Sensitive stomach & underweight

• 03-04-2008 8:24 AM

  stormyknight Joined on 12-16-2006 Posts 246 Points 25

  Sensitive stomach & underweight Reply Contact My previous foster dog (malinois cross) was just returned to me for the fourth time (but that's a story for a different thread) and she is about 10-15 lbs underweight (she should be about 50lbs in good weight) and her coat is terrible. She has an incredibly sensitive stomach and will get hot spots if fed the wrong food. Problem is...we don't know what the "wrong" food is! I tried her on Cal Natural's Herring and Sweet potato, but she had explosive loose stool. The only thing she seems to be able to keep down and solid is Merrick - Grammys Pot Pie. I'm not thrilled with that, but it could be worse...already tried grain-free and she did terrible on it. However, I was thinking of trying something else higher-end from the local pet food store; my choices are Canidae, EP, or Solid Gold - anyone have any experiences with these for dogs with sensitive tummies? They also have Cal Natural chicken/rice and lamb/rice, but they only have it in a low-fat version right now, which she does not need. Suggestions for food needed!

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• 03-04-2008 8:48 AM

  In reply to stormyknight

  brookcove Joined on 09-10-2007 Semora, North Carolina, USA Posts 4,366 Points 335

  Re: Sensitive stomach & underweight Reply Contact Just offhand?  I'd stick with what is working. When you have an allergy/sensitivity problem, especially combined with tummy troubles, getting the gi/tummy in good shape is top priority.  It takes a while for the gi lining to heal completely - I've forgotten how long it is exactly but we're talking months.  During that time, it's important not to challenge her again or you are back to square one. Honestly, I'd give her about six months before starting to experiment again.  And, the course I'd take would be to cautiously use whole foods to try to determine what her triggers are (if indeed they are directly food related).  Also consider that there may be an underlying health problem - IBS, IBD, bacterial overgrowth (clostridium), gluten or dairy intolerance, and pancreatic insufficiency are just a few conditions that can cause a hypersensitive gi.  So can chronic (subclinical) tick borne disease, and hypothyroidism. Becca Shouse: Irena Farm, Semora, NC Cord, Ted, Gus, Zhi, Maggie, Lynn, Lu, Min and Tully Waiting: Bubo & Ben "We didn't have a phone, and we couldn't call you!" Helen, AIDS orphan. Don't let them die of ignorance - WorldHelp.net "I-Dog Biggest Loser" Official Cheerleader/Mascot Start 09/15/08: 186.4 lbs Current 185.5 lbs

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• 03-04-2008 9:03 AM

  In reply to brookcove

  Jewlieee Joined on 03-23-2007 MI Posts 5,727 Points 4,170

  Re: Sensitive stomach & underweight Reply Contact I agree, I would stick with what is working. I have a sensitive stomach dog (Dakota) and any change of food for her throws her in to a tail spin. It's just not worth it. Keep going with the Merrick to get her weight back on then try to switch if you really want to. Dakota is on a mix of Canidae dry and wet (lamb and rice). She has been on Solid Gold in the past and that worked really well for her (I was surprised).

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• 03-04-2008 11:29 AM

  In reply to Jewlieee

  Firestorm Joined on 03-15-2006 Posts 1,590 Points 50

  Re: Sensitive stomach & underweight Reply Contact You may find that adding probiotics to the diet will be helpful for the sensitve stomach.  Harley gets probios daily and none of previous tummy troubles he had before.  If changing foods at all it should be a very slow and gradual process....probiotics can help when doing that.(this is not a cure all for all dogs) PACE- Positive Attitude, Changes Everything! Strive everyday to be nice! Proudly owned by a lovable Shih Tzu! Harley is a Canine Good Citizen now!!!!!

