constant loss of fur

Question
My 1 year old lab/chow sheds so much fur, that I would like to know of this is normal for this mixed breed.  We basically have to vacuum his fur up from our tile at least 2 to 3 times a day.  He has been kept inside of the house up to today, but because of his continued loss of fur, we are seriously considering keeping him outside only.  We feed him Beneful and keep him up to date with his shots and treatments.  

Can we do anything to minimize the fur loss?  We already brush his fur 2 to 3 times per week, as well as use the furminator on him once a week.  

We really love our dog Sarge, but I don't think we can continue picking up fur 3 times a day.  

Any suggestions?

Mario

Answer
You certainly can ease the hair loss. First of all, throw away the beneful. This is garbage in a bag. So many dog food companies lure consumers with pretty packaging and lots of high dollar advertising. Too bad they don't spend it on the dog food! Type Dog food comparison charts into your webbrowser to learn about ingredients etc. Your dog's shedding problems are most likely from malnutrition, poor nutrition and lack of supplemnents. NOT your fault! Get a food with no corn, no soy, no wheat, no by products, no bha and no bht. For what beneful costs you can feed a really good dog food, with less waste and less consumption. Also add vitamin E, omega supplements (fish oil) vitamin b and vitamin c to his diet. Find a GOOD supplement that will add these to his diet. Linolic acid is another great supplement I think Pet alive makes a good liquid but you can find one in your own price range and that is readily available. Stay away from any food you can buy at the grocery store or wal mart. Premium food sometimes seem to cost more but in the end will cost much less to feed. In two months you will be amazed at the difference. In four months you'll be shocked. Meanwhile, use a hand held vac to vaccum your dog to remove loose hair and continue brushing. Chows shed a lot but you should be able to curtail MOST if it. You can also have him clipped short in the interim to minimize shedding during the change over.
Good luck!
Cindi