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Cocker Specific Discussion => Feeding => Topic started by: Jaysmumagain on September 13, 2019, 08:16:10 AM

Title: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Jaysmumagain on September 13, 2019, 08:16:10 AM
Always had sensitive tummy...but used Naturediet wet Protein and rice for last 3-4 years....this last few weeks he has had loose stools....two weeks ago gave chicken breast and rice  for 3 days and all went back to normal..this week his loose stools are back....but not the runs! Over the years any change would cause this.  But there has been none.  He really seem 100% apart from his tum.

I used to think that the culprit was potato based foods...hence the meat/rice wet food but I honestly don't know anymore.  I was wondering about giving him plain kefir ...I have this as more probiotics than yoghurt ..or maybe plain bio yogurt and how much.

I have looked on line but buying 10 or 18 tins of something and it not suiting....have you any ideas, he is 11 so needs to have some nutrients.  I held back on a supplement because of his tum and stopped his fish oil too.

Any ideas of what to try.....today I am given him some salmon and rice I am poaching this went down well when he had his operation early this year.  He will not eat dry food, unless of course I was to put fish, chicken etc on top.  He also has to have small bite size as he does not chew!!

Phoned the vets yesterday, but the vet I like is away till 23rd and to be honest the other one well - not impressed.

I could do with try a food that I can buy one or two off to try him
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Gerryjane on September 13, 2019, 09:42:51 AM
We avoid rice if tummy upset or poos loose and use sweet potato or butternut squash mashed with some pumpkin purée, peas and carrots ... all cooked obviously. Toby won’t touch dry kibble now but seems to like Eden semi moist.
Looking at adding some Forthglade. Butternut Box has been recommended but not sure about that.  :D
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: bizzylizzy on September 13, 2019, 11:22:49 AM
Hi Julie! - Is Amaranth easily obtainable in GB? I've been giving it to Humphrey (ca. 40 gr. cooked weight) as part of his raw diet and his "output" has improved immensly - he'd actually had anal gland problems and I was looking for some high value carb that was good for food intolerant/allergic dogs. If you can't get Amarath, you could maybe try couscous? I cook a big pot up and freeze it in small portions.
Another thing widely used here for dogs and humans is psyllium husks (again, don't know if you can get them but imagine somewhere that sells health foods would stock them). A very small teaspoon either soaked in water overnight (turns to a sort of jelly) or sprinkled onto food is good for both the runs and constipation. I prefer to soak it first as it does need fluid intake to work and is less likely to cause tummy ache incase they don't drink enough.
Hope you can find an answer! -Would it be worth contacting the manufacturers of the food to see if they've changed the mix? I've found offal makes Humphrey very runny.
 :luv:
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Jaysmumagain on September 13, 2019, 05:31:12 PM
I have ordered Dorwest Tree Bark Powder after speaking to friend who used to show Golden Retrievers and I knew one has problems....she also mentioned Fish for Dogs but looking it has potato and I always thought in the past it was the potato that was the problem.

Went in Pet at Home and they will do a food consultation, not that I agreed however the girl showed me some cans Hills which she said Vets 4 Pets suggest. In the end I found a wet food with chicken pea and pumpkin, by Pooch and Mut but have stocked up on fish/salmon at Iceland to add to boiled rice.....sadly no tinned pumpkin in my local Sainsbury or Tesco....but the larger one in next town has it so will see how it goes.

The Amaranth - well Jayne that's a new one on me!! - must admit never heard of it, but health shop has it, and noticed Zooplus have it is some dog foods.

Will see what tomorrow brings.  No more events today even after during his walk....seems one happy doggy  his master has been away since Tuesday and arrived home...Ollie see him as his partner in crime!!!
Texted him this am telling him not to bring a sausage home(he always brings one from hotel breakfast) what does he do Ollie could smell it a mile off...poor boy
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Steffie on September 13, 2019, 11:08:38 PM
Was it the lamb flavour Naturediet by any chance? My two have been fed on both the chicken & lamb flavours for a few years.  A few months ago one of them had really loose stools & the other one to a lesser extent.  It took me a few weeks to realise that it was the lamb flavour that was causing it so now they just get the chicken ones.  My sister’s GSD had the same problem.
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Jaysmumagain on September 14, 2019, 02:33:20 PM
Wow Steffie....that really is weird.....it is not the lamb...not got that this time, but I honestly think it is the chicken...
I buy online 18 at a time usually 3 flavours and hubby brought 3 chicken and 3 salmon out of the garage...salmon they used to call sensitive(and I use for times like this) so rather than route out the senior Naturediet in the garage I gave him chicken each day.....maybe it has nothing to do - but today things are improving :005:  on fish again but with a small amount of Naturediet salmon today.
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Steffie on September 14, 2019, 07:05:33 PM
I do wonder if they’ve changed some of their ingredients.  Mine definitely react to just the lamb flavours. Like you, I would put them on a bland food, everything would return to normal so back on the Naturediet & straight back to square one.  This cycle repeated about 3 times before I realised it was the lamb and stopped giving them it.  (Although hubby once accidentally gave them a lamb one & the effects were immediate!!)
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Mudmagnets on September 14, 2019, 07:57:01 PM
Steffie and Jaysmum Could it be Naturediet's new Tetra Packaging, maybe the food doesn't keep so well in this as it did in the plastic trays (altho they could be touch and go at times).

