[anonymous]

Zignature is a quality food. I have a poodle mix with environmental allergies (she receives treatment from a veterinary dermatologist) and a sensitive stomach.
She did well on Nutrisca Salmon for years, but due to recent changes within that company, I decided to switch to Zignature Whitefish or Catfish kibble as a base about 2-3 months ago, excellent results. I have heard good things about their canned food also.
Often I just cook up a bit of protein something to add to it along with a splash/1/4 cup of water.
My other dog likes it too 🙂
Ps: In my opinion, you are overthinking the whole catfish thing. Look at what humans pay to eat lobster, lol, are they not bottom feeders? What about krill oil? Fish oil? Don’t we take these supplements ourselves and add them to our dogs diets?

[Rea S]

Are they both dry kibble? Or is one a supplement? Also he is scheduled for an MRI next week.

[anonymous]

Instead of wasting time and money on supplements, over the counter meds and creams that should never be used unless a veterinarian that has examined the dog recommends, by the way, many of these supplements, ointments, over the counter medications (not intended for veterinary use unless prescribed as off label by a veterinarian) and homeopathic remedies are not only ineffective but they also are not benign and can have side effects and interaction with other meds.
I would take thee dog to the vet and get the condition diagnosed, that is the first step to treatment, an accurate diagnosis. See what your vet recommends, I’m am sure he has seen this condition many times before.
Do not change his food, unless the examining vet recommends, he may suggest a prescription/elimination diet for now, at least till the dog is stable.
Good luck

This is not veterinary advice; consult your veterinarian.

[Susan]

Hi Alisha,
sounds like he has Environment Allergies with his stomach sore & he probably has food sensitivities/intolerances as well, they normally come together my vet said, my boy has IBD seasonal environment allergies & food intolerances…..
A Dermatologist specialises in the skin & will work out what’s wrong but they are very expensive & depending on the Dermatologist they will just put your young pup on drugs so best to see a Holistic Vet that specialises in the skin as well, I see a vet thats specialises in the skin & bowel…
Are you bathing twice a week?? baths are excellent, washes off any allergens that are on the skin that’s causing these skin irritations, I use “Malaseb” Medicated Shampoo, it kills any bacteria & yeast on the skin, keeps the skin nice & moist & is excellent for evironment allergies, leaves the dog feeling so soft & relieves any itchy skin, you have to leave on for 5-10mins but I just wash Patch normally & masage him a little to pass a few minutes then fully rinse off, you can buy Malaseb on Amazon if you live America, I also use creams, Hydrocortisone 1% cream applied at night before bed then thru the day I use “Sudocream” on Paws, stomach, head, around mouth & bum anywhere Patch starts to itch I apply the Sudocrem stops his itch straight away, Sudocrem is a thick white cream that acts as a barrier & protects the skin, it’s for Dermatitis, Eczema, Nappy Rash, Presssure Sores, Sudocrem is normally sold in the baby section at supermarket or chemist but if you live America it’s sold on Amazon…..
My boy didn’t do well on the Eagle Pack Lamb meal & Rice, it was OK for his stomach/bowel but cause Patch has foods sensitivities the oats & barley caused itchy smelly yeasty skin & paws, he stunk after eating the Eagle Pack for 1-2 weeks, once you work out what foods your dog is sensitive too & you stop feeding those ingredients your dog will stop reacting with smelly itchy skin problems & stomach/bowel problems but if he also has environment allergies the only thing you can do is relieve his itch & make him comfortable unless you want to put him on drugs but he is too young to be put on all the drugs for allergies..

Pumkin is high in fiber it can make some dogs do real sloppy poos excellent if they are constipated or the opposite & firm up their poo’s, Patch can only eat 1-2 spoons of boiled pumkin then his poos go real sloppy….
Have you tried a single meat protein, limited ingredient kibble that’s grain free & not too high in protein? the only kibble Patch does real well on is the “Taste Of The Wild” Sierra Mountain” Roasted Lamb, the fat -15%, protein-25%, fiber is under 4%, TOTW uses purified water to make their TOTW, there’s also TOTW Pacific Stream, Smoked Salmon both these formula’s have the same fat protein % but the fiber is only 3% in the Pacific Stream formula alot of dogs with IBD, IBS stomach & bowel & skin problems do very well on these formula’s… join this Face Book group “Dog, Issues, Allergies, and other Information Support Group” heaps of really good info & what people do to help with their dogs skin problem also have you tried a probiotic? Purina Forti- Floria is suppose to be very good & has live bacteria when it was tested, always start off using 1/2 the recommended dose, I give Patch 1/4 of my “Yukult” probiotic drink, & buy K-9 Natural freeze Dried, Green Lipped Mussels, give about 2 mussels a day, but if you are going to start anything start 1 food, supplement at a time so if there’s any diarrhea ect you know what has caused it..
Baby Wipes, I buy the Huggie Coconut Oil Baby Wipes & wipe Patch down after he’s been outside if the pollen count is high, they normally tell you on the weather forecast when its high alsowhen its very windy or he starts scratching I wipe him down or bath him then apply cream….
“Canidae” make their Pure limited ingredient grain free kibbles or their All Life Stages formula’s that have grains, tCanidae All Life Stages Turkey Meal & Brown Rice Large breed is a limited ingredient formula it’s new low in fat & not too high in protein https://www.canidae.com/dog-food/products

[Alisha B]

I have an 8 month old Newfoundland and I’m honestly at a loss when it comes to him. I’ve never had a dog with sensitivities to food. Hes always had slighty lose stools since i got him. He’s been on Eagle Pack large and giant breed puppy food for months. The first couple of months everything seemed fine. I took him to the vet in the being of june for a check up and he was healthy. 2 days after he had a hot spot on his belly it cleared up a couple days later but more would show up. It’s been almost 2 months of sores coming and going on his belly. I clean the area and use a 3 in one spray to help them heal faster.
About 2 and a half months ago I noticed his skin was really dry so I started giving him salmon oil and 2 weeks later his skin was improving and his cost was shiny. When the sores stared, I stopped the oil seeing if that was the culprit but it wasn’t. I tried nupro supplement powder for large breed dogs and he had diarrhea. I give him organic pumpkin puree to try and firm up his stool but it doesn’t seem to work. Is it time to switch his Food? If so what should I give him? Aside from the licking his behavior is normal. He loves to play and run, he enjoys his sleep and eats and drinks like he should.

