Allergy Formula- help!Question:Ok, so per our new vet, we have put Buddy on an allergy formula food- NB's Sweet Potato and Fish. My biggest issue is that it is incredibly low in protein... 21%!!!!! :yikes: That is just not acceptable. What can I do? He can't have any extras like I used to add before until we get this allergy figured out and he's in good condition.. with 21% protein, I am sure his coat is going to lose all it's shine and goodness. Ideas? Answer: Add anchoives/sardines? Still fish...would that work? Answer: Are all allergy formulas like that? I notice the venison and brown rice is 22%. Wasn't Buddy already on the California Natural formula as well? I don't know maybe you'll just need to use a really good shampoo on him or something until this gets figured out. I have a special protein shampoo that I use to use on Hannah maybe look for something like that, or I could send you what I have left of that I think there's still like half a bottle or more left of it. Answer: No, it has to be a single source of protein... I did find, California Naturals Herring and Sweet Potato (thanks Jess ;) ) and they have one also, but it's also 21%. And they don't have a canned food to go along with it. And NB does. But, NB has so many extra ingredients that are hardly necessary! Ack! Answer: Well, Nicole...LOL we just talked about this, but California Natural has one but its just 21% also.. and of course Timberwolf Organics has a fish formula that is 26% but it has more than one protein source... Answer: Julie- we use an oatmeal and aloe vera shampoo on him. He was on California Natural Lamb, but we moved him to Innova. Now, the new vet says to try the allergy formula until we figure out exactly what his allergy is. Answer: I know, Jess. lol Silly me. I just... argh! I want a good food for him and NB's protein sucks, but they have a canned food I can add. CN's ingredient list is way better, but they don't have a canned food. Answer: Shouldn't there be an allergy formula out there with more protein? Answer: Fromm has one....This is the highest protein percentage I have been able to find.. Salmon Formula - 24% Salmon, Salmon Meal, Brown Rice, Sweet Potato, Pearled Barley, Potato, Oatmeal, White Rice, Whole Dried Egg, Salmon Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Answer: Shouldn't there be an allergy formula out there with more protein? Yes. :mad: Answer: Fromm has one.... Salmon Formula - 24% That has egg? *sigh* Why cant more 'good' companies make 'good' allergy formulas? Answer: That has egg? *sigh* Why cant more 'good' companies make 'good' allergy formulas? I have no clue, but everything that I have seen has been 21%... Answer: I 've been going through the samething with Caiza. I was feeding Innova evo and then I tried regular innova and then I switched to NB. I like NB but there is always better. I seemed to figure out that he may have an allergy to chicken,turkey, etc. I then put him on NB venison and brown rice and it seemed to help him. His stool was finally firm again. Then loose stool happened again because he ate some of the cats food and he had blood in his stool :( I put him on a bland diet of hamburg and brownrice for a few days and he was fine. I just bought a bag of Innova Red Meat and it is agreeing with him "thank god". I love the Natura dog food line. I will still cook for him to and boil him the brown rice to add to his food. I can get ground lamb, buffalo, and beef for him at my local grocery store. Instead of giving him the canned dog foods I'd rather make my own :D Good luck with the foods, my vet told me to try the venison and brown rice first from NB and then if that didn't work out to then try the fish and potato. Answer: Go to the website below for Canidae Chicken and Rice formula. My pet store orders it for me as they only carry the regular formula. I feed this to my dogs. The website says it is a single protein source for dogs with allergies. It has 26% protein! http://www.canidae.com/dogs/chicken-and-rice/dry.html Answer: Ok, so per our new vet, we have put Buddy on an allergy formula food- NB's Sweet Potato and Fish. My biggest issue is that it is incredibly low in protein... 21%!!!!! :yikes: That is just not acceptable. What can I do? He can't have any extras like I used to add before until we get this allergy figured out and he's in good condition.. with 21% protein, I am sure his coat is going to lose all it's shine and goodness. Ideas? If you do the research you will find that there are quite a few premium dog foods that are "incredibly low in protein" Canidae Lamb and Rice 21% California Natural Herring and sweet Potato 21% California natural Chicken meal and Rice 21% Timber Wolf Black Forest 22% :yikes: whoops That is a whole 1% higher... I found these in just about 2 minutes on Google and I am sure there are alot more. I found thatmost really good dry dog foods seem to be right around 22%. Answer: Go to the website below for Canidae Chicken and Rice formula. My pet store orders it for me as they only carry the regular formula. I feed this to my dogs. The website says it is a single protein source for dogs with allergies. It has 