[Patricia A]

Ann Bixbi is very limited ingredients . This is Bixbi Beef ingredients
Beef, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney, Beef Bone, Pumpkin, Coconut Oil, Salmon Oil, Selenium Yeast, Vitamin E Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Riboflavin Supplement, Calcium Iodate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative), Rosemary Extract.
I feed their Rawbble freeze dried as toppers. Very pure food.
Dog Food Advisor rates their freeze dried a 5*. Hoping he does a review for 2019 of their kibble also.
Also: Diets in cases reported to the FDA frequently list potatoes or multiple legumes such as peas, lentils, other “pulses” (seeds of legumes), and their protein, starch and fiber derivatives early in the ingredient list, indicating that they are main ingredients. Early reports from the veterinary cardiology community indicate that the dogs consistently ate these foods as their primary source of nutrition for time periods ranging from months to years. https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm613305.htm

✅ “With any kibble, the issue is not the grain or lack of it. It is the fact that, in order to keep protein levels high, manufacturers are adding legumes, from which taurine cannot be converted.” https://truthaboutpetfood.com/fda-investigates-potential-connection-to-diet-and-heart-disease-in-dogs/

• This reply was modified 5 years, 3 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Hav mom I found from Susan Thixton. She explains it well. I hope I’m allowed to post this link here https://truthaboutpetfood.com/the-difference-between-human-grade-and-feed-grade/
I didn’t ever see though Thixton giving ratings. Just her list that comes out every year.
Hope the link helps Hav.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 4 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Crazy4cats how do I find out which brands supply the nutritional experts?? Is it listed on label?
” Current research (not yet published) has identified a link between grain-free dogs foods that include peas and legumes and taurine deficiency that can lead to DCM. On the Taurine Deficiency page, the most commonly reported foods from owners of dogs with DCM are: Nutrisource, Acana (particularly pork and butternut squash), 4Health, Zignature, Taste of the Wild, Earthborn Holistic.”
Wouldn’t some of the above be considered big brand companies such as Taste of the Wild(Diamond)? Earthborn Holistic was founded in 1926 etc. Don’t know if they imploy Ph.D’s. I hope not because they missed something with this DCM problem.
I have the Chihuahuas’ so not one of the breeds that would most likely be affected by low Taurine and DCM. But still concerned they get their protein from meat . Don’t know why it just can’t be broken down on the bag of food of how much of the protein is actually coming from meat.
I’m finally on a good feeding regime with food I feel good feeding them and my dogs are doing very well. Primal, Bixbi and just one protein occasionally of Stella’s venison. PLEASE don’t tell me that THESE are all the new boutique foods your referring to. It can’t be because they DO NOT look appealing once dehydrated. lol Not liked some canned that has big pieces of potatoes and carrots and shredded chicken. lol But THAT is what i’m trying to stay away from. I can only hope that by going by reviews they are getting brands that have more meat protein then plant protein . Less starches and carbs . They get little anyway with sweet potatoes and string beans when we have this for dinner. And my salmon and a little steak when they get lucky. Watermelon is their favorite. All in moderation. Again I can hope that essentia vitamins/minerals and anything else they need is in their dog food. Yearly blood tests tell me they are not deficient . MY blood work isn’t even as good as theirs lol I’m doing something right. My one Doxie lived to 17 1/2. My oldest Chi is 16 1/2 and going strong.
I’ll go NUTS if I have to change again so humor me. lol

• This reply was modified 5 years, 4 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Crazy4ctats even us humans have guidelines for good health constantly changing. Eggs are bad for cholesterol now there not. Probiotics are great. New study shows probiotics can cause…. Farm raised Salmon bad..now good. ect. My breast surgeon insists on yearly MRI with dye for high risk after having surgery for atypical cells. Now studies finding contrast dye is retaining in brain long after and no one knows what health problems this can cause in the future. Who can we trust for our health when one day a vitamin or diet is great to stay healthy and then the next day its doing us harm?
The industry has it down what dogs/cats need in the way of appropriate amount of minerals/vitamins etc. added to their food.I think they got that down a long time ago or our pets would have been suffering deficiencies and all dying very young. So all companies follow suit with the basics of sustaining life. But look at all the recalls hurting our pets when a company is careless. Some are repeat offenders. So it’s a no brainer to not feed my dogs that brand. I also look at advisor reviews for anything lit up in red that was studied to POSSIBLY be detrimental to their health. So again why take a chance. Want also first ingredients to be meat .These are all the things I learned to take in to account from this site when finding a good food .Before this I didn’t even read the ingredients on the bag. As long as I didn’t by food at the grocery store I thought it was a good food. I try not to get to obsessed . I have to admit I do give a little kibble with my freeze dried . They really like the crunch. Don’t tell Susan Thixton. lol
I would love to have a site where 500 PH.d’s in dog food nutrition came out with a recipe for THE PERFECT DOG FOOD. Then hope that they will eat it enthusiastically AND live years longer in better health because of it. Until then I’ll do my best with using advice from people that have definitely more knowledge then I do..

[Patricia A]

Forgot to add that I also like to look at reviews Dr. Mike supplies us. He supplies information on fat/protein, calories etc. So I use that as a guide also. I just use Thixton/adisor as a starting point in deciding their diets.

