[crazy4cats]

I believe that Royal Canin, Purina, Hills, Iams and Eukanuba all own their own manufacturing facilities.

Good question! It is one of the criteria that the WSAVA recommends when choosing a food for our pets.

[crazy4cats]

This sight judges food by its ingredient label. Board- Certified veterinarian nutritionists recommend judging pet food by a different criteria. They suggest checking out the company who sells it!

Stop reading your pet food ingredient list!

Unfortunately, Orijen and Acana which are both made by Champion are highly correlated with the increasing amount of dogs with nutritionally mediated DCM.

[crazy4cats]

Hi Eleonora L-
I wouldn’t feed a large breed pup a homemade diet. It is so important to get all their nutrients exactly right while they are growing to avoid joint issues. It’s actually not protein that can cause issues, it is calcium and phosphorous.

Check out this link: /calcium-content-analyzer/

Feed a commercial diet that actually states it is for growing large breed pups. Purina has a lot of research behind their diets and they have food available at different price points. Eukanuba, Royal Canin, Iams and Hill’s would also be good choices.

When the pup is full grown, if you want to make homemade food, check out BalanceIt.com. It is a great site run by veterinary nutritionists that can help build a recipe for you.

Best wishes to you and your new pup! ❤

[crazy4cats]

Wow! I just took a look at their website. You should not have to supplement your dog with that many vitamins if you are feeding a complete and balanced food. In fact, you may cause them harm. They especially do not need digestive enzymes unless they have certain medical conditions.

This supplement looks good to humans, but not for dogs. It does not look like there is any type of veterinary nutritionist involved with the formulation. In fact it says this: Dr. Dennis Black is a Naturopathic Doctor and not licensed to practice human or veterinary medicine in any state. I’d steer clear!

Talk to your vet if you think your dog is lacking something in their diet!

[crazy4cats]

Aimee-
Thank you for your input. So, in other words, if you are mixing two foods, one food for senior benefits and the other for weight loss benefits, you might be diluting both and not getting the results you are hoping for from either. Makes sense. I think I need to make a change! 🙂

[crazy4cats]

Hi JB-
It depends on who you ask as to whether it is acceptable to mix two foods like that to achieve a lower calorie meal.

I’m on a few different canine nutrition FB groups and there is disagreement even between experts. Some say that if you do not feed the one formula close to the recommended amount, the meals might not be complete and balanced.

Others say, that since both formulas are complete and balanced, that is is fine to mix the two.

Honestly, I am doing that right now with a couple of my kitties that are a little chubby. I’m having a hard time finding their regular Royal Canin food so I’ve been mixing the new formula with a weight management recipe hoping they lose a little weight.

I’d like to believe that I am not shorting them on any nutrients!

If Aimee is around, maybe she can comment on this. I value her opinion on these type of questions. Good luck!

[crazy4cats]

Yep, it’s tough matching a Rx food. I know how expensive they are! I always try to remember, its probably cheaper than another vet visit!

Best wishes 🐶

[crazy4cats]

Hi Corey-
My dogs had the same start as yours when we got them as puppies. I’m really glad you got it under control with Hill’s. Whatever you switch to, do it slowly! The Rx food you are feeding is high in fiber and probiotics. Tough to match that with an over the counter food. What does your vet recommend? Is there another Hill’s formula that is similar?

My dogs still to do better with a higher fiber food still at age 10. I would continue to give probiotics. I now feed them either Purina or Purina One and keep either FortiFlora, Pro Pectalin or Proviable by Mutramax.

Remember, ask your vet and transition slowly!

[crazy4cats]

Hi-
Are they jerky type treats? Are they made in China? Ever since the big jerky treat issue a few years back, I will not feed them to my dogs.
You should probably quit feeding them and see if your dog improves. If not, a vet visit is probably in order.
Good luck! I hope our pup gets better. It’s so hard when you don’t know what is wrong with them. 🙂

[crazy4cats]

I’m surprised that your vet recommended a grain free food as there is currently an investigation going on possibly linking grain free boutique foods to Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

I would do another fecal test. Giardia is common in puppies and can be intermittent. Have you tried adding a probiotic to his food? Sometimes after taking antibiotics, their tummy can get out of whack. I would try adding FortiFlora and maybe a little fiber to the diet to see if that works.

I’ve switched my dogs foods several times over the years. But, I finally saw the light and now feed either Purina ProPlan or Purina One and their “output” is consistently good.

Best of luck to you.

[crazy4cats]

Hi-
Sounds like you are having a rough time finding an appropriate food for your pup. I am curious how you determined that he/she is allergic to all of those ingredients? Most allergy tests are not accurate and food allergies are not very common. Has your vet recommended an elimination diet?

Most will recommend a hydrolyzed prescription food to get the allergies under control. Then you can slowly add a new protein to see if there is a reaction.

