[christiers]

Originally Posted by ArmaniMan

Mine are not on lactulose either, my vet also said that it should only be used in more advanced cases and that mine didnt warrant it. My vet did recommend the Denamarin but mine threw it up everyday, so the vet recommended we take them off, she said not all dogs can tolerate it.

The usual recommendation you see, is nothing higher than 18% with symptoms and nothing higher than 22% otherwise. However, my vet and I agreed that with my dogs being so young and healthy (besides the high BAT's), such a low protein food was not necessary for them if I wanted to do something higher.

My dogs were on a 24% protein food (Innova small bites) and they did fine, I switched only because of a problem with the company (Natura) nothing else. Mine are doing very well on the Natural Balance Organic, I also add some chicken and potato canned food because one of my little brats is picky and won't eat only dry food This does increase the protein level though.

Honestly, my one dog was on a food that is close to 40% protein before I found out and he had zero issues or symptoms on it. I wouldn't stick with it now that I know about the MVD though.

Basically, I focus most importantly on the TYPE of protein, I stick with chicken and fish based foods, and will add other proteins like cottage cheese or egg on my own sometimes.

I was not happy with the ingredients in any of the prescription foods which is why I chose to find something else.

I had feed them Orijen 6 fish before the diagnosis, my concern is Pickles (the youngest) always wants what Coco is eating. Pickles is healthy and I don't want her not receiving proper levels for her growth and development. So I would like to find a common ground that is good for both of them. The one issue that my vet and I have had is the "oh that low protein diet won't hurt Pickles". We are currently debating this. She is very tolerant of me and I love that about her. Sometimes I worry that she will feel I am stepping on her toes, but I think she understands I just want the best for my "brats".

This also brings up another issue for me. My vet did strongly suggest against pre-made raw diet though and that disappoints me. I see such a difference in my 9 yr old, non-yorkie, Belle. And with Stella & Chewy's frozen pre-made I am still not sure why....their Beef is 13.0% min protein per serving, the chicken is somewhere around there. I am confused why I am advised against using these once a day (1 and a half or 2 patties) if the protein content is so low and dry kibble the rest of the day? Merely a question from a nonvice, please be kind with your replies.