[waltersmum]

One of my two Griffons is highly allergic. She has been through the desensitizing process and is currently on two different pills morning and night which is not ideal. She had a major flair up of unknown origin recently and lost a lot of hair and weight. I am trying to find a suitable dry food that does not have potato, soy or navy bean that will also not make her put on weight. Her nick name is Tubby which stands for tub of lard so we are constantly battling to keep her trim. She is currently 8.5lb which is just at the low end of ideal. Any help would be very much appreciated.

[GSDsForever]

I would think that most high quality, non vegetarian dog foods will not contain soy or navy bean (this one would be a rare ingredient even in vegetarian kibble!).

For lowfat foods, I would look through DFA’s list of lowfat foods, particularly the grain free ones. For dry foods without white potato, InkedMArie has posted here in forums a list of grain-free and white potato free foods and I would cross check it.

High carb foods, more than high protein/fat foods, show in studies to put more weight on dogs. So I would keep that in mind. But even among the reduced carb/higher protein grain free foods, there are some that are low fat. Two that come to mind are Honest Kitchen’s Zeal and Wellness Core’s reduced fat formula.

[GSDsForever]

Once you get the weight under control, (Nutrisource) Pure Vita Grain Free Salmon & Sweet Potato might be an excellent choice. It is a very bland, limited ingredient formula (and without the ingredients you mention) with moderate fat from a good company. Many sensitive dogs do well on it.

I’d also recommend trying Timberwolf Organic’s Ocean Blue Classic formula (potatoes listed are sweet potatoes, not white), also an excellent tried and true formula many allergic and sensitive dogs have done extremely well on, though it has more fruits/seeds/herbs base ingredients than the Pure Vita GF formula. So if your dog is super, super sensitive and can’t tolerate much, I’d recommend taking baby steps with the Pure Vita GF first.

[waltersmum]

Many thanks for your replies. I’ll investigate your recommendations and possibly buy small bags of each to trial.

[Mom2Cavs]

I agree with sandy. Walmart carries Freshpet. They have different varieties like rolled that you have to slice off, cups with gravy, and a bagged food that’s shaped like kibble but soft and meaty. This seems like it would be a great solution for your dog. I have used the bag kind as a kibble topper once and my dogs loved it. I used to feed it to my cat, and still do sometimes, but I like variety and the bagged kind only comes in chicken flavor, I believe. Petco carries Vital, which is made by the same company but is grain free, versus Freshpet which I believe has rice or some whole grain in it. Both would be much, much better than what you’ve been using, imho. My local Kroger also carries it. I also believe the Freshpet is less expensive. Go to their website and check them out. Google either Fresh Pet, or Vital Pet….something should come up. 🙂

[waltersmum]

I purchased a bag of Nutrisource to mix in with what I’m currently using for a few days so she doesn’t get an upset stomach. I used to blend a variety of meats, vegetables and fruit for the first few years when we were home in Australia but since living here in Florida for the past 4 years have give the dogs only dry food as we travel a bit now and it is easier to store. Also better for their teeth as small dogs often have teeth problems. Willow at 8 and Yogi at 7 both have excellent pearly white teeth. I also buy calf hooves for them to chew as they can’t chew off bits to get caught in their little throats.

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