Help making the switch

[Kelly]

Hello everyone. I just joined the food group because I am so confused on how to pick a good food for Skeet. He came to us several years ago as a rescue in pretty bad shape. He was being used as a stud dog in less than ideal environment. He was on pedigree. After joining this website I quickly realized that he needed to change to a more nutritious food. He has a sensitive stomach so the vet put him on Z/D ultra. This is where we are now. I have questioned that he has to stay on this food but have gotten little answers. He likes it but then he will eat anything. He does well on it, less licking and throwing up, but is this food recommended for long term use and if not how do I pick a new food? I have been looking at Blue Buffalo but there are so many choice. Grain free? Not grain free?
I thank you for your advise and help.

[Vicky loves Chachi]

I'm following this thread as I'm dealing with a slightly similar situation. I was just wondering, if u feed the dog right before bed, won't he need to go out to have a bm shortly after? I know my 5 1/2 month pup would love a night treat as he eats dinner at 4:45p and is always searching for food around 8pm. But I don't want him waking up having to go potty since he sleeps through the night.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If the dog has been walked between dinner and bedtime and has had a bm, it shouldn't be a problem. 

You might also try giving him dinner later; I''ve always given my dogs dinner around the same time I eat, 5:30 or 6. 

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I feed their snack about 30-60 minutes before bed sometimes 90.  But even the 60 minutes would give you enough time to get him out for another potty break before bedtime. 

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I do the same thing for my 2.  Breakfast and dinner are about 11-12 hours apart and then they each get an extra 1/4 cup of food 30-60 minutes before bed.  Then they each get a biscuit after their morning potty break to get something in their stomach before they get their breakfast (I make them wait to eat breakfast so I have a chance to shower and can feed them closer to when I'm leaving for work). 

 

On the days I get home a little late from work and miss their normal dinner time I can usually expect to find some bile pile somewhere.  If they haven't thrown up but are feeling nauseous they will try to eat a bunch of grass when I let them out. 

[Kelly]

I started giving him part of his daily portion at bedtime last night. So far so good.

Making the food switch now and started the evening primrose. I have been giving

yogurt for about a month now so going to continue. I am hopeful and thank all of

you for your good advise.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Keep us posted, Kelly! 

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

Glad to hear this! :)

[Pat and Traveler]

I've heard that the Evening Primrose Oil can take a long time before effects are seen--like weeks, or months?  Is there something that might work sooner?  Is cod liver oil somewhat similar?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

EPO usually starts to have an effect within two weeks after starting it, some have said they've seen a difference after only a week. Cod liver oil is a different type of fatty acid, but for a therapeutic effect, any of them will take a little time to have a noticeable effect. 

[Pat and Traveler]

Thanks, Karen!

[Kelly]

Ok well we are 10 days into the switch from Z/D ultra to Blue Buffalo Grain Free Turkey and Potato. I am giving EPO twice a day and yogurt on his food and Skeet is doing great. He has always been a hearty eater but I feel much better knowing he is on a better diet. THANK YOU Karen for your advise. I just didn't realize that the vet doesn't always know about food and diet. I have not been up at 3 AM letting him out to throw up since the switch. I have been feeding him a snack at bedtime.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks for the update, Kelly. I am so glad that Skeet is doing well!