26% protein! http://www.canidae.com/dogs/chicken-and-rice/dry.html I am using this too for Lizzie and Major :) Working great for us...no more stool problems. Answer: Just add the NB canned to the dry kibble to add protein. The NB canned comes in Fish & Sweet Potato and it's a great way to add protein without going off of what he is suppose to eat. I feed my bulldog NB Venison and Brown Rice and despite it's low protein, she really has never looked better. I really am a skeptic turned believer after feeding it and seeing how well my dog looks. It's amazing... Answer: Just add the NB canned to the dry kibble to add protein. The NB canned comes in Fish & Sweet Potato and it's a great way to add protein without going off of what he is suppose to eat. I hesitate with the canned as Buddy used to get canned and it gave him gas. But I am going to try NB out.. we'll see how it goes. We're definitely NOT stopping his supplements though- to be on the safe side. Answer: If you do the research you will find that there are quite a few premium dog foods that are "incredibly low in protein" Canidae Lamb and Rice 21% California Natural Herring and sweet Potato 21% California natural Chicken meal and Rice 21% Timber Wolf Black Forest 22% :yikes: whoops That is a whole 1% higher... I found these in just about 2 minutes on Google and I am sure there are alot more. I found thatmost really good dry dog foods seem to be right around 22%. No there are NOT alot more.....Im the queen of googling and there are maybe 5 brands are worthy of even being listed.... Answer: ..Im the queen of googling .... lol!! :D We need that smiley where the smiley is on its back rolling with it's legs kicking to show that its laiughing so hard its on the floor.. well, kicking! :lol-sign: Bow down to the Queen of Googling! :hail: :hail: Answer: Sophie's on the same food Nicole and I've been giving her salmon skin bones and other salmon/fish treats to up her protein with great success. I went through the same thing with the protein options but found that as long as I stayed with salmon, herring and white fish she had no problems at all. Many cat treats are single source protein (salmon, herring), and I used them until I found dog treats with just fish and fish bones. Answer: Oo00, thanks Doc!! I guess I never thought aobut adding *gag* salmon, lol.. like, actual salmon. And the treats-good call! Thank you! :D Answer: Ick. Salmon. Raw salmon has always made my dogs throw up. I don't know why. Maybe they eat it too fast! How much protein are they supposed to get? I thought some dogs did really well on lower protein diets. Answer: Here are the treats that I give Sophie and all of my dogs - they have great ingredients and fantastic protein content:) http://www.snack21treats.com/ Answer: I've had Lyric on NB venison and brown rice for a long time because everything else gave him diarrhea. It has 22% protein and he's been a very active dog until recently. He's slowed down a bit. I don't know what's wrong with that percentage of protein unless you're working the living daylights out of your dog. His coat and his condition has always been blindingly shiny and healthy. He feels great. Just now, I'm trying him on Canidae again....I have this hunch that his digestive system has become more tolerant of more variety and I do prefer, if possibe to give him something with more variety. I am also giving him canned Chicken Soup for the Dog Lovers Soul. That has a ton of meats in it. I think Canidae is a tad higher in protein, but I can't see what 1 or 2% difference is going to make. If the dog is well muscled, shiny, coat, energetic, bright eyed and bushy tailed, he is probably being nourished quite well. My dogs look like they're spent a fortune on salon products for their hair. LOL. Answer: I've had Lyric on NB venison and brown rice for a long time because everything else gave him diarrhea. It has 22% protein and he's been a very active dog until recently. He's slowed down a bit. I don't know what's wrong with that percentage of protein unless you're working the living daylights out of your dog. His coat and his condition has always been blindingly shiny and healthy. He feels great. Just now, I'm trying him on Canidae again....I have this hunch that his digestive system has become more tolerant of more variety and I do prefer, if possibe to give him something with more variety. I am also giving him canned Chicken Soup for the Dog Lovers Soul. That has a ton of meats in it. I think Canidae is a tad higher in protein, but I can't see what 1 or 2% difference is going to make. If the dog is well muscled, shiny, coat, energetic, bright eyed and bushy tailed, he is probably being nourished quite well. My dogs look like they're spent a fortune on salon products for their hair. LOL. I see alot of posts on this forum ( and it seems only this forum) where people seem to get really upset if the food they feed their dog has 1% less protein than some other brand. The dog can be doing great, look great, like the food, and yet it is like the end of the world if they can't get something with another 1% of protein.......:confused: Answer: Where have you seen that