All Fromm's 4-Star foods are not created equal

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

This is just an observation, after having Lucy on Fromm's 4-Star dry foods now for 6-7 months. When I switched her to Fromm's I was told that changing between the different flavors wouldn't present any problems. I can say, now, that that is not quite true. While it wasn't exactly a problem, there was a real difference in Lucy's poos between the Duck and Sweet Potato and the Beef Frittata Veg. The beef really firmed her poos up into hard nuggets, while the duck makes them quite soft (formed the 1st poo of the day, loose the 2nd).  Now the Beef Frittata is grain-free, and the duck is not, so that may well be the reason behind it. Actually, nothing has firmed up her poos like Beef Frittata Veg. from the other flavors she's tried (Chicken a la Veg, Whitefish and Potato). She loves both the beef and the duck flavors, but because of the poo difference I'm limiting the duck.

[Kim]

Yes, I'm sure you are correct in regards to the grain free / grain as the reason for the stool change.  Grain free produces constipation in our dog.  She eats Fromm as well.  Duck & Sweet Potato is her favorite. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I switch Fudge and Vern all the time and no problems. I have been reading lately about so many doodles with eating problems so I consider myself very lucky. Fromm has been a wonderful food for us. I even mix some of the formulas, but their favorite is Chicken ala Veg, followed by the Pork and Applesauce. I would say the Fish is their least favorite. I have never gone completely grain-free.

[Sally loves Maple & Lucky]

My girls love Fromms and although we have had no poo issues, I have suspected the Duck & Sweet Potato to be Fart Enemy #1. However! I've also changed their topper as well as going back to only Chicken ala Veg that resulted in only a little gas sometimes when they have to eliminate (feeding this same diet day and night for a month now). So, call me Stupid for tempting the Enemy but I have a small bag of Duck & Sweet Potato to try with the new topper as the last phase of the experiment.

As for switching back and forth, we've had none of the issues you reported but have always stayed in the 4 star line (never grain free).

[Sally loves Maple & Lucky]

Experiment proved that the Duck and Sweat Potato although they love it, produces clear the room gas in my dogs. It's back to Chicken ala veg for us!

[Mara, Sadie & Zoe]

Sadie has been eating all the 4 star and has had no real problems, sometimes the trouble is too many treats. But I had gotten a free bag of the beef frittata and had loose stools. I thought she needed to get used to it even _though I giving such a small amount. We wound up at the vets with anal gland troubles. I don't think we will try it again.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's the absence of grain that's firming the stools. The Beef Frittata and the Surf & Turf formulas are grain-free. For some dogs, grains work better, but for others, like jackdoodle and apparently your girl, grain-free is better in the poop department.

If you want to try another "flavor" after this, try the Surf & Turf.