A lot of people have great results with Purina ProPlan Sensitive Skin Salmon kibble that have dogs that are sensitive to chicken.

I hope you get it figured out.

[crazy4cats]

I feed our senior dogs Purina Vibrant Maturity. It is Ok for all sizes of seniors. The kibble is quite small. They love it and are doing great on it. Give it a try!

[crazy4cats]

We like Zymox ear cleanser for our lab mix dogs. One tends to get ear infections if his ears aren’t kept clean. I order it from Chewy. Good luck!

[crazy4cats]

I’ve made the 180 on dog food and now feed them either Purina Pro Plan or Purina One dry food along with a spoonful of wet food.

I tried feeding Iams dry at first after switching off of the grain free food we used to feed them. But, they like the Purina with the shredded pieces better and are doing great!

I do not know anything about Rayne. Best wishes on finding the best food for your new puppy. Make sure if it is a large breed puppy that you feed a puppy food specailly formulated for growing large breed pups.

[crazy4cats]

Purina Pro Plan Salmon and Rice might work for you. I feed it to my two labs mixed in their dry food every few days. Good luck!

[crazy4cats]

Wow! Didn’t know about the current lawsuit against Champion. Another big knock against them! So many companies and their false advertising! Blue claiming they don’t use by-products and No-Hide Chews claiming they don’t use hide!

[crazy4cats]

Hill’s is a great company. All of their ingredients have a purpose. You will probably have to stick to prescription food to find the low fat food you are looking for. Royal Canin and Purina also make Rx diets. Ask your vet about them.

[crazy4cats]

I tend to believe the experts!

Should You Avoid Buying Dog Food That Contains Corn?

Corn is a very healthy ingredient in a dog food as long as the company making the food is using high grade quality ground corn. I’ve finally come to the realization that I need to check out the company producing the food more than examining the ingredients on the label. There is no way to tell the quality of them from the label.

Hope this is helpful!

[crazy4cats]

My dogs do great on Purina One dry dog food. It has a mix of tender and crunchy kibble.

[crazy4cats]

Here is the current class action lawsuit against Earth Animals regarding their so called “No Hide Chews”.

https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/pet/no-hide-dog-chews-contain-rawhide-class-action-lawsuit-alleges/

[crazy4cats]

I would definitely avoid any type of milk with a dog who is prone to diarrhea.

I disagree with your statement about corn. Corn is a highly digestible carb for energy, contains fatty acids for beautiful skin and coat and also provides quality protein for muscle growth.

Of course you need to choose a company who properly grinds the corn and only uses grade 1 or 2 corn.

Taste of the Wild has been implicated by the FDA as one of the companies associated with an increase of dogs developing cardiomyopathy. Along with other boutique type grain free foods. Here is a website with many valuable resources regarding the issue: http://dcmdogfood.com/

Here is their take on corn:http://dcmdogfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Debunking-Myths-around-Corn-Gluten-Meal_FINAL.pdf

They also have a fantastic FB page if you prefer.

After listening to the experts for the last year instead of internet myths, I’ve done a 180 on how I select food for my dogs and cats. I’m sticking to the big 5 for now. They all employ veterinarians with Phd’s in animal nutrition, do feed trials, own their own facilities among many other important factors. I’ll only feed Royal Canin, Purina, Eukanuba, Iams or Hill’s to my crew at least until they figure out what is going on.

Make sure which ever food you choose is formulated for large breed puppies!

Take Care and good luck!

[crazy4cats]

This is very concerning to me. Companies seem to be purposefully manipulating ingredient labels that could possibly hurt our pets all in the name of greed! They are making so much money on these fake no hide chews. They are extremely expensive and people are paying for them!

I really hope the class action lawsuit can make a dent in this issue!

Also makes me suspect of anything I buy!

Thank you for the heads up, Aimee!

[crazy4cats]

Hi lynx556-
Have you brought in a stool sample into your vet clinic to check for parasites, including giardia and coccidia? Worms and parasites are very common in young puppies.

Has the vet recommended adding a little fiber to the diet? I have a kitty who has suffered with chronic diarrhea for months. I recently started adding a little psyllium husk powder and a probiotic. It has helped immensely. Make sure to get direction from your vet on how much to add. Adding too much could be dangerous.

I would definitely stick to a large breed puppy food. You want to make sure his joints grow and form correctly. It contains the appropriate amount of calcium and phosphorus for a growing large breed.

[crazy4cats]

Hi Sheila! I have been disappointed in Dr. Tim’s responses in the past as well. I like how Aimee teaches us to find out the information for ourselves. I’ve learned a lot from her.