Bob? I don't think I've seen people making a stink about 1 per cent. Even on this thread the one per cent thing doesn't seem to be that much an issue. Links? Answer: I hesitate with the canned as Buddy used to get canned and it gave him gas. But I am going to try NB out.. we'll see how it goes. We're definitely NOT stopping his supplements though- to be on the safe side. I know how you feel about the gas, lol! You may have better luck with the NB canned formulas than you did in the past with others. My bulldog had horrible gas and now on NB she is gas free and we are happy! I must also add that it is very important that you are very careful when giving your dog salmon. I am sure canned is probably fine, but any other salmon must be cooked, cooked and cooked some more. Sorry, I am from the Pacific Northwest and have seen my fair share of very bad canine salmon poisoning cases... Answer: Where have you seen that Bob? I don't think I've seen people making a stink about 1 per cent. Even on this thread the one per cent thing doesn't seem to be that much an issue. Links? Not going to do a search to "prove" what I stated. If you don't believe it is accurate, then that is OK with me.... Answer: Probably because you can't, Bob... But anyways, I'd love to humor you. Buddy WAS on Innova which has 24% protein. Now, let's ALSO factor in the turkey necks he would get, the fresh fruit and veggies, cottage cheese, yogurt, eggs every once in awhile. He can no longer have ANY of that. So, putting him on a 21% diet IS a drastic change. Especially for a dog with a bad medical history, do some searching if you need proof. Especially for a dog that can no longer have any extras that were supplementing his diet before. Let's wrap it up now... 21% is a low protein food for a young, active dog that used to be on a 24% food WITH yummy extras. I dumbed it down as best as possible, I hope it's understandable now. Answer: I know how you feel about the gas, lol! You may have better luck with the NB canned formulas than you did in the past with others. My bulldog had horrible gas and now on NB she is gas free and we are happy! I must also add that it is very important that you are very careful when giving your dog salmon. I am sure canned is probably fine, but any other salmon must be cooked, cooked and cooked some more. Sorry, I am from the Pacific Northwest and have seen my fair share of very bad canine salmon poisoning cases... Yeah, and the boys were just startiing to calm down with the gas on the Innova and now canned... whew! lol So, I did buy one can of the NB. On their website, they do not have the nutritional info listed, so I am not sure what to feed Buddy (as far as how much with the dry or canned). Any ideas, Showpug? (Here I am bugging you again :D ) I think I need to talk myself into the adding real salmon some more before we actually do it.. I'm not a fish kind of gal! ;) Answer: Probably because you can't, Bob... But anyways, I'd love to humor you. Buddy WAS on Innova which has 24% protein. Now, let's ALSO factor in the turkey necks he would get, the fresh fruit and veggies, cottage cheese, yogurt, eggs every once in awhile. He can no longer have ANY of that. So, putting him on a 21% diet IS a drastic change. Especially for a dog with a bad medical history, do some searching if you need proof. Especially for a dog that can no longer have any extras that were supplementing his diet before. Let's wrap it up now... 21% is a low protein food for a young, active dog that used to be on a 24% food WITH yummy extras. I dumbed it down as best as possible, I hope it's understandable now. Whatever ;) Answer: Yeah, and the boys were just startiing to calm down with the gas on the Innova and now canned... whew! lol So, I did buy one can of the NB. On their website, they do not have the nutritional info listed, so I am not sure what to feed Buddy (as far as how much with the dry or canned). Any ideas, Showpug? (Here I am bugging you again :D ) I think I need to talk myself into the adding real salmon some more before we actually do it.. I'm not a fish kind of gal! ;) Well, I have to take back what I said about the NB canned. I just realized that NB has left menadione in their canned formulas... On another note, why don't you ask your vet if you can try the NB Venison & Brown Rice diet instead? Then you can add the Innova 95% meat Venison cans to his diet. Those are really simple, high protein formulations and I have not had any problems with them causing gas in my dogs. Just a thought. :) Answer: Forgive me if this has already been said, but as another alternative to the NB why not feed the Timberwolf Organics Ocean Blue formula? It's a fish and potato food with a great fat and protein content (26% protein 16% fat)? I am sure your vet probably didn't recommend it because many people are not familiar with it. Answer: Forgive me if this has already been said, but as another alternative to the NB why not feed the Timberwolf Organics Ocean Blue formula? It's a fish and potato food with a great fat and protein content (26% protein 16% fat)? I am sure your vet probably didn't recommend it because many people are not