possible food allergy, trying to decide between a few brands

redmischief · 10-07-2011, 04:31 PM

My 3 year old GSD has been on Nutro Large Breed since we got her (two years ago). Over the course of the last two or so months, I've noticed she's been scratching a lot more. At first I thought maybe it was just time for a bath, but she's also been licking at her butt a lot, and eating grass more often (she induces vomiting...once a week at most, but still way more than seems okay).

We do have an appointment with the vet tomorrow for her annual physical and boosters, etc., so they'll be checking a fecal sample. That will rule out any parasites that might be causing her itchiness, particularly at her hind end.

I am thinking I'd like to switch her food anyway, because I do suspect that she is having some sensitivity issues. I've heard more and more negative things about Nutro recently as well.

So, I'd like to go with a brand that has limited ingredient formulas available. Based on what I know is available in my area, I am looking at Wellness, Blue Buffalo, and Natural Balance. Any feedback on these brands would be greatly appreciated.

Also--Sasha is a pretty petite GSD--only about 60-65 pounds. Is a large breed formula necessary, as long as she's getting enough calories? We supplement glucosamine in her food anyway.

Thanks all!

Emoore · 10-07-2011, 04:39 PM

No, a large breed formula is not necessary.

sharkey19 · 10-07-2011, 05:15 PM

Large breed formula is definitely not necessary.

If you suspect an allergy, I think it is more important to look at the protein source rather than the brand of food, as it is often the protein source that is the cause of the allergy. Check what the main protein is on your food you have now, and try to avoid that in the next food you try.

ChancetheGSD · 10-07-2011, 05:33 PM

I'd suggest reading up on annual vaccines. Giving them yearly can (and often does) do more harm than good!

Also, I'd highly recommend California Natural for an LID food.

No matter what you go for though, I'd get her OFF Nutro. I do NOT trust their food at ALL after they nearly killed Zoey during a NON-recalled time. She started vomiting blood, having bloody diarrhea, she became lethargic and the dog who eats anything and everything didn't want touch the Nutro unless she was pretty hungry. Once I took her off, it stopped and she became active again. Far too many other people who've complained of the same problems. If you google "Nutro reviews" you'll see many dogs who eat this have problems on it and many go into kidney/liver failure after eating it. Coincidence? I think not.

N Smith · 10-07-2011, 05:41 PM

Sharkey19 is right, start looking at foods with one protien source that she has NEVER had before, although nothing you described screams allergy to me. Even then, food allergies are lower on the list with flea allergies and environmental allergies coming first.

So first, possibility of fleas?
Any chemicals she could have access to that could be irritating her skin?

Has she been on Salmon oil? If not, I consider this a staple in any diet (cooked, raw, kibble) as all of the Omega 3's are killed during the kibbling process. This will really help with dry skin/coat and joints.

I would stay away from Blue Buffalo - too many problems with their formula being linked to kidney failure/damage.

Taste of the Wild is a great one to choose because their protein sources are not "maistream" (chicken, beef, pork). There is a buffalo/venison, duck and salmon formulas. Whichever you choose - do not go with the stuff sold at the vet, which is pretty much garbage in a bag.

Good luck!

Also, cut the vaccines - if she has had them up till now she will be good for life. You can google "Jean Dodd's vaccine schedule" and "Vaccinosis" to learn more!

Rott-n-GSDs · 10-07-2011, 05:49 PM

I would go with a grain free formula that also doesn't have soy, beet pulp, or chicken. Those are the most common allergens.

I agree with cutting out the annual vaccines. Absolutely unnecessary. If you must vaccinate, do so every three years, as recommended by the AAHA. Check out Dr. Jean Dodds' vaccination protocols: HEMOPET.HTM

ChancetheGSD · 10-07-2011, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Taste of the Wild is a great one to choose

I wouldn't worry over BB if you're ok feeding TOTW. TOTW is made by Diamond, which is notorious for inconsistency in their ingredients and has had numerous recalls on their products. It also has MANY ingredients so if it IS an allergy, there is no telling what it could be from.