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• 03-04-2008 12:23 PM

  In reply to stormyknight

  stormyknight Joined on 12-16-2006 Posts 246 Points 25

  Re: Sensitive stomach & underweight Reply Contact Quick update:  My main concern with Merrick is the quality control - she currently has to eat all of her food out of a buster cube because she gulps it otherwise, so I'm examining it piece by piece right now. I know I should stick with what works, but I have heard horror stories about what has been found in their food, so I'm a bit cautious about using the food at all. And I just found out that she has been vomiting once per night (around 2AM). Apparently DH has been cleaning it up (kudos to him for doing so) but forgot to mention it until now. It is mostly frothy foam but there is still some food in it. She has to go into the vet next week for a rabies shot/check up, so I will be sure to mention this to the vet. (Fecal has come back negative thus far.) Problem is I am afraid the vet will recommend Science Diet or Eukanuba...

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• 03-04-2008 1:26 PM

  In reply to stormyknight

  Firestorm Joined on 03-15-2006 Posts 1,590 Points 50

  Re: Sensitive stomach & underweight Reply Contact Harley did good with Solid Gold.  My only complaint was he was lacking in energy...mind you he was on the 18% protein...it was the fish based food that they make..I am sorry but I forgot the name. After Solid Gold I went to Wellness because the feed store only offered the Solid Gold in 18% protein formulas.  I have since switched from Wellness to Taste of the Wild. I would personally go with Solid Gold and add probiotics to your dogs diet. PACE- Positive Attitude, Changes Everything! Strive everyday to be nice! Proudly owned by a lovable Shih Tzu! Harley is a Canine Good Citizen now!!!!!

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• 03-04-2008 1:35 PM

  In reply to stormyknight

  Jewlieee Joined on 03-23-2007 MI Posts 5,727 Points 4,170

  Re: Sensitive stomach & underweight Reply Contact I do understand your concerns about Merrick. They have good ingredients in their food and I've been tempted to try but I've heard the same horror stories about their quality control. It's unfortunate and I hope they get that cleared up eventually. With my husky, I added Forta Flora (I think that is what it's called) to her food for 30 days. It's a prescription based probiotic that my vet recommended.

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• 03-04-2008 3:29 PM

  In reply to stormyknight

  jettababy Joined on 03-05-2006 Posts 101 Points 0

  Re: Sensitive stomach & underweight Reply Contact  If your dog is throwing up frothy stuff, that could mean her tummy is empty. That makes sense, especially since it is around 2 am every night. Try feeding a small meal later in the evening or before bedtime so she doesn't have a rumbly stomach while she sleeps.  I know my dog also throws up yellow frothy bile whenever she doesn't eat frequently enough.

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• 03-04-2008 3:39 PM

  In reply to stormyknight

  FussyPoodles Joined on 12-13-2007 Posts 71 Points 0

  Re: Sensitive stomach & underweight Reply Contact stormyknight: And I just found out that she has been vomiting once per night (around 2AM). Apparently DH has been cleaning it up (kudos to him for doing so) but forgot to mention it until now. It is mostly frothy foam but there is still some food in it. I've had the frothy foam in the past, with both my dogs (although not food in it). I narrowed the problem down to these factors: - acid reflux - empty tummy syndrome overnight Feeding several meals per day is helpful; if that's not possible, a light, nourishing snack at bedtime often gets the dog through the night. Choosing foods that have a lower phosphorus and/or protein level is also helpful. I also give a good helping of high-strength L.acidophilus probiotic at night time. She has to go into the vet next week for a rabies shot/check up, so I will be sure to mention this to the vet. (Fecal has come back negative thus far.) Problem is I am afraid the vet will recommend Science Diet or Eukanuba... I honestly wouldn't worry about the 'label on the bag' but go with what actually works for the dog. Something like SD or Euk (low residue etc.) can be useful until you know more about what makes her digestion tick. As to the other dog foods you asked about: I am feeding Canidae and California Natural Chicken & Rice (plus canned) and my dogs have zero problems with those foods. Another food that might possibly work is Innova (not EVO!) by Natura - also quite high in grains and good digestibility. I watch out closely for the mineral ash levels in the dry foods I feed - trying to keep them at the lower end. Britta and the fussy toy poodles

