[joanne l]

Haleycookie, where did you find that info?

[joanne l]

Thanks Aimee, I was unaware of that. However, I was gonna put my dog on Instinct LID lamb diet, now I think I better wait until the FDA has more info. Natures Instinct is on the list but it is small but not sure if I should chance it. Some people on here recommend Purina Pro Plan maybe I will go with that and keep my fingers crossed that my dog can handle it. Oh boy what a mess.

[joanne l]

Hi Sarah, if he was on Zignatures all his life I would probably think it is fine, however he has only been eating it a year so I would please talk to your vet b/c Zignature is high up there with DCM. I understand about your dog with chicken, mine to can’t have chicken and what a battle it is to find a good grain in diet w/out chicken. I was feeding Holistic Select lamb and oatmeal, but I can’t use it anymore b/c he don’t like it and will starve before eating it. I might try Victor myself they have a beef and rice without chicken and a lamb and rice.

[joanne l]

Hi Sarah, if he was on Zignatures all his life I would probably think it is fine, however he has only been eating it a year so I would please talk to your vet b/c Zignature is high up there with DCM. I understand about your dog with chicken, mine to can’t have chicken and what a battle it is to find a good grain in diet w/out chicken. I was feeding Holistic Select lamb and oatmeal, but I can’t use it anymore b/c he don’t like it and will starve before eating it. I might try Victor myself they have a beef and rice without chicken and a lamb and rice.

[joanne l]

Hi Sarah, if he was on Zignatures all his life I would probably think it is fine, however he has only been eating it a year so I would please talk to your vet b/c Zignature is high up there with DCM. I understand about your dog with chicken, mine to can’t have chicken and what a battle it is to find a good grain in diet w/out chicken. I was feeding Holistic Select lamb and oatmeal, but I can’t use it anymore b/c he don’t like it and will starve before eating it. I might try Victor myself they have a beef and rice without chicken and a lamb and rice.

[joanne l]

I know that was horrible, but maybe it wasn’t DCM I don’t know. Didn’t get much more information than that. I don’t know the owner I was only talking to the person that knew him.

[joanne l]

Even though some rich people are taking their dogs for testing and could afford it, what about the ones that die and or something happens to the dog that the owners are not aware of. There maybe cases of dogs with DCM and the owners don’t know it. So you can’t base it on that. I spoke to some one in the pet shop and told me that their friends dog was playing and acting fine, than all of a sudden just stopped playing and was panting and than died. The dog was only 4 years old. I felt so bad and the owner was devastated. Now I don’t know what the dog died of, but you never know if it was DCM. I do agree with Dean, legumes and such are hard to digest and are not meant for a dog. However, some dogs digest it. But I don’t like it in dog food either.
Anon, I understand these are our opinions, however you always mention about asking the vet. So what was wrong about me suggesting it? In most of your posts it is all about “ask your vet.”

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

Anon, your statement is also just assuming. The hospitals and the FDA are experts. I would not rely on what you just said. I think that if people are concerned about what they are feeding, I would ask the vet and pay attention to the FDA for now. I would not listen to others opinions, even if they are good ones. This is too complicated and requires a vet to determine what to do next.

[joanne l]

I would suggest asking your vet, Zignature has a lot of peas. I don’t think the FDA would go to all this trouble, and put it on the news with brands included for nothing. I am very thankful that the FDA goes to these lengths to protect our dogs. I would not ignore the FDA, but every dog is different. I don’t want to tell you to change the diet, b/c I am not an expert, however I would ask your vet. How long has the dog been on the food? how old is he/she? Did the vet say he is in good health? I understand after hearing that I would not feel comfortable either with it. If you do change diet by the recommendation of your vet, I know there is a lot of good food that has grains. But truthfully I don’t know anymore what brand to try.

[joanne l]

I guess if people take their dogs for annual check ups the vet could of heard that the heart did not sound right. I know my vet listens to the heart and lungs when he gets his annual check up. I am not rich but I do annual check ups. My other dog I didn’t, but I guess I got lucky he was a very healthy dog.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

I read on the FDA site that grains are not causing any harm.

[joanne l]

Most people take their dog to the vet when they feel something is not right with the dog.

[joanne l]

I think the reason maybe is exotic meats. Maybe a chemical they are using to preserve the meat that is coming in. I know I wasn’t ask but wanted to share my thought on it.

