Pet Information > ASK Experts > Dogs > Dog Breeds > Husky > Food problems with 6mo old husky

Food problems with 6mo old husky

20 9:08:49

Question
QUESTION: I have a 6 month Husky who I feed Blue Buffalo puppy food which I've been giving to her the past 3 months and she's been having gas and diarrhea issues. She may or may not have devoloped bad gas from it.. Because I think she was on Iams at the time and had to have her sac emptied and ever since then its been smelly. But I would be sitting there watching tv and she would be passing gas as she was sleeping (and its god awful). Usually she poops 3x a day and her first 2 are hard stools, and her nightly one is runny. I was thinking of switching to a different brand, but I still want it to be a good one. I've done some research on dogfoodanalysis.com and I was looking at Innova, but was hoping you could give me some advice. I give her the recommended 3cups a day on the bag. Someone recommended that maybe I cut back a cup because maybe the extra food is passing through her too quickly because she already had her daily limit of vitamins and such.. And I was actually at the vet earlier today asking this question and they told me they recommend I switch to an adult-large breed dog food becaused shes already spayed and (i think it was the less protein would help with hip-displasia husky's usually get?). They recommend Iams, but according to dogfoodanalysis its a horrible brand because of the fillers and junk. They said the adult-large breed I could use with any brand.. What do you think? I want to keep her on a good brand but at the same time, i dont want her to diarrhea. Should I lower her to 2cups a day on the puppy Blue Buffalo.. Switch to Adult Blue Buff. or Switch to Innova Evo. Sorry this was a LONG explanation.. But Thank you for your help!

ANSWER:  I think, if you are not already doing this, give her a cup and a half in the morning and a cup and a half in the afternoon.  
 In Siberians the biggest health problem is Cataracts and it only effects 3% out of all dogs tested, I believe Hip dysplaysia is only 1% so the chance of getting it is low unless your dog gets overweight (which is the common cause) or is bred to large (they are only designed to be a medium sized dog, her maximum weight at full grown should be 55 lbs, if she is bred within standard).

Also I would add a dollop of yogurt to her food, this contains acidophilus, which is a helpful bacteria that helps the break down and digestion of food. Gas is usually a sign that the GI tract is under stress and isn't digesting it properly. Iams is a horrible food. If she is 6 months old I wouldn't switch foods, probably would cut the food back a little if you find she is getting overweight.

 A Siberian is also designed to have a low-normal Thyroid, which means they need less food to do the same amount of physical activity then any other breed. They are the perfect working dog. This was so they had to carry less on the sled when they where originally developed.

If I missed something, or you have further questions please do not hesitate to ask!
-Michelle B ^^

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: See the problem with her is that she is INCREDIBLLY picky at eating. So usually I put about 3 cups in her bowl in the morning, and by bed time its usually gone, or theres still alot left over. She was like this on Iams, Pedigree, and finally when I switched her to Blue Buffalo. She is at a good weight. She isnt over or under. I know you said you wouldnt switch the food.. but do you think that she would benefit from it a little more if I gradually switched her to Adult Blue Buffalo or Innova Evo?

Answer
I would pick a proscribed time in the morning to feed her and only give her so long to eat it before you take it away. This will take care of some of the picky issues if you stick to this, remember a dog will not starve itself. If she is only eating so much that is all she needs.

I like Evo and Innova they are both good choices. I like Evo more however. I am not an expert on Blue Buffalo, I should look into it. I don't necessary think the food is a problem with this dog, I think it is how she eats.
Also have you ever brought a stool sample into the vet, round worm causes gas.
Any more Questions please ask!
-Michelle B ^^