[a c]

I like to supplement my 10 years old small breed with Dasuquin. How do I know whether I need Dasuquin or Dasuquin w MSM?

[zcRiley]

The size of kibble will not change the rate of eating. However, it may be a sign that he’s not getting enough quality protein food, supplements and vitamins per day. Do not buy slow feeder bowls. Eating is not a game and is horribly frustrating for the dog. I don’t think anyone wants their steak dinner hidden in deep crevices. My dogs do not “come running” to the bowl or inhale it. It’s a social activity that’s relaxed and enjoyed, Mommy praising them, and with a satisfied siesta afterwards.

[JAMES B]

I’m looking for one as well, Cindy. I started my puppy out on TOTW and after a few years, I think he got bored. I have finally settled on supplementing the kibbles with baked chicken. (10 lbs- 6-8$, baked and stripped of bones then cubed) I mix1-1/2 cups of chicken with 2 cups of kibble mixed with some of the chicken fat resulting from the baking. Keeps him eating. Kona is 65 lbs.

[zcRiley]

No such thing as a lazy dog, at any age. Something’s wrong.

Go back to your vet to determine at which level of heart murmur intensity (there are 6 levels) Buddy has and if further diagnostics may show signs of a disease. Without knowing what you’re dealing with internally, all the food changes will not help him. You then streamline your dog’s health needs with the appropriate and consistent exercise regiment (especially walks), food/supplements and pain medication.

Get the Zignature line of dog kibble AND get Dasuquin with MSM. Both from Chewy.com. Start immediately. If it’s safe, per your dog’s blood work, give him Previcox nightly right after dinner. Keep everything fresh and sealed.

[Yx]

Hello pitluv – While it it true that we cannot tell the quality of the meats used by simply reading an ingredient label, we do know that there are companies that never use generic by-products, animal digests, meat and bone meals, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, ingredients sourced from China, menadione sodium bisulfite complex, toxic preservatives such as BHA, BHT, TBHQ and Ethoxyquin,, and those that do.
For example, these are the ingredients in Purina’s Alpo brand Prime Cuts Savory Beef Flavor – Ground Yellow Corn, Meat and Bone Meal, Soybean Meal, Beef Tallow Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols, Corn Gluten Meal, Egg and Chicken Flavor, Poultry and Pork Digest, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Red 40, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Yellow 5, Manganese Sulfate, Blue 2, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Garlic Oil, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K Activity), Folic Acid, Biotin, Sodium Selenite. I-5020.

It would stand to reason that a company that avoids the above low-quality ingredients would likely be using higher quality meats in their formulations, in fact, there are brands such as ORIJEN that use “human grade ingredients” – “The fresh meats, meat meals and fat ingredients we use are produced exclusively from animals that have been deemed as fit for human consumption, and are produced in category 3 facilities (human grade facilities, no flushing, and no 4-D animal parts permitted on premises). All fruits and vegetables used in ORIJEN foods are also passed as fit for human consumption.” -https://www.orijen.ca/faq/#fresh_regional_ingredients

In any case, I am glad to read that all your animals are doing well.

[zcRiley]

Many factors to consider. If your dog is perfectly healthy, there is no reason to switch to less calories, less protein, less anything. More vitamins and supplements actually. So this would be the time to do a full medical checkup. From oral, to kidneys to liver to thyroid, etc. Those are the issues for tweaking a canine’s diet. It’s like if you turned 65 and everyone took all your foods away, and slapped down some oatmeal.

[Julie B]

I would NEVER have believed the solution, but my dog was panting constantly, drinking excessively, red hot spots plus larger red areas with constant scratching, licking of feet, pacing, rounds and rounds of meds from the vet …….. finally Sammy was diagnosed as being HOT by a non-traditional vet! I didn’t believe it at first. We had tried all kinds of foods, believing it was a food allergy. Or a seasonal allergy and he got meds. Cortisone shots and antibiotics helped for a very short time, but this was a merry-go-round for us. On and on. HE IS HOT. So Chinese medicinal herbs have worked, yes, have worked. The first success in my Sammy’s life for this misery. I have cried with him over it. We adopted him as an SPCA pup, probably lab/golden mix retriever, 98 lbs now! He is taking Wind Toxin by Jing Tang Co. out of Florida, I can only get it from a vet so far, but it SO does work. Important to me: I am combining with supportive holistic supplements.

