I have a one year old spayed Chocolate Lab weighing 58lbs. She has had many bouts of diarrhea throughout her first year in which she was treated with Metronidazole on most all occasions. She had giardia several months ago and was treated with 2 rounds of antibiotics. Recently retested (negative) and retreated just in case. She does have problems with constipation. I have tried California’s Natural Lamb and Rice and that didn’t seem to help. She was diagnosed with Colitis a few weeks ago. The Vet put her on Science Diet W/D and said to add Metamucil to her food daily. It has increased her BM’s but still seems to be constipated. She is currently taking one Synovi G3 daily.
I recently purchased Gastriplex from your web site. I know her stomach is still up set because, she is eating grass. Some days she does seem to be in discomfort and slightly bloated. What brand and kind of food do you recommend and what other recommendations can you give me?
Hello ,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. The first issue to address when the gastrointestinal tract is affected is the diet. I highly recommend discontinuing the Science Diet and offer a more natural diet. Since she has had both diarrhea and constipation, a whole protein, a limited healthy carbohydrate and natural fiber diet should balance her system more effectively. Several diets I recommend are Innova-Evo, Honest Kitchen or Paw Naturaw. It’s important to look for whole proteins instead of by-products or meals and two of the first three ingredients should be a protein. I recommend avoiding corn, white rice, wheat, soy, chicken and beef, to start with. Canned pumpkin is a more natural fiber that should maintain GI balance even during diarrhea or constipation.
The probiotics in the Gastriplex should help balance your dog’s digestion during bouts of diarrhea or constipation. You may also want to consider digestive enzymes as this may help decrease the workload of the intestines and colon. Even though your dog has been treated for Giardia, I would treat this condition as chronic food intolerance. Nutrition is the best foundation for her gastro-intestinal tract and immune health. Eliminate treats that contain food dyes, preservatives and added sugars. You may also want to offer veggies (carrots, green beans, etc.) and apples as these all contain vitamins, minerals and insoluble fiber. Advancing her nutrition should help her hair coat, keep her trim and may even improve her mood. Best of luck.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA