Chicken intolerance

Axelsmummy · #1 22-07-10, 09:00 PM

Hello all,

I've just been reading through a few of these threads and wondered if anyone could offer some advice?

Although Axel is still under a year, I do wonder if the puppy food he is on is enough to help him "fill out" properly. He is a massive 28" at the shoulder and 28kgs at the moment and he is 10 months old. He just seems to feel a bit boney all over still. Although he is very strong I just wondered what kind of foods I could start giving him to supplement the dry food.

When he first arrived with us he went through a few weeks where he had terrible bouts of diarrhea, and after several trials of worming, starving, blending in boiled chicken and rice, the vet and his breeder suggested we switch to a fish based food as they thought he could have an intolerence to chicken. Has anyone else heard of this? Once he settled on to this food he has been fine ever since. He only has dry.

The only none dog specific foods he's tried so far have been peanut butter, cheese, apple and his absolute favourite is a yoghurt pot! We could have a steak and a yoghurt next to each other and he would choose the yoghurt every time!

So, after all that rambling, any suggestions?

maxandskye · #2 22-07-10, 09:13 PM

Chicken is the most popular protein for allergies.

My girl carnt have chicken, so she is on a Bison based food.

wildmoor · #3 22-07-10, 09:18 PM

Yes as already stated Chicken is the worst protein for allergies.

If you want to add weight either give more of the food your dog already as or try some tripe.

lisyonok · #4 22-07-10, 09:21 PM

Generally, if your dog has a known allergy and is on a single protein diet, the treats should also match the diet, i.e. if you feed fish based kibble, you can supplement it with tinned fish, Fish4Dogs dried treats, etc.
If you know he's not allergic to dairy you can continue giving him natural yoghurt and cheese. Try not to mix too many different kinds of treats in one day and don't give too much, this way if he does have an adverse reaction to something, at least you'll know what exactly upset him.

Axelsmummy · #5 23-07-10, 07:45 PM

Thanks for the advice guys.

Should I stick with the puppy food a bit longer or is it worth switching to adult now? Also, when should I start changing him from 2 meals to 1?

Matrix/Logan · #6 24-07-10, 11:19 AM

I have never fed any of my dogs just once a day, i always feed twice daily as i think the meal would be much too big if they had all of their daily allowance in one meal, i would be worried about bloat!! If i was you i would stick with twice daily feeding for life. Just think if you only feed once daily they have to wait 23 hours for a meal!!

#7 24-07-10, 02:37 PM

I also agree that two meals should always be the normal throughout their lives, ours get their meals at 8am-ish and 4pm-ish.

I cant really comment on the puppy food as I havent had pups, but do suggest that when the time is right you swap over gradualy,.... bit at a time would be the way to go

maxandskye · #8 24-07-10, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axelsmummy

Thanks for the advice guys.

Should I stick with the puppy food a bit longer or is it worth switching to adult now? Also, when should I start changing him from 2 meals to 1?

It depends on what puppy food you are feeding, as each manufactuer is different.

Please dont feed only once aday, twice is best.

Axelsmummy · #9 24-07-10, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matrix/Logan

Just think if you only feed once daily they have to wait 23 hours for a meal!!

I felt the same way about one meal, and couldn't decide whether is should be morning or afternoon!

I will probably keep it as two then and when he goes on to the adult food I'll also start adding some fish (as mentioned by someone earlier) to try and bulk him up a bit.