[bigthree]

Usually with big dogs especially when they are going to get real big it maybe best to get a large breed formula because they tend to have better supplements in them for the bigger breeds. But you might want to check with your vet. Mine I have on Buffalo Blue Large breed formula (chicken and brown rice formula). As far as giving him something else I wish I could, he has a lot of allergies and this is the only food that doesn’t make him sick.

[bigthree]

Congrats Emily on a great breed of a dog. I have a St Bernard thats about 5 years of age. I can tell you this taste of the wild large breed puppy formula should be fine, just keep an eye on his coat because some of them will get skin allergies. Other than that enjoy him they are very docile and love to cuddle.

[bigthree]

Its not easy when switching to a different dog food, especially when they are not all made the same. For the time being you might want to give him some plain white rice until you can figure out what the problem is. I had the same problem with my St Bernard, I was giving him Nature’s Recipe until he got very sick. I ended up taking him to the vet because I really wasn’t sure what the problem was. Anyway we found out that he has a problem with foods that are high in protein. So before you go and switch foods again you might want to take him to the vet and have them check him out.

[bigthree]

It is true that animals will usually loose a few pound in the summer months. I have a St Bernard that will loose about five pounds, but if you have upped the amount of food your dog should stay the same. The amount of water will increase if you play with them outside for a long period of time, don’t forget dogs sweat too. If your dog is looking too thin and keeps loosing too much weight then yes there is something wrong and you need to take him/her back to the vet and get a complete blood work-up.

[bigthree]

Not sure if your aware of this but wellness is putting greentree extract in some of there formulas which can damage the dogs liver so check the ingredients. If its not that he might have a food allergy or a inner chemical in balance. You might want to talk to your vet but don’t let them sell you on a prescription brand let them know you would rather go the holistic route first.

• This reply was modified 10 years ago by bigthree.

[bigthree]

Definitely sounds like a food allergy. I’ve been in your shoes before and it can be frustrating. You might end up taking her back to the vet to do more tests. Before you do that see if you can talk to them about another food. The Hills is not just expensive but I’ve found its not the best with ingredients. I would research some other brands that are out there.

[bigthree]

Has anyone heard of Nulo?

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Yes I do still make my own canned dog food, and I have mixed her dry with it. Here’s the kicker last night when I fed her I notice that she was just eating the homemade food. What I mean is she was spitting the dry food out on the floor. My other two dogs a
St. Bernard and a yellow give me no problem when it comes to feeding time. There is one thing that I noticed with Athena the stinker the dry food is the more she likes it.

[bigthree]

OK, my little Athena has done it again. I love her to death but I’m at my wits end. I changed from Nutro Natural to Orijen which I thought was a big hit since she scarfed it down like there was no tomorrow. But now she has turned her nose up and I have to beg her to eat her food. I have taken the advise from a few and gotten a different brand and tried to change her to that (Fromm) but she literally looked at me and walked away. I figured it was because it had a different smell so I just kept with the Orijen. So I have a few questions. First is it really good to constantly change dog foods? An if that’s what I need to do is there a place were I can get samples instead of buying one she doesn’t like?

[bigthree]

I would recommend Orijen over the Wellness Core. If you Google the Wellness you will find out that they have started to put green tea extract in there food and that can do harm to dogs livers.

[bigthree]

I had a 12 year old chocolate lab that had a massive tumor that started in the back of her mouth then multiplied into her esophagus. Its always tough to watch an animal go through something like that since they can’t tell you were it hurts. A far as diet goes talking to your vet is always the best way to go. While my Heide battled with cancer for a little over a year I had to put her down. She ended up going through chemo, radiation, and three surgeries, so when you have three vets are telling you that the only way she can survive any longer in with a feeding bag that she will have to eat and drink through you sometimes need to the toughest decision. Anyway I know I made the right one and she is not suffering any more. So talk to your vet and if you don’t feel comfortable with what they are telling you get another opinion.

[bigthree]

I to feel your pain. I have three dogs a St Bernard and two labs. My St Bernard is the one with the food allergies. The only thing he can eat is chicken all of the other proteins he is highly allergic to. I ended up taking him to a nutritionist that specializes in food allergies for animals and after everything figured out a food plan that has been working for over a year. Yes taking him to a specialist like that is costly but I have insurance on all three of my dogs and thank goodness they picked up half of the bill. If you have to go with a prescription dog food Royal Canine is the better one, but talk to your vet that’s what they are there for.

[bigthree]

So its been about a week since I changed Athena’s food, and so far so good. In fact she eats like she can’t get enough. I do think I will change the flavors periodically so she doesn’t get bored. By the way I went with Orejin.

[bigthree]

It took a couple of trays, a few trips back and forth to the vet bit I finally got two that all three dogs can’t get enough of.

[bigthree]

Thanks pitlove, Canned has never been a problem for me due to the fact I make my own. Most people are kind of sceptical about that but the recipes I got were from my vet.

[bigthree]

Thanks InkedMarie for you advise. I went on the food list and found one that the pet store around the corner from me sells (Orijen) which got a five star rate. I looked for the ones that you mentioned but they didn’t carry them. She loved it so much that she went back to her bowl for seconds. Hopefully this is it.

[bigthree]

Here’s another question I hope can be answered. Is there really a difference between Large breed formulas and Life Stages?

[bigthree]

Thanks for the quick reply. Can I ask which one do you feed your dog?

[bigthree]

To all,
Need a little advise. I recently got dog number 3 a female chocolate lab who’s name is Athena and just about 5 months old. I have her on Nutro Ultra Holistic food for large breed puppies which I have no problem with. I was wondering if there was something better out there or something similar since I have a real hard time getting this brand. My other two are a Yellow lab and Saint Bernard/Great Perenees mix and have them both on a homade food diet, yes I like my dogs big and lovable. The vet said with the first year I should have Athena on something that is well balanced and will be kind to her digestive system. She told me Science Diet was the best balance meal for her but when I read what was in it (By-Product) and did some research I was sickened. So my question is is Nutra Ultra Holistic Large Breed Puppy Food the best out there or is there something better?

Sincerely
bigthree

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