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DogFoodie

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Viewing 50 posts - 251 through 300 (of 1,164 total)
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  • DogFoodie
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    There’s been an issue with Blue Buffalo’s quality control for a while now, maybe that’s why your dogs are rejecting it. Is switching to a different foods an option?

    DogFoodie
    Member

    Just noticed auto-correct changed Innova to Innovation.

    Hey Sandy, I was thinking Nature’s Variety was self-packed, but WDJ listed it as co-packed.

    DogFoodie
    Member

    Take a look at Addiction Wild Kangaroo and Apples, but check the Calcium. Are you making sure the foods you’re looking at have appropriate Calcium levels for large breed puppies?

    in reply to: Company owned manufacturing #67855 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    Addiction, Castor & Pollux, Champion (Orijen & Acana), Central Garden & Pet (Avoderm & Pinnacle), Farmina, Fromm, Hi-Tek (Hi-Tek & Leonard Powell), Horizon, Midwestern Pet Foods (Earthborn), Natura (EVO, Innovation), Ohio Pet Foods (Blackwood), Precise, Taplow Ventures (FirstMate – I’m using this right now for one of my dogs), Tuffy’s (NutriSource, Natural Planet and Pure Vita).

    in reply to: Wellness vs. Eukanuba #67396 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    I second aquariangt’s comments and Precise recommendation. I’ve used it, Sensicare in particular, myself as well for my dog with food intolerances. It’s a solid company and solid food. I’m also one of those that frequently recommends NutriSource. I’d use either with confidence.

    in reply to: Evangers food quality #67169 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    Well that was easy. Brett Sher already emailed me back from Evangers and said that their dry foods are co-packed by Mid-America Pet Foods. I wasn’t sure I’d get an answer at all, let alone within minutes on a Friday night.

    in reply to: Evangers food quality #67165 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    I haven’t yet Sandy, but I will right now.

    Thanks!

    in reply to: Evangers food quality #67158 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    This is the only thread I could find with Evangers in the title of the topic.

    I had heard rumors previously that Ohio Pet Foods and Fromm co-packed Evangers kibble. I just thought I’d let you know that I emailed Ohio Pet Foods today and a gentleman got back to me immediately and said that Ohio Pet Foods does not manufacture any products for Evangers at all. I sent an email to Evangers… we’ll see if they get back to me.

    I just wondered if anyone knew for sure who co-packed Evangers dry foods? I thought that someone had mentioned having communicated with Fromm, who also denied manufacturing any of Evangers products.

    Just FYI, Matt Golladay, VP at Ohio Pet Foods emailed me back within 20 minutes of my sending my email to him. If Ohio Pet Foods co-packed Evangers, I was thinking of looking at one of their products that meets my requirement for Sam, my Golden with lots of food intolerance issues, since there’s so little I have to feed him.

    in reply to: Westminster Kennel Club dog show #66951 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    I loved, loved that adorable Beagle. Skye was very eye catching. I’m just glad the Standard Poodle or the Portuguese Water Dog didn’t win again. No offense to anyone, it just seems like they always win.

    I thought the Giant Schnauzer was the most beautiful Schnauzer I have ever seen though, but then I’m not a judge.

    in reply to: Westminster Kennel Club dog show #66898 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    So cute! I adore Beagles. : )

    in reply to: Westminster Kennel Club dog show #66888 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    I did too, B Dog.

    Toys, Herding, Non-Sporting and Hounds, I believe.

    in reply to: Problem with potatoes? #66879 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    Rotation, rotation, rotation.

    DogFoodie
    Member

    Hi guys!

    Fish is my nemesis! I have done some research on the protein profiles of different types of fishes and found that some are so similar, cross reactivity is almost a guarantee; ie: cod and pollock; and sardines and herring. I also noted that cross reactivity wasn’t a guarantee when it comes to dogs that can’t eat fish reacting to shellfish and other types of seafood. I would treat them all as separate proteins with the hope you might be able to feed some fish – which it sounds like you can, thankfully! There’s another poster here whose dog can’t eat some fish, but can eat salmon. And, yes, somehow my dog does react to oils even though the protein should be removed. I’ve been tempted to try Springtime Naturals fish oil which is distilled (it sounds so pure in the item description) – somehow I think it might be less likely to have any protein in it, but it probably does. He does fine on an organic algae supplement. BC mentioned poultry / fowl being the same way; ie: chicken, duck, turkey, quail, etc. I still remember the day Sam refused to eat his sardines – he knew better!

