Food Suggestions?! HELP! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

MyLeeNut · 11-27-2012, 05:59 PM

Hi everyone,
I am hoping to gain some insight from all of you fellow yorkie owners. I am looking to change my 3 yorkies diets, who mind you are currently on different foods. I am so confused every time I look at the back of a dog food bag, speak with a veterinarian, speak with my holistic groomer...AHH!
History:

Peanut:5 yrs old:Liver Shunt survivor:Food-Prescription Royal Canin Hepatic LS: I rescued Peanut in November 2008 after treatment from a 5mm liver shunt. He was 1 and a half years old when he received surgery and was very near death. When I got him, I would have been surprised if he survived 6 months, here he is 4 years later and he is rockin'! He has reached his appropriate weight, his coat is now gorgeous, and has a sparkle in his eye. I am wondering if I should continue with his Hepatic LS food, which only provides 14% protein due to his previous history with liver shunt? I'm finding now that I may have to restrict his intake because he may be getting a little pudgy...I know that low protein intake is associated with higher body fat. Is he healthy enough to put on a regular diet? I have had his bile acids checked twice in the last two years, should I check again before changing food?

Haylee:5 yrs:Food-Mix of Prescription Royal Canin Hepatic LS and Prescription Science Diet Weight Management: Haylee is a very athletic, active yorkie who for the most part is healthy. We have battled on and off anxiety issues with occasionally throwing up blood, which has been addressed by the vet with endoscopy and multiple blood work-ups showing no ulcer or health concerns. We have had her bile acids checked which is showing slightly elevated enzymes leading us to believe she has MVD. Vet prescribed Hepatic LS. I do not think she is receiving nearly enough protein, mix of 14% and 19.2%, and has been sluggish and bloated lately (I think due to the Science Diet) and also gaining weight. My question is, what type of food do you feed your healthy adult, active yorkie?

Mya:5yrs:Food-Prescription Science Diet Weight Management: Mya has had a front right leg surgery from breaking it and has a pin in it, and both back legs have pins due to luxating patella surgeries. Due to these unfortunate events, she has a hard time being real active and gained quite a bit of weight a couple years ago. The Vet prescribed Science Diet Reduced Diet and she lost the weight she needed, although I was unhappy with the food, it's horrible. They they prescribed the Weight Management, which I am also unhappy with. Protein content is 19.2%. I hate Science Diet, way too many fillers and grains. What type of food is best for maintaing a healthy weight in a lesser active dog?

Sorry for the long post. I just need advice. Over the 7 years of being a Yorkie Owner (my first passed away from a congenital disorder and 2.5 yrs), I have always prided myself on feeding them the best. I have fed EVO, Innova, Wellness, Solid Gold...I've just not found the one that they are all satisfied with as well as myself. I am willing to feed them all different foods and money is no issue. (Royal Canin Hepatic is $90 for 25 lb bag!)
I WANT THE BEST FOR MY BABIES!

Thanks,
Rachel
& Peanut, Haylee, Mya

LunasMomma · 11-28-2012, 06:19 AM

Honestly, with their special issues, I'd consult with a veterinarian nutritionist and they will prescribe special diets for each of their health concerns. I know you want the very best for them, and if they were my pups, I would NOT change their foods without input from a specialist in canine nutrition. There is one that is highly recommended from members here, but I can't remember her information. Hopefully someone that knows will be along soon.

Ellie May · 11-28-2012, 06:36 AM

Mya: There is no reason to switch if she looks great and labs are good. If you really want to avoid SD (by the way, they are one of the companies that spends the most on quality control) then you can cavulate how many calories she is tetting daily. Then feed that many calories in any food of your choice and see how it goes.

Peanut: I personally would not change a thing. It sounds like all is wonderful. No reason to risk a switch. If you feel like you have to, then talk to the internist and/or a board certified veterinary nutritionist. Cut back on feeding amunt if gaining...

Haylee: If medical issues related to the bloating have been ruled out then yes, food should be switched. the RC could be appropriate (when fed this alone, does she throw up blood?). Mild MVD 'generally' doesn't require an rx diet. Depends in symptoms and get. ,Unless really overweight, there is prbably no need to give the weight food.

MyLeeNut · 11-28-2012, 04:30 PM

LunasMomma,
Thanks for your reply. I am definitely taking your advice and am consulting a vet nutritionist before I change their food. I am also going in to the appointment having done my research so that we can find the best food for my girls and boys.

MyLeeNut · 11-28-2012, 04:32 PM

Ellie May,
Thanks for your input and your detailed response. Glad to know I'm not totally off base, which I was beginning to think maybe I was! After consulting with a vet nutritionist, I will make proper adjustments. For now, I'm taking your advice.