[Patricia A]

Anon I subscribe to Susan Thixtons list because she supplies alll the information I am looking for in choosing a food that meets my standard of nutrition for my dog. I’m grateful that someone is doing the hard work of finding Pet food companies that are transparent and supply information of proof of the many conditions required to make her trusted dog food brand list.
She does not endorse or condemn any food. Below is her standard requirements necessary to make her recommended trusted dog food company list:

Human Grade: it means: all ingredients including supplements are human edible, the food is manufactured in a licensed human food facility, and ingredients and final product transported and warehoused to human food safety standards. Unfortunately, most pet foods are “feed grade”. Feed grade means ingredients and supplements are not required to be human edible, and they are not required to be manufactured per human food safety standards. Worse yet, pet foods are not required to disclose feed grade quality on the label. Not all pet foods on the List meet the full requirement of a Human grade pet food, most are ONLY missing the requirement of human food manufacturing.
Manufactured
Under this category, the List explains if the food is manufactured in a human food or pet food facility. When a pet food is manufactured in a licensed human food facility, it is held by regulation to particular safety standards. When a pet food is manufactured in a pet food facility, regulation does not require the same safety standards as human foods. Most of the pet foods on the List have plant established safety standards the same as human food.

Ingredient Quality
Human Grade ingredient quality is priority for me in a pet food. Most pet foods utilize “feed grade” ingredients which means they are allowed by FDA to use extremely inferior quality of ingredients. As example, any food (human or animal) would be considered adulterated/illegal if it contains meat from a diseased or non-slaughtered animal. But the FDA allows exception to this law for feed grade pet foods. Directly stated on the FDA website: “Pet food consisting of material from diseased animals or animals which have died otherwise than by slaughter, which is in violation of 402(a)(5) will not ordinarily be actionable, if it is not otherwise in violation of the law. It will be considered fit for animal consumption.” Pet foods on the List utilize ONLY human edible food ingredients (with one small exception from Open Farm kibble) and provide verification documents to us to assure this quality.

Country of Origin
Country of origin of ingredients is significant information to disclose to the pet owner. Often large manufacturers will not disclose the COO of each ingredient or they give consumers vague responses such as ‘all our ingredients are tested in the US’. The pet foods on the List provided full disclosure to country of origin.

Ingredient Quality
Human Grade ingredient quality is priority for me in a pet food. Most pet foods utilize “feed grade” ingredients which means they are allowed by FDA to use extremely inferior quality of ingredients. As example, any food (human or animal) would be considered adulterated/illegal if it contains meat from a diseased or non-slaughtered animal. But the FDA allows exception to this law for feed grade pet foods. Directly stated on the FDA website: “Pet food consisting of material from diseased animals or animals which have died otherwise than by slaughter, which is in violation of 402(a)(5) will not ordinarily be actionable, if it is not otherwise in violation of the law. It will be considered fit for animal consumption.” Pet foods on the List utilize ONLY human edible food ingredients (with one small exception from Open Farm kibble) and provide verification documents to us to assure this quality.

BPA
BPA is a chemical found in the protective lining of some canned foods and/or found in some pet food packaging. BPA is an “endocrine disruptor chemical”; Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that may interfere with the body’s endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects.
HPP, Bacteriophages

HPP stands for High Pressure Processing is a method used to control common bacteria of raw meat. Bacteriophages are a virus used in raw meat products to control the common bacteria of raw meat. Both processes are deemed safe by FDA, they are mentioned In the List for informational purposes.

Testing
Proper monitoring of pet food ingredients, nutrients, and potential risks are part of how a pet food keeps your pet safe.

Verification
The pet food companies in the List provided documentation to verify their claims of human grade ingredients, human food manufacturing, and/or humanely raised. Each company did not hesitate to provide a wealth of verification documents. The seal below indicates that each pet food ingredients were verified to be human grade quality.

At the end of the day it’s what you feel good about feeding your furbabies, if they enjoy eating it and how their energy and health is with the brand your feeding.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 4 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Open Farm dry was reviewed. I subscribe to Susan Thixton’s (Truth About Pet Food) 2019 list . Can’t get any better information what your feeding your dog then her. Among her VERY few approved is Open Farms freeze dried. Happy Primal was there also. I hope Dr. Mike reviews and approves for his 2019 Editors Choice List.

[Patricia A]

Thank you Eve for reply. Going to buy some before i run out of the Bixbi so I can introduce it gradually. Hoping she likes it and I can give my other Chi this also.

[Patricia A]

My neighbors dog was diagnosed with this as well. Make sure he does not go to bed on an empty stomach and feed first thing in morning. This is what really helped her dog and without medication. Here’s an article that is helpful also.
The classic symptom of bilious vomiting syndrome is vomiting on an empty stomach. This usually occurs first thing in the morning since most dogs don’t eat throughout the night. Because the dog’s stomach is empty, all that comes up is fluid, mucus, and often some bile, which tinges everything an orangey-brown color. Dogs with bilious vomiting syndrome are normal in all other respects … no diarrhea, weight loss, poor appetite, etc.

We don’t know exactly why some dogs develop bilious vomiting syndrome. The most commonly cited theory is that something is amiss with the normal “housekeeping” contractions of the gastrointestinal tract that should occur in between meals. As a result, fluid within the first part of the intestinal tract (the duodenum) moves backwards into the stomach resulting in irritation of the stomach’s lining and vomiting. This explanation has resulted in some veterinarians calling the condition reflux gastritis.

Whatever the underlying cause, most dogs with bilious vomiting syndrome respond very well to a simple form of treatment — feeding them their normal food right before bedtime and again first thing in the morning (yes, I mean even before you get a cup of coffee). I do not recommend changing the dog’s food at the same time as the feeding schedule is being modified. As a veterinarian, I prefer to change one thing at a time whenever possible so I can better assess what is working and what is not.

If feeding the dog late in the evening and early in the morning doesn’t improve matters, I’ll generally recommend a health work up that consists of blood work, a urinalysis, a fecal examination, and abdominal X-rays to make sure that the dog is truly as healthy as he or she appears to be. In some cases, additional laboratory testing, an abdominal ultrasound, and/or scoping of the GI tract may be in order.

