New Here/Flax seed allergy

[ChloeGoldenGirl]

Hi there, I am new here, but I have been a lurker for a little while :003

I tried to be a good newbie and perform a search on this topic, but alas flaxseed only brought up lists of ingredients in foods. So I aplogize in advance if this topic has been discussed previously!

I have a Golden Retriever who is almost 1 yr old and a Terrier X who is about 2.5-3 yrs old.

My Golden doesn't have any health problems currently, she did go through a bout with a skin infection but quickly recovered.

My Terrier X seems to be allergic to flax seed. When I got him from the shelter he had severe hot spots, hairloss, etc. Skin scrapings were done and nothing ever indicated that is was bacterial or fungal in nature. So we went to food next.

He has been through a few elimination diets. Only common factor has been flax seed. He even bombed on Natural Balance Potato & Duck :( I have been very thorough with recording how certain foods have affected him.

Anyhow, anyone else have any experience with a flaxseed sensitivity or allergy? How common is this? :054

It seems that flaxseed is very common in many foods, including a lot in the WDJ's Top 10. Natural Balance, Premium Edge, Wellness, etc all have flax seed.

The only foods I have found without flax seed have been some of the Nutro NC line, ProPlan, some of the new Merrick dry foods, and California Natural. If anyone has found any other flaxseed free foods, please share!

I know this is a little OT considering I am mainly asking about my Terrier, but I am hoping to make their feeding routine a little simpler by switching to just one type of food.


Thanks in advance!

Beth
Chloe the Golden Girl
Rusty the Terrier X

[sidneyandfishey]

Personally I don't feed any flax as I've seen many dogs that are allergic to it :( .If you want another oil thats good for your dogs skin and coat try salmon oil. My dog has a beautiful coat and I contribute it alot to the salmon oil. banana

[ChloeGoldenGirl]

Thanks. I should've mentioned I do use 100% Salmon Oil as a supplement, it has made a world of difference in their coats.

Beth

[Goldenglittergirl]

California Natural is a really great food! I used to use it with my Lab that had a sensitive tummy.

I have heard good things about Merricks too.

[Cassidy'sMom]

Actually, the makers of California Natural, Naturapet, entire line of foods do not contain flaxseed. They also make Innova (flaxseed free) and Innova EVO (flaxseed free). I currently have my golden on California Natural (only been using for a few days - waiting to see if Cassie's stools firm up). I also have a 10 year old terrier X who is on Innova Senior formula. She's doing great on it. You may want to try the Innova EVO. This food is completely grain-free. I know you think the allergy is caused from flaxseed, but goldens often also have allergies to grains. This is one of the only grain-free foods on the market right now. So since it's also flaxseed free this would be my pick, if I were you.

[ChloeGoldenGirl]

Thanks Cassidy's mom. It is actually the Terrier X that is having issues. He was a shelter rescue who was in bad shape when I got him.

I have had my Golden on super premium foods and a partial raw diet as well in order to help avoid future problems.

I bought some Cal Natural dry today. I have used their canned food before with no problems. Also Cal Nat. is the "house" brand at the kennel I work at, and I know our dogs have done well on it :) Hoping for the same good results at home!

My boss is using Evo on her 2 toy breed dogs, I have been wanting to try it as well.


Beth