Busting the myths on Chinese herbs for dogs

I am now practicing the art of choosing “cooling” foods. Info is all over online about the syndrome, and others, that may be solved without traditional meds which often “cover up” the symptoms. Perhaps your pet may need a cortisone shot, even antibiotics one time to get him started on the path to wellness, but as I said, in my opinion this is not a cure. The basic problem was never solved with meds for me. And don’t forget that probiotics are so important, especially while taking antibiotics, to keep his precious belly in good health. And they can take people supplements in most cases which are so much cheaper. Just watch the dosages. Hope I helped other poor sufferers and their dogs. (LOL)

[anonymous]

Please do not apply anything to the skin or give over the counter meds intended for humans or give supplements unless instructed to do so by a veterinarian that has examined the dog.
You could make things much worse and increase the risk of infection.
Hope this helps:
By Klaus Loft, DVM
Angell Dermatology Service
Anyone who suffers debilitating environmental allergies tied to changing seasons, pet dander or household dust mites knows first-hand the misery of a scratchy throat, itchy eyes or painful rashes.
Not everyone knows, however, that our pets can experience similar allergic reactions — and other very bothersome dermatological issues. But our pets need not suffer in silence. Modern veterinary science has evolved such that advanced, comprehensive treatments are now available to treat a range of skin conditions.
Top pet dermatological issues
Our four-legged friends suffer from some of the same skin issues as we do — and several that we do not. The most common conditions we see at Angell include:
•Parasites, such as mites, fleas and mange (scabies)
•Infectious diseases, such as Staphylococcal pyoderma (“Staph”) skin infections, yeast and fungal infections and skin fold infections
•Systemic diseases, such as autoimmune diseases
•Skin cancer, such as Squamous cell carcinoma, cutaneous lymphoma, Mast cell tumors
•Allergies, such as flea allergy dermatitis, adverse food reactions, environmental allergies, etc.
All of these conditions can become serious and, if untreated, dramatically reduce quality of life. But the tremendous strides made in veterinary innovation, however, is very good news for our pets. Specifically, the testing and treatments for allergies now rivals human healthcare in its sophistication, quality of care and long-term health outcomes.
Unlike humans, dogs and cats cannot tell us about their dermatological health issues. So we as pet owners must look for the signs. The most common indicators that a pet is suffering from some kind of allergy involve frequent episodes of ear infections, red raised or open sores on the skin, constant licking or biting of paws or groin — sometimes causing wounds that will not go away.
Allergies present a particular challenge because there can be hundreds (even thousands) of potential allergens that impact pet health, from foods to pollen from grasses, weeds, trees, dust mites and more. Today’s specialty veterinary hospitals have access to the very latest diagnostic tests to get to the bottom of what’s ailing our pet. Among these tests is the Intra Dermal Test (IDT).
IDT is generally considered the gold standard of testing for identifying allergens that cause pets to suffer from chronic skin and/or ear diseases. IDT involves injections of a series of concentrated allergens into the skin to determine which of them generate allergic reactions in a given animal. The use of fluorescein — a chemical that illuminates the inflammation caused by the injected allergens in order to visualize the strength of individual reactions — is key to accurately diagnosing pet allergies, and is just one of the many ways veterinarians use new technologies to improve care and diagnostics.
The results of IDT (as well as a review of the pet’s medical history) can then inform comprehensive immunotherapy treatments to relieve suffering. Veterinary dermatologists rely on IDT to build customized treatment plans for patients called Allergen Specific Immuno Therapy or “ASIT” for short.
ASIT involves a series of injections specifically created for the allergic animal’s skin. These injections, of diluted allergens, are designed to make a pet less sensitive to their allergens over time. In most cases these injections must be continued for life to reduce symptoms, but they are highly effective. Seventy to 90 percent of pets experience a reduction in symptoms as a result of ASIT treatment. These treatments can be delivered even more easily via droplets under the tongue, perfect for pet owners who are squeamish about giving injections to their pet.
This treatment is very new to the North American field of medicine (both human and veterinary) and underscores just how far innovation in veterinary medicine has come.
When it’s time to see the vet
Many pet owners are understandably concerned about taking their animals to the veterinarian because the cost (to say nothing of the fear some animals experience when going do the doctor) may outweigh any perceived reduction in suffering. To help pet owners know when it’s time to bring Fido to the doctor I’ve compiled my “Top Ten” list of dermatological symptoms that should never be ignored:
•Intense itching of the skin (head shaking, running the face into the carpet, furniture, etc.)
•Biting at the skin that creates red, raw crusting areas of the skin
•Multiple ear infections (head shaking, odor from ears, scratching at the ears with hind legs)
•Paw licking or chewing and frequent infections of the skin in the webbed skin of the paws
•Staining of the fur of the paws and nails on multiple feet
•Reoccurring skin infections in the groin, under the shoulders, perianal areas (on or under the tail)
•Greasy scaling skin and/or fur with odorous skin
•Hair loss, or thinning of the fur
•Dark pigmentation of the skin that is chronically infected
•Sudden depigmentation of skin
Allergies and other dermatological issues can be as frustrating for pet owners and their veterinarians as they can be for pets. I encourage any pet owner whose animal is experiencing any of these symptoms to consult with their veterinarian.

Dermatology – Common Issues

[FrankiesDoggie]

I have a 35 pound dog, so for frozen raw I feed 1 patty a day (roughly 400 calories) for 50% raw/kibble mix. I haven’t tried freeze dried yet, but Ive had to eliminate a few options from some of my favorite brands because the ingredients don’t match their frozen raw counterparts (namely natures variety freeze dried complete meal versions, the supplemental though is great even if it’s not complete)

My freeze dried list is pretty short: natures variety raw booster mix (supplemental only), vital essentials and OC Raw. Vital essentials is the one brand I found where the frozen raw ingredient list is identical to the freeze dried versions. OC raw has a good ingredient list as well with no synthetics as well, so they also made the cut.

Hope this helps!

[Erin H]

I’m interested in supplementing my dog’s diet with leafy greens, but unfortunately Green Juju has discontinued its shipping program and it was also quite expensive for a large dog. Does anyone have any go-to recipes they use when supplementing their dog’s diet with leafy green veggies? Thanks!

