[Eileen H]

Hi Fanette,
Sorry to hear you are having so many issues. Unfortunately I know how you feel. My dog (Dolce who is 5) was diagnosed with pancreatitis/IBD about 2 years ago. My Vet put him on Royal Canin Gastrointestinal food which is low fat/higher protein and probiotics. He was doing great on that diet. However about 3 months ago his tests came back and he has kidney disease. Also because his kidneys weren’t functioning properly his blood pressure was high so he is on medication for that which has helped lower it significantly. Have you had that checked? We switched him to a low protein diet which is higher in fat and he couldn’t tolerate the fat. So we mixed in white rice and a very small piece of chicken (1 tsp). We ended up having to put him back on the gastrointestinal food and antibiotics to get his pancreatitis under control. Once that is better we are going to try Hills G/D prescription food to see if he can tolerate the fat content. If he can’t I’m not sure what else to do. There is the Balanceit Diet that we considered but it is all supplements which I don’t know much about.

I’d love to hear other people’s thoughts/comments if they have had similar issues with their
dogs.

Thanks!

[BaileysMom86]

Hello, I have an 8 year old Lhasa/Shih Tzu mix (our best guess since he was a stray) named Bailey that we adopted him from the humane society 6 years ago. Bailey has licked his paws and everything else (the floor, the couch, us) since the day I adopted him and I have gone to many vets over the years, tried all different kinds of foods, etc. He has been on grain free food since a few weeks after I adopted him. We tried many brands over the years, but Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream was what we fed him for years because he would actually eat it (he’s very picky) and didn’t seem to bother him. He started to like it less and less and I had to coax him to eat. So at the beginning of August last year, I went to the pet store and asked if they would recommend a food that Bailey would eat and one that had very good nutrition to help my other dog shed a few pounds (she has no licking issues, she was just a little overweight that exercise wasn’t helping). He recommended Acana Singles lamb and apple. I transitioned him over and things went well at first, Bailey loved the food and I hadn’t seen him excited for meal time like that before. Then, at the end of August/beginning of September, things changed. One day, pretty much overnight, he went from licking his paws to biting them to the point they bled. He attacked all 4 paws and his “armpits” to the point they lost all fur and were a mess. We put an e-collar on him to prevent further damage and went to our vet. He was given medication for a staph infection, along with ketoconazole pills. His wounds healed, slowly, but he still attacked his paws every time we took the e-collar off. He would also contort and get to his back paw every now and then even with the e-collar. The vet pushed for hypoallergenic food and Apoquel. I told her I was going to switch him back to Taste of the Wild instead and she prescribed him a course of Temaril P to help with the itching, which did not help one single bit. I tried a lot of shampoos, olive oil in his food, Sulfodene ointment, seasonal allergy chews, basically anything I could find over the counter to help him so we could finally take the e-collar off. Nothing worked. I bathed him in Zymox shampoo one day and he broke out in red bumps down his back and extending to his belly and legs. They looked like hives and formed greenish/tan crusts. So I went to a different vet that was recommended by my mother in law. That vet recommended a Cytopoint shot so we had it done and it did absolutely nothing for Bailey’s itching. They also gave powder to put in between his toes to stop the itching and a shampoo to help his skin. Nothing helped and he was still having to live in the e-collar. So they thought it might be sarcoptic mange and gave him a Frontline injection, which did not help. Then they recommended Apoquel. I had a lot of concerns about that medication, but desperate for some relief for Bailey, I gave it to him. It helped a tiny bit, but not enough to take him off the e-collar and not enough to make me want to continue. Also, a small mass he had on his gums where he had lost a tooth swelled up to the point that I was very concerned so we stopped the Apoquel. Thankfully, the mass shrank back down to the size it was before the Apoquel and today it is gone completely. Then they recommended allergy testing and that was very far out of my budget given the pretty hefty bill I had already accumulated at that point.

So, frustrated and desperate to find answers, I did a lot of research online to see if anyone else had experienced the issues Bailey was facing and learned about systemic yeast infection and correlation to food…which I have also recently (in the past 2 days) read many feel are unrelated. But anyways, in April this year, I put him a home cooked diet of ground beef (73/27), hard boiled eggs including the shell, Nupro Gold supplement, and an omega 3/omega 6 oil blend made by Ark Naturals. The changes he went through while on that diet were interesting to say the least. After about a week in, his white/cream fur turned dark pink in many places-down his legs, around his face, on his rear. This happened pretty much overnight and I was excited, thinking this was the yeast coming out (as I had previously researched). The fur color went back to normal about a week later. Then, his fur started falling out on its own (we had him in an e-collar still). It happened in patches. He didn’t get any ear infections since I started the diet though. In fact, his ears were cleaner than they had ever been since I adopted him, so that was a positive sign I held on to despite the loss of fur being a shock. Then, about 4 weeks in, he started getting a thick, green discharge from his eyes and some of the fur around his eyes fell out (but not all of it) and the skin was red. And all of the fur on his chest and neck fell out and the skin was red, hot and inflamed. He smelled terribly of Fritos and my house smelled terrible. All of this was very, very concerning but I told myself this was still the yeast and bathed him regularly with a holistic anti bacterial neem/tea tree shampoo and tried to keep him comfortable. A week later, he was still experiencing the fur loss/red skin and he also got a bad ear infection and his ear was swollen worse than I had ever seen it. The fur on the underside of his ear came off easily in chunks when I tried to clean his ears and put drops in. Then, the following day a benign cyst he had on his tail from the day I adopted him burst. I expressed as much of the black gunk as I could but was concerned about the bleeding and risk of infection (and everything else that was going on) so I took him to the vet again the next day. I told them about my systemic yeast theory, everything I was doing with his diet and everything he had experienced. They were concerned that he was possibly allergic to the eggs or beef I was feeding him and told me those were highly allergic foods. I was shocked and didn’t want to give up after being on the diet for less than 6 weeks, but I was very concerned about the state he was in. They gave him a steroid shot, more medication for his ear infection, a new chlorhexadine based shampoo and mousse, and a prescription for Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed food. They also sent me home with prednisone pills to use if the steroid shot didn’t help. I transitioned him to the new food. His ear infection cleared up with the meds. The steroid shot gave him some relief from itching for about 2 weeks, but it progressed back to him being very itchy. I called the vet and started him on the prednisone pills, but they didn’t help at all. Now, 5 weeks after I started him on the prescription food, he is absolutely miserable. He is still in an e-collar. He has been able to get it off a few times and he has chewed his paws bloody in a matter of seconds. I know he has not been on the food the recommended amount of time to truly evaluate it, but he is so itchy, rubs himself on anything he can, licks his e-collar constantly and will try to chew his paws the second he is done eating.

I can find a lot of information on yeast online, but very little on the symptoms dogs face during yeast die-off, only that it will usually get worse before it gets better. I know every dog is different, but I can’t find any personal accounts/experiences which is confusing. Then, I also recently read that many people say diet can’t create or eliminate yeast issues and that was a myth perpetuated by a vet on the internet. I’m so confused with information overload and saddened that my dog has had to live almost a year in an e-collar and is so miserable. Does anyone have feedback on the symptoms I described to determine if it was an effect of yeast die-off, or an allergic reaction to beef or eggs like the vet thought? I have been doing research on the internet this week trying to decide what move to make next in regards to getting my dog some relief from his itchiness and I’m trying to decide between keeping him on the hydrolyzed food, switching him to another food, going back to homemade, or doing something else. Thank you and I’m sorry this is so long!

[Scarlett B]

Today I watched the info-mercial…and some of the things I don’t like are the suggestion that those of us who will not feed this to our pups must not love them as much as those who can afford to buy it. KatJ-your post was ok the first time, but posting the same thing over is akin to trolling. I think it would actually be cheaper if you bought the raw ingredients, chopped them, then fed to your pups. We LOVE our Exeptional Eight, all rescues, but unless we both go back to work to supplement our income, there is NO way we can afford to feed this to our pack. For those of you whose sweeties’ health conditions improved, it is probably cheaper to feed this food than all the vet bills and cost of meds. Not to mention the side effects of the meds and the pain and suffering your fur babies had to endure on other foods.