Gretchen · 10-07-2011, 06:07 PM

Natural Balance is good for food allergies, however sweet potato is the main ingredients, our dog's poop started to smell like sweet potato and it was unpleasant, she also had softer stools on this brand. Also the protein % was lower compared to other brands.

I am sorry I cannot comment on the other brands, but for our dog, avoiding chicken, beef and grains has been very helpful. I like to buy the prepared raw foods and for dry Nature's Variety limited diet (either turkey or lamb) has worked well. Their main carb is tapioca. I was trying to avoid the potatoes.

Also someone mentioned Taste of the Wild, we would like to try them, but all formulas except for the fish have chicken meal, so if you think your dog has a sensitivity to chicken, you'll have to look at the labels.

N Smith · 10-07-2011, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChancetheGSD

I wouldn't worry over BB if you're ok feeding TOTW. TOTW is made by Diamond, which is notorious for inconsistency in their ingredients and has had numerous recalls on their products. It also has MANY ingredients so if it IS an allergy, there is no telling what it could be from.

All kibbles have a lot of ingredients, that is part of the "balanced diet" thing they are slinging around all the time.

The only way to be sure about what your dog is allergic to would be to do a raw or cooked elimination diet, starting with 1 protein source and adding in everything one at a time.

ChancetheGSD · 10-07-2011, 06:56 PM

Not true!

California Natural is a good food for allergies BECAUSE it doesn't have 100 ingredients in it.

Grain free:
Natural Dog Food, Cat Food and Puppy Food for Pets With Food Sensitivity ? California Natural
Natural Dog Food, Cat Food and Puppy Food for Pets With Food Sensitivity ? California Natural

Even their formulas WITH grain are good for allergies:
Natural Dog Food, Cat Food and Puppy Food for Pets With Food Sensitivity ? California Natural

The only exception would be their fish formula, it has barley in it which can cause allergic reactions in some dogs.

Though honestly I wouldn't point fingers at chicken as an allergy problem when you consider the crap that is in Nutro. (No offense to the OP)

And again, how can you dis BB and then recommend TOTW? Or ANY Diamond product.

10-07-2011, 04:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
redmischief New Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 21	possible food allergy, trying to decide between a few brands My 3 year old GSD has been on Nutro Large Breed since we got her (two years ago). Over the course of the last two or so months, I've noticed she's been scratching a lot more. At first I thought maybe it was just time for a bath, but she's also been licking at her butt a lot, and eating grass more often (she induces vomiting...once a week at most, but still way more than seems okay). We do have an appointment with the vet tomorrow for her annual physical and boosters, etc., so they'll be checking a fecal sample. That will rule out any parasites that might be causing her itchiness, particularly at her hind end. I am thinking I'd like to switch her food anyway, because I do suspect that she is having some sensitivity issues. I've heard more and more negative things about Nutro recently as well. So, I'd like to go with a brand that has limited ingredient formulas available. Based on what I know is available in my area, I am looking at Wellness, Blue Buffalo, and Natural Balance. Any feedback on these brands would be greatly appreciated. Also--Sasha is a pretty petite GSD--only about 60-65 pounds. Is a large breed formula necessary, as long as she's getting enough calories? We supplement glucosamine in her food anyway. Thanks all!

10-07-2011, 04:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
Emoore Crowned Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North DFW, TX Posts: 9,214	No, a large breed formula is not necessary. __________________ Rocky vom Backyard- 10 years young Kopper vom Felssclucht Bach - 17 months At the Bridge: Cash van der Animal Shelter 2006-2010

10-07-2011, 05:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
ChancetheGSD Elite Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,910	I'd suggest reading up on annual vaccines. Giving them yearly can (and often does) do more harm than good! Also, I'd highly recommend California Natural for an LID food. No matter what you go for though, I'd get her OFF Nutro. I do NOT trust their food at ALL after they nearly killed Zoey during a NON-recalled time. She started vomiting blood, having bloody diarrhea, she became lethargic and the dog who eats anything and everything didn't want touch the Nutro unless she was pretty hungry. Once I took her off, it stopped and she became active again. Far too many other people who've complained of the same problems. If you google "Nutro reviews" you'll see many dogs who eat this have problems on it and many go into kidney/liver failure after eating it. Coincidence? I think not. __________________ Gretchen -7.5 week old GSD Zoey -14 year old Pekapom Chance -(GSD/Kelpie) 6/2007-6/23/2011

