Poop Issues on Acana

[Sam, Risa and Archie]

Although I think Archie has enjoyed Acana...I am not 100% sure.  Since moving to Acana about 3-4 months ago (maybe longer) Archie has most definitely enjoyed it over anything else weve ever fed him.  He usually (not always) runs over to his bowl when we drop a scoop of Acana down.  With that said though, he has always been a picky and not so big of an eater (sometimes only once a day). 

 

However, Acana has brought on some weird poop cycles.  Archie usually goes one or 2 weeks okay and then has a rough day or two.  Since moving to Acana Archie has never really had a nice firm stool.  Its not always loose, but its just soft.  He also poops about 2-3 times between the morning and afternoon (won't eat until he has done all his pooping for the morning/afternoon).  After about a week or two of normal yet soft poops archie ALWAYS seems to go with a day or two of not eating and having those rumbling and bubbling gassy type noises in his stomach.  (not sure if its gas noises or hunger) but it happens so often that I know whats next....He doesn't eat, gassy bubbling noises in his stomach, and then comes grass eatin outside, followed by diarrhea for a day or two...

 

So we have done plenty of vet visits and all that jazz, but nothing major has come of it. 

 

Do we think its just sensitive stomach and we have to deal with it? 

Could Archie be allergic to Acana?

Archie has only had grain-free dry food...even outside of Acana. 

Should we try food with grain? (I was thinking Fromm, Earthborn, I andLOVE andYOU and Petcurean)

 

Any ideas and help would be awesome!

Thanks,

Sam

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That may well be, but it isn't that "maybe Acana just isn't for Archie". :)

[Sam, Risa and Archie]

Ok, well when you put it that way it makes more sense :) Its a Monday give me a break! HAHA Plus I did a 50mile bike tour in NYC yesterday...I am wiped out

I am going to try the samples I got from Zignature and see how Archie does.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

What formula are the samples? I would stay with just one new formula, do not try different ones. 

[Marie and Hoka]

Yes Karen!  Thanks for clarifying... I was really just noting that they have chicken-free and potato free.   

(For Hoka: I was really only looking at going chicken-free first to see if that helped issues!  :)

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

We have had our doodle on Acana Grain Free for a number of years.  We also add about 1/2 cup frozen cut green beans to her food (thawed in the microwave).  This combination has created the picture perfect poops.  A year ago we added Honest Kitchen Grain Free Embark (a dehydrated natural food).  We cut the kibble measurement in half and only do half a serving of the HK.  These two along with the green beans is perfect!  Gracie does not get any human food nor table scraps.  Her treats are only the Honest Kitchen brand and we don't allow other people to treat her unless we approve it.  Maybe once a month you might have a slimy poop that is has mucus in it.  To my knowledge that is the anal sac expression taking place naturally.  Another plus with the green beans...perfect for keeping the weight off your Doodle!!  She also gets a probiotic and Omega 3 pill every day.  What ever changes you make to your Doodle's diet you need to stay consistent for a while in order for the body to decide if it is the right combination...IMO.  Good Luck

[Sam, Risa and Archie]

Thanks for the help! Appreciate it.  What type of Honest Kitchen brands does HK usually get?  I hate to take Archie off his CloudStar Buddy Treats, but they actually may be an issue rather than a good thing.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Sam, again, what works for Gracie may not work for Archie. You must focus on food and treats that are single proteins, low in starch, and do not contain chicken. It doesn't matter what brand they are. 

[Sam, Risa and Archie]

Did you see my post in here about the food being a little dried out?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, but I really don't think that's the reason for any of this, as you have been posting about Archie having loose stools and digestive issues for months, way before you got this bag of food. 

[Sam, Risa and Archie]

Fair enough!  Plus I am sure he would be vomiting or not eating it if it were that bad.

Just a thought...

[Abigail *George & Juno*]

If you need a good treat that is in line with what Karen has been trying to suggest to you, I would recommend orijen freeze dried treats. They have quite a few different kinds and many of them are single, novel proteins. George loves every flavor so far, and as gross as this sounds my SO tried the Angus beef ones out of curiosity and gave them a thumbs up. Lol

Above all else, I would listen to Karen. She's very patiently trying to help you and Archie. :)

[Sam, Risa and Archie]

Oh I know.  I always listen to her and take her advice!