When a dog that is suspected of having bilious vomiting syndrome doesn’t get better with more frequent feedings alone and other causes of chronic vomiting have been ruled out, medications can be added to the treatment plan. Some dogs respond to drugs that reduce gastric acidity (e.g., famotidine or omeprazole) while others do better with metoclopramide, a medication that increases the frequency of contractions within the small intestines, or maropitant, a broad spectrum anti-vomiting drug.

Even when dogs with bilious vomiting syndrome are treated with medications, they should continue to eat a late evening and early morning meal. If this is inconvenient, an automatic feeder is a worthwhile investment.

[Patricia A]

I always stick to the 5* flavors/proteins ratings. Very thankful for this site because it least I have a starting point of hopefully a healthy food and if they are thriving on it and also enjoys eating it. Like Libby I alternate Primal and Stella’s. I THINK Rawbble Bixbi is a good freeze dried but way too expensive to feed as meals. They get a few as treats.
Libby mentioned preferring Stella’s over Primal. Aside from Stella’s having higher meat content is Stella’s ingredients overall a wee better then Primal in your opinion?

[Patricia A]

Same question here Libby. I’m thinking because the lamb is MUCH higher in fat? I just brought the venison not realizing it’s a blend now. I’m looking forward to getting the advisors new 2019 list to see if he changes ratings. I also give a little of Stella’s small breed kibble as a base with their Stella’s. A little worried since peas, chickpeas etc are high up on its ingredient list and the DCM concern regarding these legumes might block Taurine
I have Chihuahuas’ so this breed isn’t listed as the dogs most effected. I also alternate with Primal freeze dried duck and turkey/sardine and Bixibi rawbbles as treats.
I also alternate with Primal freeze dried duck and turkey/sardine and Bixibi rawbbles as treats.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 4 months ago by Patricia A.
• This reply was modified 5 years, 4 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Don’t have suggestions Karen. My dogs are on Primal also. However they are Chihuahuas’ who are not as prone to this disease. Still checking with blood work though. Sorry Ann but can’t agree with the recommendation of Zignature. This dog food brand has I believe shown up more then any other as dogs being fed this with low taurine .
“Until recently, Dilated Cardiomyopathy has not been a condition seen with any regularity in Golden Retrievers. While they have seen an occasional Golden or other atypical breed show up with DCM in recent years, something has changed in the past few months. There has been a noticeable rise in the number of calls UPenn has rec’d from Veterinarians reporting cases similar to Oliver’s and they are concerned. They are also beginning to make a direct correlation between these new cases and the diets the affected dogs have been fed. While they suspect MANY different brands to be problematic, one brand that has shown up several times is Zignature Grain-Free… The brand I have fed Oliver and Riley for several years.

[Patricia A]

Thank’s A LOT Joanne for that read!! Now I’m even more confused then before if that’s possible. LOL!! I was still on the fence about grain or no grain but at least I THOUGHT I was doing the right thing when I listened to the voice in my head telling me always “carbs are bad, carbs are bad” “dogs don’t need carbs in their diet”.
I won’t yell at my hubby anymore for sneaking in those pieces of sweet potatoes in their freeze dried. lol

• This reply was modified 5 years, 5 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

If your dog has itchy, irritated skin and smells a little stinky, he could be suffering from a yeast infection. This condition can cause extreme discomfort for our canine companions and may be related to an underlying problem such as an allergy or a hormonal disorder.

All strains of yeast are funguses, and these organisms normally live on the bodies of dogs (and people) without causing illness. Problems arise when there is an overabundance of the fungus on a dog’s body, says Dr. Neil Marrinan of the Old Lyme Veterinary Hospital in Connecticut. “Overgrowth requires a trigger and loss of skin defenses,” he says.

Typically, dogs are bothered by the opportunistic pathogen Malassezia pachydermatis, says Dr. Klaus Loft, who practices dermatology at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Angell Animal Medical Center. “We see yeast in various forms in and on dogs,” he says. “It resides normally on the skin and is implicated in skin, paw, and ear infections.”

So how do you know if your dog has a yeast infection? Here are 10 common signs watch out for.

Signs of Yeast Infections in Dogs

Changes in color and texture
Signs of a yeast infection can vary depending on the site of the infection. “The biggest sign is alteration in the appearance of the skin,” Marrinan says. A pink or red color is commonly seen in the early stages of infection. With chronic infection, the skin can become leathery, thick, and gray or black. Remember that yeast infections can occur in a number of places on your dog’s body if conditions are right, he notes.

Greasy skin
Excessively oily or greasy skin is another common symptom of a yeast infection in dogs, according to Loft.

Scaly skin
Some dogs with yeast infections develop crusting, scaling, or flakiness of the skin that can look a little like dandruff, says Dr. Jennifer Coates, veterinary advisor for petMD.

Head shaking
“The ears are far and away the most common location for a yeast infection,” Marrinan says. In such cases, you likely will notice your dog trying to relieve his discomfort by repeatedly shaking or tilting his head.

Scratching and rubbing
Your dog also might be quite itchy from the yeast infection. You may see him scratching the affected spot, rubbing up against furniture or another surface, or scooting along the floor, Marrinan says.

Licking
Some dogs might attempt to relieve itchy discomfort by incessantly licking the infected area, the doctors note.

Swelling and warmth
While redness and itching are the first signs of a yeast infection, symptoms can easily progress to swelling, warmth, and pain in the infected area, according to Marrinan.

Odor
Odor also is a common sign of a yeast infection, regardless of location, Loft says. “Some people claim the yeast-infected skin and ears smell like Cheetos or have a sweet smell, but this is typically not a reliable ‘test,’ as we often find certain bacterial infections can have a similar odor,” he says. “It is important to remember this can be seen with other infectious organisms beyond yeast, so diagnostic testing at the veterinarian’s office is required.”

Hair loss
Hair loss can accompany the yeast infection and associated inflammation, Loft says.

