dog has diarrhea

Question
QUESTION: Both my Australian Shepherd and my Siberian Husky/Border Collie Mix were scratching. No fleas. Friend said to change diet from Pedigree to Blue Buffalo. Changed about three weeks ago. Aussie is fine. Husky mix has chronic diarrhea...otherwise seems healthy. No more scratching. Another friend said add plain yogurt to diet or canned pumpkin. What should I do?

ANSWER: Hi Jenna,

If the food you've switched to has proved helpful to one dog - great, keep him on it. Your other dog may have a different set of allergies or sensitivities and will do better on a limited-ingredient food, such as Wellness Simple Solutions or one of the Califormia Natural Porducts. Food sensitivity can manifest as diarrhea, or on a more positive note, the fat/fiber content of the Blue may just be wrong for the BC mix. I find Huskies quite sensitive. Canned pumpkin adds fiber and can be helpful if the problem is short term, but it's not really a solution, more of a quick fix. You need to find a product that will not cause diarrhea. I'd suggest looking at Wellness, California Natural of Natural Balance. All of these lines make foods aimed at the sensitive dog. I know it's a bit of a drag to have dogs on different diets, but sometimes that's necessary. Chronic diarrhea will mean your dog isn't absorbing nutrient as well as he should be. Please check locally to see if any of these foods are available and try to use a novel protein, such as duck or venison (foods your dog hasn't eaten before).
And let me know how it goes.

Yogurt is not as helpful as adding a probiotic, which I think is a great idea for any dog. However, if a food is causing diarrhea - then the solution is not to add in supplements but to find a food that works well. Then you can add supplements such as probiotic, if you wish, to bolster immunity and improve health. I don't consider either pumpkin or yogurt to be a longterm solution here.
Catherine

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the information. My husband thinks we should put the Husky/BC back on Pedigree, but I am not happy about the corn, etc., in that brand and like your idea of less ingredients, not more. I will look for the brands you suggested. Do I have to order them on-line. Also, what do you think of Taste of the Wild? Thanks again! Jenna

Answer
Hi Jenna,

I like Taste of the Wild for some dogs, overall far superior to Pedigree. I would encourage you to always compare the ingredient list and see for yourself. But of course the proof is in the pudding, and a food can look good on paper and not "work". There are so many premium foods available now there's no reason you can't find one that works. Most are available in higher end petfood stores. I love near Ottawa, Ontario and we have at least six stores that feature premium foods. And Ottawa's not a huge city.
Please let me know how it goes after Christmas, if you decide on a food and how your baby does.
Glad to be of help,
Catherine