California Natural? - Page 1

Since this seems to be a food day I would like to ask everyone's opinion on this food. I think it's made by the same people who make the EVO that's now being discussed. I have a dog that is allergic to everything. I've tried most of the big brands of food and nothing helps. She won't eat raw period. Even if you make her go without food for a day she won't touch it so raw isn't an answer for me. I have heard that the California Natural is suppose to be good for dogs with allergies anyone tried it? I'll get a small bag to try first to make sure she'll eat it. I was actually told to feed her the canned version but that sound terribly expensive. Foods that my girl has eaten Chicken Soup Premium Edge Canidae Wellness Merrick Nutro chicken and oatmeal Eagle Pack Royal Canin 24 Solid Gold Oh and many more and she still has allergies. She has been tested for thyroid and it's fine. Carrie

Have you tried the new canidae chicken/rice formula? I had fed canidae for almost 5 years (the regular formula). They changed it a few years ago and my senior males allergies flared up to the point of cortisone shots, hairloss, etc. I had to put him on raw just to get him back to normal. I started him on the Chicken/rice formula about 3 months ago and have had no problems whatsoever. He's allergic to alot of grains, and beef as well, but for now this is working.

vomlandholz I will check this food out too. Thanks Carrie

Carrie, are you SURE you dogs is allergic to her food? The only way you can prove that is to make a homemade diet using only one protein source and one source of carbs. Nothing else. The protein source must be something your dog has never eaten before which might be a trick considering all the foods you've tried so far. There is a prescription diet available from you vet that might work, but there are still the presevatives to think about. Maybe a vegetarian diet using chick peas for the protein source. If you do this, she can have absolutley NOTHING to eat other than what is in the homemade food. No treats, nada. It can take up to several months to know if it's the food. You can find plenty of recipes for homemade allergy diets on the net or in Pitcairn's book. Proving a food allergy is collosal pain in the butt and there are no short cuts. The blood test does not work, save your money. Food only accounts for around 10% of allergies in dogs although most of us tend to blame scratching on what the dog is eating. Even if it's year round it is most likley inhalation which can usually be treated by desensitizing the dog. You might be ahead of the game by looking for a veterinay dermatolgoist in your area and having your dog skin tested for local pollens, mold, dust mites, flea bite and so forth and going from there. It could save you and your dog a lot of aggrevation in the long run. GSD's are prone to inhaltion allergies.