Newbie Needs Advice!! Please Read!
 

Hello everyone! I have used this site a lot whenever I have questions about my baby. Max will be 6 months in 5 days! :aimeeyork and he is up to date on all shots and vet visits.

I have searched this site for my issue but I dont know if I am getting all the info I need. My problem with Max is VERY and I mean VERY foul smelling stool and gas. I mean clear the room foul smell! I feed him Natural Balance L.I.D Sweet potato and chicken small breed formula (which I havent come across here so I am doubting my food choice sighh) in quantity of 1/2 cup twice a day.

My vet in NY does not make food recommendations (he doesnt push any brand) he says the important thing is he gets a balanced and complete diet, as long as the food has everything he needs its ok with our Vet. I chose NB on the recommendation of our Houston vet and my sister who works with him.

I have changed the flavor of the food, gradually of course, as if it was a new brand, but I dont know what could be the problem.....I searched on Google also and did come across an article that it could be some type of bacteria but before I run to the vet I wanted to reach out for some advice. :confused:

What do you guys think???

Hi and Welcome to YT!

IMHO, either the food is not agreeing with him, or his system does not have enough good bacteria to do complete digestion on it. I would try some probiotics, if that doesn't help, a food change. This is assuming he is parasite free... also I'd feed him 3 times a day till adulthood, then twice daily. Smaller meals are easier on the tummy. You could also go to a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice for a week in between, then transition back onto puppy food. If he improves on the home cooked food but the gas returns on the dog food, you may need to switch brands or home cook for him, as he may be sensitive to the common ingredients in the processed foods.

Royal Canin has never caused gas or stool issues with any of my group....I feed the kibble, age appropriate, and they love it and it firms up the stool, no gas, and very little odor to the stool. At his age, he would still be on the mini puppy kibble.....I free feed my youngsters but if you want to divide meals up, 3 - 4 meals a day are better.....keeps energy/glucose levels more on an even keel.

Mine was having really bad gas and I read about the honest kitchen's pro bloom and decided to try it and it worked she no longer has gas.

I would try probiotics, and my friend got some stuff here awhile back that helped her dog, cannot remember the name of it

Hi and welcome to YT. I would get some probiotics. I love this company. I called up. And they are extremely helpful !

https://www.vitalityscience.com

I agree it's the food I like royal canine also. My dogs don't have gas.

I've been using Blue Buffalo for several years on different types of breeds and they've all responded well. I chose it initially because our vet recommended a wheat/corn/soy free diet for my beagle who was showing food sensitivity and he did so great with it that we have used it ever since for all of our dogs. I did observe the amount of poo is less (there are less fillers so the body absorbs more nutrients and there's less waste), and there is very little odor.

There are several great brands out there. It might take a little trial an error sometimes, but it's important to figure out what works best for your dog. I know Blue Buffalo struggles with kibble size. This hasn't been an issue for my doggies so far, but they do have a Small Breed Puppy Chicken and oatmeal formula that tends to be very gentle on the tummies.

I always read ingredients. I want the most wholesome and desirable ingredients listed first as these are the ones the food will have the most of.

For the rare times we've had an upset tummy, mostly because the beagle actively pursues and tries to eat anything with a scent!!! a dollop of yogurt with live cultures mixed in with the food also helps.

Hope you're able to get things figured out for your baby.