Best food for sensitive stomachs AND allergies

[Brandy and Charlie's Mom]

:confused:

Brandy's food-related diarrhea has FINALLY cleared up with the Science Diet ID. But she's developed her first ear infection. Since she's been scratching quite a bit from the time we got her from the breeder, I've got to believe it's allergies.

SO ... what's are some brands that are both easy on the stomach (not too rich) and best for dogs with skin allergies?

I understand that I should try to stay clear of wheat, and maybe corn to help with the allergies, but what protein source is best for easiest digestion?

[kinseysmom]

I had my little Sheltie-Eskie mix on Science Diet ID because he has a very serious IBD condition as well as allergies. It didn't help one bit so I researched and he now is on Holistique by Solid Gold. It is for dogs with allergies and also for overweight/senior dogs. Now Finny is only 4 years old so he's not an old dog but since he's been on the Holistique, he has not had one episode of his IBD condition. No vomiting, no diahrrea, no feeling lethagic etc. And his allergies, skin and otherwise are better. You want to get a product with the fewest ingredients possible...thus eliminating the sources that cause problems. Yes, you want to stay away from wheat. Many here are much more informed about foods than I am. I do know that besides the Holistique, there is a Natural Balance Duck and Potato that is good and California Natural also makes a good product. In the food threads, you'll find incredible information on food and nutrition etc.

Bottom line - Holistique is very easy on the tummy and is for allergies as well...perfect for my little guy, Finny.

Good luck. PS. If you get off the Science Diet and on to a better dog food, your dog waste will be cut in half. Trust me...I know this for a fact. Yes...my vet advised me to put Finny on the SD ID for his tummy also. Vets just don't know any better, I'm convinced.

[Stac&Syd]

Where is the best place to buy such foods as Chicken Soup, Canidae etc? Our Golden has Allergies and we live in North Western Pennsylvania in the sticks and the nearest Petsmart or Petco is 1 1/2 hour drive. I would rather not buy online due to the heft shipping charges. Any suggestions?

[Brandy and Charlie's Mom]

I'm definitely going to get her off the ID as soon as possible. It's a shame you can't trust your vet to advise you about nutrition. My last golden suffered so much from allergies and ear infections, and yet my vet never once suggested I change her diet!

[CanadianGolden]

Best place to buy foods is usually a feed store where they sell grain for horses, etc. Often cheaper than going to a specialty dog food store.

[Rich in goldens]

Try looking at California Natural. They have a Chicken and Brown rice and a Lamb and brown rice . both pretty good foods for allergies. Also thier quality control is great and they manufacture thier own food.

[SteveR]

I know you don'twant to pay hefty shipping charges by buying on-line but being in PA I think if you took a look at petfooddirect.com you'd be surprised how it all balances out. They always offer at least 13% off the web price. If you catch it right, like 1 day each week they offer 20% off. Couple that with not having to pay the sales tax and you wind up spending about the same as you would had you driven to the store yourself. The bonus here is you have access to all of the major premium brands and you don't have to leave the house to get them. I'm in NY and I use them religiously even though I have access to many premium brands close to my house. discount + no tax for me is a little more than the shipping so I actually save a few bucks. Convenient too.

[2blondebabes]

No one likes added expense for dog food but i guess if you weigh in the cost of vet visits and medications, I would rather pay extra for food! Assuming the food takes care of the symptoms! :003

[Brandy and Charlie's Mom]

I went house hunting this weekend in the Birmingham area, and spent time seeing what was available for my babies. :woofpup

One independent pet food store had virtually EVERY brand of dog food mentioned on these boards! I was in heaven because I actually have a tremendous number of options now.

Also found a terrific vet, kennel and groomer. Oh yeah, after I was through making sure I'd have what I needed for my "kids", I also found a house. :laugh2

[diiorio]

Thre are many foods, but if your dog has IVD, switchign around can make it worse.

Did your vet offer other prescription diets? Hills is only one (and not the best for some cases). Eukanuba offers Low REsidue puppy and Adult. IVD offers a sensitive stomach formula (and is good for skin allergies as well). Purina has a sensitive stomach forumula as well (not crazy abotu purina prescritpions, some still use preservatives).

[Brandy and Charlie's Mom]

[QUOTE=diiorio]Thre are many foods, but if your dog has IVD, switchign around can make it worse.

Thanks for the information on prescription diets. I've never heard of a digestive disease called IVD, but Brandy has not been diagnosed with IBD if that's what you meant.

At this point, however, I've decided that it makes sense to follow an IBD dietary protocol since wheat, oats, rye and barley may not be well tolerated by some dogs and are also known allergens.

I do understand that switching foods can be hard on her system. But that would be the case even if I switched between prescription brands since each food formulation is slightly different.

Since my current and future vet only carry Hills, which I don't like, I've decided to try Brandy on a higher quality lamb and rice or duck & potato formula -- probably something on the level of California Natural, Natural Balance, Holistique, etc. Unlike the ID (or even Eukanuba), if she thrives on one of these foods, I would have no problem with keeping her on it long term.

[Goldenlover2005]

Dodger gets Nutro Choice Chicken and Rice for dogs with a sensitive stomac. He has less stomac problems, since he ate this food.

[Brandy and Charlie's Mom]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions! I started Brandy on Nutro Natural Lamb & Rice, and she loves it. It's only been a week but her itching is less and she has experienced no diarrhea. Success!

[diiorio]

SOrry I was typign faster then my brain outputed. IBD the condition, IVD the food maker.

The K is feedign blander diets for IBD. For allergies you can do the whole long change food to a protien source they have never seen routine and see if they do well (meaning no more snacks). OR see a specialist and try to find out the exact issue and adjust based on that. It can be anything to sensitivity to corn, to chicken or beef or both.

I myself have had food allerfies, but lucky for me a found a good holistic doctor to help balance me (I laughed at first but believe him now). I hsoudl know better being Tsalagi (Cherokee), then again alot of us had a hard time listening to our elders.

Veterinary medicine is changing so fast. Also concider a good licensed Holistic vet for issues.