I looked on Chewy for Wellness Core Tender Bites as you have suggested. If you order on autoship, you get another 5% off. It has good reviews as well. If it is your first time ordering autoship, you can get a whopping 40% off on the first one. I would order 1 bag to see if my pet likes it, then order enough for 16 weeks. You can cancel anytime.

I just ordered Stella& Chuy’s meal mixers on amazon through subscribe and save and received 15% off. The 18 oz bags are $36.99 if you place a one-time order-still expensive, but a lot less than Dr. Marty’s. This has a 4.5 star rating on Dog Food Advisor. No controversial ingredients. I really bought these as treats, not as foods. You can also purchase 8oz bag for $19.99.

This is what I found for those of you who are looking for a more cost-effective alternative, after searching for air-dried grain-free dog food: MeatMax or MaxMeat air dried and grain free. the chicken variety tested on Dogfood Advisor rated it 5 stars. No controversial ingredients. It comes in 2-lbs=23.99, 7.5 lbs=79.99 & 2×7.5lbs=151.99. On your first one-time order you will get 15%off. If you decide you want autoship, you will receive 15% off for as long as you want to keep getting this dog food. You can cancel anytime, or if you find your dog(s) are not eating as much as before, you can pause and resume later. Shipping over $60 is free. Flavors are: Beef, Chicken, Lamb&Cod (out of stock at the moment). You can get the 2×7.5 lbs as a variety pack with any two of the 3 flavors. I will try a one time shipment of the beef and chicken variety pack for 129.99. That is around $8.50/lb. Customers have given it a 4.5 star rating.

Not advertising for anyone, just trying to feed our sweeties as well as possible. We have been feeding them 4Health from TSC, a cost-effective, well rated dog-food. We usually stock up when we get the 10% coupons for being in the Neighbors Club and purchasing discounted gift cards.

[Susan]

Hi Jaskirat,
Go to pet shop & buy a Large Breed Puppy dry kibble, this way your puppy will get all the nutritents he/she needs for growing & bones while she/he’s a pup..
google “Diet for Large Breed Puppy”

* “Royal Canine” wrote-
The growth rate of a puppy is influenced by the nutrient density of the food and the amount of food fed. Regardless of whether puppies grow slow or fast, they will still reach a similar adult weight. It is critical that puppies are fed for optimal growth and bone development, rather than maximal growth to avoid skeletal abnormalities.

Three dietary components have been implicated as factors that increase the incidence of skeletal disease in large and giant breed puppies; protein, calcium and energy.

* “Hills” Wrote-
Large and giant breed dogs — Great Danes, German shepherds, Labrador retrievers and the like — have different nutritional needs than smaller breeds. All puppies are born with their bones still developing, but large breed puppies are more susceptible to developmental bone and joint disease during their rapid growth phase to 1 year of age. In fact, large breeds reach 50 percent of their body weight at around 5 months of age. Smaller breeds reach 50 percent of their body weight at around 4 months of age.
The growth rates of all puppies are dependent on the food that they eat. Puppies should be fed to grow at an average, rather than a maximum, growth rate. Compared to smaller-sized puppies, large breed puppies need restricted levels of fat and calcium to moderate their rate of growth. They’ll still reach their full-grown size, just over a longer period of time, which will result in healthy development of bones and joints for these breeds.
Two key nutrients that should be decreased for large breed puppies are fat (and total calories) and calcium:
*Fat: High fat/calorie intake causes rapid weight gain, and bones/muscles aren’t developed enough to support the excessive body weight. Controlling the fat level and total calories in the food for these puppies may help reduce the risk of developmental bone and joint problems.
*Calcium: Excessive calcium intake increases the likelihood of skeletal problems. It is also recommended that calcium supplements not be fed with any commercial pet food for growth.

Kibbles to look at
“Eagle Pack” Large breed puppy dry formula for puppy
“Eagle Pack” Large Breed Adult dry formula for your adult dog
“Canidae” Large Breed, All Life Stages Turkey & Brown Rice formula can be feed to both your dogs.
“Wellness Core Large Breed Puppy…
“Wellness Core” Large Breed Adult..
“4Health” Grain Free Large Breed Puppy.
“4Health” Grain Free Large Breed Adult. Sold at Tractor Supply shop & is cheaper..

If you’re on facebook join a Canine Raw Feeding group..
“The Australian Raw Feeding Community” f/b group, is really good & help starters.
Also look at buying & adding tin sardines in spring water or Olive Oil to diet as Sardines have Vitamins, Minerals, Omega fatty oils, Calcium etc add 2 spoons sardines a day to 1 of their meals to help balance their raw diet…

*Nutrition Facts
Sardine, Atlantic, canned in oil
Amount Per 100 grams

Calories 208

Total Fat 11 g-16%
Saturated fat 1.5 g-7%
Polyunsaturated fat 5 g
Monounsaturated fat 3.9 g
Cholesterol 142 mg-47%
Sodium 505 mg-21%
Potassium 397 mg-11%
Total Carbohydrate 0 g-0%
Dietary fiber 0 g-0%
Sugar 0 g
Protein 25 g-50%
Vitamin A-2%
Vitamin C-0%
Calcium-38%
Iron-16%
Vitamin D-48%
Vitamin B-6-10%
Vitamin B-12-148%
Magnesium-9%

Just make sure you check the salt % & get the lowest salt% can of Sardines in spring water or olive Oil cans.

[Susan]

Hi Jennifer,

What about if you wipe around your pups mouth with a baby wipe after he has eaten, then keep him away from your son for 30-60mins, give your dog some water so he has a drink & washes the food out of mouth down into stomach, would this make a difference if he licks your boy?

A Study found that children that grew up with a dog had a stronger immune system then children that didn’t have a dog… you can google it
Study: Why Dogs and Cats Make Babies Healthier

Here’s
“Eagle Pack” Large/Gaint breed Puppy dry formula.
Eagle Pack is made by “Wellpet” who make Holistic Select & Wellness dog & cat foods.

INGREDIENTS
Lamb Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Brown Rice, Dehulled Barley, Rice, Chicken Meal, Brewers Dried Yeast, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Inulin, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid], Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate], Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Trichoderma reesei Fermentation Product, Dried Rhizopus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
This is a naturally preserved product.

Here’s “Eagle Pack” Large & Giant Breed Adult kibble

INGREDIENTS
Chicken Meal, Pork Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Rice, Dehulled Barley, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Flaxseed, Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid], Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate], Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Inulin, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Trichoderma reesei Fermentation Product, Dried Rhizopus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
This is a naturally preserved product.

[Tiffany T]

I have a 55lb. amstaff/cattle dog male (Ronan), and a 47lb. GSD mix girl (Aria).

Over the past two months we had been making the switch from Taste of the Wild kibble to a completely raw diet. It started out as a meal here and there, then for several weeks they had kibble for breakfast and raw for dinner. They seemed to be doing great, and I love how much they acted like they loved their food, and how long it took them to eat it (especially their favorite RMB, turkey necks!).

Since it had been two months, I figured it was time to see if they were ready to have a full week of raw. I was doing great at balancing their food I thought (had been doing research through the roof). They were having 1oz. of liver every day, fish once a week, 1 RMB a day (chicken thighs, turkey necks, pork necks, and the like), and other things like goat milk, carrots, snap peas, raspberries, blueberries, pumpkin, etc.

Well, that Monday they caught themselves a rabbit out in the backyard. And I foolishly let them eat it, not thinking about parasites, disease, etc… they ate the WHOLE thing. Aria got all the guts (including the intestines) and Ronan ate the top half. Later that day, Aria threw up EVERYWHERE. Probably the entirety of the rabbit she had eaten. So I fasted both of them for 24hrs.

4 days pass, and suddenly Aria gets ill. She threw up a very foul-smelling brown sludge all over my kitchen and dining room. I didn’t know what to feed them since she was sick, so I backed up and give them both kibble. And while were were outside that morning, she was unable to poop (straining, but nothing coming out). Immediately I was thrown into a panic thinking she had an intestinal blockage from the pork necks I had given them the day before. We rushed to the vet who did x-rays, but they came back fine, other than she had an abundance of gas (but she’s always been a gassy dog).

So we went back home with instructions to just take it easy. We went outside and she was able to poop a very small amount, but it was also a brown sludge of diarrhea with some blood in it. And then a couple hours later, she threw up her kibble breakfast. So we went back to the vet for another x-ray and the stool sample.

