogFoodie]

Hi Jack,

This was quite a while ago (July of 2013) and the email that I received from Hi-Tek said that, at that time, they were one of the manufacturers of Shep dry dog food. The email that I forwarded to Dr. Mike was simply a pdf of the bag label as he didn’t readily have access to the ingredients. I don’t have any information at all about their canned foods.

Sorry I don’t have more information about this for you.

[David M]

My little dog has been eating Cesar wet food for a while now.Thinking it was at least above average food, Me and my wife has been feeding him one tray a day. It’s really the only dog food he eats. Then I was doing some research and I found out how that it’s below average if not worse (according to this website). I was wondering if anybody has any good recommendations on wet dog food. He really don’t like dry food.

[Ryan L]

Hello,
We have a 1 year and 3 month year old female Maltese Yorkshire Yorkshire Terrier Mix named Lennon. She is the light of our life, very smart and playful but has had a delicate tummy from day one. The breeder we got her from was feeding her Purina’s and we switched her quickly to Fromm Gold Holistic Puppy Dry Dog Food. She did well with that but eventually got disinterested and was not eating often enough so we tried most of the flavors such as the Surf & Turf, Lamb & Lentils etc. Between the switching she would often get diarrhea but no idea if it was from her food or not. We did practice switching her food gradually instead of just introducing a brand new food right away. Every so often she would get a bout of diarrhea and we would feed her chicken and rice with a little low sodium chicken broth to soothe her tummy. She has never had a problem when we make her chicken and rice but we are hoping we don’t have to feed her that every day.

About 2 weeks ago she got real sick and was throwing up, eating grass, waking up in the middle night with bad diarrhea and we took her to the vet. They suggested we switch her food again so this time around we went with Prarie Gold Adult Grain-Free: http://frommfamily.com/products/gold/dog/dry/#prairie-gold-adult. She has been on this for about a week and her poops are very soft often diarrhea so we are back to square 1… Sigh.

We are recent members on this site and still a bit overwhelmed with the choices if we go with a different brand a ll together. We have a Chuck and Don’s by our house and they mentioned Zignature but did not see that one included in the editors best of. I should also note we did try Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dry but took it back after a day once we learned it was bought out by Purina. Our Lennon is very small (5 pounds)1 year and 3 month year old Morkie with a sensitive tummy and often picky. I am thinking about taking back her current Prairie Gold Adult Grain-Free (we got this because we thought the grain free limited ingredient might help) and starting over with a different brand. If anyone has any suggestions for a dry non raw food we would love to hear it!
Cheers,
Ryan & Anna Luse