I know some are not fans, but, I prefer to stick to the big brands that have a proven history of success. They have a team of experts, own their own facilities and do feeding trials. They are Royal Canin, Purina, Euanuba, Iams and Hill’s. I believe they all have weight maintenance formulas. A couple of them have prescription formulas for weight loss. They could help with the loss and then move to an OTC formula.

My dogs are currently eating Purina One kibble with a dab of canned. My cats all eat Royal Canin kibble with a dab of canned also.

It’s great you are trying to keep your dog trim. It’s a big struggle at our house too. But, I know it’s best for their health. (and mine too 🙂 )

Good luck!

[crazy4cats]

We like Purina One in our family for a budget friendly dog food. They have a sensitive skin and stomach formula that might work for you: https://www.purina.com/purina-one/dogs/dry-dog-food/sensitive-systems-real-salmon.

Best of luck to you and your furry family.

[crazy4cats]

Do you know who makes it? I’ve never heard of it.

Have you tried Royal Canin’s prescription Ultamino?

[crazy4cats]

Have either of you considered a homemade diet? It probably would be expensive, but petdiets.com or Balanceit.com are both run by veterinary nutritionists that may be able to help formulate a diet with approval from your vet. Best wishes. 💜

[crazy4cats]

Thank you for posting. Luckily, I don’t feed this food.

[crazy4cats]

Have you checked out Royal Canin prescription diets? I know they offer some dual purpose formulas. I feed a calming + urinary food to one of my cats. Hope you find one that works!

[crazy4cats]

So glad you found the cause! Also, that it is something that you can treat and not have to deal with any type of food intolerances or life long digestive condition.

Best wishes!

[crazy4cats]

Hi Kris M-
It sounds like your pup may have Coccidia or Giardia. Hopefully, both is being are being tested for on your fecal. I would continue on a bland diet using a vet tested probiotic such as Forti Flora or ProPectalin.

I’ve had to treat both Giardia and Coccidia in both cats and dogs. I can feel your pain. Hopefully, something will show up on the fecal so you’ll know how to treat. Our fecal test results are usually back the next day. Good luck!

[crazy4cats]

Hi Kelly A-
I have a cat that has had a urinary blockage and is also on a prescription diet and has not had a recurrence. Thank goodness!!! Have you asked your vet if there is a non chicken food that would work?

I know that Royal Canin, Purina, and Hills all make prescription food. Maybe you could visit their websites and see if any of them make a fish based Urinary Rx food. If yes, see if your vet will give you a prescription to purchase it elsewhere.

Good luck!

[crazy4cats]

Wow! Dr. Dobias’ “treatments” look down right dangerous to me! I would steer clear of his recommendations and snake oil.

[crazy4cats]

Hi Patricia-
I am aware that feeding rials could not guarantee adequate nutrition under all conditions. If a dog has a medical condition, they may need a prescription food or a food without certain ingredients they may have a sensitivity to, etc.

I do not feed WSAVA compliant brands just because of the increase of diet-related DCM. I will continue to feed them even if and when they find the reason behind the increase of this terrible condition. I feel they have been around for a long time and do their due diligence to make sure the foods they are selling are complete and balanced. No need to rotate with other brands. I am sticking with what most veterinarians recommend. I think they have a lot more education, knowledge and experience through all of their patients than we do. Thank you, though.

[crazy4cats]

The FDA actually recommends talking to your vet about your dogs diet with any questions who may consult with a board certified veterinary nutritionist. Howard’s vet recommends steering clear of grain free foods!

There have been no new numbers released since July 2019. So who knows how many new cases there have been?

I am playing it safe and only feeding foods that have been through feeding trials and are formulated by a team of experts. For me, it is either Iams or Purina dry and wet for our dogs and Royal Canin or Purina for our cats.

Check out this site for more information: https://taurinedcm.org/

They are also associated with a very informative FB group, if interested.

[crazy4cats]

Hi Alberto!
Congratulations to you! A beautiful bloodhound, huh? How awesome.

You definitely feed a food that is formulated specifically for a large breed puppy. This will help ensure her joints to grow at a healthy pace.

In my opinion, I would feed either Purina ProPlan or One, Royal Canin, Eukanuba or Hill’s Large Breed Puppy food. Royal Canin might even have a formula specific for bloodhound puppies.

These companies all have done feeding trials on their foods.

I would not feed Acana. It has been associated with Dilated Cardiomyopathy in dogs. Especially larger dogs.

Good luck to you!

[crazy4cats]

Hi Cannoli-
Wow! You have done a 180 when it comes to dog food. Welcome to the club! Isn’t it amazing that veterinarians actually know what they are talking about? 😉 Glad to hear you’ve worked out your dog’s allergies. My dogs do fine with corn as well.

[crazy4cats]

Congratulations on your new furry family member! Large breed pups are dogs that will be over 50 or 60 pounds when they are full grown. It doesn’t look like the new puppy will be that big. But, you could always feed a large breed puppy food if you are not sure.