    My Sam also recently reacted to rice bran oil in a vegeterian skin and coat supplement so it looks like rice is out now, too. Sam can’t have fish, fish oil, chickpeas, lentils, tomato, barley, rice, flax or millet… so far. BC has a similar list.

    What do you think your guy is reacting to? What kind of reaction is your pup having.

    If you need to go the route of a true elimination diet, you’ll have to do it the way BC suggested. I’ve been on what I call a ā€œmodifiedā€ elimination diet for about 2-1/2 years now and Sam will be 3 in May. It’s frustrating. Welcome to the club. : )

    DogFoodie
    Member

    Here’s a great little dry matter basis converted I found. I use it all the time.

    http://fnae.org/dmb.html?inputboxm=82&inputboxi=1&button.x=96&button.y=19&button=Click

    in reply to: Stomach Gas in 3 yr German Shep. #66683 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    I agree with the others.

    Having simethicone on hand is a good idea if necessary to administer a dose prior to transporting to the vet, but not instead of a trip to the emergency vet if you should suspect bloat.

    DogFoodie
    Member

    It definitely doesn’t sound like too many different foods to me, Sam. I would definitely rotate the kibble as well. Maybe rotating every bag would work for you.

    The only thing I’d suggest in addition to what you’re already doing would be to offer a can (or two, depending on his size) of tinned sardines packed in spring water once a week as a meal or even a topper.

    DogFoodie
    Member

    Hi Kimberly,

    What supplements are you adding that you feel he doesn’t like? What are you feeding him currently? Where are you getting your recipes?

    Have you identified his food intolerances? It sounds like he’s reacting to something.

    You’re doing right by him.

    DogFoodie
    Member

    My Cavalier is currently eating Halcyon and my Golden is eating Thrive. Both love it. My Golden, Sam, had lots of food intolerances, so I’m happy this is one of the few foods he’s able to eat.

    I add water to the HK and let it sit on the counter for a while why it’s rehydrating. At that point, is hard to get the dogs to do anything else. They lay on the floor in front of the counter until it’s time to eat. When it’s time, I add a bit more water, stir well and then finally, they get to eat. Torture, I know, but I stick to meal times. Mine like the consistency of their HK a little bit thicker.

    DogFoodie
    Member

    After Losul shared his personal experience with heartworms with us, I’ll never NOT give my dogs heartworm preventative. Since he first told us about Turbo months ago, I have been vigilant with dosing my dogs. And, I believe, that raw is not a guarantee that your dogs won’t get adult heartworms. Just my .02.

    in reply to: Affordable Flea Control #66521 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member
    in reply to: Ohio pet foods #66364 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    I really wish I could use Dr. Tim’s, but Sam can’t eat it sure to his food intolerances. šŸ™

    in reply to: Ohio pet foods #66322 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    I thought Ohio Pet Foods also made Annamaet.

    On the Ohio Pet Foods website under ā€œRelated Links,ā€ the have a link to Blackwood pet foods, so maybe they make that also.

    I also see Evanger’s coming up in various Google searches and on Susan Thixton’s old list from June of 2012. That’s a shame since Ohio Pet Foods I trust, but I don’t want to use anything Evanger’s at all.

    DogFoodie
    Member

    Hi Patrick,

    Dr. Tabitha, DVM, is a regular contributor here. I just got an email this morning regarding her new article about probiotics. You might find it useful: http://naturalalternativesvet.com/probiotics-for-pets

    in reply to: Solid Gold question ? #66079 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    Oh, now I see it, Melissa. I thought we were still talking about the Dogs Naturally article. Based on what I also read on Susan Thixton’s site, and what the Chinese study published in their newspapers, it does seem as though the study was slanted against the U.S. It seems like Solid Gold’s response on their FB is appropriate. The study doesn’t seem to have much credibility. I like Solid Gold. I just wish they didn’t use Diamond for production of their bison products.

    in reply to: Solid Gold question ? #66065 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    I don’t know why I can’t see what you’re talking about, Melissa. I swear I keep looking and can’t find it. It’s bugging me! Maybe my device (Kindle) is the problem.

    in reply to: Solid Gold question ? #66063 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    I found an article on the Truth About Pet Food earlier that’s apparently the same study. Here’s the article I read: http://truthaboutpetfood.com/aflatoxins-melamine-and-cyanuric-acid-found-in-us-made-pet-food/ The fact that the study was conducted by a Chinese company causes it to lose some credibility, in my opinion. I think aflatoxins, are to be expected to some degree in any food that contains cereal grains. Melamine is a different story. I wonder if that Chinese company that conducted the testing must’ve done so after feeling some heat and some finger pointing from the U.S.

    in reply to: Solid Gold question ? #66053 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    Aflatoxins are not the same thing as melamine. I looked on the Solid Gold FB page, but couldn’t find a discussion about either aflatoxins or melamine. Can you share a link to the FB age for the discussion you’re referencing.