Drooling
A yeast infection in a dog’s mouth is extremely rare but can cause abnormal drooling, oral discomfort, and problems eating. Excessive drooling can also be a sign of other problems in the mouth, such as an abscessed tooth or bee sting, Marrinan says, so pet parents should take their dog to the vet to determine the cause.

Treating Yeast Infections in Dogs

The most important aspect of treating a yeast infection in dogs is identifying and addressing the underlying cause. This will make the risk of relapse less of a concern, Loft and Marrinan agree. For deep and generalized skin and paw/claw bed infections, veterinarians may prescribe oral antifungal medications such as ketoconazole, fluconazole, or terbinafine, Loft says. Ears can be treated topically with appropriate ear cleaners and medications, but severe ear infections may also require oral medications. Bathing the skin and fur with disinfecting and degreasing shampoos can also help, Marrinan adds. The best treatment regimen can be determined by a veterinarian familiar with the specifics of the dog’s case.

[Patricia A]

I’m curious Bill if a kibble that has peas/legumes high up the their ingredient list but does not displace meat being it’s main protein source is safe. I feed Stella Chewy’s kibble albeit as a VERY small portion of my dogs diet. Primarily their fed Primal, Bixbi and Stella’s freeze dried. Home cooked from our meals when appropriate. I Dr. Mikes reviews as a starting point on what to feed. So I’m going by reviews of Stella’s kibble as showing an abundance of meat even though the legumes are high up on the list. A little confused about this. Dr. Mike never lowered his 5 star reviews even when the legumes were high on the ingredient list. So i imagine you can have the peas but a high quality kibble would still have the majority of protein coming from meat. Hope I’m making sense.
I’m hoping that the study comes back that it’s not the peas causing low taurine but the peas being the main sauce of protein and meat protein lacking.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 5 months ago by Patricia A.
• This reply was modified 5 years, 5 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

I just read Mike Sagmans home page AGAIN as I did when I first found this board a few years ago. It just reminded me of why I was relieved to find The Dog Food Advisor Board. I desperately needed a starting point in choosing dog food for my three Chihuahuas. I would be in a pet store for hours second guessing if I’m feeding them the most nutritious food. It is just so overwhelming with all the brands, flavors, cans, raw etc.
I am now confidently feeding freeze dried primal flavors, Stella’s and Bixbi Rawbbles in rotation. I go by the proteins Mike reviews as 5*’s. I also give a small amount of Stella’s kibble. Also rated by him as 5*. They are healthy and eat with enthusiasm. I was concerned about Stella’s raw coated kibble when this DCM scare came to light. It does have peas up high on ingredient list. However, Mike has not changed his 5 star review for this grain free food. He states in reviews that the abundance of protein in this brand comes from meat and not the peas. It also has added Taurine .Chihuahuas’ are not to my knowledge listed as one of the breeds most likely effected by DCM but will have them tested yearly.
I will continue to read his reviews and put my trust in him and his staff to provide me enough info to make informative decisions in what to feed my fur babies. Dog food Advisor statement below.

We Obsess Over Dog Food
So You Don’t Have To

• This reply was modified 5 years, 5 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Honestly don’t know if if there is any validity to this . Can companies which were losing money when the grain free craze started be this sinister ? Ummm…of course.

👉👉🔴Consider who funded the scientific research and Advertising Press Release. 👇🤭http://vetmed.tufts.edu/tufts-at-tech/donors/ (Hint: The list is similar to the same companies who fund the research at UC DAVIS Veterinary Medicine)👇
The following companies gave to the UC School of Veterinary Medicine of more than One Million Dollars Each?

Mars Incorporated

Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Morris Animal Foundation

American Kennel Club

American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation

Bayer Corporation
What do these companies have to do with dog food?
Mars Incorporated = PEDIGREE®, and ROYAL CANIN®. Mars Petcare is also home to the brands NUTRO®, GREENIES®, SHEBA®, CESAR®, IAMS® AND EUKANUBA®. Mars Petcare is the world’s biggest veterinary health group with hospitals such as BANFIELD®, BLUE PEARL®, PET PARTNERS®, and VCA® – making Mars the largest veterinary operation in the North America. (They need sick dogs to survive)

Hills Pet Nutrition – Science Diet, Prescription Diet, Ideal Balance, Healthy Advantage

Morris Animal Foundation – supported by The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), PetCo and Blue Buffalo Foundation.

American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation – in partnership with Eukanuba, a grain based dog food owned by Mars Corporation

Bayer Corporation- owns Monsanto the largest GMO seed supplier in the world. Forty percent of the world’s genetically modified (GM) crops are grown in the U.S., where Monsanto controls 80 percent of the GM corn market, and 93 percent of the GM soy market and is heavily invested in grains. Responsible for all the major companies that sell farmers the stuff they need to grow crops: seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers. Also makers of flea & tick chemicals known to have life threatening side effects.

Here’s the complete list of doners to UCDavis Vet Med

https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/giving/recognition-and-resources/honor-roll

Here is the link to the report funded by some the above donors: http://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2018/06/a-broken-heart-risk-of-heart-disease-in-boutique-or-grain-free-diets-and-exotic-ingredients/.

Taurine Plain Talk.

Scientific research shows lack of taurine can cause DCM in some dogs.
No, grain free diets are not the cause.
Lack of Taurine is the cause.
Taurine comes from muscle meat protein… not grains.