familiar with it. Actually showpug, I told her about it, and she wasnt sure because there were different kinds of fish in it...?? but it was one of the first ones I told her about.. Answer: Actually showpug, I told her about it, and she wasnt sure because there were different kinds of fish in it...?? but it was one of the first ones I told her about.. hmmm...I thought I read somewhere that when it came to allergy fish formulas that it was okay to mix different types of fish without it triggering an allergic response. All questions for Mordy I suppose. :) Answer: hmmm...I thought I read somewhere that when it came to allergy fish formulas that it was okay to mix different types of fish without it triggering an allergic response. All questions for Mordy I suppose. :) I honestly have no clue, but it has the highest protein percentage of the fish formula's.... and yes, I wish mordy was here...she would know.. Answer: Actually showpug, I told her about it, and she wasnt sure because there were different kinds of fish in it...?? but it was one of the first ones I told her about.. She did... and my concern, like Jess said, is that there are multiple sources of protein. hmmm...I thought I read somewhere that when it came to allergy fish formulas that it was okay to mix different types of fish without it triggering an allergic response. I'll have to ask Mordy... I hate being confused. I honestly have no clue, but it has the highest protein percentage of the fish formula's.... It does and I'd be willing to try it if it was given an okay. I'll ask Mordy. Thank you two for the help. I appreciate it. :) Answer: She did... and my concern, like Jess said, is that there are multiple sources of protein. I'll have to ask Mordy... I hate being confused. It does and I'd be willing to try it if it was given an okay. I'll ask Mordy. Thank you two for the help. I appreciate it. :) Your welcome :D Anytime :D Answer: Not going to do a search to "prove" what I stated. If you don't believe it is accurate, then that is OK with me.... No need to get hostile Bob. It was a question not a personal attack. I just wanted to see for myself since I've never got that impression from the food forum. Answer: No need to get hostile Bob. It was a question not a personal attack. I just wanted to see for myself since I've never got that impression from the food forum. here is your post that I was responding to; Quote: Originally Posted by Bobsk8 View Post If you do the research you will find that there are quite a few premium dog foods that are "incredibly low in protein" Canidae Lamb and Rice 21% California Natural Herring and sweet Potato 21% California natural Chicken meal and Rice 21% Timber Wolf Black Forest 22% whoops That is a whole 1% higher... I found these in just about 2 minutes on Google and I am sure there are alot more. I found that most really good dry dog foods seem to be right around 22%. No there are NOT alot more.....Im the queen of googling and there are maybe 5 brands are worthy of even being listed.... _ So I made a statement and you posted saying that my statement was not true So I am acting hostile because I didn't try and prove that I didn't make a untrue statement as you implied in your post? :confused: I also clearly stated that if you chose not to believe what I said was , in fact, true, that that didn't bother me at all... :popcorn: Answer: Im the one that said that.. No there are NOT alot more.....Im the queen of googling and there are maybe 5 brands are worthy of even being listed.... and there are NOT alot more......like I said there are maybe 5 formula's worthy of even being considered...but its ok.. Answer: here is your post that I was responding to; Quote: Originally Posted by Bobsk8 View Post If you do the research you will find that there are quite a few premium dog foods that are "incredibly low in protein" Canidae Lamb and Rice 21% California Natural Herring and sweet Potato 21% California natural Chicken meal and Rice 21% Timber Wolf Black Forest 22% whoops That is a whole 1% higher... I found these in just about 2 minutes on Google and I am sure there are alot more. I found that most really good dry dog foods seem to be right around 22%. No there are NOT alot more.....Im the queen of googling and there are maybe 5 brands are worthy of even being listed.... _ So I made a statement and you posted saying that my statement was not true So I am acting hostile because I didn't try and prove that I didn't make a untrue statement as you implied in your post? :confused: I also clearly stated that if you chose not to believe what I said was , in fact, true, that that didn't bother me at all... :popcorn: Where did I say it wasn't true? Not only that but I didn't ask you prove anything I asked if you had links. How you interpret that is your decision. I was just wondering if there were any threads that stood out since you had this statistic in your mind. I mean, if it's important enough for you to say it's a majority feeling on the board there are obviously quite a few threads that stand out for you. Answer: Regarding the original post, Kai switched from Innova Evo to Natural Balance Venison and Brown Rice. His coat still looks great, but I do add salmon oil to his food... can Buddy have that? Answer: I think after this bag of Salmon, we're going to do the Venison. Buddy can have his salmon oil and his vitamins, etc.. but, if his allergies persist, those will need to be changed also. Answer: Where did I say it wasn't true? Not only that but I didn't ask you prove anything I asked if you had links. How you interpret that is your decision. I was just wondering if there were any threads that stood out since you had this statistic in your mind. I mean, if it's important enough for you to say it's a majority feeling on the board there are obviously quite a few threads that stand out for you. Look, I said what I said, and if you disagree with it , that's fine.... Everyone is entitiled to their opinion...... Answer: Look, I said what I said, and if you disagree with it , that's fine.... Everyone is entitiled to their opinion...... Exactly and I was just asking where you were getting yours from. I don't know why you are making such a big deal out of it. Answer: Exactly and I was just asking where you were getting yours from. I don't know why you are making such a big deal out of it. especially when you weren't the one that made the google queen comment :) It was me that said it Answer: I think after this bag of Salmon, we're going to do the Venison. Buddy can have his salmon oil and his vitamins, etc.. but, if his allergies persist, those will need to be changed also. Good luck! I know how tough it is to deal with doggie allergies. If the Venison and Brown Rice works out, you might try the Venison treats that go along with the food. Kai seems to like them. Answer: Thank you, Melissa. :) Answer: *robot voice* Natural Balance is the best everrr, for every dog, everrr. Do not question the Natural Balance. Natural Balance knows where you live and will terminate you if necessary. teehee. Nothing against NB, that just kind of came to mind... for some... reason. =P Have you looked into other allergy formulas, if you're unsatisfied with NB? Where I worked (feed store), a lady's allergy-ridden Weim did a complete 180 when she started feeding him Pinnacle Duck & Potato (23% protein). I remember because she always bought it and raved about it. They also have a fish formula. I would check those out, if I were you! Timerwolf Organics also has AWESOME allergy formulas, with 22-26% protein and great ingredients. I think I'm actually going to order the bison soon, for my pups occasional kibble meals, because it's just super. From what I've heard from many, many dog owners, Timberwolf is worth it! Sorry if you've already looked into both of these... I wanted to mention these options just in case. ;] Answer: I was going to feed Kai Pinnacle, it's a good food... but he wouldn't eat the sample. :( I would definitely recommend getting samples, it saves you a lot of hassle. The companies are always more than willing to send them to you. Answer: I never thought about Pinnacle... only one store around here sells it- the one I used to work at! lol... I think that the sample idea is a good one... I'll contact the companies and see what I can get. I still haven't heard back from NB yet. :rolleyes: Answer: NB took the longest time sending the samples of all the companies I contacted. But it got here eventually. Pinnacle was really quick to respond, I think I got their sample first. Answer: I hesitated to post this but since the tests are done..here goes. Sophie has been on Natural Balance Sweet potato and fish for several months. We switched her when she seemed to have a problem with a bag of the NB duck and potato, the formula she had been on for about a year, it smelled funny and even looked different than previous bags. After a phone call to NB and talking to a less than sympathetic rep, we pitched the bag and switched to another formula. Anyway, things were going very well until about 2 weeks ago when we opened a new bag of NB Sweet potato and fish, she got very ill. I never connected it to her food because everything seemed fine with it but after 2 fecal tests and blood work, plus eliminating everything but the NB, it's pretty clear that she's gotten very sick from the food. I swithched her to a new bag of NB (same formula) thinking that maybe it was just that particular bag, no change. I contacted NB yesterday and unfortunately when comparing the code on the back of both bags, I realized that they both came from the same batch (BB date of May 13/08). I'm sending a 2 cup sample off to Natural Balance for analysis but I'm more than a little upset. Sophie has been up almost every night, all night, straining with horrible loose poops, more liquid than anything (sorry to be gross but it's a fact). She's been on 2 runs of Flagil, had blood work, 2 fecal tests...all to conclude that her food was making her sick. I bought her a new food today (see below), another allergy formula and it looks pretty good. Fingers crossed, I hope it works. http://www.championpetfoods.com/dogs/salmonpotato.aspx Answer: I hesitated to post this but since the tests are done..here goes. Sophie has been on Natural Balance Sweet