[Taylor C]

Hi Red,
My dog is 5 yrs old, and yes, we had her tested about a year ago. She has both food and environmental allergies. We’ve had her on allergy shots the past year, but honestly, switching to the Grandma Lucy’s Pureformance Rabbit has made the biggest difference by far!! That’s why I hate to have to change 🙁 I’m beginning to think my dog may be in that small % the vet warns about that doesn’t respond to the allergy shots.

PitLove,
The idea of warming, cooling, and neutral meats comes from Chinese Medicine. It sounds kinda crazy at first, but if you read up on it, it makes total sense. Basically, if you have a “hot dog” (red undertone to skin, red eyes, skin allergies, panting, always seeking cool places to sleep, etc) you want to feed them a protein with cooling qualities that won’t cause inflammation, like rabbit, duck, and fish. But anyways, I’ll look into the kibble you suggested. I’m not typically a fan of kibble but I’m willing to try anything! Ill look into Millet as well…thanks!!

[Taylor C]

Thanks for the responses! I searched and searched and searched for a food that was free of anything she is allergic to, as well as brands that weren’t loaded with potatoes, because, like you said, Susan, I do want to stay away from that because she is highly allergic to yeast. I also wanted to find a variety with a “cooling protein” and the Grandma Lucy’s Pureformance Rabbit is the ONLY thing I can find!! Duck and fish are considered cooling meats as well, but, of course, she’s allergic to duck and mixed fish! Beef and pork are considered neutral meats – she hasn’t done well on beef in the past; I guess I could try pork. Her skin just looks so much better on the Rabbit that it’s killing me to think of switching again!!
What do you think about adding pumpkin? I’ve heard that can firm up stools…?

[Taylor C]

Thanks, Susan!
InkedMarie, I’ve been feeding her a mixture of ground beef, sweet potato or pumpkin, green beans, and black beans. I’m thinking the sweet potato and pumpkin are too starchy. And I read that beef is not good for dogs with skin allergies. I’m also worried the grass or grain or corn or whatever the livestock are feeding on is affecting her. My vet said that was very possible. I hate the thought of kibble but I’m not sure raw is working out for her either. Any suggestions??

[Taylor C]

Thanks, Susan, that was helpful info! What digestive enzyme do you use? The article mentioned giving it with meals, 1 hour before or two hours after meals. Also, do you know if there are any disadvantages to feeding ground meet? For example, I’ve been buying ground beef, although I recently read beef is not great for dogs with yeasty skin issues, so I was thinking to switch to ground turkey. Thanks for the help!!

[Taylor C]

Oh ok, I see. Yes, we did blood test and received results for food allergies and environmental/inhalants allergies. She’s allergic to several types of grasses, and while she’s not allergic to beef, I’m worried the grass or grain the cows are feeding on are indirectly affecting her in the beef she’s eating. And the same scenario for chicken (feeding on corn or grain), etc. It all just feels like a constant catch 22!

[Taylor C]

Hi Red, thanks for the response. Yes, we had her tested (they drew blood, sent it off, and results came back listing everything she was allergic to) and then the vet gave us injections (that we draw up from vials designed for her based on results) and we’ve been doing that since October. I’ve heard it can take a while to see results but we just haven’t seen any improvement. With our luck, she’ll be the 20% that doesn’t respond to the injections. But even so, I’m hoping to make as many improvements in her food and environment as I can to help reduce the symptoms. Her food especially.

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