[Patricia A]

Am I reading this chart right? It seems Zignature Kangaroo recipe is showing more DCM cases? https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TNru_WWKf0TbZ8aYBgOJjsh4cziKZwdA6GEbXTUFJ_M/edit#gid=582733736

[Patricia A]

@anon101

@susan
That’s why I wanted@debi S to watch the video to see if it matches closely to what her Pom is doing. I am very familiar with reverse sneezing since one of my Chis’ has this. I usually blow in her nose a little which prompts her to swallow aborting the attack.
https://dogs.lovetoknow.com/reverse-sneezing-dogs
Just maybe if she looks at some videos of reverse sneezing she’ll either see it resembles her dog or eliminate that being the cause. It is VERY common especially in small breed dogs. My dog swallows a lot in-between the coughing. An endoscope can confirm acid reflux. She never wrote if vet suggested smaller meals throughout day which is recommend for acid reflex. Dry kibble also induces acid reflex. So using some water to moisten would also be helpful. Also weight management. Does the dog have any of these symptoms commonly associated with reflux
Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Dogs Gurgling or burping sounds after eating Persistent bad breath Weak vomiting or coughing accompanied by small amounts of vomit. Whining while eating Eating a bit, demonstrating discomfort, then resuming eating. Wheezing Excessive salivation?
Throwing antacids before even trying some change in diet is not the answer unless other natural options do not work AND if it is determined reflux to be the cause.
Don’t know why people seek out help and then don’t respond to posts.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Thank’s @anon101 for sympathizing with my migraine suffering. I try to go natural like you in keeping attacks at bay instead of the meds. I have the same philosophy with keeping my furbabies healthy. No meds unless proof of disease and then weighing side effects causing worse symptoms and suffering then the original problem. Sometimes I take it upon myself to know what’s best for my pet. As when many ears ago I took my 16 year old Doxie in for a growth on his leg . Diagnosed as a common benign growth especially in senior dogs. Vet was then insisting on giving him his yearly vaccinations. I declined. It would only do harm in a dog this age who cannot go for walks anymore and only goes out when it’s warm enough using a ramp. Very happy that my new vet no longer pushes yearly vaccinations to my 16 year old Chi, eight year old and four year old. They had all their vaccinations and then I stopped after their boosters at a year. I only get the rabies every three years . I think when they are do I’ll get a titer to see if even that is necessary.
Glad to hear you found that food trigger. MSG is a very common one for migraines. Mine is change in weather and perfume. Can’t change the weather but my hubby makes sure he goes through the papers for any free perfume samples and throws them outside garbage and airs out the papers. lol.
Hope my post isn’t forbidden for being so off topic. lol

[Patricia A]

Anon you wrote exactly what I wanted to finish writing but didn’t have the energy from stupid change of weather migraine. I believe acid reflux can be diagnosed by an endoscope. But without knowing if that is truly the cause, meds that suppress acid TOTALLY can do a lot more harm then good. I wish she opened the youtube link I sent. MANY people posted with exactly the same symptoms that her POM suffers from.
Someone wrote that when they stopped Frontline the symptoms stopped. Vet said flea and tick meds can sometimes cause seizures in dogs which present with this type of behavior. Another wrote found info. on the internet about “reverse sneezing and tracheal collapse”. The dog in this video appears to have reverse sneezing that is not serious, but a tracheal collapse is, and symptoms mirror those of the reverse sneezing.

[Patricia A]

Just like in people Prilosec comes with a lot of side effects. Found this video. Does this sound like your dog? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpYAC9IfZjo

[Patricia A]

I found these reviews regarding mold in FreshPet. /forums/topic/mold-in-freshpet-food-2/
Also not crazy about these ingredients in the chicken recipe pea fiber, pea protein, carrots, natural flavors, spinach, vinegar, salt, carrageenan
I also have chihuahuas’. They are doing well on Primal freeze dried duck and Turkey/sardine. I also rotate with Stella Chewy’s venison and rabbit. Bixbi Rawbbles has great ingredients. Even my VERY picky 16 year old loves the freeze dried Salmon/chicken recipe. Dog food advisor rates all these proteins 5 stars.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

First this NOT normal.
Have you given him anything new in treats or added anything different to his diet? Have you tried NOT feeding the same food and give him a small amount of lean boiled chicken and see if he keeps that down? If he keeps that down then it’s whatever you were feeding not agreeing with him or possibly the food is a bad batch. Kibble also goes rancid if in very warm temperatures.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

I have Chihuahuas’ also. Sixteen year old is now on Stella Chewy’s Raw coated kibble small breed with a topper. My four year old and eight year old are both on Stella’s kibble as a small base and get Freeze Dried Stella’s as a topper. Flavors are revieved as five star and they are Chicken, Rabbit, Venison. I also rotate with Primal Freeze Dried Turkey/Sardine and Duck.Both reviews as 5 stars. The only freeze dried topper my 16 year old eats is Bixbi Rawbble in Chicken/Salmon. They not found at Petco but my Pet Supply Store. Very easy to use. Just crumble and add a little warm water. I mix it with the kibble. The Bixbi Chicken/Salmon I just give dry. They are crunchy and almost like a treat to them. All these are high in meat with low carbs.
This is an example of ingredients in Bixbi Beef.
Ingredients: Beef, beef liver, beef kidney, beef bone, pumpkin, coconut oil, salmon oil, selenium yeast, vitamin E supplement, manganese proteinate, riboflavin supplement, calcium iodate, d-calcium pantothenate, mixed tocopherols (a preservative), rosemary extract.
My three are doing great with all the Freeze Dried recipes . I introduced them slowly with each brand and protein. Now I can rotate out. Good luck with your Chi.
This is the Primal duck recipe
INGREDIENTS:
Duck, Duck Necks, Duck Wings, Organic Kale, Duck Hearts, Duck Gizzards, Organic Carrots, Organic Squash, Duck Livers, Organic Broccoli, Organic Apples, Blueberries, Cranberries, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Montmorillonite Clay, Organic Parsley, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Salmon Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Quinoa Sprout Powder, Dried Organic Kelp, Alfalfa, Vitamin E Supplement, Mixed Tocopherols (natural preservative).