potato and fish for several months. We switched her when she seemed to have a problem with a bag of the NB duck and potato, the formula she had been on for about a year, it smelled funny and even looked different than previous bags. After a phone call to NB and talking to a less than sympathetic rep, we pitched the bag and switched to another formula. Anyway, things were going very well until about 2 weeks ago when we opened a new bag of NB Sweet potato and fish, she got very ill. I never connected it to her food because everything seemed fine with it but after 2 fecal tests and blood work, plus eliminating everything but the NB, it's pretty clear that she's gotten very sick from the food. I swithched her to a new bag of NB (same formula) thinking that maybe it was just that particular bag, no change. I contacted NB yesterday and unfortunately when comparing the code on the back of both bags, I realized that they both came from the same batch (BB date of May 13/08). I'm sending a 2 cup sample off to Natural Balance for analysis but I'm more than a little upset. Sophie has been up almost every night, all night, straining with horrible loose poops, more liquid than anything (sorry to be gross but it's a fact). She's been on 2 runs of Flagil, had blood work, 2 fecal tests...all to conclude that her food was making her sick. I bought her a new food today (see below), another allergy formula and it looks pretty good. Fingers crossed, I hope it works. http://www.championpetfoods.com/dogs/salmonpotato.aspx So sorry to hear about Sophie. :( The new food looks terrific though! It's looks better than NB in my opinion (exept for the menadione). That is a great proetin and fat level for a fish based allergy diet. I hope this one works for her! Answer: Aw doc sorry to hear about Sophie! She must be feeling pretty bad :( I hope she feels 100% soon! Answer: Doc so sorry to hear about Sophie! I hope she's back to the norm soon! I finally heard back from NB.. I'm less than impressed. We'll be finding a new food. Answer: Doc so sorry to hear about Sophie! I hope she's back to the norm soon! I finally heard back from NB.. I'm less than impressed. We'll be finding a new food. I wrote NB a while ago to get an average nutrient alalysis on their diets and I am still waiting for a response. :rolleyes: That is one thing I can say for Natura and Eagle Pack. They have great customer service IMO. Answer: So sorry to hear about Sophie. :( The new food looks terrific though! It's looks better than NB in my opinion (exept for the menadione). That is a great proetin and fat level for a fish based allergy diet. I hope this one works for her! Thanks showpug..I was so busy making sure that it was free of all obvious allergens that I totally missed the medadione. Now I don't know WHAT to feed her. Tonight she just got a bit of white rice and about a TBSP or so of the new food.....with the dreaded menadione in it..CRAP!!:mad: Answer: Thanks showpug..I was so busy making sure that it was free of all obvious allergens that I totally missed the medadione. Now I don't know WHAT to feed her. Tonight she just got a bit of white rice and about a TBSP or so of the new food.....with the dreaded menadione in it..CRAP!!:mad: Do you have access to Eagle Pack? They have a nice allergy fish formula : http://www.eaglepack.com/Pages/HS_Fish.html or Nature's Variety? http://www.naturesvariety.com/content.lasso?page=1429&-session=naturesvariety:43BD14E203333009E0hOi2BCFAF 1 or Pinnacle? http://www.breeders-choice.com/dog_products/pinnacle_dog_trout.htm or California Natural? http://www.naturapet.com/display.php?d=product-detail&pxsl=%2F%2Fproduct%5B@id%3D%271326%27%5D Answer: My Rylie has food allergies... we now rotate through the Timberwolf formulas, and she is doing great on them. The protein levels are pretty good on most of their formulas (except for the Black Forest one, where I think it is 22%). I also like all of the foods that Showpug listed :D Answer: Do you have access to Eagle Pack? They have a nice allergy fish formula : http://www.eaglepack.com/Pages/HS_Fish.html or Nature's Variety? http://www.naturesvariety.com/content.lasso?page=1429&-session=naturesvariety:43BD14E203333009E0hOi2BCFAF 1 or Pinnacle? http://www.breeders-choice.com/dog_products/pinnacle_dog_trout.htm or California Natural? http://www.naturapet.com/display.php?d=product-detail&pxsl=%2F%2Fproduct%5B@id%3D%271326%27%5D Yes, we tried the Eagle Pack when we first had problems with the NB (duck and potato) but it still had chicken egg in it and she itched like mad. I'm going to look into the rest that you posted, I really appreciate it! I'm going to our Tail Blazers store today. The only carry the best foods and have very nutrition savvy staff. This experience has been a real eye opener. Thanks again showpug.:) Answer: I hope you find something great for her, Doc! Answer: Thanks Nicole. I'm still researching other brands and found that many of the fish formulas also have chicken/egg or that medadione (even the Timberwolf blue ocean...I think that's what their fish formula is called). For now I'm keeping her on the Acana and I'm seriously considering raw. The