Wet Food- Bloat

[Marie + Marshall]

This might be a question for the health group. But figured I would post here first. Just heard of a horrible situation with a young Goldendoodle and bloat. I have searched bloat on here and other places. We are already using Fiesta bowls on the ground and trying as hard as possible to rest after/before eating and drinking. But we are only using dry kibble with an occasional mashed sweet potatoes AFTER eating the kibble and the provable DC everyday and occasional dry treats also.  But, I was told that this dogs specialist said ONLY getting dry food is bad for the chances of bloat. On here I have read over and over the recommendation to only feed dry as they will get picky. But I can't help but wonder (after seeing the heart break and expense of this ordeal) if I should increase his odds of not getting by sometimes feeding wet? Knowing that I would most likely have to commit to every meal with the added wet- once he gets it:) Just curious how much stock do you all put into this theory? Thanks!

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

Yah, my boys always seem to do their burps when I'm just about to give them a kiss on the top of the head or a hug.  Some dogs shy away when getting hugs and kisses, my boys burp!  ;)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Bloat emergency first aid, with detailed instructions; could save your dog's life:

http://www.kifka.com/Elektrik/BloatFirstAid.htm

[Marie + Marshall]

Oh lord...not sure I could do that. But great info. We have an emergency Vet 4 mins away. However we all have to leave our dogs at home unattended at times. Our Marshall is in Day Care when we work. Thanks Karen for always providing good info :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here's some info from the Purdue study:

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?A=672

Classically, before bloating the dog had eaten a large meal and exercised heavily shortly thereafter. Still, we usually do not know why a given dog bloats on an individual basis. No specific diet or dietary ingredient has been proven to be associated with bloat. Some factors found to increase and decrease the risk of bloat are listed below.

Factors Increasing the Risk of Bloat

• Feeding only one meal a day
• Having closely related family members with a history of bloat
• Eating rapidly
• Being thin or underweight
• Moistening dry foods (particularly if citric acid is listed as a preservative)
• Feeding from an elevated bowl
• Restricting water before and after meals
• Feeding a dry diet with animal fat listed in the first four ingredients
• Fearful or anxious temperament
• History of aggression towards people or other dogs
• Male dogs are more likely to bloat than females
• Older dogs (7 - 12 years) were the highest risk group

Factors Decreasing the Risk of Bloat

• Inclusion of canned dog food in the diet
• Inclusion of table scraps in the diet
• Happy or easy-going temperament
• Feeding a dry food containing a calcium-rich meat meal (such as meat/lamb meal, fish meal, chicken by-product meal, meat meal, or bone meal) listed in the first four ingredients of the ingredient list.
• Eating two or more meals per day