• This reply was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Thank’s for the info Susan. I stopped Stella’s raw coated small breed chicken when I read about the DCM with peas/legumes. Went back to Fromm but the gold formula. But didn’t really feel good about giving Fromm anymore . I really rely on Dr. Mike with his ratings and he consistently gave them a 5 in kibble.Also they really liked Stella’s and even my 16 year old eats it. So I just went back to Stella’s as a base and just wanted an understanding as to why it’s a meat based kibble vs plant based . So thank you for explaining that.
I use very little as a base mixed with freeze dried. I alternate with Primal, Stella’s and now Bixbi Rawbble. Just looked up Answers and ingredients very similar to the Bixbi.
Thank’s for suggestion. Like adding into my rotation.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Why would anyone think that giving an insecticide to your dogs is harmless?? Frontline’s website creates the impression that the product stays in the oil glands of the skin. But Dr. Dobozy’s study showed that, in fact, it does enter the body and the organ systems. Copies from this link . https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/the-dangers-of-flea-and-tick-products/

• This reply was modified 5 years, 7 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Be careful with watching him for any side effects on the antacids. Ranitidine(Zantac for dogs) https://dogtime.com/dog-health/54801-ranitidine-zantac-dogs-uses-dosage-side-effects. Please keep us updated. We’ll all be waiting for that good news post that he’s enthusiastically eating, gaining and now is one happy pup.

[Patricia A]

On a positive note you don’t have to worry about legumes and potatoes in most of the commercial raw foods.. I feed Primal, Stella Chewy’s and Bixbi Rawbble freeze dried which all got 5 stars by the advisor. Might be more cost effective for you though with the raw frozen patties in these brands. I stick to the proteins which the advisor rates as 5 stars These are the ones with a lower fat ratio .So with Primal I stick to Turkey/Sardine protein and the duck, rabbit and venison. I also rotate with the rabbit and venison in Stella’s. Bixbi Rawbbles is freeze dried and expensive. My 16 year old that has gotten VERY picky so she gets the Bixbi in Beef and salmon/chicken which she loves. I switched slowly and now I can rotate these brands and proteins without a problem.

[Patricia A]

You say that his ribs and bones are showing and vet refuses to do spaying because he is so underweight. You’ve listed all the many foods you’ve tried and still he doesn’t eat or gain weight. You’re vet suggested an ultrasound to find the true cause and you stated your husband said no. I believe this dog is suffering and at such a young age a cause of starving needs to be found. Maybe in leu of gifts for birthdays, xmas etc can help in raising money for cost of ultrasound ?

• This reply was modified 5 years, 7 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

To get his appetite going how about good old scrambled eggs with a little american cheese mixed in. Also boiled salmon. Has a strong smell and might get his appetite up. Very lean steak mixed in with kibble. I have a 16 year old and she is hit and miss with her appetite. These food always work. Fromm is also a favorite . Small breed Gold.
My other two get freeze dried Primal/Stella’s. She won’t eat that at all. BUT I recently purchased Bixbi Rawbble Chicken n Salmon freeze dried. Very expensive but she loves it dry.
Hope this helps.

[Patricia A]

Just looked at Zignature dry but not crazy about all the ingredients advisor highlights in red being controversial.
Trout, salmon meal, peas, chickpeas, pea flour, dehydrated alfalfa meal, natural flavors, salmon oil, flaxseed, sunflower oil (preserved with citric acid), dried beet pulp, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, salt, minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, cobalt proteinate), choline chloride, dicalcium phosphate, vitamins (vitamin A acetate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, niacin, d-calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement), blueberries, carrots, cranberries, lactic acid, calcium iodate, sodium selenite, preserved with mixed tocopherols

[Patricia A]

Hav Mom maybe if you could hold off a little longer until further research is done and we get a definitive answer on what’s causing so many dogs to be diagnosed with DCM. I’m not trusting any kibble since grain free has all the peas/legumes which might be the reason for not absorbing the taurine. Even the added taurine then doesn’t do any good. Then you have the grain inclusive which still has usually potatoes which also might be the problem.
I give mine Primal freeze dried and Stella’s rotating with the proteins. I can only hope I’m doing right by them.But at least it’s free of legumes/potatoes. In between they will have home cooked if we’re having chicken(boiled for them), plain boiled fish such as salmon and if they are lucky some lean steak or london broil. This way it’s affordable for me. Well they’re Chihuahuas’ but i’m thinking your one Havenese is equal to the three of mine feeding wise. Also I’m finding I can’t go by their feeding suggestions on package. They would be fat since they are very dense foods. So a little goes a long way.
Since you stated that Havaneses are prone to heart problems, maybe for peace of mind also stick to the dehydrated for now or maybe give what I suggested a try if it’s less costly then youre brand and he does well with it.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 7 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Primal didn’t even put my question on their F/B page. I don’t like that. guess they want only positive posts. I just purchased the turkey/Sardine at my pet supply store but seems fresh and no oily smell. Breaks up very dry like it always did with this protein. I always leaned more towards Primal then Stella’s. I use their rabbit but it’s kind of spongy to break up. I worry that Stella’s is too gimmicky. Also got the boxed response regarding their kibble and FDA report . Advisor gave it 5 stars stating “abundance of meat But their 2nd ingredient is peas then chickpeas. I still don’t understand how advisor knows how much protein is coming from legumes and how much from meat. Going to call Stella’s but don’t think I’ll get a breakdown.
I don’t want to keep switching them so I’ll have to trust Primal and Stella’s. I also give a little Bixbi Rawbble. Very expensive but they like it dry as a treat. I’m just going to rotate the three to be safe.