[joanne l]

I remembered this post, and now I am wondering about this food. I give my dog Holistic Select, and the food first of all has been inconsistent in color and size. My dog is now refusing to eat this and is willing to eat other foods. He is not feeling well so I took him off the food cooking for him right now until I find anther food. I seen your post but thought nothing of it b/c there is something with every food, but when you see a reaction thenit is time to stop feeding.

[joanne l]

I just got a brain storm, I was thinking since Purina and Hills know that more people are buying their food with all this going on, maybe they want more business and are offering a lot of variety to really take in more customers. Because they know people are trusting them more than the BEG brands. So they are taking full advantage of this. Pretty slick but that is just a far out thought I had.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

I think that food is made by Diamond. I hear a lot of people don’t like Diamond.

[joanne l]

I can’t understand why in the world would they do that, knowing what the concerns are about DCM? I guess it is competition, all about money. Still don’t know how even that can be knowing some people are not buying grain free that much.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

Christie I would like to also know is chicken in the formula’s you are using? Sometimes food intolerance is just what it is. Some dogs and people can tolerant the offended food for a little while and than can’t. Some can not tolerant it at all even in small amounts. Another words, if a dog has a food intolerant to chicken, they may tolerated for a couple of weeks than boom diarrhea. Some may tolerated in very small amounts. Are you feeding anything in between? Just trying to rule out some possibilities. There is a rule of thumb I use, rule out minor things first. Or the brand you are feeding is somehow going rancid fast. Let me know what brand you are feeding.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

Hi Christie, what food are you feeding? what are the ingredients? And did you notice any change in kibble size or color? What foods did you start your rotation on? Sorry for all the questions but they maybe relevant.
Also, drooling is a sign of gas and upset. Mucus can occur with food intolerance.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

I had that done to me with a BB rep. I told him sorry I don’t want to buy this food. He still persisted and ask me why? So I flat out told him I just don’t like this food and I walked away. They will do anything for a dollar.

[joanne l]

Sounds like you should stay away from Diamond products. I never used it, but from what you are saying try something else.

[joanne l]

Pinky, I want to say keep it simple, don’t use any herbs or stuff like that right now, just do blain diet first.

[joanne l]

Hi Pinky, I am glad that your dog seems to be doing okay on the Instinct lamb food. As far as the ground meat I would get 85% lean ground beef, boil it and drain it, that way you are draining the fat out. You will probably find it will work. If it does and her system seems to be getting better, start adding dog food a little at a time. I don’t know if you are considering dry food, but if you do try the Natures Instinct lamb limited ingredient. Hopefully it will work out. Do this before you spend any more money on the vet. If this doesn’t work than go back to the vet. But I am almost certain that this will work. Let me know how you make out.
Sometimes Pinkly, if it is a food intolerance or allergy only you can find out, the vet won’t know because you are the one who feeds the dog and being observant can help a lot. Other than that blood work can determine and allergy but I don’t think it can find a food intolerance. Food intolerance is trail and error. Well I feel you are getting some where, you know chicken is a problem, one step in the right direction.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

Pinky, I just read the ingredients on the Purina EN wet food, it contains chicken, I am thinking chicken is not working for your dog. It is usually ,but not always, the protein that is a problem. I know I said cook chicken and rice, but I would just do ground beef and rice. IF the dogs stools gets better you got part of your answer. I had to do this for my dog. I found chicken was a problem. My human Dr. told me to cook for him to find out what protein he was not tolerating. The reason he told me that is b/c you are using only 2 ingredients. And white rice us usually tolerated by many dogs, plus settles the stomach.

[joanne l]

I found this article: https://www.heartdoghealth.org/foods.html
If this helps anyone.

[joanne l]

Pinky, did you noticed this started with the Ultra chicken formula? When you started the meds did you still give the dry food? Don’t give any dry food until you see a solid stool. Give the homemade I mentioned. When you see a solid stool for a few days than give the new dry slowly, which ever one you choose. The system needs a rest from dry food for a few days. Mucus sometimes means a food intolerance or an irritation. I would stay away from the Ultra chicken formula you were using. I feel bad for you and the dog, I am trying my best to give you the best advice I know. I hope your dog gets better. Please let me know how it turns out.