  Filed under: Merrick, California Natural, Canidae, acid reflux Post Points: 0

• 03-05-2008 4:39 PM

  In reply to stormyknight

  stormyknight Joined on 12-16-2006 Posts 246 Points 25

  Re: Sensitive stomach & underweight Reply Contact Well I fed her four smaller meals yesterday rather than two larger ones and she seemed to do better with that, though she had loose stool again this morning. I don't know why she thinks it is hilarious to frustrate me to no end...she was like this as a foster dog as well until I found ProPlan chicken & rice. Problem with that was that she had HUGE poop and she had to eat a ton of it to keep with on (at least 2 cups/3x day for a 50lb dog), so I'd like to stay away from it until it is a last resort. Darn dog...

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• 03-05-2008 5:53 PM

  In reply to stormyknight

  Firestorm Joined on 03-15-2006 Posts 1,590 Points 50	Re: Sensitive stomach & underweight Reply Contact Add a little bit of pumpkin say about Tablespoon to meal, settles the tummy and will firm up the poo. PACE- Positive Attitude, Changes Everything! Strive everyday to be nice! Proudly owned by a lovable Shih Tzu! Harley is a Canine Good Citizen now!!!!!
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• 03-07-2008 2:49 PM

  In reply to Firestorm

  TAOofGoldyShep Joined on 10-21-2006 Posts 1,315 Points 10

  Re: Sensitive stomach & underweight Reply Contact Firestorm: You may find that adding probiotics to the diet will be helpful for the sensitve stomach.  Harley gets probios daily and none of previous tummy troubles he had before. I highly agree with this. My male has had a history of having a sensitive stomach; not tolerating multiple combined proteins and belching w/acid reflux. Since adding yogurt or acidophilus, he is just about what I'd expect "normal" to be. He rarely belches anymore and he tolerates combined foods much better and is putting on some needed weight. He was never farty but if he had something that disagreed with him, you'd could bet on mushy poop. Sensitive stomach is not related to any other health concern, he is a healthy dog and gets great feedback from the Vet at his annuals.

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• 03-09-2008 10:30 PM

  In reply to TAOofGoldyShep

  Edie Joined on 04-20-2006 Posts 1,568 Points 5	Re: Sensitive stomach & underweight Reply Contact  Can i just add in a question on the probiotics please? I have had to stop giving them to one of my dogs(capsule form) as 9 times out of 10 she will throw up around 10 minutes later. I give them with food,anyone have any theories? ~A tired dog is a well behaved dog~
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• 03-10-2008 12:20 AM

  In reply to Edie

  willowchow Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 6,321 Points 300	Re: Sensitive stomach & underweight Reply Contact I'm not sure Edie.  But, maybe you could crush it.  Or, Willow takes a powder form.  Or, maybe try giving it separate from the actual meal.
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• 03-10-2008 8:17 AM

  In reply to willowchow

  brookcove Joined on 09-10-2007 Semora, North Carolina, USA Posts 4,366 Points 335

  Re: Sensitive stomach & underweight Reply Contact Yes, probiotics should either be given with food or after a meal - therefore the first dose is going to affect the next meal, not the one it follows (though it has a little effect on serious issues, sometimes).  Also, always start with a smaller dose and work your way up - from 1/4 to half the final level you want, depending on the concentration of probiotics in the product you are using (which should ideally have ppm of around 12 b of microorganisms, or more).  Becca Shouse: Irena Farm, Semora, NC Cord, Ted, Gus, Zhi, Maggie, Lynn, Lu, Min and Tully Waiting: Bubo & Ben "We didn't have a phone, and we couldn't call you!" Helen, AIDS orphan. Don't let them die of ignorance - WorldHelp.net "I-Dog Biggest Loser" Official Cheerleader/Mascot Start 09/15/08: 186.4 lbs Current 185.5 lbs

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