[shamrockmommy]

If Atlas is doing well on Natural Balance L.I.D., I’d trynot to fix what ain’t broke, so to speak. By the time you switch to some other “better” food for him, then play around with this supplement ($$$) and that supplement ($$$) you’ll probably have spent more overall by messing around, and then caused belly misery while you’re trying to find something “better.” (Been there, done that, awfully sorry to my dogs for doing that to them!)

Also, having 2 sensitive stomach dogs, and a chicken allergy with one of those dogs, feeding a “2 star” food for her (Natural Balance sweet potato/fish) has been an absolute MIRACLE. She’s no longer miserable. No more diarrhea or inconsistent stool, no more wicked itching and scratching, rubbing face on the carpet, rolling around on the carpet, moaning and groaning the whole time…

I tried a lot of the 4-5 star foods because ‘everyone’ says they’re so much better, but they weren’t for her. Simple is better. Good luck with your pup.

[shamrockmommy]

All life stages is essentially puppy food. In order to be classified as “all life stages,” it has to have mineral levels enough to meet the needs of growing puppies.

[shamrockmommy]

There should be a phone number on the bag somewhere that you can contact the makers and inquire to any issues and give them the lot number and such from your bag to see if there are any problems.

Good luck!

[shamrockmommy]

He sounds really yeasty (systemic).

How about something like California Natural Lamb/Rice or Precise Naturals Lamb/Rice?

Feed along with a probiotic (I’d start with liquid and then maybe try kefir) and a digestive enzyme (I like powdered) over top his food with a splash of warm water. Keep it really, really simple. Also be sure you do not over feed. I’d under feed for a short while until his stool firms up and then go from there.

Good luck! It’s tiring dealing with touchy tummies, and you feel so sorry for these guys!

[shamrockmommy]

I absolutely LOVED the original formula of the Acana line. they keep “improving” the products. My dogs did poorly on the new formulation, and I”m not even going to bother trying the latest improvement.

[shamrockmommy]

I think at his size he’ll be fine with most all kibble sizes. I have a 4 pound chihuahua, a 9 pound poodle, a 14 pound bichon and a 47 pound PWD who all eat variously sized kibbles and do fine. The hardest kibble for my 4 pounder to chew is- believe it or not! Fromm 4-star. They are tiny sized, like cat kibble, but VERY hard and she takes forever to chew them. They’re so hard my poodle spits them out and won’t even bother with them.

Newman’s own is good, I’ve also had good luck with Purina 1 Beyond (yes, really!) and most recently trying Precise (Naturals line, not the holistic). All kibble sizes are well received by my guys.
Hope this helps and congrats to you!

[shamrockmommy]

I have a 3 ½ lb chihuahua. She’s been an easy keeper for me, holds weight nicely on most anything.
The foods I’ve liked the best for her are:
1. Costco Cuts in Gravy, yes really! Her tummy is the best, poops are the best, she eats it and begs for mrs and she looks gorgeous (she has a thick, long coat).
2. Fromm grain free dry/canned
3. Newmans Own canned

They don’t eat much, that’s the thing, so it’s nice when you these itty bitty dogs, you can spend more a higher quality food and it lasts a LONG time!
If you can’t find anything in your area chewy.com ships right to your house. You have to spend $49 to get the free shipping, but I find I can load up on treats and chews and flea meds, etc and get right to the free shipping (though I have 3 other dogs of varying sizes and a cat 🙂

Good luck with your chi!

[shamrockmommy]

Just went and looked at the new Innova line. Could the bag be any more flashy? Could the website be any more coated in gimmicky marketing? Oy vey.

And it’s not a whole lot different from the Prime line, or is this what it’s replacing?

Honestly, what would it take to have a decent pet food company that just makes a good food without all the marketing crap. This is what P&G does to companies.

[shamrockmommy]

I had a terrible time with Blue Buffalo with my dogs- ear infections, itching and diarrhea.

I like Fromm grain frees a whole bunch (only complaint is the stool is a bit large) and PetGuard Lifespan (basically a chicken/rice). They work well for my 4 dogs.

There is also California Natural that has some very simple grain free formulas you might try your dog on. Some are just so very sensitive to all the grains and herbs and “kitchen sink” formulations and it sends their body into itch overdrive.

If you don’t mink cooking, you could look into DogDishDiet.com as well. Crock pot food.
Hope this helps and your guy feels better soon!

[shamrockmommy]

Try a grain free food. Does that one you’re currently feeding have barley in it? Barley makes my guys gas, big time!

I like Fromm 4star (the grain free lines only). I also have good experiences with PetGuard Lifespan (none of the other formulas, lifespan only!) Although it does contain rice and oatmeal, it sits well with dog tummies and no farting 🙂

[shamrockmommy]

I just started using Wholistic Pet DigestAll and it’s working well. It’s just the enzymes. For probiotics I do plain Greek yogurt.

It really helps with digestion, that’s for sure.

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