How great that you rescued Diamond!
It could possibly even be the chicken besides the grains!
Here are a few suggestions:
Consider food sensitivity testing, called "Nutri-Scan" created and patented by Dr. Jean Dodds of Hemopet: "This test measures antibodies to certain foods in dog saliva. High antibody levels indicate that the dog has a food sensitivity and intolerance to that food or foods. Food intolerance or sensitivity is actually quite common whereas
food allergy is rare.
These are different body immune responses. Food allergy is a more immediate reaction mediated by production of IgE and IgG antibodies. Food sensitivity and intolerance, by contrast, measures a more delayed body response to offending foods by measuring production of IgA and IgM antibodies primarily in mucosal secretions from the bowel. NutriScan tests for the twenty most commonly ingested foods by dogs to provide you with specific results as to your dog's food intolerance's or sensitivities. Since it is a salivary test, you have the convenience to complete the test at home or at your veterinarian’s office. Best of all, you can have the results in approximately two weeks to help you put your dog on the right diet."
$130 for one panel (10 antigens), $250 for two panels (20 antigens). I suggest getting both. Vet Allergy test cost about $500 for 20 antigens. Check this page for test differences:
http://nutriscan.org/the-nutriscan-difference/nutriscan-vs-skin-patchskin-prick-testing.html
Main site:
NutriScan Food Sensitivity and Intolerance Test for Cats and Dogs
Raw would be the best way to go but I understand that not everyone is able to do this. You may want to try a
high quality novel protein kibble like pork and limited ingredients such as
Acana Singles "Pork and Butternut Squash".
Pork & Butternut Squash | Acana Type your zip code on the following page to find a Doggie Boutique near you that either carries it or can order it for you:
Store Locator | Acana Ingredients: Deboned pork*, pork meal, green lentils, red lentils, pork liver*, butternut squash*, pork fat, green peas, yellow peas, canola oil, algae, garbanzo beans, pumpkin*, carrots*, pork kidney*, freeze-dried pork liver, kelp, chicory root, ginger root, peppermint leaf, lemon balm, mixed tocopherols (preservative), dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product.
OR
Nature's Variety (not Nature's Recipe): Find a store here: Find a Store | Instinct Pet Food for Dogs and Cats Ingredients: Duck Meal, Tapioca, Peas, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Natural Flavor, Montmorillonite Clay, Coconut Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Panthothenate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Sodium Selenite), Choline Chloride, Green Tea Extract, Rosemary Extract.
If you do change food, take your time weaning her on to it.
Also, you may want to add two high quality oils and a digestive enzyme/probiotic to your dogs food:
Ultra Oil: Amazon.com : Ultra Oil Skin & Coat Supplement with Hempseed Oil (16 fl. oz.) : Pet Fish Oil Nutritional Supplements : Pet Supplies "Our special formula of nutritional oils from Hempseed, Flaxseed, Grapeseed and Fish (sardine & anchovy) provides the Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids pets need for healthy skin and a shining coat. It is the most effective way to relieve hot spots, allergic breakouts and other skin and coat irritations. Ultra Oil also relieves joint pain, dryness and excessive shedding – in addition to these other benefits:
- Heart healthy, immunity and overall organ function.
- Contains the crucial fat soluble vitamins, and minerals that are key to tissue repair
- Doesn’t have that stinky fish smell
- 100% Human Grade, and All Natural
- Cold, Virgin Pressed
- Non GMO
- Hempseed oil is often referred to as nature’s most balanced source of Omegas.
- Contains the full spectrum of healthy fats in the perfect balance. Omegas can’t be absorbed properly unless they have the proper balance of Omega 3,6 & 9. Fish oils are missing the proper balance of Omega 9.
Coconut Oil: to be used topically 2 or 3 times per day on the spots you described and added to your dogs food.
Purchase USDA Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil – raw/cold pressed (should also state Non GMO & without Hexane!) from a health food store. It has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties! Add 1 tsp. of organic coconut oil to your dogs food for every 10 to 20 pounds of body weight.
Digestive Enzyme/Pro-Biotic combination: http://www.thewholisticpet.com/products/canine-product-line/digestive-support/wholistic-digest-all-plustm.html OR
Sunday Sundae Nutritional Supplement
Always introduce each item slowly and at a smaller amount than recommended so as not to upset the gut.
Using Apple Cider Vinegar, suggested by Juliem is a great idea! Make sure that you purchase an Organic one like "Braggs" from a health food store, that contains the "Mother Tincture" which has the medicinal properties. Mix 50% ACV and 50% purified water (not city water).
Moms