    DogFoodie
    Member

    I’m so sorry to hear about Smokey! I hope he just was distracted by something interesting out there in the woods and is feeling perky again soon. Prayers for your little man.

    in reply to: Spaying #65794 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    Oh Aimee, I knew exactly what you meant and I couldn’t agree more. šŸ™‚

    FWIW, I don’t take mine to the dog park either.

    DogFoodie
    Member

    Congratulations on your new service pup, Belinda! I hope he blesses you with a renewed sense of freedom and confidence.

    in reply to: Spaying #65770 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    GREAT post Aimee! Insightful, as always. Although this line was my favorite: ā€œA leash prevents pregnancy.ā€ šŸ™‚

    DogFoodie
    Member

    Try Canine Caviar, Addiction and FirstMate. Those are three brands that I feed my dog with food intolerance issues, one of which is fish.

    You could also give this a shot: dogfoodwizard.com. It’s not foolproof, so you’ll need to double check the ingredients for foods it finds that meet your criteria. There are also foods that aren’t listed.

    What I do on a regular basis is go to Chewy.com and go through the ingredients of hundreds of foods, one at a time. It’s the only way to be sure.

    in reply to: Please help! #65601 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    Have you compared the fiber levels of the foods you’ve been feeding? I quickly looked and saw the Merrick had 3.5% fiber (Buffalo & Sweet Potato). It could be that he actually needs less fiber. A regular poster here has had great luck with Victor (I think she used Hi-Pro) for her Doberman with frequent boots of diarrhea. Look and see if you have a retailer near you at Victordogfood.com, under the locate a dealer tab. Maybe more moisture would help also. I think I’d steer clear of grains, which can be inflammatory. Just some quick thoughts as I run out the door.

    in reply to: Goodbye, Gemma #65522 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    Oh Marie, I’m so so sorry.

    I remember when you brought Gemma home. You made her sunset years so full. I know she knew she was loved with you. You were so blessed to have found each other. She was meant to be with you.

    in reply to: Please help! Diet suggestions! #65489 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    I second BCNut. Canine Caviar and NVI LID are two of my favorites. Maybe if you were to try a different protein of the NVI LID, that would be a good litmus test of sorts to see if the fish is the problem. I frequently use NVI LID Duck for my dog with food issues and its practically been a miracle food for him.

    in reply to: dinner mixes #65237 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    Hi Losul,

    I’m so happy to hear your update. Great news about Turbo! šŸ™‚

    I’ve thought about you often since you’ve been AWOL and am glad you’re back!

    in reply to: Need advice for new food issue #65205 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    Today is ā€œAsk the Vet Tuesdayā€ on Dr. Tim’s Facebook page. If you hurry, you might still be able to get an answer to your question from Dr. Tim today. https://www.facebook.com/DrTimsPetFood

    Dr. Tim is also great about responding to emails. You can email him at drtim@drtims.com

    I think the stool issue could indicate a food sensitivity. Some of my dog’s food intolerance issues take a while to present themselves. It’s confusing because he’ll do well on something, until he doesn’t. With my dogs, those were sensitivities to what I think of as sort of ā€œsecondaryā€ ingredients, like flax. It could even be that the protein or fat level of the GF Kinesis is optimal for him.

    Try a spoonful of plain, canned pumpkin mixed in with each meal and see if that helps firm things up.

    Did you do a side by side ingredient comparison of the ingredients in the GF Kinesis and the Pursuit?

    in reply to: Albino Doberman 3 yrs old #65166 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    What are you feeding him, Dawn?

    One of my dogs has lots of food intolerance issues. A few of the ingredients he doesn’t do well on cause him to have gas.

    in reply to: What did your dog(s) eat today? #65113 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    HMM,

    I really like CC. They have some reformulated products coming out really soon. Take a look at their new website; here: http://www.thecaninecaviar.com/

    DogFoodie
    Member

    Grrr… my post disappeared. I’ll try again.

    Hi Sam,

    I like both foods, as part of a rotation.

    What I think I’d do first is try to find out what Alice has been eating and get some of that to feed her for a couple of weeks after she gets to your house. Adjusting to a new home is enough of a change without having to try to adjust to a new food, too.

    I’d also see if they have any history of what she’s been eating and if she’s had any problems on anything she’s eaten. If she’s been fostered, the foster family might have that information.

    Congrats!