[joanne l]

Pinky, as far as fiber goes, it really depends on the dog. Some dogs with this condition do better with low fiber and some do better with high fiber. From my experience I would go with low fiber first. To much Fiber sometimes can irritate the intestines, which will cause more stool output. Use the recipe I mentioned previously for the cooked diet. White rice with ground meat or chicken.

[joanne l]

First off I am well over 18 years old, and I am a medical Assistant. What gave you the idea that I tried so many foods?? I research a lot of them but did not try. Second all I ask of you and others. is have you tried Nutrisource and does anyone have experience with the food. Third I know every dog is different, but I still like to hear what others are saying and than I will make up my own mind. Forth, my dog does not have issues like you are saying, he is a GSD. Fifth, you think I am 18 years old, and yet you don’t understand certain questions. Yes I have changed diets once in a great while. I had said I rotate can food, but I guess it some how was misunderstood for dry food. I won’t bother asking any more questions. However, I will try to help others if I can.
Oh and one more thing, my dog is a chow hound , meaning he likes to eat. When he doesn’t like a food it is for a reason, not that he is sick. I know my dog better than you. So how can you give advice to see a specialist? Thank you for not responding.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

Well Anon I don’t want to feed a food that may cause harm. If Zignatures is on that bad list, will nutrisource be the same? I know Zignature is all grain free this one is grain in. I really don’t want to be afraid to use it. Maybe I should not feed it and be on the safe side? I understand what people on here are going to recommend, but don’t feel comfortable with the recommended foods either. Well I guess I am in a tough spot. I know everyone is just trying to be helpful. Sorry I am so fussy. Holistic Select is doing my dog fine, except for the fact he don’t really enjoy it.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

Purina makes a hydrolyzed food I believe. It is a RX food ask your vet about it. I know a lot of dogs like Purina it is more palatable from what I hear.

[joanne l]

Anon you don’t have to be that rude. What does that mean?

[joanne l]

I was wondering if someone gives their dog a vegetarian dry food, but puts their own meat of choice in it will it be better? Example you can one night put chicken in there and then another time you can put beef, and another time you can use salmon and so on. That way they get their vitamins and minerals from the dry food and you add meats. Maybe better?? That way the dog get human grade meats. Maybe less allergies??

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

could be. I think I did get confused with that.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

I read on the dog journal that probiotics and enzymes are really helpful with this. There is one called Forta Flora it is in individual packets and you put it on the dogs food. Also rule out allergies to food as well. I use that product as well. Always tell the vet what you are using or doing. So ask him or her about Forta Flora. In my opinion it may help a lot.
I forgot to mention you can read the reviews on Forta Flora on chewy.com and that is were you can order it if you want.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

I understand you rather have a holistic vet, did you ever ask the vet about a RX diet for that? I don’t know anything about that oil, so I am sorry I can’t help you there.

[joanne l]

Boy birds must eat pretty good, they have plenty of oat groats in bird feed.

[joanne l]

Hi Amiee what I mean is that when a whole oat is not refined, it contains a hard outer Schell. That is harder to digest, it has more nutrients in it. but not good for people with colitis or stomach problems. Also dogs with the same conditions. I even spoke to a person, not mentioning any names, he is highly respected has a good dog food company, and he agreed. Some dogs it is fine, just not for my dog. He will have loose stools but not with oatmeal. If you look it up oatmeal is gentle on the stomach compared to oat groats. The nutritionist did not imply that oat groats were not healthier she implied that they are not as easy to digest as oatmeal. Susan agrees’ s as well. Well it really doesn’t matter, all that matters is if your dog can handled it great, my dog can not.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

I called Health Extensions and they said the dog could have some diarrhea. She said nothing in their is toxin. However she is not a vet so here are the ingredients:Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Primrose Oil, Fish Oil, Choline, Inositol, Phosphorous, Linoleic Acid, Arachmadonic Acid, Wheat Germ Oil, Lecithin
At least this should settle your mind a little. Just call the vet and see what he says.