[Jocelyn L]

Nort Paws
North PawTM Adult is designed to be delicious and easily digestible, which makes mealtime a happy time for your companion. This nutrient-dense formula means your dog gets great nutrition from smaller portions. A very high ratio of quality protein, along with fibre, pre-biotics, omega 3s and anti-oxidants help promote a healthy, active life for your dog. Grain-free and full of goodness, for all the love they have to give.

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS:

Crude Protein (min.) 38.00%
Crude Fat (min.) 21.00%
Crude Fibre (max.) 4.50%
Moisture (max.) 10.00%

CALORIE CONTENT:

Metabolizable Energy (ME*)
= 3805kcal/kg
= 476kcal/cup

INGREDIENTS: Chicken Meal, Fishmeal (Herring), Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Form of Vitamin E), Green Peas, Chickpeas, Sweet Potato, Egg Powder, Apples, Fishoil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Form of Vitamin E), Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Limestone, Chicken Liver, Kelp Meal, DL-Methionine, Kale, Chicory Root, Calcium Propionate, Flaxseed, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Choline Chloride, l-Lysine Hydrochloride, Inactivated Yeast, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, l-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Taurine, Vitamin E Supplements, Biotin, Vitamin A Supplement, Zinc Methionine, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Selenium Selenite, Manganese Methionine, Copper Lysine, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Chondroitin Sulfate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Calcium Iodate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Cobalt Sulfate, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Blueberries, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Spinach, Ginger, Peppermint, Chamomile, Turmeric, Celery Seed, Dried Rosemary.

[Tyla M]

I appreciate it and so does my wallet! I currently use Fromm gold holistic large breed puppy food. I may wait to see if the fish oil the vet gave me will help with the itching before I decide if it could be the food. I’m sure once I switch to adult food I’ll be Looking for help again! If I do decide to switch her, what are other good options for large breed that meet all the criteria? I remember looking at the fromm heartland one but I think it was the grain free one and it had 17% fat. I may supplement with some wet food, too.

[Alyssa S]

My shih tzu just turned 7 years old. She has always been a picky eater, but since she went on heart meds her appetite is even worse, despite being on a homemade diet. I recently gave her Nupro, which she enjoyed for a bit, but I think she’s gotten tired of the taste. I was wondering if any other dog owners with picky pups had any suggestions on another supplement to give her?

[Jude N]

Hi all,

Thank you for the replies. As an update, we did take him into the vet. We brought x-rays from his original appointment; the vet didn’t think he needed new images, and was comfortable dx’ing him based on the originals. He said that the old back injury has likely become re-inflamed, and that there’s some thickening around his knee joint. We went home with a 7-day script of Vetprofen, and then a decent amount 1/4 tablets of a painkiller.

I bought a supplement from Chewy. Here are the ingredients:

Active Ingredients Per Chewable Tablet: Glucosamine HCl (Shrimp and Crab) 750 mg Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) 400 mg Chondroitin Sulfate (Porcine) 400 mg Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 100 mg Manganese (Mn Proteinate) 5 mg

Inactive Ingredients: allspice, brewers yeast, chicken liver flavor, nutmeg, silicon dioxide, stearic acid.

He eats 1/2 a tab at a time. I smash it into a powder and mix it into his breakfast, which is usually just raw tripe.

He seems to be doing a little better. He’s definitely stiff in the mornings.

We’ve had some back and forth with him not seeming very hungry, which is very unlike him, but I’m curious if it’s just because I switched from beef to pork…and he prefers beef above everything else.

I’m going to make another thread in one of the health boards with a couple of additional q’s…not sure how stringent you guys are here about keeping topics in the correct board.

I’m definitely going to look into the green-lipped mussels!!

[Donald P]

This has been a great discussion, I’m considering cooking for my dog and give a variety of foods based on my research. There is a strong and growing case for vegan diets for a variety of reasons as discussed in this forum.

There is so much controversy regarding food for humans and animals, Gary Taubes book Good Calories, Bad Calories is an important book for humans to read, regarding the madness of the meat, dairy, butter are bad, as the real culprits sugar and simple carbs were put front and center. For my family controlled carbs, heavy veg, select fruits and light meat consumption is the answer with high quality supplements to fill in some of the blanks.

I will feed my Propsa Shih Tzu the same basic template. mostly poultry, occasional beef. There are some solid sources of veg protein as well as other beneficial foods. That being said, I found this study to be interesting on the omnivore dilemma with canines:
http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2013/01/diet-shaped-dog-domestication

[Amanda D]

I am so sorry I haven’t replied to everyone’s posts. We have had a bit of a crisis with our Bailey that didn’t turn out the way we hoped. If anyone is interested in the long story that it is I’ll post my Facebook post.

As far as food, I think I have settled rotating Fromm and Nutro Ultra Puppy kibbles. I’ll mix in defrosted frozen Peas and Carrots, in every meal, add an egg to breakfast and maybe mix in a little wet Nutro Ultra Puppy.

My question now, how should I prepare the egg? I was planning on scrambling one in my microwave in my Nordic Ware microwave egg cooker. Or is it better raw? I don’t think I’LL do tof many treats as we’ll be working on training with boiled Chicken throughout the day. Maybe some chopped Raw baby carrots.

Should I wean puppy onto people foods? I also want to use fruits for occasional treats like strawberries, blueberries, bananas and apples (unsure of what variety of apple is best … a sugary red delicious/Washington or a tarter baking type apple like granny smiths kinds.

I’mean intrested in fish oil or Canned sardines as well. But is that a daily or weekly supplement?