Forthgade is sold in singles in some pet shops, (and Morrisons I believe) may be worth a try...they do lamb & rice, turkey and rice and many others in adult meals and some seniors too. They also do grain free meals for various stages and tastes.

Another you may like to try is Natures Deli in a few flavours and age related menus (Branston likes the Turkey and Sage with rice). I get this in singles from my pet shop, so you may be able to get it close to you.
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Jaysmumagain on September 15, 2019, 11:33:43 AM
I will look at Natures Deli.....on the Naturediet and the new packing....firstly it does honestly smell stronger !!
When open it is put in a small perfect size tupper ware dish and when gone dish is washed, if it was left to wash till next day on taking of the lid is stinks!!
As for there recipes, they have changed the Sensitive -was 60% salmon - now 50 salmon/10 white fish.  The Forthgade was looking at in Sainsbury...before going to Pets at Home and Sainsbury did have small Forthgade that look interesting.  I honestly do not think it is the rice (as the grain)

Today not being to graphic....things not too bad so fresh fish mixed with the Nature Diet Salmon...luckily I have about 12 salmon in the stock.

Two things to ask  Is one dessert spoon natural yogurt OK per day(it is Yeo Valley) and not low cal just ordinary, plus have given him about a quarter measure spoon of Dorwest Bark just once a day.  It's the Bark(slippery elm) I just not sure whether to keep him on it or not.
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Mudmagnets on September 15, 2019, 01:17:18 PM
Can't help with the last bit of post, but when Branston had some bad tummy trouble and other issues at the end of last year, the vet advised these to firm up the poo, settle stomach and generallyt improve his health at that time & they certainly helped: I still use them if he eats anything horrible or has the trots for other reasons. I found/find it easier to cut the top of the capsule and sprinkle on dinner once a day.

https://www.vetuk.co.uk/dog-supplements-cat-supplements-multi-vitamin-and-mineral-c-5_222/protexin-cobalaplex-for-cats-and-dogs-60-sprinkle-capsules-p-41030

 I don't think rice is such a bad thing in dog food either, and too much fruit and veg certainly have a dire-rear effect on Branston. Forthglade have some 7 tray packs of various flavours on their webshop page for £6.99 atm maybe worth a look.


https://forthglade.com/shop-dog/wet-dog-food
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Steffie on September 15, 2019, 01:33:38 PM
I don’t think it’s the new packaging as the effects were specific to the lamb varieties.  They are absolutely fine with the two chicken flavours.  As one carton feeds the pair of them it’s always used on first opening.  I’m happy to stick to the chicken Naturediet for now but as I buy a tray of each flavour at a time I have over 20 cartons of the lamb flavours leftover.  I was thinking of donating it to a local rescue but in two minds knowing the effect it has on my dogs!!
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Mudmagnets on September 15, 2019, 01:42:40 PM
I don’t think it’s the new packaging as the effects were specific to the lamb varieties.  They are absolutely fine with the two chicken flavours.  As one carton feeds the pair of them it’s always used on first opening.  I’m happy to stick to the chicken Naturediet for now but as I buy a tray of each flavour at a time I have over 20 cartons of the lamb flavours leftover.  I was thinking of donating it to a local rescue but in two minds knowing the effect it has on my dogs!!

Have you thought about contacting Naturediet direct and telling them of the problems you are having, they may suggest you return the lamb ones and offer to exchange them for chicken! Even if you did not buy them from there but elsewhere they still maybe able to help :D
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Jaysmumagain on September 15, 2019, 05:07:54 PM
Thank you - I have looked at Nature Deli and hope to speak to a pet shop who stock it near my friend whom I am visiting Tues, no on seems to stock it locally and I would rather just try a couple rather than bulk buy, so that is the plan.

In the meantime am using the Dorwest bark and yogurt once a day.  Seems to be improving.
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Mudmagnets on September 15, 2019, 06:29:45 PM
Thank you - I have looked at Nature Deli and hope to speak to a pet shop who stock it near my friend whom I am visiting Tues, no on seems to stock it locally and I would rather just try a couple rather than bulk buy, so that is the plan.