[joanne l]

Please call Health Extension and tell them what happened. Ask for ingredients. Than call the vet and tell him what happened and tell him the ingredients.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

Thanks Susan, you are right on target. I will go with my gut. And you are very intelligent b/c oat groats are hard on the stomach that is what my nutritionist said. She is a human Dr. but they know more I think. She also helps wild life on the side. One time my other dog was sick and my Dr. is a friend of mine as well and he knew exactly what the dog needed. He told me what to ask the vet and what to tell the vet. He was a big help to me. Thank you Susan for listening and being understanding.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

Sorry I guess I got a little out of hand. I wanted to see what I know and if others thought the same. And everyone opinions matter that is how we learn. Sorry again for arguing about it. I guess I went too far on my intake on it.

[joanne l]

regardless of that, it still contains too much fiber. Some dogs can’t handle it and some can. You can ask your own nutritionist and you will see that this is so. As far as dog food companies go they will use cheaper stuff and oat groats are cheaper than oatmeal. It all comes down to the dollar.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

Yes I was, and oat groats are hard to digest period. Please I know what I am saying and the nutritionist did say too much hard to digest fiber. I think that goes without saying. It is not refined. think about it. whole oats are hard and has a lot of bran and the germ it will swept your intestines out like a broom. Despite of the low sugar content, if your dog needs a good colon cleanse this will do it for sure.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

I am sticking with Holistic Select, the dog does fine on it and so what if I have to put chicken broth for him to eat it. I made up my mind not to feed Fromm, they took out oatmeal and replaced it with oat groats. No thanks I will pass on Fromm.

[joanne l]

Patricia here is a link to what you were saying.

Is it any wonder Pet Owners are Suspicious?

other than that I have No further comment.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

I won’t use Hills even if it was highly recommended period!

[joanne l]

Patricia I agree totally, this food all most killed by other dog. He is no longer with me. He died at age 13 from prostate problems. He always got Nutro, then the vet put him on Hill’s for stomach issues as he got older and it made him so sick. I don’t care if some people on here say, well maybe he had a condition already, no I knew my dog very very well, when I took him off of it and cooked for him he was no longer sick. That was back in 2012. Maybe they are okay now, but I will not use that food, it left a bad memory in my head. In respect for my dog that passed away, I won’t give Hills not one penny of my money. And I do agree, even if it is WASAVA approved that does not mean it won’t cause other issues.

[joanne l]

There are reasons why I change DRY foods.
When I was using Purina for 1 year everything was fine, then I bought new bag and he was sooo sick badly. I stopped the food put him on bland diet, he got better than introduce Purina again and bad stool again, so I stopped buying Purina.
I was using wellness dog food everything was fine, than he stopped eating it. Than I used Fromm years back and that was good, but he could not put on weight at all with it. And it was the grain free one. So now I am on Holistic Select. I am sorry, if the dog turns down a food I listen to him. If a company has inconsistent kibble and he gets soft stools I stop. I seen a lot of things over the years with dog food.
Meaning inconsistent kibble/ change in color. Different smell. When I see this I won’t continue to feed it and wait for something to happen. Because the last time I feed kibble that was inconsistent in color and size my dog did not do well with it no more. Yes I can continue to feed kibble like this if I want a sick dog. Today they change recipes like they change underwear. They change manufactures and so on. So call me nuts, but I know what I see. Purina was the only one that I feed that has consistent kibble, however when he got sick off of that bag I was afraid to try it again.

[joanne l]

It is really soft like mushy, hard to pick up on grass. I say I only gave him about 10 kibbles with 1 1/2 cups of his regular dry food. I have not changed foods in a while, he has been eating holistic select dry food since January. I talk about a new foods but haven’t decided yet. This was my first attempt. I have nutrisource in mind if this doesn’t work. I do change wet foods but I know that is not a problem. I been using the same ones for years.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by joanne l.

[joanne l]

I think you misunderstood me, he is eating fine. He just don’t really enjoy what dry food I have. He eats treats and can food and he will eat his dry food, but I need to put broth on it. No he is not underweight. I am just trying to find a dry food he enjoys. Thank you for your help and thank you for your concern. The Fromm for some reason is not sitting right with him. I know a few kibbles on new food should not cause a problem, but there is something I guess in there that gave him loose stool. This morning I can him ground beef and rice with his regular dry food. It is funny b/c he did eat his regular dry food, but he wanted the Fromm food. He walked over to the bag and was pawing at it. It is a shame b/c I want to give it to him but not after he had a loose stool from it.

[Author]

Posts