[a c]

What’s difference between Dasuquin w MSM and Dasuquin? I am looking for joint health supplement. She doesn’t have arthritis. Thanks!

[zcRiley]

Your Milk Bones Wellness treats have flour and fat fillers plus salt and coloring. Causing more harm than good. Very crude ingredients that reflect its low price point):

Chicken, Wheat Flour, Soybean Flour, Glycerin, Tapioca Flour, Animal Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Water, Salt, Citric Acid (Used as a Preservative), Inulin, Fat Product (Source of Docosahexaenoic Acid), Caramel Color, Calcium Propionate, Beta-Carotene, Zinc Proteinate, Betaine, Zinc Propionate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Used as a Preservative), Taurine, Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin, Kale Powder, Rosemary Extract.

However, you’re on the right track to helping your pups’ joint health! I do so with my boys who have bad knees, they fly around like Superman. May I highly recommend for you to get the best…

Dasuquin with MSM for small dogs. Worth every penny. 😊

[InkedMarie]

I’m not familiar with them but I choose high quality food and treats for my dogs. Anything by Milk Bone doesnt enter my house. Unless what you’re feeding is inferior, dogs dont need vitamins. If they have joint issues, there are many high quality joint supplements to choose from.

[anonymous]

Excerpt from:https://www.vetinfo.com/is-it-safe-to-use-human-glucosamine-for-dogs.html
Is It Safe to Use Human Glucosamine for Dogs?
Given the fact that the human glucosamine and the dog glucosamine have the same formulation, the human glucosamine can be safely used in canines.
However, it is highly important to have the right dosage for your pet and never go over the recommended dose. The dose for a larger dog breed may coincide with the dose recommended for a human patient, but smaller dogs need less glucosamine. An excess of glucosamine can lead to bone growth abnormalities and even internal damage. The administration of glucosamine supplements may also affect the liver and the kidneys of the pet in the long run. 
In any case, if you have the choice, it’s better to get glucosamine for veterinary use, as certain glucosamine for humans use have various salts that are included in the drug and these may irritate the dog. Be sure to talk it over with your vet first, as unique factors for each dog may need to be taken into account.
Also: You may find something helpful here, often the comments are informative too
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=glucosamine+

[anonymous]

Bump (response from previous thread on the same subject)
“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.
Bump (response from a previous thread on the same subject)
Per the search engine: /forums/search/urinary+tract+infections/
Regarding cranberry: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=cranberry

I’m hoping someone might find this information helpful (even if the op doesn’t) 🙂
After all, this topic comes up at least once a week.

[Christine C]

My dog has a history of getting crystals in her urine and our vet has always just given us antibiotics. She is currently on the the hills C/D urinary dry + canned food and this has helped her urine problem; however, the cost has been a big burden. I was shocked to see the ingredients in it and wouldn’t making homemade obviously be healthier? I would like to start making my own dog food, but I’m not sure if this would be the best option. I do not want to rely on the vet because they obviously would go against it and are money hungry. I have been reading other forums and many dog owners seem to feed their pets cranberry supplements? What are your thoughts on this and getting off of the prescription diet? Also how do I get my dog to drink more water?

[anonymous]

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.

[Christine C]

My dog has a history of getting urinary infections/crystals found in her urine. She is on the Hills C/D urinary dry and canned food but we want to get her off of it because of the cost and she does not enjoy her food. Is it safe to do this as long as shes getting the proper nutrients? I am also thinking of starting to feed her cranberry supplements

[Christine C]

My dog has a history of getting crystals in her urine and our vet has always just given us antibiotics. We feed her the hills C/D urinary dry + canned food and this has helped her urine problem but we want to get her off of it. This has been a huge burden on our family due to the expensive cost and I really want to start making my own dog food because it really seems to be the most healthy. I do not want to rely on the vet because they seem to just want to make money off of us. I have been reading other forums and many dog owners seem to feed their pets cranberry supplements? What are your thoughts on this and getting off of the prescription diet? Thank you!!

• This topic was modified 8 years, 5 months ago by Christine C.

[Bobby dog]

Hi Christie:
Here’s a site I referenced when one of my furries had a life threatening urinary blockage.
https://www.vetmed.umn.edu/centers-programs/minnesota-urolith-center/recommendations

I have fed Rx foods in the past and would do so again if needed. Most are not for long term feeding because they are specially formulated to address a health issue. Once the issue is resolved then you transition back to their regular diet if appropriate.

After surgery for the blockage I opted to feed an Rx food until I got an all clear from my Vet. The first food we tried did not go over well. Science Diet canned is what I ended up feeding for the duration of his treatment with success.

I don’t have any suggestions on your Vet’s recommendation for an OTC GF food.

Perhaps another option would be to get an Rx from your Vet to try a different brand. Along with Royal Canin, Purina has an Rx recipe for urinary health that is not high in calories and you may like the ingredient line up better. There are several on-line sites that sell Rx foods such as Chewy that has a great return policy. Google “pro plan veterinary diets.”

One product I have had allot of luck using to entice my pets to eat during rehab is Purina Forti Flora probiotics. I am using it now for one of my cats that had a major dental a few months back and is still having health issues. He has continued to lose weight among other things. I sprinkled the Forti Flora on his food last night and he didn’t even let me mix it in. Just started eating like he hadn’t been fed for a week…yeah!! Maybe that’s something to look into. My Vet sells it by the packet or box for both cats and dogs. You can also buy it on-line.