Our diagnoses that day was gastroenteritis and hookworms. We were given antibiotics, and here we are 4 days later, and I finally have my normal Aria back.

I am just shook by this entire experience, because I don’t know what caused her to become ill. Was is the rabbit she had eaten 4 days before her sick episode? Did I get her something that completely threw her off? I had given her anything she hadn’t eaten before…

It is unfortunate to say that we are now back on kibble with the occasional supplement of goat milk yogurt, cooked chicken, and rice. I do not know where to go from here, because I don’t want to pay another $300 vet bill if she gets sick again. Perhaps I am too close to the situation. I just have no idea what I should be feeding them at this point, and even though she did not have an intestinal blockage, I scared myself so badly with the thought that day that I am now worried about it.

If you’ve read this far, thank you… sorry to be so long winded. Any advice is appreciated.

TLDR: Dogs were making a transition to raw. They caught and ate their own wild rabbit. Aria got extremely ill 4 days later, vet diagnoses was gastroenteritis and hookworms. I am now scared to feed raw because of my fear that it may not have been the rabbit that made her ill but I have no idea… and I am also extremely worried about intestinal blockages.

Thanks,
Tiffany

[Kimberly S]

Have either of you tried purchasing your supplements online through Chewy or 1800PETMEDS? Just a suggestion for a cost savings measure. Especially if this is something that your fur babies need to be on forever it might be worth a look. Just a suggestion.
Best of luck in keeping your babies healthy!!
That’s what is important.
Kim

[Susie]

I will add that I think mine was low prior to being on Pepcid. He was having major gi issues and diagnosed with IBD. He was low folate too. We supplement b12 and folate because b12 needs folate to absorb.

[Susie]

Mine takes PEpcid also and was super low on b12. So now we buy cobalequin b12 from our vet and he gets it daily. I’m concerned too because i don’t know if the supplements work when on Pepcid. You can test b12 and folate. It isn’t cheap. I don’t know if knowing their b12 serum is really going to matter though because maybe it will show high since they are being supplemented. I wish i had answers for you and me. Is your dog on Pepcid forever? Mine is supposed to be. I give it about 3 times a week now instead of daily. Please post if you find anything out. Maybe someone will have answers for us.

[Christopher E]

Madison et al… I started this thread when I myself was eating a vegan diet. Although I still believe that eating vegan is the healthiest choice for both myself and my dog, I didn’t have the conviction necessary to stay away from meat and dairy, which I love. But my dog, on the other hand, has to eat what I give her. Clearly she would prefer a steak over a carrot… as would most any human; but I have decided what I believe to be the healthiest diet for her… which is a diet low in carcinogens and, more importantly cancer growing fuel… cancer is, after all, the number one killer among K9s.

Madison, I understand that you feel a need to defer to what your vet tells you, but there is a flaw in your logic… doctors, by and large, do not know anything about nutrition. Medical schools have only recently begun offering basic introductory courses on nutrition… it is just not what they are trained for.

99%+ of doctors (human) who would actually be willing to discuss diet with you would tell you that eating a 100% vegan diet is not healthy… but you still do it.

I am not pushing my ideals/morality/etc onto my dog as many other posters have stated or alluded to. Even when I was eating vegan I was doing it solely for health reasons. Don’t get me wrong, I was also happy that I was creating less of a negative impact on the environment and that animals were not being mistreated because of my diet… but those were just added benefits.

I feed my dog nature’s balance vegan dry kibble, along with a plethora of supplements (see below), simply because I want for her to live another 10 years and remain as energetic, lucid and healthy as she always has been.

(Vitamins: A,D,E,C,K,B-1,2,6,12,Panthothenic Acid, Folic Acid, Paba, Choline, Inositol, Rutin,Biotin; Minerals: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, Cooper, manganese, iodine, sulphuric, silica, molybdenum, boron, selenium, iron; Protein: alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, asparagine, cystine, cystiene, glycine, glutamic acid, histidine, hydroxyproline, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methsonine, valine, ornithine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, glutamine, tyrosine, taurine; Enzymes: amlase, trypsin, papain, lipase, protease, protease, bromelain, pepsin, ditase, pectase; Essential Farty Acids: arachidonic acid, linolenic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid (Norwegian Kelp, ground Flaxseed, nutritional yeast, garlic, calcium citrate, lecithin, borage seed, lactobacillus, acidophilus + amino acids and enzymes))

[weezerweeks]

Sorry anon but I think any medicine like metacam that can destroy liver and kidneys is not good for longer than 2 weeks. I found thesupplement from Mercola’s calledcurcumin and it helps. I think this is the ingredient in Tumeric. I take Tumeric for my arthritis and it really helps. I need suggestions for good digestive enzyme. Thanks

[Susan]

Hi Miriam,
the Hills Mobility wet & dry dog food or any other dog foods for Arthritis are very high in Omega 3 oils, omega 3 is an anti inflammatory very good for Arthritis, this would have given your girl the bad acid reflux this happens with my 9 yrs old boy also, look for a food that agrees with her, can you cook some of her meals?? a cooked balance diet is heaps better then feeding a dry kibble & it probably won’t cause any stomach problems, just make sure the fat isn’t too high as high fat diet can also cause acid reflux…then start adding supplements to her diet that will help with with her Arthritis but I have found most of the supplements or meds for Arthritis can cause bad acid reflux & stomach problems with myself & my dog, so I avoid them now..
I buy my boy “K-9 Natural” Freeze Dried Green Lipped Mussles & & give him 1-2 mussles a day they agree with him & green lipped mussels are really good for arthritis also have you tried Glucosamine & Chondroitin tablets? you can give your girl the Glucosamine/Chondroitin tablets that’s for humans….
Many veterinarians recommend approximately 500 mg of Glucosamine and 400 mg of Chondroitin per 25 pounds-11kgs. For oral Glucosamine for dogs, here’s the daily dosage that one veterinarian recommends: Dogs 5-20 pounds = 2-9kgs give 250-500 mg per day.

I bought a Wheat heat pack for my dog, you put the wheat pack in the Microwave for 1-2 mins & then I wrap the Wheat pack in a tea towel if its too hot & I put on my boy lower back where his Arthritis pain is, you could use a hot water bottle but they can be dangerous with dogs,…
I also walk my dog for 15min walk every morning & afternoon at first my joints are really stiff & sore but once you start walking your joints become better, start taking your dog on a little walk in morning & afternoon, not real big long walks, just small 15min walk to begin with then after 2 weeks see does she want to walk for 20mins… make sure she is not over weight as this makes Arthritis worse…also when its cold keep her joints warm & put on a jumper or dog jacket…

Ask your vet about “Zydax” injection (unlike other drugs) it treats the disease process that causes arthritis – not just the symptoms. It works on the cartilage and joint fluids inside the joints, reducing friction and pain. A course of 4 weekly injections will often provide 6 – 12 months of relief from arthritis – reducing or eliminating the need for other drugs. The injections are given under the skin (just like a vaccination). They aren’t expensive ($23 – $42 per injection*) and you pay a consultation fee only on the first visit. Zydax works in 80% of cases
A good supplement in Australia is “Glyde” powder & Chews – containing chondroitin, glucosamine and green-lipped mussel powder.

I feed my boy “Wellness Core” Large Breed dry food, it’s high in protein-35%, low fat-13% low carbs-31% & this kibble doesnt cause any acid reflux with my boy like other dry or wet foods cause…..I dont know if you can get the Wellness Core large breed in Spain or online, maybe Wellness is sold on Amazon.
Another good dry food is “Canidae” Pure Meadow Senior….

[Anand V]

Hi Sloan,
I did switch but went with Quest Raw…they are a subsidiary of Pets 4 Life. She’s done very well on it and with supplements I’ve added as well, skin and fur look great. I feed her their Turkey, Salmon, Duck and beef. They’re preprepared patties…she loves them.
Anand.

[pitlove]

Hi Sanford-

Since Earthborn states that is a complete and balanced food, there is no reason to add this type of supplement to your pets diet.

The only type of supplement that I would encouragee you to add since it sounds like your dog is overweight is a fish oil or glucosamine supplement to help slow down arthritis.