[Patricia A]

. I now only give kibble to my 16 year old who will only eat as a topper Holistic Health Extensions but it’s only says supplemental on the can. In between she and my other two get boiled chicken, salmon lean steak etc. So I have to give some kibble and has been getting Fromm for years. Switched to Fromm Grain Free Four Star years ago and rotated the proteins but mostly kept to Salmon A la Veg because of small kibble size. But because of FDA report went back to grain inclusive . Got samples of the small breed gold which she ate. After reading what you posted I’m glad my Pet Supply store was out of the gold. Ended up getting what i fed years ago being the grain inclusive Salmon A La VEg. My other two eats rotation of primal freeze dried proteins, Stella’s freeze dried and Bixbi Rawbbles. Wish my 16 year old would eat the raw so I wouldn’t worry so much about this stupid FDA report. At least I HOPE i’m doing the right thing by feeding the raw in these brands.

[Patricia A]

OH wow, I know exactly what you’re going through now. I have a three year old chihuahua who if I put her food down she will walk away. She wasn’t always like that but over the last two years I’ve been giving my 16 year old more home cooked meals because well she’s 16 and I know she really enjoys it of course and it keeps weight on her. But of course when she gets the chicken and some boiled carrots, steak, london broil, salmon, turkey etc. they get that as a topper also. But I can’t do this all the time and I also it’s not balanced with everything they need for health . So now if it’s not home cooked she will not eat all day. I’ve went through all kinds of canned and this last year went over to freeze dried as a topper. My other 8 year old eats everything but I’m resorting to hand feeding this one to get her started. Now that doesn’t work either. She’ll actually backs away likes she’s afraid of the food and I have to reach over to give her little bits but she keeps backing away. So been through all different freeze dried also. I stopped rehydrating and just put the freeze dried broken up on the kibble because I would be throwing away worried about it sitting out for over two hrs. I can’t even leave it on the floor because my chubby eight year old would gobble it down when I’m not looking . I tried putting some Orijen freeze dried treat, which she loves, crumbled a little on top of her food. Well that worked for a day but she was wise to me. I did let her “starve” for one day with only her share of hard boiled egg in morning but it backfired with the bile vomit the next day. Every night it’s a game of even my husband making believe he’s eating her food. Putting it on a paper plate. Making believe I’m taking it out of the over etc. She just stretches and walks as far away as she can get. Being that I tried so many foods and she still turns up her nose, I’m not giving up on the freeze dried . I think I’m doing the best for her health wise even though I have to hand feed her. I’m looking into other brands and also the new Pronto by primal. I’m not giving up on finding one she loves as much as my cooking. lol
So I feel your frustration and worry. As for the fearfulness. Since she only eats when someones home, but fearful when you even walk past, maybe scratching her and telling her what a good dog she is while putting food down, . Or maybe move a little bit away from her when she is eating and have a string bean or carrot in hand and walk slowly back and give that to her. So she’ll start to associate you walking around with coming back with a treat she loves and not whatever caused her to be fearful in the past. Let us know how she’s doing . Oh and I just wanted to add it takes a while. I had a dog that would shake and refused to take a walk. I got her to walk one step on the leash. I would pick her up and put her back down again. Then I got her to walk two step. Picked her up and put her down and I got three steps out of her. Took a few weeks and people looking at me strange but now she struts around the block and loves her walks. So don’t give up. Takes patience with her to get that negative memory she experienced from her brain.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 8 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

It might be a vicious cycle of the food your feeding not agreeing with her . If the food gives her an upset stomach she’ll want to avoid it and hence empty stomach bile vomiting. Have you tried introducing gradually a different brand with a different protein. When I was feeding my dogs canned with a protein of beef they would get vomiting and diarrhea by day two. I believe a food with lamb and pork are also high in fat which might not agree with dogs who cannot tolerate that much fat. But then again if your feeding a lower fat food then maybe a fattier food would be more tastier and appealing to her. A lot of people have success with Fromm if you feed kibble. What did your vet say? Hope they just didn’t throw prescription antacids without thorough blood work and maybe ultrasound of stomach. But if all test point to dog being healthy then the vomiting is certainly from a distaste for the food which VERY commonly causes the bile vomiting from the constant empty stomach.
Most dogs love home cooked food. So if you boil a little chicken, lean steak or even little bit of salmon and she puts her nose up at that it would definitely indicate to your vet that she needs further testing.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 8 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

I give both Stella Chewy’s and Primal freeze dried as a topper. I used canned as a topper before I started with the freeze dried. I could never give any recipe with beef because it resulted in diarrhea after the second day. Same thing happens with a little topper of steak if it happens to be a fattier cut of meat. So I conclude that it’s too much fat . Don’t want to take any chances with the freeze dried so I just stick to lean proteins such as Rabbit, duck, venison. No problem with Stella’s Salmon and cod topper either. I don’t bother with any chicken recipes since I buy antibiotic free, organic for what it’s worth and shred that as a topper twice a week.
I was always confused by the advisors reviews with giving some recipes of the same brand a 5* rating and others like 2. But if you read further he always states that SOME recipes might not be suitable for every dog because of their fat to protein ratio. So that is what I go by when I pick the proteins. Always the 5 stars that are lower in fat.
As for affordability it doesn’t break the bank since they’re chihuahuas . My sixteen year old will not touch anything besides home cooked, when I have it and her canned Health extensions in chicken as a kibble topper. Kibble being Fromm or Stella’s small breed. Also with the freeze dried, being a very dense food, I believe if I gave the amount they suggest on their feeding guidelines they would be very fat.So it will last longer since a little does go a longer way then believed. . I do want to try Bixbi Rawbble in duck. Very expensive but after going through enough canned food that the one picky one wouldn’t eat and wasting so much each day I think I’m actually SAVING money now with the freeze dried.
Would like to go one day all freeze dried but just haven’t gotten there yet. I do give less and less kibble as a base though.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 8 months ago by Patricia A.
• This reply was modified 5 years, 8 months ago by Patricia A.
• This reply was modified 5 years, 8 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Rena I copied and pasted our concerns on Primal’s F/B page. I just deleted part addressing it to the advisor and lowering the 5* rating. I’ll copy and paste their reply .

