Switch from Hills/LD to Eagle Holistic - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Beachitmom · 11-07-2007, 02:17 PM

I read all of the great advice about the Eagle Holistic food. I have been feeding my Roxy Hills LD since she has been a pup because of liver/seizure problems. She is on 2 Fen Barb a day. I want to switch after reading all of the negative stuff about Hills.
The holistic has 24%, I wonder if 24% protein is too much for her. Or is it OK because it is high quality food?
She also has an ongoing yeast infection in her one ear. She gets conifite for that. I read the food should help clear that up.
Any suggestions?
My vet does sell the Hills LD at his office.
Thanks for any advice,
Roxy's mom,
Maria

tanksmom · 11-07-2007, 05:58 PM

My baby had a yeast infection on her skin due to a stomach problem too. They put us on Purina vets diet EN and some flora bacteria. Her yeast infection went away in 2weeks. And I had tried everything for 6 months before that. I too was uncomfortable with the perscription diet but I did as the vet asked and havent regretted it. I would say from where I've been it has to much protien and fat for her right now. I'd wait for the yeast infection to go away then change foods. Yeast infections are a sign that something bigger is going on.

Beachitmom · 11-07-2007, 06:14 PM

Thanks for the info.
Roxy has been on the Hills LD prescription diet for her 3 years of life.
The yeast infection in her ear is constantly coming back. It never stays away.
I was thinking the switch to quality food will help her. I am sooo confused!
Roxy's mom,
Maria

Ellie May · 11-07-2007, 06:27 PM

What is Roxy's liver/seizure diagnosis?

Beachitmom · 11-07-2007, 06:44 PM

roxy started having seizures at 2 months old. The vet gave her a fasting bile acid test where she stayed for the day and they feed her and test her, etc. It came back high-I don't remember the exact numbers. The vet then ordered an ulrasound to rule out liver shunt. It showed no large shunt but said it could be MVD which is the smaller inoperable ones.

Roxy has had cluster seizures for three years now(she will be 3 on Dec.15) She had been on Phen. Barb. since then also.
I have her levels checked as required by the vet for the prescription and they came back low this time, so he upped her dose to two a day now. I will get it checked once a month to make sure she is not getting too much now.

She also has had this yeast infection in her ear(stinky!!crusty, bleeds from her itching) her whole life. Vet gave conifite for that.

The backyard breeder we got her from moved out of state as soon as we bought her. Of course that doesn't matter, but she had a lot of pups and I bet the people who got the pups and couldn't afford to take care of them are heart broken!!
That's Roxy's story. Oh, she is pee pee pad trained which is helpful because I can see right away if her urine is getting too dark.
Roxy's mom,
Maria

Yorkieluv · 11-07-2007, 06:54 PM

I know we already communicated through pm, but I thought I would put the info out there for others just in case.

24% protein is too high for a liver compromised dog. Not only is the amount of protein necessary to take into account, but also, the "type" of protein is extremely important, especially if the dog is exhibiting symptoms such as seizures like your baby.
Just because a food is low in protein does not make it a good one for them. The protein source needs to be checked.

Goat, vegetable, dairy, soy, and sometimes egg proteins are the easiest types of proteins for them to handle.
Any red meats (ie. venison, beef, lamb, etc) should be avoided altogether because they produce high amounts of toxins that the liver cannot filter. Also, meats that are high in tryptophan like duck or turkey should be avoided.

Also, remember to keep in mind that when you look at canned foods that say anywhere from 6%-10% protein, the actual amount of protein has to be determined on a dry matter basis in order to know what your dog is actually getting. A typical 7% protein food is actually around 35% protein depending on the amount of moisture.

Ellie May · 11-07-2007, 06:58 PM

Aww, I'm sorry you have to deal with seizures.

My Yorkie, Ellie, just had a liver biopsy because we thought she had MVD. She doesn't. Atleast she doesn't have any serious symptoms.

I don't know anything about Eagle Pack but I do know that 24% protein is too high for a dog with MVD who is having symptoms. I believe it is Dr. Tobias who thinks dogs with MVD and no symptoms should get 15-20% protein a day (or about 2-3 g per kg of weight). Have you looked into Royal Canin Hepatic LS 14? I think it is a better choice than Science Diet but it will do nothing for Roxy's itching. In fact, Ellie had a terrible time on it and had to be taken off. It is better quality than SD though. I think your best option (if possible) is to homecook.

By the way, Ellie had a yeast infection in her ears but it went away with meds. I hear once a dog gets em they recur.

Beachitmom · 11-08-2007, 05:20 PM

Thank you both very much for the great info. We try to cook for her as much as possible. She LOVES her raw carrots every morning after her meds!
We usually give her eggs 2 times a week and also boiled chicken when we can. I hope these foods are OK.
Looks like I will not try the holistic.
Thanks again for the info!
Roxy's mom,
Maria

Yorkieluv · 11-12-2007, 02:14 PM

Chicken is not the "right" type of protein for a dog who is having to be on phenobarb for liver related seizures. It's hard for their livers to process and it produces more toxins... Dairy protein, goat's milk protein, vegetable protein, and egg white protein are easiest for them to digest. But any kind of protein should be given with veggies or starches like potatoes or sweet potatoes.