[anonymous]

Have you read the ingredients?
Ingredients: Chicken Liver Dried, Wheat Bran, Wheat Germ, Brewer’s Yeast Dried,Calcium Carbonate, Dried Apple, Calcium Phosphate,
Cod Liver Oil, Parsley, Apple Cider Vinegar, Alfalfa, Dried Kelp, Dandelion Root, Garlic, Calcium Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Ginger, Natural Mixed Tocopherols, Citric Acid, Rosemary Extract.

The price
1 pound – $20.00 plus S/H
5 pound – $90.00 plus S/H

“ENDURANCE is a unique supplement formulated for dogs and cats that are fed commercial kibble or canned food. Both can experience allergies, skin problems, constant shedding, bad breath, chronic ear discharges and digestive upsets”.

Wow! Sounds like a miracle supplement, lol! 😉

I see nothing unique about the ingredients. Most of the better kibbles have these ingredients included anyway.

CAVEAT EMPTOR

[anonymous]

For science based veterinary medicine go to http://skeptvet.com/Blog/

On the right under categories click on “herbs and supplements”

Very informative site.

[sanford h]

I have been giving this powder supplement to my Cavalier Spaniel for since he was 3 months old. He is a bit over 2 yrs now and is doing well. He is active, eats well, and seems very happy. I wonder if it is necessary to add this supplement to his meal (Earthborne Weight Control Kibble). His medical tests are excellent and I am never sure that adding these supplement are just a waste of money. Being in the health field, I know that the arbitrary use of vitamins by healthy individuals does not provide any additional benefit except to make a lighter wallet. I am open to any thoughts on this. Thanks,
S.Hochman

[Cathy J]

My 4 year old 90 pound Pitbull/??? mix has patellar luxation and has been recommended for surgery. I’m wondering if a trial of supplements and some type of Joint/diet special dog food might help the problem and maybe avoid surgery. Any suggestions of a reasonable dog food and supplements? He also has some allergies so add grain free to that request.

[Susan]

Hi Bonnie,
sounds like he does NOT need any high fiber foods, pumkin is high in soluble fiber, look for foods that have In-soluble fiber or not much fiber at all, as you can see the high fiber isnt working if after he ate pumkin he was shooting liquid poo like a hose….
Dogs do not need any fiber in their diet my vet told me, they have a short digestive tract & fiber isn’t really needed in their diet…
Ask vet can you try
Vet Diet “Royal Canin” Hypoallergenic HP wet can food the R/C HP wet can food is for dogs with food sensitivities, Colitis, when they have diarrhea, mucus jelly poo’s, the fiber is only 1% or there’s “Royal Canine” Gastrointestinal Low Fat wet can food the fiber is low at 1.7% helps firm up poo’s.
Hills I/D Digestive Care Chicken & Vegetables Stew wet can is low fiber or there’s Hills I/d Digestive Care low fat, Rice, Vegetable & Chicken stew wet, all these wet can foods are low fiber & smell really good, for dogs with poor appetite.
Have you tried the wet can Hills K/D Kidney Care, Chicken & Vegetable stews small can 156g??
the Hills K/d Chicken & Vegetable stew wet can food has been made specially for dogs with reduced appetite when they have Kidney Disease…
How does he do on boiled rice? as the Hills I/d & K/d wet can stews have pieces of boiled rice, my boy has IBD & he can not eat any boiled rice, it irritates his bowel more, he squirts out water diarrhea, so I have to pick out all the pieces of boiled rice, he really loves the Hills I/d Chicken & Vegetable stew…
Have you tried boil potato? boiled potato works really good to firm up dog poo when he has diarrhea, when you mash the boiled potato & add some blended meat that’s been in the food blender they don’t know there’s any potato in their meal they think they’re just having meat, or whatever meat your feeding them, Tin Salmon is a food dogs love aswell just check the salt isn’t too high, I buy the small tins of Salmon in Spring water & Tuna in spring water & add boiled sweet Potato but you’d need to add boil potato instead of sweet potato as sweet potato is higher in fiber….

Why he refuses the Metamucil & pumkin dogs are very smart & if something doesnt agree with them or makes them feel sick, pain or the smell might make him feel sick so they refuse it, we think they’re fussy dogs but I’ve found over the years when cats & dogs started feeling unwell after eating then they become fussy eaters over the years also when a certain food makes him feel sick or pain then next time he will probably refuse this food, my old cat was the same he had Kidney disease in the end & he also suffered with acid reflux aswell, is your vet treating him with a medication for acid reflux? this might be why he’s not wanting to eat cause after eating food he gets his acid reflux? my boy stops drinking water when he gets his acid reflux, have you tried a acid reducer like Pepcid (Famotidine) or Zantac (Rantidine) or an acid blocker like Omerprazole (Prilosec) ask vet next time you see him. He might feel sick & not want to eat or has no appetite, the digestive enzymes might make things worse or better, my vet always says, it’s best to only start & introduce 1 new medication & supplement at 1 time over 3-4 days so you’ll know what is working & what might make things worse??
Does your vet know much about IBD?? are you on facebook? there’s a group called
“Irritable Bowel Disease & G.I Related Diseases in Dogs, UK” you dont have to be from the UK to join, you’ll get alot of help from other people who have elderly dogs with a few health problems that are very fussy eaters aswell…..
Bone broth, Yogurt , Cottage cheese mix with a meat is suppose to be good, add 1 teaspoon to start with & see does he likes yogurt or cottage cheese…
I give my boy the Yakult its a probiotic drink excellent when human or dog has diarrhea, the Probiotic drink Yakult starts to firm poo’s, Patch gets about 3 spoons in a bowl he loveshis Yakult drink…
Prednisone gives my my diarrhea vet should of given him 14-21 day course of Metronidazole (Flagyl) for diarrhea….
I hope the Predisone firms up poo’s but has he always done watery poos? or has this just started?

[Patricia A]

Long story short my two Chihuahuas’ are not doing well on Stella n Chewy’s freeze dried toppers . I switched to this healthy topper when my picky 3 year old refused to eat Health Extension topper (supplement only one). Tia my seven year old started gaining weight no matter how many walks and how little I gave. She was always a little over weight .I only gave the chicken and vensison since that’s what advisor gave 5 stars . My picky one refused to eat it and I would hand feed to only to throw up later. I realized that it was VERY high in fat and it as written by advisor NOT FOR EVERY DOG. I do want to little by little add the Stella Chewy’s small breed baked dry kibble chicken or whitefish since that shows only 44% fat and is five star. Fromm four star Nutritionals I feed was also putting weight on Tia due to high fat . So I would like options PLEASE on five star canned toppers. My choices would be…..

Health Extensions Grain Free Stews 65% Protein to fat
Fromm Pate Grain Free recipes (The 5* ones) 53% Protein to fat
Wellness Stew Protein to fat 50%
Don’t mind the little higher fat in the Health Extensions since I want to gradually switch to the lower fat Stella Chewy’s kibble.
My 16 year old Hannah is still on Fromm with topper of chicken supplement health ext and has done well on this so no switching for her. Thank you for any advice.

[anonymous]

What does your vet advise? Give him a call if you haven’t does so already. Leave a message for him to call you back when he has a minute.
He may want you to bring the dog in, he may be dehydrated and need medical attention.

Do not give over the counter meds and supplements unless advised to do so by a veterinarian that has examined the dog.
Esecially if the medications are not intended for veterinary use.

[Ellies Parents]

My pup needed Vitamin C supplements, and I had issues finding one that she could absorb. I saw the most improvement when I gave her blueberries as treats. Her body was able to absorb those. The Vitamin C supplements I bought for her were for dogs, but I don’t think her body was absorbing it. If you can find glucosamine in its natural form, I would recommend that

[haleycookie]

A vet will likely recommend cosequin. I’ve put many peoples dogs on it who could barely walk anymore and within a couple months of daily cosequin it made a huge difference. That’s probably the only over the counter joint supplement I would recommend.

[haleycookie]

Whole hearted has a hydrolyzed salmon formula. It’s a skin and coat formula. It’s only available at Petco but if you read the reviews on the website there are others who were in the same situation as you and found this to be a great alternative. It is the only hydrolyzed non prescription food I’ve heard of. And it’s reasonably priced.
Ingredients
Peas, pea flour, hydrolyzed salmon, sunflower oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), flaxseed, natural salmon flavor, tomato pomace, salmon oil (a source of omega-3 fatty acids), dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, choline chloride, taurine, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid (preservative), vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), , vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid.