Tail Blazers store that I went to today has a fish based raw with fantastic ingredients.....I just hate the thought of feeding raw to a dog with a big beard. I'll just have to give her a good was after. Sophie's poops are almost normal today for the first time in over 2 weeks. I never thought I'd be so excited to pick up a normal poop....WOOOOHOOOO!!:D I'm getting the results of her final blood work tomorrow and I am certainly going to follow up with NB....I'm really PO'd that she had to go through this because of the NB food I was feeding her. Answer: I would be, too, Doc. Thanks for pointing it out. NB doesn't really have their heads on straight over there, either.... I'm wondering where exactly I am going to go for Buddy's next food myself. Answer: Natural Balance - Unnaturally lousy customer service!!!! I will NEVER recommend them to anyone again.:mad: Even though it's absolutely undeniable that Sophie's illness was from the NB food she ate, they couldn't have been less sympathetic or more guarded. :mad: :mad: :mad: Answer: Oh, Doc, I sure hope that Sophie feels better, poor girl :( I was thinking about maybe switching my guys over to NB (long story, if you want to know PM me) but not after reading this! :yikes: Answer: Nicole & Doc... I found one last food worth possibly looking at: It's the Verus Advanced Opticoat Diet. It is a fish and potato and the ingredients look pretty good with no meadione. http://www.veruspetfoods.com/1516823.html Good luck in your searches...:) Answer: That does look good..thanks. I called and unfortunately I can't get it here but I may be able to have it shipped. I just contacted Acana about the addition of menadione in their food and I'll post their response. I do love the rest of the ingredients though.... Answer: Doesn't Bob have a direct line into NB? Maybe he can help. :) just kidding Bob... Doc, and the others who are combating allergies, if you are not into a raw diet, why not try doing home cooked? At least then you know exactly what is going into the food and you can eliminate so many ingredients that could be questionable. Answer: Doesn't Bob have a direct line into NB? Maybe he can help. :) just kidding Bob... Doc, and the others who are combating allergies, if you are not into a raw diet, why not try doing home cooked? At least then you know exactly what is going into the food and you can eliminate so many ingredients that could be questionable. Actually, NB read a few of my posts on this web site and took a look at the coat on Smokey, and they just sent me a check for $1,000 for being such a good spokeman for their products. In addition, I get all the NB products I want for free....... See , it pays to be loyal..... ;) Answer: Actually, NB read a few of my posts on this web site and took a look at the coat on Smokey, and they just sent me a check for $1,000 for being such a good spokeman for their products. In addition, I get all the NB products I want for free....... See , it pays to be loyal..... ;) Coat doesnt mean everything....sure its great to have a nice shiny but that doesnt mean anything if other factors of that specific diet dont play a role..such as leanness, muscle and overall health etc etc.... Too many people put too much emphasis on a nice shiny coat :rolleyes: I would love to see more pics of your dog BOB other than the one in your siggy... EDIT: Chloe's coat isnt the shiniest in the world, but I DARE anyone to say she isn't healthy on the food she is eating...she doesnt have a BIT OF FAT anywhere on her..She is 53 pounds of muscle....but who cares about that as long as she has a shiny coat right..:rolleyes: Answer: Actually, NB read a few of my posts on this web site and took a look at the coat on Smokey, and they just sent me a check for $1,000 for being such a good spokeman for their products. In addition, I get all the NB products I want for free....... See , it pays to be loyal..... ;) ROFL!! It all makes sense now! *lightbulb went off in head* You give your dog NB because you're paid to do so! And you get all of the products for free! I knew there was something else. Pays to be loyal... to who? What about Smokey? Oh that's right.. who cares! You get NB for free! :rolleyes: Answer: Doc, and the others who are combating allergies, if you are not into a raw diet, why not try doing home cooked? At least then you know exactly what is going into the food and you can eliminate so many ingredients that could be questionable. Now, I've read about raw.. but not too much about home cooked.. care to dish any details? ;) Thanks, Dan. Answer: I don't know much about home cooked. I'd presume it's still healthier than kibble, and obviously much more time consuming than throwing some raw food to the dogs outside. You'd have to worry about calcium supplementation since you couldn't feed the bones, and possibly some kind of vitamin/mineral additives since things would get cooked off. I only mentioned it because some people are turned off by the raw diet, but may not have issue if the food was cooked. Answer: Ahhh.. I'm all for raw.. but I don't feel ready enough yet and I want to find out exactly what Buddy's allergy is first- before