Less than a month and already switching foods..

[MericoX]

After getting near the end of the Natural Balance (when I made my topic last time asking for grain-free foods) we switched over to the NV Instict duck formula. Did good for awhile... then the last couple of day.. BAM! Stryder is licking his paws like crazy (increasing each day how itchier they get) and his ears have blown up again.

I dont get it.. they do awesome on a food then just a couple of weeks down the road he explodes. (Those that dont know he's allergic to..well.. I dont know what.. I'm suspecting grains).

We're trying the Wellness Core chicken formula now. Wish us luck...

[lizzybeth727]

Maybe you should just switch his food every 2-3 weeks or so..... It's supposed to be better for them to change formulas/protein sources often.

[Saje]

Poor pup. Have you tried California Natural? It has a simple formula for sensitive dogs.

[IcyHound]

Keep the bags and start comparing all of the lables.

Preservatives and food colorings are also allergens along with ingredients. Also, all the digestive enzymes they cram in are plant based and may be a source.

[ihartgonzo]

Ugh. That sucks. =(

Isn't Instinct grain-free, though? Well, except for the alfalfa. Iunno, I'm not a huge fan of NV. I would start looking at the protein sources. Instinct Duck also contains Turkey, so the culprit could be fowl, in general? What formula of NB were you feeding?

Personally, I would just do an elmination diet at this point, if his allergies are severe. I would start on Raw, and slowly switch between meats to figure out which trigger allergies, if any.

[IcyHound]

Raw and cooked proteins react differently. He may very well not be allergic to any raw meats.

[ihartgonzo]

I never thought of that!

I should have... I've noticed that Gonzo, who has a sensitive tummy, would stink up a room when he was on a lamb-based kibble, or even fed lamb treats! But I feed him raw lamb often now, and it has never phased him. Interestinggg. Your Afghan is stunning, btw. ; D (ahem, more pictures pls?)

I hope poor Stryder is doing better on Wellness.

[Buddy'sParents]

I suggest looking into a raw diet. Buddy was the same way and now he has cleared up and doing the best he's ever been.

Feel free to PM me or just do a search to read about his saga.

[MericoX]

We've done raw off and on before.. Stryder did really well the last time.. but Kiba had a very hard time with it and we switched back to kibble. I'm still holding out on a kibble that works.. or we just may have to go back to raw. Which will be fun.. by that time there'll be a toddler and another baby here.

[IcyHound]

What do children have to do with raw?