[Anonymous]

My dog is having joint pain.
Is it good to feed him with glucosamine supplement?

[Lori H]

Hi Simone,

My dog Buddy has been through a lot, much like your dog. He just turned 10 and during his life he has had surgery on his spleen, surgery for bladder stones, been diagnosed with Diabetes and I was told by my vet that he was suffering from liver failure and was preparing me for the fact that Buddy was going to die. The liver failure diagnosis was over a year ago and today, he is healthy, happy, looks amazing and has so much energy. I just had him into the vet for blood work Friday and his numbers are almost perfect! It has been am amazing turnaround so I know how you feel. I basically had to get him healthy myself. My vet did not support my decision to do what I did, but it does not matter, he is healthy and that is all that matters!

I now believe wholeheartedly that most vets know nothing about nutrition. They are told to carry a line of food in their offices by one of the large pharma/dog food companies because most of these companies go out and recruit at the vet universities across the United States when vets are in school and provide them with a kickback when the sell either Science Diet or Royal Canin in their clinics, up to 40%. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my vet, I just don’t believe he knows much of anything about nutrition. He has been great to me, my dog Buddy and my three cats. He is good at what he does, diagnose and perform much needed surgeries and procedures. He did Buddy’s bladder stone surgery which has complications.

I was at my wits end as well and thought that I was going to lose Buddy, but I was not willing to give up so I did a Google search and found an amazing person who brought Buddy back to the healthy dog he is.

Buddy is on a very special diet and he has made huge strides in the last 10+ months. He is a very healthy dog to what he was 6 months ago.

I worked with a man named Rick Scheyer. He has an amazing website http://www.doglivershunt.com He has helped many dogs with liver shunt, kidney disease, bladder stone problems and much, much more become healthy dogs again. I would suggest reaching out to him for a free consultation. It might be the answer you need.

If you choose to go with his program, it is not cheap, but I believe that over time, I will save money by not taking Buddy to the vet time and time again because I don’t know what is wrong and having a battery of tests run and racking up bills in the thousands, I have been there!

He was slowly weened off of his processed food Science Diet U/D and placed on a diet of fresh veggies and meat based on a very slow transition to follow with Rick’s help.

Buddy’s diet is a balance of ¾ veggies to ¼ meats. Dogs with liver issues do not need as much protein as you would expect. He gets lots of yellow veggies (squash, tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, celery, carrots, Brussel sprouts, snap peas, etc.) along with hemp oil and nori blended with goat yogurt into almost a smoothie consistency. I then add meats, liver is great as it helps to detoxify the liver (funny that you feed liver to a dog with liver issuesJ) and then he gets a variety of supplements. He receives three gut supplements in the morning (Acidophilus, Bifudus and a Spectrabiotic) along with an Enzyme and something called Whole Body. In the evenings he gets the Enzyme, Whole Body and a Mushroom supplement. The process to make his food is not that time consuming and if you are at your wits end like I was, I was ready to do anything.

He also gets to have as much goat yogurt as he wants with coconut oil. He also gets sweet potato chews and coconut slices.

He is also allowed to eat fruits, not during his morning and evening meals since they digest differently than veggies, but he has not yet warmed up to them yet. I don’t know if he ever will.

He is doing great! He has so much energy and the numbers don’t lie! I got a glucose meter and I am going to start checking his levels daily. I would really like to get him off the insulin if I can. I believe the medicine is what causes the blindness, not the actual diabetes, my vet believes otherwise.

My vet has not said much of anything. I explained I was taking him off the prescription food and putting him on this program and he never responded. When I took him in the last time for blood work, I think he was surprised Buddy was doing so well, but did not ask me further about what I was doing. He is a pretty straight and narrow vet and I don’t think he looks outside the box. If Buddy’s glucose numbers continue to decline, I will take him back and back off on the number of units he is given. Now it is just maintenance and keeping a spreadsheet and monitoring how he is doing.

I suggest reaching out. I think Rick saved Buddy’s life. I took him to the vet in October to have blood work done and he is perfectly healthy!

Let me know if I can be of anymore help.

Good luck on your search and reach out if you have further questions or concerns. It was hard to take the jump and trust someone other than my vet with my dogs nutritional health, but I am so glad that I did.

Lori

[crazy4cats]

You choose the ingredients and the amount of protein and fat you want on balanceit’s site. They then calculate how much of each you need then determine which and how much of their supplement you need to make it complete and balanced.

Good luck with the Wellness Core!

[Susan]

Hi Stacey.
Raw is easier to digest then cooked, raw food has enzymes, when we cook food we kill the enzymes……
What are the ingredients, he’s eating in his raw diet?
When my boy does bad smelly farts, gets bad wind & wind pain means he’s sensitive to an ingredient he’s eating, I’d re start his diet, start feeding him an elimination raw diet, just feed 1 lean muscle meat, say turkey, kangaroo or pork, I started with Kangaroo mince for breakfast & Chicken breast for dinner + blended green veggies + 1-2 blended fruits & 20mins after eating the chicken & blended veggies, Patch got 1 red hot swollen back paw & was licking his back paw like crazy, then he started farting, doing smelly farts, so I stopped the raw chicken & just feed him the Kangaroo mince & I was blending peeled green veggies, broccoli, celery, zucchini, apple & some parsley then freeze in a ice cube tray, 1 cube in tray is about 1 spoon, then you cover ice cube tray with cling wrap freeze & take out as you need the blendedveggies & fruit……

Feeding raw is so easy, easier then cooking their meals, I slowly added 1 spoon of the veggies/fruit mix then after 1 week whenPatches poos were firm I added 2 spoons of the blended veggies & fruit mix, you add 2 spoons of the blended fruit & veggies to 1 cup of raw meat for 40lb dog.
Slowly add 1 new ingredient to his diet over 1 week, then if he starts having bad wind then you know its the new ingredient you’ve started to add…..dont add too many things to his diet at once, you will not know what is causing what if he starts having health problems, farts, sloppy poos etc..

Organ meat is very rich & can cause diarrhea. gas etc, are you adding Liver, Kidney Hearts, Tongue etc, reduce the amount of organ meat if your addding any organ meat & see does he improve, or stop adding any organ meat for a couple of days & see if he’s better, then just start adding some organ meat only 3- 4 times a week to 1 of his meals..

You have to remember this dog stomach & bowel is probably use to processed dry kibble he may have never eaten a raw diet before & it can take a up to 3 months for his stomach/bowel to get healthy & strengthen up..

I bet you he loves his raw meals, my boy does, I’m introducing dehydrated free range raw to my 9yr old boy, he has IBD & food sensitivities, so I have to take baby steps with him…the Holistic Vet who helped make this new free range dehydrated freeze dried raw said it can take up to 6 months for their stomach bowel to get use to raw & to do it slowly with Patch but that’s cause Patch has IBD…

Just make sure you balance his diet over the week, doesnt have to be daily & add either tin salmon or sardines in spring water or olive oil, it adds EPA & DHA all those good fats we get from fish, add about 2 spoons to one of his meals a day, 40lb dog, add 1/4 can of sardines 1 serving per day…

Steve Brown also recommends adding, 1 heaped tablespoon of salmon, 1-2 mussels & a pinch of kelp, this will balance his raw diet, mussels are very healthy & have manganese, Iodine, Fats, Vitamin D, other vitamins & minerals he needs, Steve said just buy the frozen mussels in the freezer section at supermarket…
also Beets contain natural anti-inflammatory agent that support heart health, vitamins & minerals, B1,B2,B12 & C, copper magnesium, potatssium, iron, phosphorus & iodine protect us against liver disease & fatty liver disease, Steve recommended
“Olew Dehydrated Red Beets” dog Food Supplement trial size 1.01lb thru Amazon

[Susan]

Hi Sandra,

Have you look at different diets, cooked, raw, wet can, freeze dried, air dried, what are their symptoms?
Have you done a food elimination diet?
until you work out what both your dogs can & can’t eat, you’ll be going around in circles & getting no where, or work out if they need more fiber or less fiber?? that’s easy, start adding boiled pumkin 1-2 spoons to one of their meals & not to the other meal & see if poo is firmer from the added pumkin meal. Poo will be a bit more orange..

