[BonBon]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

An allergy is the immune system's response to a protein.
Intolerance is what you would see if non-protein ingredients didn't agree with them. This is GI upset. etc. Scratching from grains, I don't know what it would be classified as. But grains do contain some protein so maybe it's an allergy? Or maybe some dogs itch from intolerance. I've wanted to know the answer to this for awhile. Either way, they can scratch from both and both are important in an elimination diet. I'd hesitate to change if he is doing really well. If the allergy/intolerance is under control, EEEEK to starting all over again.

Exactly!!!

I really want to stay with a grain-free diet because he is doing so well. Here's some of the problems I've had:

1) Loved how they did on TOTW's Pacific Stream, then I learned it contains ethoxyquin. I am so not comfortable feeding them that.
2) They loved NV Instinct but it's the highest in fat and calories and they all gained too much weight. Alex is arthritic so this is very bad for him.
3) They wouldn't touch Orijen 6 Fish or Evo Red Meat.
4) They have pretty much stopped eating the Now! grain-free food from Petcurean after only 2 weeks on it.
5) Fromm's only grain-free food contains chicken.

They did like the new Evo Herring & Salmon a lot so that may be an option, but I really want to have 2 or 3 foods available to rotate between.

I ordered a bag of Acana last night to give it a try, so hopefully that will give us another option.

I want someone to make a healthy, grain-free, chicken-free, moderate fat, moderate calorie, moderate cost dog food!! Is that really asking so much?!?!?! (Sorry....just needed to let off a little steam. )