I have a 5 year old shepard mix who I adopted when she was 2. Since the shelter had fed her IAMS, I kept her on that until they recently changed the formula of their canned foods. I wanted to switch her to a better quality food. First I tried Wellness but it was too rich. Then I tried Innova which she loves but despite a very gradual transition over 2 weeks she develpoed severe gastrointestinal problems resulting in a costly trip to the vet. Can anyone suggest high quality brands that are easy on the digestive system and not too rich?
Re:Best Food Brands For Dog withSensitive Stomach? My dog has a very, very sensitive stomach. I tried everything, and finally I stuck with Hill's Science Diet ID, which I buy at the Vet. Its a food that the vet will normally suggest if a dog has a temporary ailgment, like a parasite or something- but it is a complete nutrition and totally safe and appropriate for a dog to be eating as his primary source of nutrition. My dog loves the canned and the kibble and I've had no problems since he's been on it full time. While it is more expensive than Iams, it is not as expensive at Wellness or Innova, so I suspect you will be comfortable with the price point.
sac4e (NY) 3/19/2007 3:43:35 PM
Re:Best Food Brands For Dog withSensitive Stomach? Our wheaten has a very sensitive stomach. The best food we could find for him is Burns, www.burnspethealth.com They use only quality ingredients and the food is packed with vitamins and minerals. It's done wonders for him and he is much less itchy and seems healthier. Good luck!
Ratterrierlover (NY) 3/28/2007 8:23:15 PM
Re:Best Food Brands For Dog withSensitive Stomach? whatever you do, do not use the Hill's Science Diet ID. Yes it is made specifically for this, but it is of such low quality that ultimately you'll be creating more problems for your dog in the long run. For a short time to get the stomach under control perhaps, but certainly not for life. Try Canidae or Canidae Platinum for Seniors. This has much lower fat which might be the problem you had with the Wellness and Innova which are both very good foods. Another idea is to try a different protein source such as venison or lamb. Your dog may have an intolerance to the more typical proteins used in most dog foods. I'd also stay away from wet food as her main food. Use the dry food and add just a little of the wet to make it more palatable. Good luck
chel (SF) 4/5/2007 3:14:34 PM
Re:Best Food Brands For Dog withSensitive Stomach? My little Yorkie has terrible problems with food - he will get diarrhea from any odd food.
I've had great luck with Nature's Variety "Raw Instinct" dry food. It's easy to feed, he loves it, and he never has diarrhea as long as he eats it.
It was recommended to me by someone else who has a french bulldog that had the same problem.
Good luck!
dex (NY) 4/8/2007 2:47:18 PM
wellness simple food solutions dry food plus One of my Frenchies has a sensitive stomach and he has done really well with the Wellness Simple Food Solutions dry food. I mix in a small spoonful of Merrick or Wellness wet food with a little bit of that Missing Link Plus supplement. He does really well on this combo. He is just shy of his 12th birthday.
Pitbull Fanatic (NY) 4/23/2007 12:55:47 PM
Re:Best Food Brands For Dog withSensitive Stomach? I have a dog with colitis and extreme food sensitivities and she does amazingly well on Natural Balance duck and potato allergy formula dry food. She can't tolerate chicken and rice and I've learned that ground turkey and boiled potatoes will always work like a charm.