In the meantime am using the Dorwest bark and yogurt once a day.  Seems to be improving.

Ah great news, hope the improvement continues. I think if you decide to go with Natures Deli, Amazon stock it - there you go.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=natures+deli&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

 Very sensible to buy only a few first though, experience tells us that not all good plans have the desired result, lol     
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Jaysmumagain on September 16, 2019, 02:03:31 PM
All sorted to try the new food...seems several customers have moved over to this brand, as dislike of new packaging and a change to some recipe. Can't say it has bothered me much...recyclable packaging is a good thing - but is a little less easy to open than the old.
I wonder whether they have lost custom in general....it was always almost cleared of Wilko's shelves by the weekend....but they did not stock the new packaging....!!
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Mudmagnets on September 16, 2019, 06:43:26 PM
All sorted to try the new food...seems several customers have moved over to this brand, as dislike of new packaging and a change to some recipe. Can't say it has bothered me much...recyclable packaging is a good thing - but is a little less easy to open than the old.
I wonder whether they have lost custom in general....it was always almost cleared of Wilko's shelves by the weekend....but they did not stock the new packaging....!!

I do know that there were a lot of complaints at the beginning, mainly because of the big price rises at the launch. In the end NDiet tried to soften the blow by large discounts if ordering on their webshop. Our local pet shop could not get any from their suppliers, who would not stock the new stuff and that is how Natures Deli became more popular in this area. Naturediet don't do a Turkey meal on it's own, only with Chicken in it - so I feed either the Forthglade and Rice or Natures Deli.  version. I hope you find N.Deli suits Ollie
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Jaysmumagain on September 19, 2019, 01:58:14 PM
Well  at the moment all seem well with Ollie....the Nat Deli seems to be ok and tummy settled.....still giving yogurt and have reduced bark powder(slippery elm).  The Nature Deli certainly does not have the strong smell that the other food had.....but I still got some Nature Diet treats and they seem to be good although the crafty dog expects twice as many as small than his older treats.
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Mudmagnets on September 19, 2019, 06:40:16 PM
good to hear it is going well with Natures Deli, it is a worry when problems are food orientated.

I guess he has the right name for wanting more treats  ;)
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: phoenix on September 21, 2019, 01:45:18 PM
Glad to hear it’s improving.
You mentioned Forthglade,  I abandoned it after a few goes because it’s 20% peas! Cheap protein, and so hard they bounced. Dog carefully spat them out.
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Mudmagnets on September 21, 2019, 09:47:25 PM
Glad to hear it’s improving.
You mentioned Forthglade,  I abandoned it after a few goes because it’s 20% peas! Cheap protein, and so hard they bounced. Dog carefully spat them out.

 I use Forthglade and while I am not keen on the peas, listed as 2% but I think there is probably a few more (I carefully take each one I find out - That's why I prefer the wet version - because I can actually see them)  on the whole Branston enjoys it & I believe it to be as good a food that I can afford.
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Jaysmumagain on October 24, 2019, 11:28:22 AM
oops opened Nature Deli salmon and smelt strong gave Ollie 1/3 pack as only feed small amount 3 times daily and went to fridge 30mins ago and wow.....so far have spoken to maker pet shop and vet.....problem with seal.

Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Mudmagnets on October 26, 2019, 05:41:55 PM
oops opened Nature Deli salmon and smelt strong gave Ollie 1/3 pack as only feed small amount 3 times daily and went to fridge 30mins ago and wow.....so far have spoken to maker pet shop and vet.....problem with seal.

Oh dear, I remember when I used to feed Naturediet they too could pong to high heaven if the seals were faulty, have you had any more problems or was it a 1 off.
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: Jaysmumagain on October 27, 2019, 03:30:33 PM
Yes only one and it was salmon....they were great at dealing with it and all sorted.....main problem is I have allergies and had just had a sneezing fit and could not smell a thing....later on I could and the fridge stunk!!
Title: Re: Worried Ollie - food intolerance
Post by: phoenix on October 27, 2019, 08:50:03 PM
Tinned food doesn’t have the risks of sealed packs, and having tried nearly everything new trend  over the last twenty years, I  and dogs are very happy with Butchers. All about dog food rates it very highly,  simple ingredients, several options like meat type , grain free,  low fat etc.    Offal is listed.  Mine love it,  the vet always compliments on their condition.   Also it is about realistically priced, 50-70 pence.
The lists of herbs in some foods are a bit of a con, the tiny amounts have no health effect in my opinion.