10-07-2011, 05:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
N Smith Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Whitehorse, Yukon Posts: 310	Sharkey19 is right, start looking at foods with one protien source that she has NEVER had before, although nothing you described screams allergy to me. Even then, food allergies are lower on the list with flea allergies and environmental allergies coming first. So first, possibility of fleas? Any chemicals she could have access to that could be irritating her skin? Has she been on Salmon oil? If not, I consider this a staple in any diet (cooked, raw, kibble) as all of the Omega 3's are killed during the kibbling process. This will really help with dry skin/coat and joints. I would stay away from Blue Buffalo - too many problems with their formula being linked to kidney failure/damage. Taste of the Wild is a great one to choose because their protein sources are not "maistream" (chicken, beef, pork). There is a buffalo/venison, duck and salmon formulas. Whichever you choose - do not go with the stuff sold at the vet, which is pretty much garbage in a bag. Good luck! Also, cut the vaccines - if she has had them up till now she will be good for life. You can google "Jean Dodd's vaccine schedule" and "Vaccinosis" to learn more! Last edited by N Smith; 10-07-2011 at 05:42 PM. Reason: Added advice about vaccines

10-07-2011, 05:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
Rott-n-GSDs Master Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: South Range, WI Posts: 999	I would go with a grain free formula that also doesn't have soy, beet pulp, or chicken. Those are the most common allergens. I agree with cutting out the annual vaccines. Absolutely unnecessary. If you must vaccinate, do so every three years, as recommended by the AAHA. Check out Dr. Jean Dodds' vaccination protocols: HEMOPET.HTM __________________ Luna, GSD (11/22/08) Nova, GSD (07/01/07) Apollo, Rottweiler (06/28/08)

10-07-2011, 05:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
sharkey19 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Guelph Posts: 321	Large breed formula is definitely not necessary. If you suspect an allergy, I think it is more important to look at the protein source rather than the brand of food, as it is often the protein source that is the cause of the allergy. Check what the main protein is on your food you have now, and try to avoid that in the next food you try.

10-07-2011, 06:07 PM	#8 (permalink)
Gretchen Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: California's Central Coast Posts: 464	Natural Balance is good for food allergies, however sweet potato is the main ingredients, our dog's poop started to smell like sweet potato and it was unpleasant, she also had softer stools on this brand. Also the protein % was lower compared to other brands. I am sorry I cannot comment on the other brands, but for our dog, avoiding chicken, beef and grains has been very helpful. I like to buy the prepared raw foods and for dry Nature's Variety limited diet (either turkey or lamb) has worked well. Their main carb is tapioca. I was trying to avoid the potatoes. Also someone mentioned Taste of the Wild, we would like to try them, but all formulas except for the fish have chicken meal, so if you think your dog has a sensitivity to chicken, you'll have to look at the labels.

10-07-2011, 06:56 PM	#10 (permalink)
ChancetheGSD Elite Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,910	Not true! California Natural is a good food for allergies BECAUSE it doesn't have 100 ingredients in it. Grain free: Natural Dog Food, Cat Food and Puppy Food for Pets With Food Sensitivity ? California Natural Natural Dog Food, Cat Food and Puppy Food for Pets With Food Sensitivity ? California Natural Even their formulas WITH grain are good for allergies: Natural Dog Food, Cat Food and Puppy Food for Pets With Food Sensitivity ? California Natural The only exception would be their fish formula, it has barley in it which can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. Though honestly I wouldn't point fingers at chicken as an allergy problem when you consider the crap that is in Nutro. (No offense to the OP) And again, how can you dis BB and then recommend TOTW? Or ANY Diamond product. __________________ Gretchen -7.5 week old GSD Zoey -14 year old Pekapom Chance -(GSD/Kelpie) 6/2007-6/23/2011

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
German Shepherd Advertisement