I only feed my pets food that are WSAVA compliant. They are Royal Canin, Eukanuba, Iams, Purina, and Hill’s. They all sell puppy food that would be great for your new addition. I feed my dogs mostly Purina ProPlan. They are doing great! Good luck!

[crazy4cats]

I think that Purina ProPlan Large Breed Puppy would be a better choice. It has the correct calcium and phosphorous to keep your growing puppy’s joints healthy!

Good luck with our precious pup. Labs are the best!

[crazy4cats]

The FDA actually does not know what is causing the issue yet. This is taken right from your link:

13. Does the FDA know what it is about these foods that may be connected to canine DCM?
At this time, it is not clear what it is about these diets that may be connected to DCM in dogs. There are multiple possible causes of DCM. Taurine deficiency is well-documented as a potential cause of DCM, but it is not the only cause of DCM. Nutritional makeup of the main ingredients or how dogs process them, main ingredient sourcing, processing, amount used, or other factors could be involved.

There could be a lot of factors involved, not just the ingredients you are listing. You have a lot of 4Health on you list of Ok formulas to feed. Really? What makes you think they can formulate any of their recipes correctly if they cannot get the grain free line safe? Diamond does not even employ one board-certified veterinarian nutritionist as large as they are. Nor, do they do feeding trials.

The FDA states over and over again to consult with your veterinarian or a veterinarian nutritionist. Most are recommending finding a company that is in compliance with WSAVA guidelines. Most of the foods you list do not even come close to meeting them.

[crazy4cats]

It would be very nice if there was an outside company that would do the research. But, who do you suppose will pay for it?
As I’ve said many times, I’m sure the veterinary colleges would be glad to accept donations from any company. There is no one stopping Diamond, Champion, Fromm and others from contributing to the cause.

They do not even have experts on their own formulation teams to do any research!

Btw, Joshua Stern’s peer-reviewed study did not accept any money from any dog food companies. It was privately funded.

[crazy4cats]

Not to mention, anon101’s favorite reference, The Skept Vet, was one of the first to recognize the increase of dogs not typically associated with DCM turning up with it:

Grain-free Diets and Heart Disease in Dogs

Evidence Update: Grain-free and other “BEG” Diets Associated with Heart Disease in Dogs

Seems if someone is talking out both sides of their mouth!

[crazy4cats]

What breed is your pup? How big will it get?

Feeding a large breed puppy the correct amount of calcium is of the utmost importance while they are growing. You only get one shot at those growing bones and joints, it has to be right! They are very prone to hip dysplasia and elbow issues if not fed correctly.

For either small or large breed puppy, I would definitely get in touch with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to help you formulate a raw food. There are some that will work with you.

Rodney Habib does not have the credentials to formulate a complete and balanced diet. Especially, for a large breed puppy.

[crazy4cats]

Eagle Pack is a division of Well Pet, the makers of Wellness.

[crazy4cats]

I would consult with a certified veterinary nutritionist or check out http://www.balanceit.com for homemade balanced recipes.

I use Nordic Naturals or Welactin fish oil for my two along with their kibble with a little canned mixed in. Recommended and approved by their vets.

[crazy4cats]

Fancy Feast is a fine canned cat food. It is probably one of if not the most popular foods sold.

[crazy4cats]

A lot has been learned about the proper way to feed large and giant breed puppies over the last 46 years. Fortunately, large breed puppy food has been formulated now to meet all the needs of the growing joints in big pups. It is no longer necessary or recommended to feed them adult food to slow down growing.
/calcium-content-analyzer/

In addition Fromm is one of the brands that the FDA has implicated in the recent increase of dogs being diagnosed with Nutritionally Mediated DCM.
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/news-events/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy

[crazy4cats]

Just a reminder: Foods with grain are not automatically “safe” foods.

Check out this article written by a board-certified veterinarian nutritionist regarding the subject:

It’s Not Just Grain-Free: An Update on Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy

[crazy4cats]

Snowtigga-
I used to feed both Whole Earth Farms and Fromm to my dogs as well. In light of the recent discovery of NM DCM in dogs, I have switched to Purina ProPlan Large Breed Weight Management kibble along with a dollop of ProPlan canned. They are doing great and have even lost some weight! I highly recommend!

[crazy4cats]

Fromm is one of the 16 brands that the FDA implicated in causing Nutritionally Mediated Dilated Cardiomyopathy in dogs. Buyer beware! It was not just their grain free formulas involved. They do not employ or consult with a board-certified animal or veterinarian nutritionist. In addition, they have not done any testing or research in years. Meanwhile adding new untested “exotic” ingredients to their recipes. I will not feed any of their lines of food again!

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