I did the same with my boy, he didnt seem to do well on no kibbles when I first rescued him, turned out to have IBD, food sensitivities & environment allergies finally after 5yrs I’ve worked out his kibble needs to be higher in protein, low in fat & low in fiber %, less carbs & more meat & the Wellness Core Large Breed seem to agree with him maybe your dogs are the same…need more meat proteins & less carbs, I also feed dehydrated raw for 1 of his meals, I’m trying to get him off kibble he has too many stomach problems on dry kibble.

Have you tried “Wellness Core” Large breed kibble, its money back guaranteed if it doesnt agree with your dogs, that’s why I tried it + I had run out of dry kibbles to try on Patch, it does have potato but its very high in meat protein, it has 3 meat proteins as 1st, 2nd & 3rd ingredients then a carb as 4th ingredient.
low in fat & fiber & only 30% carbs & only 346Kcals per cup so easier to digest, the higher the Kcals the more dense the kibble, so kibble is harder to digest.

It may not be the ingredients they are reacting too? maybe the fiber, fat & protein percentages may not be agreeing with them in the kibbles you’ve tried?…

*Wellness Core Large Breed formula,
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Tomato Pomace, Dried Ground Potatoes, Ground Flaxseed, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Chicken Flavor, Pea Fiber, Potassium Chloride, Spinach, Broccoli, Vitamin E Supplement, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Sweet Potatoes, Taurine, L-Carnitine, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Proteinate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
This is a naturally preserved product.
low in fat & fiber & only 30% carbs 346Kcals per cup,
it may not be the ingredients they are reacting too?? the fiber %, fat % & protein percentages may not be agreeing with them…

PROXIMATES:
MOISTURE
PROTEIN 34.17
FAT 12.88
CARBOHYDRATES 30.66
FIBER 4.89
ASH 7.56
AMINO ACIDS:
ARGININE 2.64
HISTIDINE 0.77
ISOLEUCINE 1.34
LEUCINE 2.20
LYSINE 1.98
MET + CYS 0.94
METHIONINE 0.57
PHE + TYR 2.40
PHENYLALANINE 1.37
THREONINE 1.31
TRYPTOPHAN 0.40
VALINE 1.53
FATTY ACIDS:
LINOLEIC ACID 2.19
ARACHIDONIC ACID 0.08
MINERALS:
CALCIUM 1.61
PHOSPHORUS 1.12
POTASSIUM 0.96
SODIUM 0.22
CHLORIDE 0.40
MAGNESIUM 0.17
IRON 254.27
COPPER 2.35
MANGANESE 2.82
ZINC 20.17
IODINE 0.29
SELENIUM 0.05
VITAMINS & OTHERS:
VITAMIN A 1,144.24 VITAMIN D3 84.63 VITAMIN E 62.67
VITAMIN K N/A THIAMINE (VITAMIN B1) 0.33 RIBOFLAVIN (VITAMIN B2) 0.76 PANTOTHENIC ACID 2.40
NIACIN 7.50
PYRIDOXINE 0.49
FOLIC ACID 23.44
BIOTIN 0.58 VITAMIN B12 7.96 CHOLINE 152.33
TAURINE 0.01
1 cup (g) 98
kcal/kg ME 3,540
kcal/cup 346
kcalories Total %
kcal- Protein 1,220 35.6%
kcal- Fat 1,117 32.5%
kcal- Carbohydrates 1,095 31.9%
Omega 3 Fatty Acids 1.00%
Omega 6 Fatty Acids 3.25%
Other Total per cup
Glucosamine Hydrochloride 750 mg/kg 73.3 mg
Chondroitin Sulfate 250 mg/kg 24.4 mg

[crazy4cats]

I agree! But, it seems like the fewer the ingredients, the higher the price. Maybe they need all the ingredients to meet AAFCO’s nutrient guidelines using food rather than supplements? Idk.

I’d like to make more homemade diets using Balanceits’s recipes, but just never seem to get around to it. 😏

I haven’t checked out the Wellness Core you mentioned. That line is a little too pricey. But, others have mentioned really liking it. Eagle Pack is made by the same company though. Fromm has a couple weight management formulas. The poultry one is Fromm Gold, the seafood is Fromm Gold Coast. They are both a little high in fiber, 7%, I believe. My dogs do well with that. Some dogs do not. I wouldn’t want to go any higher though. High fiber can interfere with dog’s anility to absorb all the nutrients.

Good luck on your quest for a second food!

[anonymous]

Nutrisca https://www.chewy.com/nutrisca-grain-free-salmon-chickpea/dp/35033

Ingredients
Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Salmon Meal, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Sunflower Oil, Pea Fiber, Flaxseed, Calcium Carbonate, Salmon Oil (a Source of DHA), Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Dried Eggs, Natural Flavor, Tomato Pomace, Carrots, Cranberries, Apricots, Choline Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Iron Proteinate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt Proteinate, Biotin, Selenium Yeast, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Rosemary Extract.
Caloric Content
3,680 Kcal/kg, 390 Kcal/cup

Zignature https://www.chewy.com/zignature-whitefish-limited/dp/118063

Ingredients
Whitefish, Whitefish Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Pea Flour, Sunflower Oil (Preserved with Citric Acid), Flaxseed, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Natural Flavors, Salt, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Cobalt Proteinate), Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Lactic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols.
Caloric Content
420 kcal/cup

[Maria M]

HI Steve,
Was wondering how things are going with your “fearful” greyhound. I also adopted through a greyhound only rescue agency and have what is considered a “spooky” greyhound as well. This is sometimes a greyhound trait and the reason some greyhounds end up in rescue. Obviously they are not going to be big winners on the track with fear issues. I did a ton of research myself and have gone to different veterinarians about this issue, as well as the group I adopted her from. I have had her 3 years now and she is still a spooky girl. She is MUCH better since I first brought her home, with ME and one other person. As far as the rest of the world she is still almost as fearful as when I first adopted her. I do keep in mind that when you are with a dog every day, you sometimes do not notice you are making progress. Having said that, these are a few things that have helped my gal a lot and I wanted to share them with you. The best thing I think I did was to dump the traditional or allopathic veterinarians and instead use a holistic vet who uses homeopathy as well as supplements and herbs, along with traditional medicine but, only as a last resort. I give her a product called Bach Flower remedy almost daily. I buy it online vs the health food store as it is way cheaper online. (Make sure you buy the one labeled for pets or children vs humans. One is made with glycerin and the human formula is made with alcohol) It is an amazing product for anyone with animals of any kind. I have been using it for years and have had fantastic results which are immediate. I always give her an extra dose if I have to leave her – I am disabled and home with her all the time. She is literally like velcro! ( I would have named her that had I known what I was getting into) She is still terrified of people, other animals, anything that moves, has wheels, makes noise,etc, etc. I would say she definitely suffers anxiety disorder and maybe PTSD. She does have an area which looks as if she might have been in a dog fight as there are deep scars on her left side which look to be bite marks. This area still bothers her at times. She licks it and is constantly messing about with it. I have similar scarring from a pit bull attack years ago that still bothers me a times. It’s just a guess but I think that could be one thing that happened and one reason she is terrified of other animals especially dogs. I walk her at 11:00 or 12:00 pm due to her fear of everything. She loves her walk as long as it is quiet and private. During the day is out of the question and I might as well just torture her. I am not going to push this poor dog into socializing when she absolutely hates everything to do with it. Honestly, I can’t say I blame her. Maybe dogs are more like us than we will ever know. I have no problem believing some animals are introverts and some extroverts. My holistic vet has put her on a couple different homeopathic remedies that also have helped her a bit and my best advice, especially with a rescue greyhound is to be super patient. I know a women who adopted six years ago and her gal is also “spooky” and she has just finally decided she feels safe jumping up on the couch to sit with her human family. I have learned to accept my gal the way she is and work WITH her fears rather than try to force her to be more the way I WANT her to be. I do not think she is ever going to be social and that is fine with me. I work around it – I enjoy our midnight walks. Seeing her happily trotting on her leash under the night sky rather than terrified of every car that goes by during the day just makes more sense to me. People tend to be pushed into controlling or changing things about their animals too often. It’s just my opinion, but , I’d rather see her happy and calm, letting HER show me the way rather than force her into what “animal behaviorists believe to be best for her. (Ie: bring her to a dog park, social her slowly with other friends dogs etc etc.) To put it bluntly, I think that is idiotic! Not only do you make your own dog a miserable mess while doing these things, but, ruin it for everyone else who are there to enjoy their time with their dogs. I think humans have a bizarre need to control everything. These “experts” do not live with my best friend. She now sleeps on my bed ( which is fine with me) spends less time in her crate and more time actually relaxing. She has accepted one of my friends and even knows his ring tone and the sound of his steps on the stairs vs anyone else’s. She lets him pat and even play with her. She recently has started being goofy! She likes me to pretend I am going to chase her. She jumps up on the bed and even barked a couple times! These seem like such little things but, for her they are huge! She lets me wash her feet, brush her teeth, and has no fear of thunder anymore. On the other hand she hates anything to be changed. Almost Obsessive/Compulsive. She needs a very stable structured day. Meals always at the same time. The same food! The same dishes, blankets, and even the same walking route. She still fears 80% of the outside world. She can handle the noise of the smaller vacuum but not a knock on the door from the Fedex man – She is finally enjoying a couple toys! It took 3 years for her to understand what a toy is for and that the squeaky thing isn’t going to harm her. Patience, Patience and more patience is what I believe to be the key. She will do her business now outside or inside on pee pads if the weather will not permit going down the 3 flights of killer stairs I have to deal with in Maine. I put up a dog gate as she still prefers using any one of my rugs vs going out or the pee pads. She’s no fool! The rugs don’t splash back on her, they don’t slip or slide like the pads do and she is not happy about bad weather or the icy stairs. She knows where to go but the gate has certainly saved my scatter rugs. Sometimes, she is lazy and also a connoisseur of comfort. The gate just makes things easier for me as she will go to the gate if she needs to “go” but she still never tells me by going to the door and will use a rug instead. So, I hope this (novel, ha ha) helps and though it requires a huge amount of patience and understanding, eventually your greyhound will come a around to many things…in his/her own good time. Peace to all.

