Dog Food

[Duckaholic Doug]

I am looking at using Enhance or their other brand VF. Has anyone used this? What are others using, Zach, Rich, HuntChessies? I found these links for others to share.
Click the Nutrition Video Link: http://www.averysportingdog.com/AtTheLine/
The Enhance Professional Athlete matches the protein and fat % that Justin Tacket discusses. http://enhance3022.com/nutrition/

I have an 8 month old male, and I am curious what others are using. Thanks in advance. Doug D.

[GMAN2506]

Ddd, I'm Using " Taste Of The Wild " For My Ylm. It Contains No Grains And Lots Of Protein. It's Alittle Pricey, But Really Good. Just My .02 Cents.

[zach raulie]

I have used Puring ProPlan for quite some time. I have had best results with Eukanuba Performance.

If you time it right with the retail store's "sales" and other promotions you can get the 40lb bags at a very reasonable price. Bags are usually $45-58 in the Jax area, but I got them for less than $30 with the Euk coupons during the retailer's sale. I also bought 6 or 7 bags so i can make it until the next sale.

Shop around and get creative on quality food.

zach

[Duckaholic Doug]

Ddd, I'm Using " Taste Of The Wild " For My Ylm. It Contains No Grains And Lots Of Protein. It's Alittle Pricey, But Really Good. Just My .02 Cents.

Thanks for the replies. Much apprecitation Zach.

We were using "Taste of the Wild" - Waterfowl blend, of course. Actually, we picked that blend for hopes the protein would digest easily and we noticed the stool was firm in the beginning, then soft, then liquid at the end.

So, then we switched over to California Natural - Chicken and Rice. Improved after a couple of days then back to the mush followed by liquid.

We then got a heart worm test, came back negative. An Elisa test could not confirm Giardia and was a "positive/negative", however, we started the Metronidazole 250mg just to make sure. So, we will continue with California Natural just to avoid another food switch until this resolves. We also started Fordi-Flora Probiotic and two table spoons of California Natural Chicken and Brown rice wet food to mix in with the dry food.

Reading the nutrition and ingredients for Enhance and VF Complete - Veterinary Formula, I think this is a food I want to try and for the price, it's tough to beat. I appreciate what Eukanuba has done, however, I keep seeing information that grain free and holistic food with one protein source is preferred. Also, of interest, they make a donation from each sale to DU.

Is anyone using Enhance or VF complete, manufactured by ARKAT?

[Maysport]

DDD - I switched my 10 m.o. Boykin Spaniel to Taste of the Wild, the buffalo/venison version, about 4 weeks ago. I noticed the last day or so that his stool is also very, very loose. Is this common with TOTW or grain-free foods in general? I'm also feeding it to my Australian Shepherd, and although I haven't witnessed her stools directly, she doesn't seem to have the loose stools.

I switched because my Boykin was scratching alot and the Vet thought maybe he has a food allergy. He suggested "any wheat free food", and have been trying different ones for about 4 months. Another Boykin owner with 2 dogs said she had a lot of trouble until she finally switched to TOTW.

I appreciate any feedback you have on this.

[Duckaholic Doug]

We switched to California Natural and then blend with Healthwise. We think the TOTW is too rich. My vet and the feed store recommended the California Natural Chicken & Rice. What I found was 4-6 ounces of California Natural with 8-10 ounces of Healthwise worked to firm things up. After we finish this bag of California Natural, I will go 100% Health Wise($32 for the 35lb or 40lb bag). We are using the Chicken and Brown Rice formula. This is all Natural and what you are looking for in terms of whole ingredients for the allergies/irritations. It can take up to two weeks to see results. I stopped the TOTW immediately and exchanged it for the California Natural. Don't worry about blending out the TOTW, it's just too rich. Most stores that sell those brands will exchange, no questions. The manufacturer stands behind them.

My 10 month still gets some loose at the end of the movement, however, 97% firm is a much desired improvement. He is happy and the gas has decreased. We had a female from 6-10 years that like Nutro and she never had gas until she developed megaesophogus and the GI tract never recovered (RIP).

[Maysport]

Healthwise.... My vet and the feed store recommended the California Natural Chicken & Rice.

I didn't see that except in a puppy food formula?

I notice they used oatmeal in all blends. Isn't that a grain that can cause allergies?

[Duckaholic Doug]

I didn't see that except in a puppy food formula?

I notice they used oatmeal in all blends. Isn't that a grain that can cause allergies?

Sorry for the long delay...Go to their website and call them. I called several companies, they will put you in contact with the researchers that make the food and can deal specifically with your issues, contact your Vet and three other Vets. Call University of Florida Veterinary Clinic (Very Helpful with my dog that died from Megaesophogus).

I personally use Oatmeal to help my digestive tract. It provides fiber and nutrition without the inflamation I get from white flour. I notice that I get flaking around my eyebrow's and in my ears when I eat too much flour. Dogs are alot like people, but not 100%.

Several friends and Vets recommend cooking vegetables, steaming or stewing and feeding them "real" food. What do you want to commit to?

Call my Vet, Greg Todd 727-733-9351. He studied at UF, certified in animal acupuncture, holistic treatments, and Chinese Herbal Medicine. The UF Vet Clinic WILL HELP.

Good luck with your Dog, and follow up, so we can all benefit from what you learn.