11-07-2007, 02:17 PM	#1
Beachitmom Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 59	Switch from Hills/LD to Eagle Holistic I read all of the great advice about the Eagle Holistic food. I have been feeding my Roxy Hills LD since she has been a pup because of liver/seizure problems. She is on 2 Fen Barb a day. I want to switch after reading all of the negative stuff about Hills. The holistic has 24%, I wonder if 24% protein is too much for her. Or is it OK because it is high quality food? She also has an ongoing yeast infection in her one ear. She gets conifite for that. I read the food should help clear that up. Any suggestions? My vet does sell the Hills LD at his office. Thanks for any advice, Roxy's mom, Maria

11-07-2007, 06:14 PM	#3
Beachitmom Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 59	Should I switch from Hills LD to Holistic food?? Thanks for the info. Roxy has been on the Hills LD prescription diet for her 3 years of life. The yeast infection in her ear is constantly coming back. It never stays away. I was thinking the switch to quality food will help her. I am sooo confused! Roxy's mom, Maria

11-07-2007, 06:27 PM	#4
Ellie May YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 5,866	What is Roxy's liver/seizure diagnosis? __________________ Crystal and Ellie May

11-07-2007, 06:54 PM	#6
Yorkieluv Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,811	I know we already communicated through pm, but I thought I would put the info out there for others just in case. 24% protein is too high for a liver compromised dog. Not only is the amount of protein necessary to take into account, but also, the "type" of protein is extremely important, especially if the dog is exhibiting symptoms such as seizures like your baby. Just because a food is low in protein does not make it a good one for them. The protein source needs to be checked. Goat, vegetable, dairy, soy, and sometimes egg proteins are the easiest types of proteins for them to handle. Any red meats (ie. venison, beef, lamb, etc) should be avoided altogether because they produce high amounts of toxins that the liver cannot filter. Also, meats that are high in tryptophan like duck or turkey should be avoided. Also, remember to keep in mind that when you look at canned foods that say anywhere from 6%-10% protein, the actual amount of protein has to be determined on a dry matter basis in order to know what your dog is actually getting. A typical 7% protein food is actually around 35% protein depending on the amount of moisture. __________________ Miko 's his Mommy

11-07-2007, 06:58 PM	#7
Ellie May YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 5,866	Aww, I'm sorry you have to deal with seizures. My Yorkie, Ellie, just had a liver biopsy because we thought she had MVD. She doesn't. Atleast she doesn't have any serious symptoms. I don't know anything about Eagle Pack but I do know that 24% protein is too high for a dog with MVD who is having symptoms. I believe it is Dr. Tobias who thinks dogs with MVD and no symptoms should get 15-20% protein a day (or about 2-3 g per kg of weight). Have you looked into Royal Canin Hepatic LS 14? I think it is a better choice than Science Diet but it will do nothing for Roxy's itching. In fact, Ellie had a terrible time on it and had to be taken off. It is better quality than SD though. I think your best option (if possible) is to homecook. By the way, Ellie had a yeast infection in her ears but it went away with meds. I hear once a dog gets em they recur. __________________ Crystal and Ellie May

11-07-2007, 05:58 PM	#2
tanksmom YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: texas Posts: 473	My baby had a yeast infection on her skin due to a stomach problem too. They put us on Purina vets diet EN and some flora bacteria. Her yeast infection went away in 2weeks. And I had tried everything for 6 months before that. I too was uncomfortable with the perscription diet but I did as the vet asked and havent regretted it. I would say from where I've been it has to much protien and fat for her right now. I'd wait for the yeast infection to go away then change foods. Yeast infections are a sign that something bigger is going on.

11-07-2007, 06:44 PM	#5
Beachitmom Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 59	roxy started having seizures at 2 months old. The vet gave her a fasting bile acid test where she stayed for the day and they feed her and test her, etc. It came back high-I don't remember the exact numbers. The vet then ordered an ulrasound to rule out liver shunt. It showed no large shunt but said it could be MVD which is the smaller inoperable ones. Roxy has had cluster seizures for three years now(she will be 3 on Dec.15) She had been on Phen. Barb. since then also. I have her levels checked as required by the vet for the prescription and they came back low this time, so he upped her dose to two a day now. I will get it checked once a month to make sure she is not getting too much now. She also has had this yeast infection in her ear(stinky!!crusty, bleeds from her itching) her whole life. Vet gave conifite for that. The backyard breeder we got her from moved out of state as soon as we bought her. Of course that doesn't matter, but she had a lot of pups and I bet the people who got the pups and couldn't afford to take care of them are heart broken!! That's Roxy's story. Oh, she is pee pee pad trained which is helpful because I can see right away if her urine is getting too dark. Roxy's mom, Maria

11-08-2007, 05:20 PM	#8
Beachitmom Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 59	Thank you both very much for the great info. We try to cook for her as much as possible. She LOVES her raw carrots every morning after her meds! We usually give her eggs 2 times a week and also boiled chicken when we can. I hope these foods are OK. Looks like I will not try the holistic. Thanks again for the info! Roxy's mom, Maria

11-12-2007, 02:14 PM	#9
Yorkieluv Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,811	Chicken is not the "right" type of protein for a dog who is having to be on phenobarb for liver related seizures. It's hard for their livers to process and it produces more toxins... Dairy protein, goat's milk protein, vegetable protein, and egg white protein are easiest for them to digest. But any kind of protein should be given with veggies or starches like potatoes or sweet potatoes. __________________ Miko 's his Mommy