[anonymous]

“I’m just impatient since we have been dealing with loose poops for 3 weeks now”

That’s all, just 3 weeks. Listen to the vet, keep it simple, continue the prescription food, the dog is a baby!

Really, do you think adding phony baloney supplements and such will help? I think not.

Add a little water to the food, or plain home made chicken broth (no salt, nothing added)
to prevent dehydration.
PS: Some dogs have soft stools no matter what. As long as it is not diarrhea, or watery, bloody.
I would continue to work closely with your vet.
Good luck

[anonymous]

Hope this helps http://fearfuldogs.com/medications-for-fearful-shy-anxious-dogs/

About supplements http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=anxiety

PS: You may want to remove your e-mail address. Not a good idea.

[anonymous]

Take him to the vet. There are medications for canine anxiety.
Yes, dogs can have anxiety disorders and PTSD just like people.
The medication will more than likely be just to get him through the transition period.
Carry him outside if you have to, only stay a couple of minutes, bring him in and give him a treat. Just a small bite of something tasty, like chicken.
Same thing with the carpet offer him a bite to cross over.
Baby steps. Maybe a little more time outside every day. As he gets better make the treats smaller and smaller, like just a piece of kibble, as he will grow to expect something.

Don’t disregard the medication part, I’m talking about prescription meds via examination by a vet, not supplement waste of money crap.
Until you can reduce his anxiety (by meds and patience, tlc) he will be unable to relax and unable to learn anything, in fact he may get worse.

Good luck and give us an update. I was thinking of getting a greyhound myself, down the road, if I ever get another dog.

[Jayni]

Hello everyone,

I have bought supplements for my senior dogs, both 10 years old, to help with their joints so I am getting the glucosonine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, calcium and have started also buying frozen mackerel and sardines recently for omega 3 and arthritis, especially my big lab (not fat).

Question is: how many mid size sardine fish should I give my 77 lbs lab and 37 lbs beagle? Both could stand to shed 2 pounds and are still very active, but lab has slowed down considerably. And at what frequency or intervals?

Question 2 – do I still need to give them their daily supplements along with the sardine fish, or is the latter good enough, or would it be too much together or unnecessary?

I have 2 Supplements – Pro-Sense Joint Solutions, Advanced strength (4 tablets for lab; 2 for Beagle x) and another (not open yet) +PetNaturals of Vermont Hip + Joint tablets (would be in the same portion amounts as the latter).

Or, again,if there are better supplements (since these do not show omaga 3), I’m open to recommendations for senior dogs with Arthritis who already eat fresh sardines, but cooked cuz my lab won’t eat a raw fish. He’ll take it and walk off but won’t rip into it like the other.

Thank you! I know this was long to read! Am looking forward to hear your advice.

[CockalierMom]

Charles,
SeaMeal contains digestive enzymes and that is what made your boy much worse. Zignature is a dense food, not as easily digestible and does not contain probiotics-this is why he does better on it. You are going to need to stay away from anything that makes food more digestible.

What other supplements have you tried?

[anonymous]

Hope this helps:
/forums/topic/getting-to-the-bottom-of-frenchies-itchiness/

Supplements are not medication.
Check the fine print there is usually a disclaimer.
“This product is not intended to diagnose, cure, or treat” or something to that effect, in other words, the product is useless.

[Denise V]

So I’m fairly new to this.. I have a XL Bully that has minor grain issues. I’m trying to find him a new food that’s healthy for him without having to add supplements. There is a local pet food company near me that makes their own slow-cooked food, I was hoping someone on this forum could review the ingredients and tell me if it sounds like a high quality food.

Brand: Pet Wants (Nashville, TN owned)
Ingredients:

Product Description
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein, min – 30.0%
Crude Fat, min – 16.0%
Crude Fiber, max – 4.5%
Moisture, max – 10.0%
Omega 6 Fatty Acid * (min) – 2.85%
Omega 3 Fatty Acid * (min) – 0.50%
* Not recognized as an essential nutrient by AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles.

Ingredients Panel:
Whitefish Meal, Duck Meal, Chickpeas, Field Peas, Lentils, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tapioca Starch, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Whole Ground Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Dried Seaweed Meal, DL-Methionine, Salt, L-Lysine, Choline Chloride, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Fructooligosaccharide, Turmeric Powder, Dried Carrots, Dried Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Acetate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Citric Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate.

[anonymous]

“We were considering going back and pursuing a request for a dermatologist, or at least restarting the Cytopoint injections”.

Sounds good. Best of luck

PS: The grass eating may be related to his environmental allergies. Environmental allergies can also play havoc with the gastrointestinal system. He is probably eating the grass in an attempt to alleviate an upset stomach, nausea and such.
Also, most supplements are a waste of money.
Regarding that solid gold supplement, did you read the ingredients?
A fish oil capsule would do the same thing (check with your vet first)

[Charles B]

Wow my spelling was horrible in my first post… Blame my phone.

Anyway, Tex has always been a grass eater. And he has a stomach of steel. We don’t believe he has stomach upset. Ive treid giving him some doggie supplements to help regulate him, but saw no change at all. We actually just tried the SeaMeal from SolidGold, and that makes his allergies much much worse.
https://www.solidgoldpet.com/product/seameal/

When we first took foster the vet perscribed us creams, cleaning wipes, and powders for him. When we cleared his infection we went through a different allergy med every 3 weeks for about 3 months. We did get a Cytopoint Injection. It lasted for about 2 weeks and then we were back to severe itching. On the injection the itching never fully subsided, but i was improved. The Apoquel works, and it works very well. He does get blood work every 6 months to monitor on it.

We were considering going back and pursuing a request for a dermatologist, or atleast restarting the Cytopoint injections.

[anonymous]

Please visit a board certified veterinarian asap for testing/diagnosis/treatment.

It’s been a year/4 seasons without significant results by the regular vet.

Do not give over the counter meds/supplements or apply ointments, creams that are not intended for veterinary use unless advised to do so by a veterinarian that has examined your dog.
See my posts:
/forums/search/atopic+dermatitis/

Intradermal skin testing done by a veterinary dermatologist.
/forums/search/environmental+allergies/
Good luck
PS: The initial testing can run about $800. the solution for allergen specific immunotherapy can run about $200 or more maybe 3 times a year. We just see the dermatologist once a year for a checkup. Otherwise he is available by phone and will talk to the regular vet if need be.
The treatment is lifelong, but it is natural, similar to the allergy shots people get to desensitize. No prednisone. Don’t get me wrong, it can take up to a year to kick in, but we saw results right away. They can still have flare-ups but they tend to be mild.

