Yes, Missing Link. Thanks for the reminder Ann.

Missing Link Canine Ingredients . . .
Flaxseed, Rice Bran, Primary Dried Yeast, Blackstrap Molasses, Sunflower Seed, Freeze Dried Beef Liver, Dehydrated Alfalfa, Dried Carrot, Shark Cartilage Powder*, Freeze Dried Fish Protein Powder, Barley Grass Leaves Powder, Dried Kelp, Freeze Dried Oyster Powder, Zinc Monomethionine, Lecithin, Chromium Yeast, Selenium Yeast, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Garlic Powder, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1), Folic Acid, and Cobalamin (Vitamin B12).
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*Not from endangered species.
Missing Link Canine Plus Ingredients . . .
Flaxseed, Glucosamine Hydrochloride (Vegetarian), Freeze Dried Beef Liver, Blackstrap Molasses, Rice Bran, Primary Dried Yeast, Sunflower Seed, Dehydrated Alfalfa, Dried Carrot, Shark Cartilage Powder*, Freeze Dried Fish Protein Powder, Freeze Dried Oyster Powder, Barley Grass Leaves Powder, Dried Kelp, Zinc Monomethionine, Lecithin, Chromium Yeast, Selenium Yeast, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Garlic Powder, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1), Folic Acid, and Cobalamin (Vitamin B12).
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*Not from endangered species.

I used to use it but have since stopped. What are the benefits you are looking for? This is full of possible allergens and even contains garlic. The ALA in flaxseed is poorly converted to DHA and EPA in some dogs. I would skip this personally.

Well, of course she mad a liar out me last night :rolleyes: - she was licking her paws last night - and the only thing she had last night was some pumpkin and yogurt. And she looks like chicken legs to a degree - short, short hair. So now I'm wondering if she is licking and chewing on her paws while I'm at work.

I am so concerned about switching foods. And I really don't want to go thru the elimination diet phase (I've only read a bit about this) - but I may have to. They have had Natural Balance before - but usually just a bit of sample bags, but it has been awhile.

Sorry that you have Ellie boxed in :( - I know you hear my frustration. Thanks

Regarding the Missing Link -- they have long been on Missing Link, so I do not believe that Missing Link is the issue. I had them on Salmon Oil for awhile, but did not see any huge benefits, and my holistic vet is a huge believer in the added plus of Missing Link and he was confused why I would choose the salmon oil when Missing Link already had the fish benefits plus many more nutrients.

Not saying I can't change this - just confused.

Food allergies can develop over time, so I would personally stop the ML.
While an allergy could appear right after eating, sometimes it is days after the ingredient is started that you see a problem. So don't count on symptoms showing up right after she eats the food she isn't tolerating...

Agree. Allergies can develop any time.

The reason to use fish oils over flax is that some dogs cannot convert the ALA (from flax) to the "usable" EPA and DHA - so not only would they not get the nutrient, but it can then also make them itchy.

Fish oil already is EPA and DHA, so no conversion is necessary - it just uses some vit E to process it in the body.

I too would stop the ML - bc of this, but also bc of the fiber, which might not be helping during the food change.