we move to raw, which I plan to do within the next couple of months. :) Thanks, Dan. :) Answer: I don't know much about home cooked. I'd presume it's still healthier than kibble, and obviously much more time consuming than throwing some raw food to the dogs outside. You'd have to worry about calcium supplementation since you couldn't feed the bones, and possibly some kind of vitamin/mineral additives since things would get cooked off. I only mentioned it because some people are turned off by the raw diet, but may not have issue if the food was cooked. It's not at all that I'm turned off by the raw diet, it's the cross contamination that is so hard to confine. I actually tried Sophie on raw a few years ago but she had loose poops no matter how slowly or quickly I introduced it as well as lots of itching. There is so much more variety now too, I'm very seriously considering it again for her...gosh, I'll just have to wash her beard after meals. There's a mixed fish with veggies and fruit that I've been eyeing and I know she'd love it. As for Bobs payday from NB, thanks for the info. Bob. It's pretty sad to know that they treat customers well if all is going well but the ones with a problem they treat with suspicion. Funny too since when Sophie was doing well on NB it was one of the kibble that I included in my recommendations(numbering in the 1000's), they didn't know that because I saw no need to a$$kiss to them as it was all about my clients dogs NOT a pet food company. I'll be mentioning that to them the next time we speak....its a sad world for our pets when it comes to who cares and who doesn't.:mad: Answer: Aw, I'm sorry to hear about your experience with NB, dr2. That makes me want to switch... but Kai is so picky... he won't eat California Natural or Pinnacle and Nature's Variety made him throw up. He doesn't seem to like any fish formulas. I don't know what else to give him besides NB. I'm going to get some samples of the Timberwolf Organics allergy formulas and see if he likes any of them. If anyone else has success with another allergy formula, keep us posted. On a side note... Bob, you have to be kidding me! :yikes: Answer: Aw, I'm sorry to hear about your experience with NB, dr2. That makes me want to switch... but Kai is so picky... he won't eat California Natural or Pinnacle and Nature's Variety made him throw up. He doesn't seem to like any fish formulas. I don't know what else to give him besides NB. I'm going to get some samples of the Timberwolf Organics allergy formulas and see if he likes any of them. If anyone else has success with another allergy formula, keep us posted. On a side note... Bob, you have to be kidding me! :yikes: I have to be honest Melissa. I was VERY happy with NB for quite a long time. Sophie had a similar problem with the duck and potato formula and that's why I switched to the sweet potato and fish but if this had not happened I would still be happily feeding her NB. My problem is that it's the second time its happened and that they seem to think I'm not telling the truth. I've sent a sample back to them for Gawd sakes AND have offered them Vet records..although that was after she asked for my Vets name and phone number.:rolleyes: :mad: I just think that a company should care more about ALL of their customers, not just the ones who never have a problem. If they only knew the impact this incident will have on how many client I now WON'T recommend them to. I see well over 1000 dogs/year and discuss feeding with all of them. There are a few foods that I recommend and they have always been in the top 2, not anymore. Answer: Just wondering if any of you with these allergy probs have done a real elimination diet to pinpoint exactly which ingredients are the culprit? It can be a problem with a particular grain or a protein source but it can also be a preservative or something else insignificant that we don't think of. The only real way to know is to do a proper elimination diet (which I know would be a huge PIA) but it might make it easier to pick dog foods after that. Short term pain for long term gain ? Answer: Can you do an elimination diet on a commercial food? As long as the symptoms subside? I would like to do that, because if I could figure out exactly what caused the problem it would open up a lot more options for us... Answer: Check out www.alaskandogtreats.com Granted, these are treats, but as you can see there is nothing additional added. Their salmon oil contains 38% omega fatty acids. Alaskan "Bear"Treats for Dogs Ingredients: Wild Alaskan Salmon, Alaskan Salmon Meal, Brown Sugar, Sea Salt, Lecithin, Rosemary Extract, and smoked with a blend of woods. GUARANTEED ANALYSIS: Crude Protein (min) ...................................50% Crude Fat (min) .........................................10% Moisture (max) ..........................................16% Crude Fiber (max) .......................................5% Omega Fatty Acids (min) ...........................10% Total Sugars as Invert (max) ......................4% Salt (max) .................................................. .3% |
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