Itchy Dogs

[PhilBernardi]

I haven't asked my Vet about the following (and maybe one of the Vets here can pipe up), but don't forget about sumac or poison ivy. Makes sense to me that they can get it; then again, it makes sense to me that evolution from wolves would probably give them some immunity from it (but maybe not).

??

[pupaloo]

My labs do best on a grain free diet. I feed Orijen or Evo. They shed very little and have no odor. No itching or dandruff; soft hair coats. Expensive stuff, but my almost 80 lb male stays in condition with 2 1/2 cups per day.

[Dooley]

I have used Purina Pro Plan for about 30 years and recently switched to Wild Salmon and brown rice formula which is the Pro Plan Select with positive results. I also talked to Purina customer service and was told beef is the number 1 problem for itch with chicken being number 2.
It take a couple of months to see results.

[MikeB]

I have been feeding Natures Domain from Costco. It is their grain free food. Made in 2 different formulas Salmon & Sweet Potato and Turkey & Sweet Potato. Much better price than most grain free foods in a 35# bag.

http://www.naturesdomainpetfood.com/

http://www.lab-retriever.net/board/d...in-costco.html

[Buzz]

I have used Purina Pro Plan for about 30 years and recently switched to Wild Salmon and brown rice formula which is the Pro Plan Select with positive results. I also talked to Purina customer service and was told beef is the number 1 problem for itch with chicken being number 2.
It take a couple of months to see results.

I wondered about the Selects. Which Pro Plan were you feeding prior to the switch? I have a friend who was feeding his AFC Euk and he had problems with itching. He started feeding a grain free food with Salmon, it was 25/15 protein/fat. He could not keep weight on the dog with just the Salmon, so he is mixing in the Pro Plan high protein and that is helping keep weight on and the dog's coat is good with no itching.

[Dooley]

I was feeding Pro Plan lamb and rice for a long long time.

[hotel4dogs]

It's from the Merck Veterinary Manual.
Purina will tell you the same thing if you contact their research department.
I had a golden with IBD. When they recommended a prescription diet for him, I asked the specialist if I should change my other dogs' food, too. He laughed, and said, "if your neighbor was diabetic, would you change your diet?? There's no reason for normal healthy dogs to not eat corn or wheat". (turned out his issues was various proteins, not grains, and that specialist also told me about beef and chicken).

[duckhunting84]

My vet suggested a tsp of olive oil on there food, start with that and increase amount as needed. I haven't had any problems sense I switched to Eukanuba.