I’ve jumped around different dry foods a lot not only because my sheltie is picky, but also because it seems he has a weak stomach and has very runny and smelly poops about every few weeks. It’s a disaster every time and causes for trimmed fur and baths as well. We want to get him on the best diet, and right now he’s on blue buffalo with Dr. Marty’s propowerplus (which we’re not sure is the most effective or not yet. Still new to us). I’m open to a more expensive diet, although I’m not entirely sure I’m ready for an all raw diet but if that’s best I would like to know. I’ve heard of home cooked meals and canned dog foods but I’m just not sure what’s best. Thanks!
Diarrhea issues and diet change
- Thread starter Abby4123
- Start date
Piper's mom
Moderator
Have you had your boy tested for Giardia? I've never had an issue with either of my dogs (I do feed a raw diet) but chronic diarrhea problems could indicate Giardia.
Here's an article by Karen Becker and it's worth reading and discussing this with your vet (according to her many stool samples tested in house can yield up to 30% false positives). I would definitely follow her protocol to check for Giardia before you consider changing the diet again.
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/03/19/giardia-infection-on-pets.aspx
Here's an article by Karen Becker and it's worth reading and discussing this with your vet (according to her many stool samples tested in house can yield up to 30% false positives). I would definitely follow her protocol to check for Giardia before you consider changing the diet again.
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/03/19/giardia-infection-on-pets.aspx
Cindy
Premium Member
grain free helped Gavin immensely
we use wellness core
we use wellness core
Caro
Moderator
Couple of things. Have you consulted with the vet about it? You should try an elimination trial because he may have allergies. Proteins are the top food allergen in dogs, and most often chicken. Both Tully and Deska had chicken allergies, although Tully developed hers later in life. Tully's also sensitive to sweet potato and pumpkin - which I also discovered after a food elimination trial. Keep tabs on the ingredients and content of the food he is reacting to. Also supplements can have proteins and can cause issues themselves.
With an elimination diet you try a novel protein and limited ingredients. The first elimination trial I did was with Wellness Simple white fish and potato, and I ended up keep that on them for a long time (with home cooked meals of fish) because the did so well on it. It isn't available here anymore.
You may also want to check the fat content of the food you are giving him. Some dogs can't take high fat, or high protein, diets.
If you aren't having luck with your normal vet I can highly recommend seeing an Internal medicine specialist. Wish I'd seen one years ago instead of struggling with tummy issues.
With an elimination diet you try a novel protein and limited ingredients. The first elimination trial I did was with Wellness Simple white fish and potato, and I ended up keep that on them for a long time (with home cooked meals of fish) because the did so well on it. It isn't available here anymore.
You may also want to check the fat content of the food you are giving him. Some dogs can't take high fat, or high protein, diets.
If you aren't having luck with your normal vet I can highly recommend seeing an Internal medicine specialist. Wish I'd seen one years ago instead of struggling with tummy issues.