Another option is to consult a Vet nutritionist for a homemade diet. I use Balance IT Carnivore Blend supplement for homemade meals. Balance IT provides excellent customer support and also does Rx food consultations with your Vet. Google “Balance IT”

This is a Vet nutritionist that will also do a food consultation with your Vet, Dr. Rebecca L. Remillard. You can find allot of good info in the “Nutrition Library” and “Ask the Nutritionist” sections. You can even ask her questions if you can’t find info on something you’re interested in. Google “Dr. Rebecca Remillard pet diets”

Good luck, been there, done that, hope not to ever have to do it again!!! :-)

[Bobby dog]

Hi Christie:
Here’s a site I referenced when one of my furries had a life threatening urinary blockage.
https://www.vetmed.umn.edu/centers-programs/minnesota-urolith-center/recommendations

I have fed Rx foods in the past and would do so again if needed. Most are not for long term feeding because they are specially formulated to address a health issue. Once the issue is resolved then you transition back to their regular diet if appropriate.

After surgery for the blockage I opted to feed an Rx food until I got an all clear from my Vet. The first food we tried did not go over well. Science Diet canned is what I ended up feeding for the duration of his treatment with success.

I don’t have any suggestions on your Vet’s recommendation for an OTC GF food.

Perhaps another option would be to get an Rx from your Vet to try a different brand. Along with Royal Canin, Purina has an Rx recipe for urinary health that is not high in calories and you may like the ingredient line up better. There are several on-line sites that sell Rx foods such as Chewy that has a great return policy. Google “pro plan veterinary diets”

One product I have had allot of luck using to entice my pets to eat during rehab is Purina Forti Flora probiotics. I am using it now for one of my cats that had a major dental a few months back and is still having health issues. He has continued to lose weight among other things. Sprinkled the Forti Flora on his food last night and he didn’t even let me mix it in. Just started eating like he hadn’t been fed for a week…yeah!! Maybe that’s something to look into. My Vet sells it by the packet or box for both cats and dogs. You can also buy it on-line.

Another option is to consult a Vet nutritionist for a homemade diet. I use Balance IT Carnivore Blend supplement for homemade meals. Balance IT provides excellent customer support and also does Rx food consultations with your Vet. Google “Balance IT”

This is a Vet nutritionist that will also do a food consultation with your Vet, Dr. Rebecca L. Remillard. You can find allot of good info in the “Nutrition Library” and “Ask the Nutritionist” sections. You can even ask her questions if you can’t find info on something you’re interested in:
https://www.petdiets.com/

Good luck, been there, done that, hope not to ever have to do it again!!! 

[Bobby dog]

Hi Christie:
Here’s a site I referenced when one of my furries had a life threatening urinary blockage.
https://www.vetmed.umn.edu/centers-programs/minnesota-urolith-center/recommendations

I have fed Rx foods in the past and would do so again if needed. Most are not for long term feeding because they are specially formulated to address an health issue. Once the issue is resolved then you transition back to their regular diet if appropriate.

After surgery for the blockage I opted to feed an Rx food until I got an all clear from my Vet. The first food we tried did not go over well. Science Diet canned is what I ended up feeding for the duration of his treatment with success.

I don’t have any suggestions on your Vet’s recommendation for an OTC GF food.

Perhaps another option would be to get an Rx from your Vet to try a different Rx brand. Along with Royal Canin, Purina also has an Rx recipe for urinary health that is not high in calories and you may like the ingredient line up better. There are several on-line sites that sell Rx foods such as Chewy.com that has a great return policy.
https://www.proplanveterinarydiets.com/products/ur-urinary-oxst-dog/

One product I have had allot of luck using to entice my pets to eat during rehab is Purina Forti Flora probiotics. I am using it now for one of my cats that had a major dental a few months back and is still having health issues. He has continued to lose weight among other things. Sprinkled the Forti Flora on his food last night and he didn’t even let me mix it in. Just started eating like he hadn’t been fed for a week…yeah!! Maybe that’s something to look into. My Vet sells it by the packet or box for both cats and dogs. You can also buy it on-line.

Another option is to consult a Vet nutritionist for a homemade diet. I use Balance IT Carnivore Blend supplement for home made meals. Balance IT provides excellent customer support and also does Rx food consultations with your Vet:
Google “Balance IT” the forum won’t let me post their link

This is a Vet nutritionist that will also do a consultation with your Vet, Dr. Rebecca L. Remillard. You can find allot of good info in the “Nutrition Library” and “Ask the Nutritionist” sections. You can even ask her questions if you can’t find info on something your interested in:
https://www.petdiets.com/

Good luck, been there, done that, hope not to ever have to do it again!!! 😉

[Bobby dog]

Hi Christie:
Here’s a site I referenced when one of my furries had a life threatening urinary blockage.
https://www.vetmed.umn.edu/centers-programs/minnesota-urolith-center/recommendations

I have fed Rx foods in the past and would do so again if needed. Most are not for long term feeding because they are specially formulated to address an health issue. Once the issue is resolved then you transition back to their regular diet if appropriate.

After surgery for the blockage I opted to feed an Rx food until I got an all clear from my Vet. The first food we tried did not go over well. Science Diet canned is what I ended up feeding for the duration of his treatment with success.

I don’t have any suggestions on your Vet’s recommendation for an OTC GF food.

Perhaps another option would be to get an Rx from your Vet to try a different Rx brand. Along with Royal Canin, Purina also has an Rx recipe for urinary health that is not high in calories and you may like the ingredient line up better. There are several on-line sites that sell Rx foods such as Chewy.com that has a great return policy.
https://www.proplanveterinarydiets.com/products/ur-urinary-oxst-dog/

One product I have had allot of luck using to entice my pets to eat during rehab is Purina Forti Flora probiotics. I am using it now for one of my cats that had a major dental a few months back and is still having health issues. He has continued to lose weight among other things. Sprinkled the Forti Flora on his food last night and he didn’t even let me mix it in. Just started eating like he hadn’t been fed for a week…yeah!! Maybe that’s something to look into. My Vet sells it by the packet or box for both cats and dogs. You can also buy it on-line.