11-27-2012, 05:59 PM	#1
MyLeeNut Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Seminole, Florida, United States Posts: 11	Food Suggestions?! HELP! Hi everyone, I am hoping to gain some insight from all of you fellow yorkie owners. I am looking to change my 3 yorkies diets, who mind you are currently on different foods. I am so confused every time I look at the back of a dog food bag, speak with a veterinarian, speak with my holistic groomer...AHH! History: Peanut:5 yrs old:Liver Shunt survivor:Food-Prescription Royal Canin Hepatic LS: I rescued Peanut in November 2008 after treatment from a 5mm liver shunt. He was 1 and a half years old when he received surgery and was very near death. When I got him, I would have been surprised if he survived 6 months, here he is 4 years later and he is rockin'! He has reached his appropriate weight, his coat is now gorgeous, and has a sparkle in his eye. I am wondering if I should continue with his Hepatic LS food, which only provides 14% protein due to his previous history with liver shunt? I'm finding now that I may have to restrict his intake because he may be getting a little pudgy...I know that low protein intake is associated with higher body fat. Is he healthy enough to put on a regular diet? I have had his bile acids checked twice in the last two years, should I check again before changing food? Haylee:5 yrs:Food-Mix of Prescription Royal Canin Hepatic LS and Prescription Science Diet Weight Management: Haylee is a very athletic, active yorkie who for the most part is healthy. We have battled on and off anxiety issues with occasionally throwing up blood, which has been addressed by the vet with endoscopy and multiple blood work-ups showing no ulcer or health concerns. We have had her bile acids checked which is showing slightly elevated enzymes leading us to believe she has MVD. Vet prescribed Hepatic LS. I do not think she is receiving nearly enough protein, mix of 14% and 19.2%, and has been sluggish and bloated lately (I think due to the Science Diet) and also gaining weight. My question is, what type of food do you feed your healthy adult, active yorkie? Mya:5yrs:Food-Prescription Science Diet Weight Management: Mya has had a front right leg surgery from breaking it and has a pin in it, and both back legs have pins due to luxating patella surgeries. Due to these unfortunate events, she has a hard time being real active and gained quite a bit of weight a couple years ago. The Vet prescribed Science Diet Reduced Diet and she lost the weight she needed, although I was unhappy with the food, it's horrible. They they prescribed the Weight Management, which I am also unhappy with. Protein content is 19.2%. I hate Science Diet, way too many fillers and grains. What type of food is best for maintaing a healthy weight in a lesser active dog? Sorry for the long post. I just need advice. Over the 7 years of being a Yorkie Owner (my first passed away from a congenital disorder and 2.5 yrs), I have always prided myself on feeding them the best. I have fed EVO, Innova, Wellness, Solid Gold...I've just not found the one that they are all satisfied with as well as myself. I am willing to feed them all different foods and money is no issue. (Royal Canin Hepatic is $90 for 25 lb bag!) I WANT THE BEST FOR MY BABIES! Thanks, Rachel & Peanut, Haylee, Mya

11-28-2012, 06:19 AM	#2
LunasMomma Izzy's Momma Too! Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Stuart, Florida Posts: 8,799	Honestly, with their special issues, I'd consult with a veterinarian nutritionist and they will prescribe special diets for each of their health concerns. I know you want the very best for them, and if they were my pups, I would NOT change their foods without input from a specialist in canine nutrition. There is one that is highly recommended from members here, but I can't remember her information. Hopefully someone that knows will be along soon. __________________ Tracy, Mom to Izzy and Luna

11-28-2012, 06:36 AM	#3
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	Mya: There is no reason to switch if she looks great and labs are good. If you really want to avoid SD (by the way, they are one of the companies that spends the most on quality control) then you can cavulate how many calories she is tetting daily. Then feed that many calories in any food of your choice and see how it goes. Peanut: I personally would not change a thing. It sounds like all is wonderful. No reason to risk a switch. If you feel like you have to, then talk to the internist and/or a board certified veterinary nutritionist. Cut back on feeding amunt if gaining... Haylee: If medical issues related to the bloating have been ruled out then yes, food should be switched. the RC could be appropriate (when fed this alone, does she throw up blood?). Mild MVD 'generally' doesn't require an rx diet. Depends in symptoms and get. ,Unless really overweight, there is prbably no need to give the weight food. __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

11-28-2012, 04:30 PM	#4
MyLeeNut Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Seminole, Florida, United States Posts: 11	LunasMomma, Thanks for your reply. I am definitely taking your advice and am consulting a vet nutritionist before I change their food. I am also going in to the appointment having done my research so that we can find the best food for my girls and boys.

11-28-2012, 04:32 PM	#5
MyLeeNut Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Seminole, Florida, United States Posts: 11	Ellie May, Thanks for your input and your detailed response. Glad to know I'm not totally off base, which I was beginning to think maybe I was! After consulting with a vet nutritionist, I will make proper adjustments. For now, I'm taking your advice.