[Patricia A]

If you go to Primal dog food Facebook page you can ask them if recipe has changed there. They usually reply very quickly. I rotate with freeze dried Stella’s and Primal. Haven’t purchased in over a month because I was waiting till my pet supply store got samples of Pronto to try out in the turkey/sardine. Now I’m glad I didn’t get the duck or turkey/sardine in the freeze dried. I’ll write and ask also.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 8 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Thank’s Anan. I think for now I’ll just rotate brands they are used to be safe.

[Patricia A]

Someone on the Taurine Deficient Dilated Cadiomyopathy Facebook forum posted this link which shows foods that their dogs were on and Taurine levels when tested.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TNru_WWKf0TbZ8aYBgOJjsh4cziKZwdA6GEbXTUFJ_M/edit#gid=582733736. If link doesn’t work go to the f/b page. Also some good discussions regarding dog foods.

[Patricia A]

Sadly I don’t think I’ve come across a food that DIDN’T list their guaranteed analysis such as protein/fat as Minimum. I’m sure their protein listing is always showing the highest possible amount and the fat showing the lowest but most likely much higher.
Reese if you enlarge where primal shows the guaranteed analysis it shows the guaranteed analysis in the freeze-dried as 28% fat but under that shows the rehydrated as 5%. The same as their raw. https://www.chewy.com/primal-rabbit-formula-nuggets-grain/dp/141872

[Patricia A]

Reese thank’s for posting this again under canine nutrition. No luck with Primal. The rep just didn’t seem to understand what i was asking or didn’t have enough knowledge to answer my questions. Just kept saying that once rehydrated the freeze dried would be the same nutritionally as the raw. Explained my concerns of needing a lower fat recipe and response was give less nuggets. I did some research since I switch between Stella Chewy’s and Primal Freeze Dried. My results were the Primal rabbit is 53% Protein/28% Fat but REHYDRATED is Protein 17%/5% fat. Exactly the same as the raw of same protein when rehydrated. Venison very close to same fat as rabbit and exactly the same as frozen raw rehydrated also. Stella’s which I also rotate with has 5% higher fat with their rabbit and venison.
So do I need to still need to figure out the fat or is label telling me all I need to know regarding the fat???? As usual this is too complicated and I’m confused. Maybe rep gave me the correct info?

• This reply was modified 5 years, 8 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Anyone else read about this? http://fortune.com/2018/08/07/rachael-ray-dog-food-lawsuit/

[Patricia A]

Reese maybe we should copy n paste our posts on the dog food nutrition forum, diet and health or dog food ingredients. Think it would fit under those forums better and maybe get some help with this. I’m also trying to figure out if the Stella chewys Rabbit is less fat then Primal. My brain is fried from trying to figure out these labels. Why do WE have to do it. All I know is that when I look under the reviews of advisor he puts under the raw lets say high protein/average fat/low carbs and when I look under same brand with same protein but freeze dried he has a different review of maybe high protein/HIGH fat/low carbs. Maybe that’s why my chubby is not losing weight since switching to freeze dried. Maybe I’m giving her MORE fat then when I was giving some Fromm kibble and canned? Will call Primal tomorrow and Stella’s also and pin them down about this.

[Patricia A]

I also have the same question with the fat in raw primal vs. the freeze dried of the same protein. I love the freeze dried but have a chubby Chi that needs less fat. Although I keep reading that it’s not the fat but the carbs which cause weight gain. Pancreatitis is a problem though for some dogs with high fat.
Written on Primal’s website it states that once rehydrated Nutritionally, a raw nugget is the same as a freeze-dried nugget when rehydrated or consumed with water! Does that mean the fat is the same as the raw?
Hope someone can explain about raw vs freeze dried with the same recipe.
I was under the impression that once hydrated the fat in the freeze dried would be the SAME as the raw?

• This reply was modified 5 years, 8 months ago by Patricia A.
• This reply was modified 5 years, 8 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

LOL Anon. Just can’t win. My dogs were on Fromm for years and did great. I switched to Stella and Chewy’s because I thought the hype about it being BAKED and less processed of course would be healthier .I don’t know but my three love the kibble. It’s also a smaller bag and now that I use very little as a base to freeze dried it stays fresher. But now I look at the ingredients on their small breed red meat and peas are their third ingredient. On their f/b page this is their reply to all the concerns regarding this: “we are aware of the FDA release dated July 12 regarding a potential association between reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, and certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients. We have no indication that any of our products are involved in FDA’s investigation. We work closely with veterinarians and nutritionists to ensure that our diets are complete and balanced and meet AAFCO requirements. Please know that our freeze-dried raw and frozen raw diets are free of peas, lentils and potatoes, and contain less than 1% of the legume seed fenugreek. Also, we do add taurine to our raw and kibble diets. We continue to be confident in the safety and nutritional quality of all of our diets. We appreciate the work that FDA does on behalf of pet parents, and will monitor this investigation as it unfolds.” Stupid response when the problem possibly IS regarding legumes. lol
I do like the ingredients of that Fromm recipe though. Like I said I only use it as a very little base to the freeze dried. I think will switch it up again with the Fromm that doesn’t have all the peas regardless of the beet pulp. Thank’s for sharing that.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 9 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Anon Fromm has the beet pulp though with lower protein.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4971673/ Don’t think potatoes are a problem?

[Patricia A]

I feed Stella’s raw coated and also not happy about peas already starting with their 3rd ingredient. My three are used to kibble as a base and I’ve been giving less and less and substituting calories with freeze dried proteins. Can’t really win with kibble or canned since most grain free has peas, legumes etc starting at latest 4th ingredient. If not grain free it’s then full of potatoes and lentils as 3rd ingredients. If it’s not that it’s worrisome things like Carrageenan being added. One day they’ll all get it right.

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