Dog Community

Can't Decide!

Posted : 1/18/2007 9:57:10 AM

Well I don't have a source of PetGuard here which used to be my favorite (more on that later). I have a great little store near me that carries Innova, Evo RM and the regular one, Nature's Variety, Solid Gold, Artemis, California Natural Lamb, chicken and Salmon>

Currently they're eating California Natural Chicken/Rice their stools are great, their coat is great, their energy is great. They have GAS though. Skunky gas. All day. Bleh. It's getting to be unbearable to be around and it smells like fart all day long in the house (they're 2 bichons and a minpin).

So I was thinking Nature's Variety either the venison or the salmon prairie.
I am a bit worried about Evo. Then again, I'm also concerned about the ash content in Nat's Variety because the girls have had crystals (struvite) before on other foods.
I've never tried them on solid gold before.

Oy. What to do. They did well on PetGuard, I was so happy with it but now that I see the california natural poops are half the size of the PG poops...well... not sure what to do!

I guess I"ll just have to do what I always suggest, try one and see.
I am a bit intrigued by TWO, I tried it when Mark was just starting w/it but then with the bad service and a few bad bags which caused cow plops... oy.

Ranting I guess!

brookcove

Posted : 1/18/2007 10:08:27 AM

If they have done well on teh California Natural, are you willing to risk another small bag's worth of StinkHouse? That's actually the direction I'd go - make one small change at a time, unless you know what it is about the CalNat that is causing the stinks (like I'm sure rice fractions caused a similiar effect in my household last summer - bleurgh).

I'm not familiar with the Nature's Variety formula but I like their company - their raw is in my rotation. The Solid Gold you probably want is the Holistique because apparently your puppers do well on a limited protein, simpler diet.

For that reason I would not do EVO. I love EVO and my toy breed does extremely well on it, but it sounds like a potential recipe (so to speak) for disaster for your guys. It may not be the high protein but the higher, um, I think it's phosphorus that causes crystals - still a problem with a very meaty diet.

Yes, we've made freaks of some of our dogs - dogs that can't eat meat - very weird. We have the same problem with sheep - there are certain times of year we have to hold the young rams off certain types of forage because they are too high in, er, whatever that thing is I can't remember - or they will get crystals.

shamrockmommy

Posted : 1/18/2007 11:56:45 AM

It's gotten weirder as they get older. Seems like as they age they don't handle foods as well anymore. then again, I could be imagining everything LOL

Right now, Lexi sits at my feet at the computer desk and there is a wafting of odiforus eminations [:'(] Gobie was in my lap and he specializes in the SBD fart and leave program. So bad even HE has to leave the room! LOL

I was thinking of going to something completely different like the venison or salmon. They've been on chicken for a LONG time, couple years.

I made the doggy meatloaf- turkey/rice and turkey/millet all last week, and while the gas disappeared the the poops were great, I'm just not at a point where I have a whole lot of time to do that for them unfortunatly with a 3 yr old and a 4 mo old.

Maybe I'll find something out there that works. Eventually LOL

jennie_c_d

Posted : 1/18/2007 9:34:34 PM

Does yogurt not help your guys? All I ever hear is that yogurt eliminates gassiness.

I hope you find something that works a bit better. Dog gas is GROSS!

shamrockmommy

Posted : 1/19/2007 9:39:51 AM

I've tried feeding yogurt, I've tried NOT feeding yogurt, thinking maybe that was a cause, but they're still just as gassy w/out it. My typical way of feeding is: AM: scoop dry, tablespoon plain stoneyfieldfarm yogurt. PM: scoop dry, tablespoon canned OR healthy leftovers.
Currently I tried eliminating all extras (yogurt and canned) and they are getting just dry and POOOEY lol stinkbombs. Has to be the food I guess.

mudpuppy

Posted : 1/19/2007 9:57:22 AM

I don't know enough about your crystals problem to comment, but cutting grains completely out of my dogs diets eliminated gas problems-- and considering Danes are notorious gas producers, that is quite impressive. If the high protein is a problem, I know you can get lower protein potato and various meats kibbles made by several different companies.

shamrockmommy

Posted : 1/19/2007 10:11:27 AM

Mudpuppy. Generally I look for foods that have around 24-26% protein, which 'generally' means the food will produce a correct urine pH. Now the girls haven't had a problem in 3 years (yay!) so wondering if I should just stop worrying about it.