[Dawn G]

My 10 yr old neutered doxie has had either colitis or vomited every 35 days for 2 years. He is spunky, looks health and described by vets as an ideal weight. Then he has these sick bouts refusing to eat or drink for 24 hours. I wean him back on pecilite venison and sweet potato or turkey and rice. We have been to many very reputable vets all over the east coast; blood test for everything, ultrasounds, mri, urinalysis, b-12 injections. I drew the line at the invasive endoscopy. His results always show a healthy dog–no addisons, atypical addisons, cancer, crohns, pancreatic or kidney issues etc. We have been defaulted to IBS rather than IBD since there is no clinical answer.

In addition to probiotics and tylan, we have tried natural balance, wellness core, hills prescription i/d and d/d, honest kitchen dehydrated: they all work for about a month except purina hydrolized which he vomited immediately.

I have resolved to using balanceit.com. It has only been one week, but I see a softer coat and his breath doesn’t smell bad like it always did. I have him on balance it supplements and a probiotic, (purina fortiflora). I am playing with the food choices, and I am pleased with venison, turkey, oatmeal, black beans, green peas, organic pumpkin, apple, mango, spinach, carrot. i will check back with you to see if I get beyond the 35 day mark, episode free. I am praying.

Balanceit.com does have a high protien choice that might help you!! Cheers to Vader.

[Airseabattle]

I’m not sure of the temp. It was meat I had in the freezer for a month which I then defrosted in the fridge. Same with liver. No, I’m not solely feeding her just ground meat and liver. She also had a raw chicken wing and hard boiled egg with shell and shredded cooked chicken breast. Not all at once but spread out. Been eating that for days. Ground meat I introduced today and Only the ground meat made her vomit first time around. I tried again in smaller quantities and this she held down.

I personally do not trust aafco and flat out refuse to feed kibble as a main source to my dog. My last chihuahua lived to be 16. Most of her life ( I adopted her at six years old) she ate 4 star and up rated kibble. She STILL died of chronic renal failure due to diet. My vet is a wonderful woman but she’s so pro science diet/ Hill.

after two months of putting my baby on that hill renal diet she slightly went down in value then out of nowhere escalated to stage 4 and died a miserable , slow death. I spent thousands trying to fight the inevitable death. I even tried to get her a 20k kidney transplant from UC Davis just to be told there was nothing that could’ve been done and had a fed her a better diet things may have been different ( less kibble, carbs, grains, etc, more good quality protein) Never again.

Ps. My vet knows of my hatred of kibble and supports a home cooked diet but I’m not sure about the raw diet. I’m only doing raw while I wait for the supplements. Why are you against adding supplements? You say you like her recipes but Dr Olsen said in the book that the vitamins are depleted after cooking so supplements are a must…

• This reply was modified 7 years, 8 months ago by Airseabattle.
• This reply was modified 7 years, 8 months ago by Airseabattle.

[Tyrionthebiscuit]

What was the temperature of the food? Did the dog gulp too fast? How much liver? Ground meat and liver only is unbalanced. I have her book and find her recipes wonderful. My advice would be to make her cooked recipes without the supplements. Much better than just raw ground meat

[Airseabattle]

I recently purchased the book RAw and Natural Nutrition for dogs ( revised version) by lew Olson. I plan to switch to cooked food once the nupro all natural supplement for small breeds arrive. My problem is that my dog immediately vomited ( or regurgitated) the raw ground beef and chicken liver I gave her. She is a nine month old chihuahua who has been on royal canin mini breed puppy kibble for all of her life. Is this normal for dogs to do at first? Also, how long can I leave raw meat out in her pen?

• This topic was modified 7 years, 8 months ago by Airseabattle.

[anonymous]

Per the search engine: /forums/search/bladder+stones/
See my posts
Also regarding prescription food:

More Nonsense from Holistic Vets about Commercial Therapeutic Diets

I have used Royal Canin SO for a dog for a dog with bladder stones with good results.
Zignature is a quality food, copy the ingredient list from Chewy and show your vet, maybe the dog could have that? Or, 1/2 and 1/2 with the prescription food? Check with your vet.
Whatever you feed, add water and maybe soft food, presoak kibble and add water.
Dogs that get bladder stones often have a genetic predisposition (struvite and calcium oxalate are the most common), not enough water is another contributing factor.
Has she had an x-ray/ultrasound to rule out bladder stones? Because, they can have more than one type of stones. This also. can result in recurrent urinary tract infections.
Add water to the kibble, and you can also presoak the kibble in water overnight in the fridge prior to serving.
Offer frequent bathroom breaks/opportunities to urinate, keep the bladder flushed. Stagnant conditions in the bladder are conductive to stone formation.
Don’t free feed, 2 or 3 small meals a day is better and always have fresh water available. Maybe add a little plain chicken broth (no onion) to the kibble.
A blocked urethra is a medical emergency and can result in surgery to save the dog’s life.
Did the vet talk to you about prescription meds for stubborn cases? Don’t confuse supplements with medication.
Work with your vet, prescription food and all, when the dog has been stable for 6 months to 1 year you can discuss diet changes.
Use the search engine here to see more threads on this topic.
This is not veterinary advice; consult your veterinarian.
Ps: You may find some helpful information here http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=urinary+tract+infection

[anonymous]

Copied from a previous post:
Also, if the dog is overweight, get the extra weight off, increase walks/exercise/activity.
Work closely with your vet, when the dog has been stable 6 months to 1 year then you can talk about diet changes.
“Dogs that get urinary tract infections and bladder stones tend to have a genetic predisposition, combine that with not enough water intake, not enough opportunities to urinate and you have a problem”.
“Whatever you decide to feed, add water to the kibble or canned food, even presoak and add water. Take out to urinate at least every 4 hours (every 2 hours is ideal) stagnant conditions in the bladder are conducive to bladder stone formation”.
“Always have fresh water available for the dog 24/7”.
“Supplements are crap, don’t waste your money unless your vet recommends something specific for your dog”.
Ps: You think the prescription food is expensive. Try emergency surgery for a blocked urethra.
Been there, done that.
Regarding cranberry: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=cranberry
Also there are prescription meds for stubborn cases, talk to your vet.
Was an ultrasound done? Dogs can have more than one type of stone, such as calcium oxalate and struvite…that was the case with my dog that had reoccurring UTIs.
This is not veterinary advice; consult your veterinarian.
PS: Note recent question on struvite in comments: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2016/09/science-based-veterinary-nutrition-success-stories/comment-page-1/#comment-121266
Good luck

[Lenore M]

Thanks so much, Rachel :O) You’ve given me some other brands to check!

My English Bulldog is allergic to more than than she’s not — Chicken, Pork, Duck, Turkey, Fish meal, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, egg, milk, soy, corn, wheat — you name it! My Boxer, now gone :O( was also allergic to Chicken and rice! What a nightmare!

I finally found one dry dog food that they could both eat: Earthborn Holistic Meadowfeast with Lamb meal: No Chicken, no Pork, no Duck, no Turkey, no Fish meal, no white Potatoes, no Sweet Potatoes, no egg, no milk, no soy, no corn, no wheat, no brown or white rice!

Hoping this might help someone else out there with the same problem. Here are the ingredients:

Lamb Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Protein, Pea Fiber, Flaxseed, Natural Flavors, Blueberries, Cranberries, Apples, Carrots, Spinach, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Taurine, L-Carnitine, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Beta-Carotene, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt Carbonate, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product.

Any other ideas, I am all ears!!!

[anonymous]

There is no supplement that will help this condition. Most supplements are a waste of money and not all are benign as you noted above.
It will say on the bottle something like:
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

In my opinion you would be better off spending your money on more testing.
So, go back to the vet asap. The first thing you need is a diagnosis. The band aid treatments didn’t work.
He may need an ultrasound and whatever else the vet thinks in necessary to get to the bottom of this and start an effective treatment.
Best of luck
PS: In the meantime, a soft diet (only) may help.