Another option is to consult a Vet nutritionist for a homemade diet. I use Balance IT Carnivore Blend supplement for home made meals. Balance IT provides excellent customer support and also does Rx food consultations with your Vet:
https://secure.balanceit.com/

This is a Vet nutritionist that will also do a consultation with your Vet, Dr. Rebecca L. Remillard. You can find allot of good info in the “Nutrition Library” and “Ask the Nutritionist” sections. You can even ask her questions if you can’t find info on something your interested in:
https://www.petdiets.com/

Good luck, been there, done that, hope not to ever have to do it again!!! 😉

[anonymous]

“Are there any diet (low protein), grain free canned foods that are tolerable? Or supplements to help lower her urine pH?”
No, there are not, and what does low protein have to do with anything?
You don’t believe the veterinary health care professional that examined the dog?
Dr Google is not research. Good luck.

[Christie]

Ok sorry for the delay in responding. My mother’s dog had her follow up appointment with the vet on Wednesday.

To answer some of the questions: yes, the vet put her on prescribed antibiotics. However, the vet she saw this time around was a different person than the one two weeks ago. This vet said that the dog should have been put on antibiotics for two weeks instead of one week than the other vet prescribed. He also said that the other vet should have given the prescription food at the same time as the antibiotics to help dissolve the struvite crystals, while the antibiotics worked against the infection. So that was strike two.

He prescribed another week’s worth of antibiotics and gave my mother a week’s worth of Hills canned S/D food.

The dog won’t touch it. My mother asked if she could mix it with some of her old food (Fromm’s Weight management dry) or with plain boiled chicken and the vet said no.

So the dog hasn’t eaten and she vomited up her meds yesterday (probably because of the empty stomach). So I did some research online and apparently Hills S/D is nasty and not well liked/tolerated by dogs. The ingredients are horrible: Water, Corn Starch, Chicken Fat, Pork Liver, Sugar, Egg Product, Powdered Cellulose, Iodized Salt… and the texture is nasty (white chunks that my mother had to add water to just to break it up some (what kind of canned food has a consistency like that?) So my research led to a few forums where people were able to get their dogs to eat Royal Canin SO formula (which is basically the same. The ingredients are slightly better: water, chicken liver, corn grits, pork by-product, chicken, chicknen by-product…).

My mother called up the vet today and asked about changing the food to Royal Canin. He said that their food is terrible. He said that he would allow her to return the unopened Hills cans and wants to try Hills C/D formula. But I’ve read plenty of reviews from people who have the same issue with their dogs not wanting to touch that one either.

I read over the urinalysis taken two weeks ago ans the dog’s pH was high at 7.5 and the protein level was high. WBC and RBC were both high, but that was due to the infection and blood in the urine. It showed 11-20 struvite crystals.

The vet thinks that since it’s the first time that this has happened (she’s two years old) that the crystals could have been attributed to diet rather than genetics. She was on Fromm’s Weight Management dry formula because she’s about 5-10 pounds overweight. Prior to that, she was eating Purina One dry.

The vet seems fixated on using Hills (which is what they sell at their office), and if the dogs eats it, fine. It can help dissolve any remaining crystals. But it doesn’t look like its a complete, well balanced food and not meant to be used for long periods of time.

My vet used to sell Hills for the longest time before changing to Royal Canin.

I don’t think either is very good quality.

Are there any diet (low protein), grain free canned foods that are tolerable? Or supplements to help lower her urine pH?

[crazy4cats]

My vet just recommended that we start giving our large dogs a joint supplement as well. They are turning six yrs old next week. She suggested glucosamine/chondroitin along with fish oil.
I just ordered a product from Chewy called Grizzly Joint Aid liquid that contains all of the above. I’m going to give it a shot. Has anyone else tried it?

https://www.chewy.com/grizzly-joint-aid-hip-joint-support/dp/116638

[Susan]

Hi Jude,
You may need to see vet & get an X Ray, so the vet can see what’s happening, there’s an monthly injection the vet can give to bring relief….I don’t know the name..
Also apply a heat pack for 20mins, this will bring relief to your dog….

Why don’t you buy the human grade Glucosamine & Chondroitin capsules? they are cheaper & work the best for joint inflammation, anything sold as a dog supplement like Sasha Blend etc the price is doubled……

Just be careful when giving any of these joint supplements as they can cause Acid Reflux & upset the stomach….they MUST be taken with a meal…Krill Oil capsules are the best for people & animals that suffer from stomach problems…

Have a look at “Canidae” Pure Meadow Senior dry, it’s excellent for aging dogs, my neighbours dog eats the Canidae Pure Meadow Senior dry Kibble & acts like he’s a young dog again, his owner also feeds tin Sardines in Spring water, he gives him a few sardines as treat daily…. https://www.canidae.com/dog-food/products
I give the freeze dried Green Lipped Mussels daily, he gets about 2-3 mussels a day…

[pitlove]

Hi Jude-

There are a few good hip&joint supplements out there. Dasuquin, Cosuquin, and Glycoflex are some of the top ones. You can also supplement with a wild caught salmon or pollock oil as well.

Also what was the vet’s feeling about the inflammation? I’m surprised he did not suggest an anti inflammatory temporarily to reduce the swelling. Prescription drugs of course can have side effects, but they are often needed in the short term.

