Anyone have experience with chronic diarrhea? I'm desperate!!!

[Dexter, Wrigley & Cheryl]

Both my doodles, golden and lab, have been suffering from chronic diarrhea for the past 3 months.  They've been tested and treated for any intestinal bugs -- nada.  The vet is stymied.  They do fine on homecooked bland diet and as soon as we begin to reintroduce commercial dog food (even prescription)with the homecooked meal,  the diarrhea comes back...in both dogs.  There's nothing new or different in their home environment....The vet believes it is a food intolerance or allergy.

Anyone out there have any experience or suggestions????

Cheryl, Dexter & Wrigley will be forever grateful for any input you may have.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I experienced this with both of my Doodles.  The Vet diagnosed IBS/IBD.  This was a "rule out" diagnosis, since we didn't do an endoscopy.  I home cooked for a long time, but eventually that didn't work for my younger Doodle.  I tried Honest Kitchen (freeze dried raw), and from the very first feeding they have been totally fine.  I have no idea why....but it worked, and it has changed everything.  It is expensive, but I would definitely say it's worth a try based on our experience.  Good luck.

[Dexter, Wrigley & Cheryl]

I am just curious....are your doodles related?  

Thanks so much for your reply.  Your experience makes me hopeful that we can get these poops under control once and for all! :)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

They are not related.  They are both ALDs....one from a Breeder and the other a rescue puppy.  One is a mini and the other is a standard.  Believe me I understand how you're feeling.  I went through episodes of uncontrolled diarrhea for over a year.  My guys are so much healthier now.  I'm spending more for food, but they have not had a Vet visit (except their regular check-ups) since we changed food. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It would be very strange for two unrelated dogs to both have developed a food allergy (which is realtively rare to begin with), or even an intolerance, (which is more common), at the same time.

A lot of Food Group members who have dealt with chronic diarrhea have had success with the Honest Kitchen products Jane mentioned. If the fecals are negative, you might give that a try. The Embark product is usually recommended first.

[Dexter, Wrigley & Cheryl]

You are right -- it is really bizarre that they both have the symptoms at the same time.  But the vet has ruled out everything else.  Most all of the responses have mentioned the Honest Kitchen products.  I think it's worth a try.  I don't mind cooking for my doods, but I know that they are not getting a balanced diet even though I've added veggies.  Thanks for your input.  I really appreciate it!

[Bonnie and Kona]

No suggestions, but I am so sorry for all of you. What a nightmare, 4 dogs with diarrhea. 

[Dexter, Wrigley & Cheryl]

The worst part is that I know that my little men are miserable when they are in the full-blown poops.

Thanks for the comment!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Geez! 3 months is a long time for diarrhea. It does seems highly unlikely that two dogs would have the same food intolerances with the same symptoms. We had an episode of undiagnosed diarrhea once that the vet attributed to food intolerance, chicken. I also asked for a round of Albon, to treat any undetected giardia or parasites that didn't show up in the stool samples. She got better with that and home cooking and went back to kibble, although I did stop feeding her any kibble with chicken. She did have a bout of diarrhea soon after that when I challenged the intolerance theory with a rest with chicken in it. But has been fine since with little tastes here and there.

[Dexter, Wrigley & Cheryl]

You're right.  The vet is stumped.  Their stools have been totally clear.  However, Dexter had giardia when I first brought him home when he was 4 mos. old, even though he wasn't having any symptoms.  It was diagnosed thru a routine stool check and treated.  They both do just fine almost immediately once I stop the commercial food.  The vet is thinking that they have developed sensitivity to some preservative or additive because I have home-fed chicken, beef, turkey and no problems.  It's just when I re-introduce VERY GRADUALLY the kibble that they develop symptoms.  This last time we made it 7 days before the diarrhea came back.  I'm hopeful that the Honest Kitchen product that everyone is suggesting may work for my boys.

Thanks so much for your comment!  I appreciate it!

[Kimberly Keenan]

Bindi never got any long term diarrhea but the one time she did get it for a few days the pet store suggested giving her pumpkin. The sold it at the pet store, I did look at the ingredients & it is the same ingredients that you buy at supermarket.(PUMPKIN IS ONLY INGREDIENT) Just make sure it doesn't have the spices in it. Good Luck.

[Dexter, Wrigley & Cheryl]

Thanks -- I have been adding pumpkin to their home-cooked meals as well.  It really does the trick.  

I appreciate your input!  Thanks!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I really hope you can find a solution soon, this must be tough on all of you.