    DogFoodie
    Member

    My dog can’t have flax either, but I’ve also determined a long list of other ingredients of which he is intolerant so the list I have is very short. Dry foods on my short list that don’t contain flax are NVI LID, Addiction Viva La Venison, Canidae Pure Sky (Diamond, yuck), Wysong Fundamentals, FirstMate Chicken and Blueberries and Acana Duck and Bartlett Pear (original, not singles). There are also several Canine Caviar formulas that don’t have flax currently, and they have new formulas coming out really soon and when they do, I know Wilderness meets my criteria. I think several CC formulas would meet your criteria currently.

    It’ll soon be three years that its taken me to get my list to where it is currently. I am constantly on Chewy.com reading ingredients. You’ll need to check the ones I mentioned to see if they contain other problem ingredients.

    I’ve determined my dogs problem ingredients through trial and error during a modified elimination diet. If your allergy test results were determined by a blood test, or the like, I encourage you to consider doing an elimination diet as allergy test results are notorious for both false positives and false negatives.

    DogFoodie
    Member

    Hi Janis,

    Although I think you’re referring to their kibble which is co-packed for them by a third party, rather than their canned products which they can themselves, Evanger’s has a terrible track record and has firmly established themselves as unethical and criminal at best. I don’t think it’s possible for Evanger’s to ever clean up their act enough to find themselves graced with the distinction of being named an Editor’s Choice brand.

    I’d never use any of their products, including the kibble made by someone else for them, on principle alone.

    DogFoodie
    Member

    OK, so the stool is still formed, but mucusy, right?

    I would think that it could be a food intolerance. Whether to the rice, lamb, or some other ingredient. I would eliminate the new food you were beginning to introduce and see if things clear up on their own. Compare the ingredients in what he’s been eating to what you were beginning to introduce.

    I’m still working on an elimination diet of sorts with my Golden with food intolerance issues. Any time he has a reaction to something, I eliminate the new food/supplement and go back to the base diet so things can resolve. Only then, do I know for sure what the offending ingredients were. Problem ingredients can be obvious like, lamb or rice, or more obscure, like flax or garlic. So compare every ingredient. Sometimes a reaction takes a little while and sometimes, it’s immediate. So almost anything he’s eating could be suspect. Because my dog has so many intolerances and I’m a rotator, it’s important to me to have several foods that I know he’s good with to use as a barometer.

    DogFoodie
    Member

    When you say gel-like, do you mean mucusy?

    If it just started, it might resolve on its own. If it continues, or his pattern of elimination changes – more frequent, loose stools, etc., You might want to get him checked out. A small amount of mucus in the stool isn’t terribly abnormal or generally cause for concern.

    DogFoodie
    Member

    Have you already tried adding plain canned pumpkin?

    When you say gel-like, do you mean mucusy?

    DogFoodie
    Member

    Paul S,

    You’ve asked this same question several times, but you’re ignoring the responses to your question, which has been answered.

    Regional Red has already been rated here: /dog-food-reviews/orijen-dog-food-adult/

    Here’s the EC page for Champion: /reports/champion-petfoods/, which includes Regional Red and links to the product review.

    DogFoodie
    Member

    It sounds like you might have made an abrupt switch, to which your pup isn’t accustomed. I would go back to the Fromm until things stabilize. When it’s time to start trying the Acana again, switch slowly by adding in a small amount of the Acana to a reduced portion of the Fromm. Try an 80 / 20 ratio to start. Only after your pup is stable on that ratio and has firm, formed stool for several days, is it time to increase the new and decrease the old.

    Make sure to compare calories. The Acana may have more calories than the Fromm. Adjust your ratio and the amount you feed accordingly.

    in reply to: dinner mixes #64671 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    LOSUL!! Are you back? I’ve missed you!

    in reply to: 3 dog treats for review, please. #64600 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    Just jumping in quickly here. Did you happen to see this thread: /forums/topic/your-most-recommended-dog-treats/

    You might find some good recommendations here also.

    in reply to: What did your dog(s) eat today? #64559 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    DogFoodie
    Member

    As the Nut explained, I originally avoided flax because it didn’t really add much to the diet and there were better, more bioavailable sources, of Omega 3’s. I do happen to have a dog who is intolerant of flax. He quickly develops loose stools when exposed to it. And, oh my gosh, if flax isn’t in almost everything. Since he can’t have fish oil either (which I use for my Cavalier), I give Sam algae oil. Food intolerances are getting me feeling very frustrated right now as Sam’s list is long and growing. šŸ™

    Dori, prayers for your husband and you. I pray his test results are good news.

Viewing 50 posts - 251 through 300 (of 1,164 total)

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