Diarrhea and Food Allergies

Question

Good morning,

Merlin is an 18 month old, male Rottweiler.  He was raised on Pro Plan Puppy.  Had some issues transitioning to adult food.  I tried Wellness, Natural Balance, Eukanuba sensitve stomach and ended up back with Pro Plan Adult.  He went through 20 pounds of Pro Plan Adult with no problem.  I opened a new bag (May 11) and his stools became soft.  He has had 2 fecal tests in a months time, both were negative.  He had a CBC blood test with no abnormalities.  He went through 10 days of Flagyl.  We tried Iams Low Residue Diet mixed with pumpkin for about 10 days, still diarrhea.  Went through 2 weeks of ground turkey and white rice.  He just started Hills z/d diet and is taking azulfidine.   So far, no improvement is evident.  The vet says the next step is to do a blood test for malabsorbtion disorder.  I do not feel he has this condition.  I want to give your product Gastriplex a try.  I am open to any recommendations you might have.  Merlin has lost 5 pounds during his ordeal.  He currently weighs 95 pounds. 

Thank you, Christy E.

Response

Hello Christy,

Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. Even though fecal tests were negative I often will treat anyway with Albon for coccidia. It may not show positive on tests but prophylactic treatment occasionally helps.

Merlin may have a food intolerance or allergy. You may want to consider offering a diet that does not contain chicken, beef, corn, white rice, wheat or soy. These foods are the most hyperallergenic in dog diets. Even sensitive and low residue diets contain allergens that cause skin or GI upsets. Try introducing novel proteins and carbohydrates that your dog has never been offered before. Foods containing salmon, fish, sweet potato or green pea may be non-allergenic for your dog. 

You may also want to try Gastriplex by Thorne or Runipoo Relief by Pet Alive. These supplements both help with intestinal inflammation and digestive balance. Dipan 9 is also a supplement that contains digestive enzymes that aids the breakdown of food to decrease the workload on the intestines. Best of luck.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA