Dog food allergy question... (vets, science, black, allergies)

[pugluvr]

I have to agree with CF1128 & APBT_Samara about the raw diets. I also feed my pugs the raw diet. My vet actually pushes the raw diet so they are happy I'm feeding them the raw diet. I know not everyone can/wants to do the raw diet but if anything, a high quality kibble is very important in my book. Ingredients in dog food is very, very important and I don't think a lot of people realize this nor know what really is in dog food.

[mimosa]

All I know is the vet said the scrataching and itching was allergies. Did'nt say what kind. Then her stools were messy so I took a sample to another vet close by and he said no parasites, but that she may have food allergies. So off I went and wound up with duck and potato food that she loves and am mixing it now with canidae till it's 7 days. She is still biting her legs and scratching. I give up.

[APBT_Samara]

Oh please don't give up. You can try a dog food with few ingredients and only use 1 food for 3 or more weeks. Some allergies stop immediately and others take time. You have to do an elimination diet to figure out what triggers reaction and what is ok to feed.

The vet likely might not know what she is allergic too. An elimination diet is in order and you can start with a novel protein as there is likely to be no allergy to that.

[pugluvr]

Originally Posted by mimosa

All I know is the vet said the scrataching and itching was allergies. Did'nt say what kind. Then her stools were messy so I took a sample to another vet close by and he said no parasites, but that she may have food allergies. So off I went and wound up with duck and potato food that she loves and am mixing it now with canidae till it's 7 days. She is still biting her legs and scratching. I give up.

Please don't give up. The duck and potato may work but it just may take time to get in your dogs system. And, it sounds like your still switching over from the old food so she is still getting the ingredient that she may be allergic too from the old food. After you make a full switch, try it for a while and see if it works. But, it's too early to give up. You'll get it figured out. It just takes time and some researching and narrowing down of what ingredient it is she is allergic to. Good luck and I'm sure many of us will be here to help.

[JetJockey]

My dog had HORRIBLE food allergies. The vet wanted to put her on prescription diet, but considering I worked for Hill's for a spell I put a stop on that right away. We tried about 15 different foods and the only one that worked for us so far is Natural Balance Fish and sweet potato. My little Lola is finally getting better, her hair is growing back in and while her itching hasn't gone away completely it has gotten much much better. We give her regular old benadryl (our vet said it was excellent and much cheaper than the dog brand antihistamine) at night to help her sleep and we put on cortisone cream after she gets her bath (which entails and nice massage and anti itch/healthy skin shampoo and conditioner) once a week. Such a spoiled pooch

[mimosa]

Now that she's on allergy food, duck and potato, is that good for life or just temporary. Her stools seem normal again so now I don't know if it's the food or coincidence. she is still scratching so is still on benedryl but it only 1/2 works.

[pugluvr]

Originally Posted by mimosa

Now that she's on allergy food, duck and potato, is that good for life or just temporary. Her stools seem normal again so now I don't know if it's the food or coincidence. she is still scratching so is still on benedryl but it only 1/2 works.

How long have you been feeding the new food without mixing with the old? You'll have to see how her skin does after being on the food for a while. If things get better, then you'll probably have to be on a very limited ingredient food (such as duck and potato or salmon, etc), especially if your not sure which ingredient it is that she is allergic too.

[Corrinne]

I would be paying 45 dollars for a 30 lb bag as opposed to 75 dollars for a 30 lb bag. Now, before anyone accuses me of being a cheapo, keep in mind that I already spend about 260.00 per month for pet food alone.

How could anyone accuse you of any such of a thing...you're taking wonderful care of that poor dog. Your good motives shine crystal clear to me.

I've appreciated the good info brought forward here in this thread. Thanks everyone!

[geegirl]

"Munch" ( as we now call her) the 5 year old chocolate lab is doing really well. Today is day 6 of combining the new food ( Natural Balance duck/potato ) with the old ( Hill's prescription d/d ) and so far, so good.

As for the allergies, there is one more frustrating part of it for me. I have no idea what exactly she is allergic to. I know her problems began with whatever food/foods the former owner was giving her. But, I do not know specifically what ingredient she is allergic to. And I never want her to go back to where she was. I am hoping that one day she will be able to enjoy more than just her daily kibble. I know I will be afraid to to even give her a carrot or a snap pea. For now, it's kibble and ice cubes. She seriously loves ice cubes.

I have to tell you, I had no plans on adding a third dog to my family, but this dog has been a blessing. My dog Maya is now nearing 16 years old and sleeps alot now ( can no longer go for walks). My other dog Lucky is under 3 years old and delighted to take park walks with Munch. I'm really enjoying having a big dog. I entertain her with play, toys ( she sure destroys them) and walks. She may be blind, and have very little hearing, but this dog is great in the car, loves to plays and does really well on walks. Prior to us taking her she did none of this and here I thought it was because she couldn't.

Anyway...thought I would give an update.

[leorah]

Thanks for the update.
It sounds like you've opened up a whole new world for Munch! I think you are the best thing that could have happened to her.

I have a very allergic dog and through elimination I've found that his problems are related to wheat, barley and other grains, soy, and to a lesser extent, chicken. Now he's eating buffalo with no grain and doing wonderfully. Once he was stable on the kibble, I tried feeding ONE vegetable, starting with carrots. No problem, so I introduced green beans. Still no problem. Sweet potatoes seem to be okay too. I stopped there. Three different veggie treats are more than enough. I got the info on how to do the elimination diet from these sources:
Elimination Diets - WSAVA 2008 Congress
http://www.vetlearn.com/Media/PublicationsArticle/FoodElimDiet.pdf