[Jude N]

Prescription meds often have longterm side effects that can negatively affect the health of my dog. He’s been to the vet recently, had a senior blood panel done, an exam, etc. He has a low grade heart murmur but nothing else was mentioned in his bloodwork, other than being a little dehydrated.

I disagree with your stance on supplements, but thanks for the comment.

Still looking for input regarding which supplement would be best to try.

[anonymous]

In my opinion, your money would be better spent going to the vet for an evaluation and treatment options for pain management and inflammation such as prescription meds.
Has he had a senior workup? If not, that would be a good place to start.
Aqua therapy which is offered at some veterinary clinics as rehab, swimming in a pool or walking in water on a treadmill a few times a week can help a lot. https://www.vetinfo.com/aquatic-therapy-for-dogs.html

Supplements are not only most likely ineffective but they often have side effects.
Perhaps you will find some helpful information here http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=mercola
and http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=glucosamine

This is not veterinary advice; consult your veterinarian.

[Jude N]

I’ve read through quite a few older topics on here from ~2013, and it seems like several of the recommended Wysong products are no longer in production…so I was going to ask for more help.

I have a roughly 11 year old rescue dog, probably a chi/JRT mix, who has recently begun showing his age. He’s had inflammation in his back before, and over the weekend he’s been crying when we’ve moved him. Otherwise, he acts perfectly normal.

I’m looking at a Mercola pet joint supplement, but it lacks the ingredients I’m used to seeing with hip & joint support: chondroitin & glucosamine.

I’ve looked into a hip & joint supplement by The Missing Link.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a small dog?

Thank you!

[anonymous]

@ Carla M
You probably know this but………
I would not give over the counter meds or supplements to your pet unless prescribed by a veterinarian that has examined her.
You don’t know what you are treating and could make the situation worse.

[anonymous]

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 and others.

Ps: You may find some helpful information here http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=urinary+tract+infection
Btw: I’d skip the supplements, glucosamine and such. They don’t really help and could contribute to the formation of bladder stones.
Increase water intake and frequent bathroom breaks, opportunities to urinate is your best bet, just add water to the kibble of your choice, they lap it up to get to the food.
This is not veterinary advice; consult your veterinarian.

[anonymous]

I would stop all supplements. I might try Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Stomach as a base. Add a tablespoon of cooked ground turkey or something.
Add water or/and presoak with water. Don’t free feed (leave kibble out all day)
Two feedings per day, maybe a bite of something for a snack once or twice a day.
Long walks as tolerated.
Give the dog some time to adjust, the symptoms you describe most likely may be stress related.

[Rebeca J]

I adopted my dog (4 year old 40lb beagle mix) from a shelter in January. Initially we fed him Newman’s Own Adult Dog Formula (chicken and rice), but his poops were pretty runny and yellow and we decided to switch to IAMS Healthy Naturals (chicken and barley). At first it seemed to be working great and his poops were firm and darker for a few weeks, but then all of a sudden he would not eat the food at all, and started having upset stomach symptoms and vomiting undigested kibble. We went to the vet a couple of times and after a week of bland diet (chicken and rice), a dewormer, digestive supplements and antibiotics he seemed to be doing better, but would not touch the IAMS kibble still. We switched him to Merrick Backcountry Big Game Recipe because of the great reviews, but it clearly did not agree with him AT ALL, his poops were as runny and painful-looking as ever. We decided to switch again to Zignature Grain Free Turkey Formula (it was recommended to us) and now his poops are worse than they have ever been. I just don’t know what to do at this point, I’m really worried about my dog he’s otherwise acting completely normal, coat looks great , very active, but having diarrhea for months on end can’t be pleasant and I’m worried about the long term effects. I’ve spent over $300 on vet fees, just for my (honestly just horrible) vet to dismiss my concerns and refer me to a nutritionist that charges abt $400 per consultation. None of the other vets in my area are taking new patients. I don’t have the means to exclusively feed wet/raw food, but want to supplement his diet with it once we find a kibble that works for him. I have spent so much money, I really have no idea what else to do. Any and all suggestions/advice welcome.

[crazy4cats]

Hi KodaHappyTails-

I’m very sorry to hear about your dog’s diagnosis. If it were my dog, I would not feed raw. I do like Susan’s idea of checking out balanceit.com. They will help you formulate homemade cooked recipes appropriate for your dog. I make my dogs a meal once or twice a month using a recipe I made on their site along with a supplement that they sell to make it complete and balanced. Best wishes to you and your dog.

[HoundMusic]

NO. Raw is about the worst thing you could do, as dogs with cancer have a compromised immune system and cannot handle the bacteria in raw meat. There is also a risk of high fat and protein accelerating tumor growth. Certain carbs DO feed off simple sugars, but then again, so do all healthy cells. Furthermore, I have personally seen raw fed dogs with cancer develop secondary issues, namely, hypothyroidism, related to the long-term suppression of immune system function. Lightly cooked, lean meats heavy on veg and with small amounts of complex carbohydrates, supplemented with Omega 3, is probably your best bet for a cancer management diet.

[KodaHappyTails]

Hello Susan,thank you so much for the response! I am actually already following Rodney Habib,Ketopet and Karen Becker on FB I think their take on the canine cancer epidemic is truly groundbreaking. My only issue seems to be that I’m finding it difficult to find an actual dog food recipe to follow and try with my girl,it’s not really outlined anywhere on Ketopet’s website,I guess that’s the confusing part for me,I have no idea what to feed her,how much etc.? I was thinking of trying her on EVO since its high protein,low carb and then just adding in fresh veggies and supplements but I’m not sure the processed kibble would be doing her any good. It’s all just so overwhelming 🙁

[anonymous]

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