Requesting input on diet My Miss Mini has ACID REFLUX, she currently takes 1/2 Pepcid and Sucralfate 2x daily. Its working wonders. Miss Mini always was a finicky eater and somehow (unbeknownst to me:D) she ended up eating Natures Recipe Farm Stand Selects (human grade food) canned food. Recently Miss Mini took to eating the new pup Miss Mia's Science Diet, sooooo I seized the opportunity and purchased Science Diet Lite for Miss Mini (needing to watch her figure)....unbelievable, but it worked- and after all these years of trying to get her to eat kibble!!!! Now after scouring this board I'm doing my research on the Science Diet..and not so good right?? I'm surprised by the ingredient list since it IS Vet recommended. On to my problem. Miss Mini has several environmental allergies (sadly her biggest trigger is human dander) and we have long suspected food allergies as well. We have been able to determine that chicken is not good for her (nor are grapes, but thats another story). Mini's treats are carrots and green beans. The Science Diet contains Chicken and grains etc., and while she does eat it, I am seeing changes in her, so a diet change is in order. I want to change the pups food as well. Now I am pretty good at research, but have to admit this food research is extremely confusing. Soooo...I believe that TOTW is the best food out there?? My pup has heart issues, any recommendations there? Mini is on allergy shots (given by my husband) every 2 weeks, she has LP and haS had repair for severe Leggs Parthes so she has some stiffness there. She also needs to lose 1 1/2 pounds (darn Christmas season always ruins our diets!)... So what does YT'ers recommend I do with this situation? Thanks in advance:) |
hi, well being that your dog has some health issues i would recommend speaking to a pet nutritionist/wholistic vet. he/she would probably be the best person to advise you on a proper diet for your older dog. as for the puppies a good quality puppy food they like and agrees with them should be fine... |
Thanks My Oscar for your reply! I should clarify my intentions. I currently have an Orthopaedic Specialist, Eye Specialist, Allergist, and a DVM that is top notch. I will consult with a nutritionist from Cornell once I have done my research and have consulted all of the above. I by no means think I know everything and have more "duh" moments more than I care to admit, but presently I am armed with a vast knowledge of Miss Mini's health and feel confident that I could determine her nutritional needs independently. Once I determine (through research and input from YT'ers) what I believe to be best I will then put it in writing and fax to all of Miss Mini's Dr.s. for approval and advisement, to be sure I am accurate or not, and then Cornell. I am looking for input to help me in my *research*! |
I think I'd ask my vet first.... why go through doing all that research only to possibly be told any specific food would not be a good choice? As for foods in general, I believe that any quality food they will eat will be fine. For older dogs, I would stay away from any super high protein, unless that would be recommended by your vet in regards to any health issues. I won't recommend any specific food as I am not a professional nor am I familiar with your pup's health problems. Does her illness affect her enough to warrant putting her on a prescription diet? Just something else to consider.... |
Hi, Am I to understand that you are opposed to home-cooking? I believe that the best diet for any sensitive dog (food or otherwise) is a well-balanced home-cooked meal. Just too hard to avoid "extras" in kibbles...much easier to maintain control of what is in the food when you make it yourself. However; if you would prefer a kibble, I suggest you try this website to help you decide. Dog Food Analysis - Reviews of kibble Happy researching :) |
you are very welcome. good luck with your reasearch. |
There is no best food. And if there was one, I certainly wouldn't say TOTW was it. I don't like SD, either, but I'm no professional. If I had to feed an RX diet to keep my pup alive, I'd do it... but it wouldn't be my first choice at all. So basically it sounds like she has acid reflux, is a picky eater, has environmental and possible food allergies, has LP, Leggs Parthes and has a heart problem? I know you've already seen the vets and specialists, but I think I'd be asking their opinions first. If you don't agree with their opinions, maybe it's time to check out a new vet. How bad is the LP? The legg perthes? What kind of heart problem? It's too difficult to really recommend a specific food for all of her problems. If she's not doing well on the SD, it's basically up to you if you want to do trial & error. If you'd rather, Royal Canin has some RX diets that I prefer over SD (again, unprofessional opinion). Some "simple" foods with a bit less "noise" going on would be California Natural, Natural Balance, etc... both have one protein foods with limited ingredients. I think Nature's Variety also has an LID line. Acana also has a new Singles line. But it sounds like your girl has a lot of issues to deal with and I don't know if I'd be doing stuff without some professional advising you. |
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Prescription diet? hmmm, I will offer this up as a question to my vets, definitely a good point, thank you. |
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Thank you for the suggestion I am def not opposed to home cooking and have just started reading up on it. Do you have any links or recommendations where I can get some good information AND recipes? Daily feeding etc., Do you feed yours homemade? Thanks!!!!!:) |
With appetite issues on top of GI issues, I'd be inclined to be happy finding a food that works. Sure, SD isn't the greatest - but it's def not the worst; and, it just works for some dogs. DEF talk to your vet though, or a Vet Nutritionist to see if the current SD is okay w/ the reflux. |
My personal opinion is that Hill's is one of the best. Of course I know that those who feed other foods disagree...but the bottom line is that what works for a pup is what is best. The pups that I have that are not on RX foods are on Hill's Ideal Balance. You might want to read about it: Hill?s Science Diet Ideal Balance Dog Food ? Natural Ingredients |
Is your pup doing well on the SD or is there itching? If itching, then there are a lot of foods available with less common protein sources. Or if that doesn't work, you could try an rx hydrolyzed diet. If the SD is working well, there is no reason to switch. |
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Lots to read/research, and as you already stated, lots of new info to take to your vet while you make your decision. |
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Back to the home cooking, I use Dr. Rebecca L. Remillard for Rosie's recipe. You do have to buy the recipe and you will need to purchase a supplement as well. This is a link for Pet diets. https://www.petdiets.com/about/aboutvnc.asp She also does personal consultations. I believe she recently has moved to a different location. Cathy (107Barney) here on YT can tell you where if you are interested. Rosie is doing so well on it. I have been very pleased. |
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I have homecooked for pups with medical issues and I would never do that without consulting with a vet nutritionist! |
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