Gastriplex for Soft Stools, Food Allergies

Question:

Hello,
 
My sisters dog, (beagle-bulldog mix) has had soft stools since it was born.  It is now ten months old and has been to four veterinarians and still has the same problem.  She was check for parasites, worms, etc., and was given a clean bill of health yet she still has the same problem.  She has been on several different types of dog foods for "sensitive intestines" and still no effect at all.  She is losing weight and is down to about twelve pounds.  Is there something holistically that can be done for her.  We'll try just about anything.  Please help!
 
With Kind Regards,
Jayne S.

Response:

Hello Jayne,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. Since the dog was checked for parasites and declared parasite free was she still treated for Giardia and Coccidia? They are commonly not found on fecal tests but often treated for therapeutically to rule out those parasites.

It appears the dog may have a food allergy. Commercial dog foods for sensitive intestines can still have proteins and carbohydrates that are allergenic. I would highly suggest a holistic food with a “novel” protein and carbohydrate, such as venison or bison and sweet potato or brown rice. The best results may come from a home cooked diet. I highly suggest Home Prepared Dog and Cat Diets by Donald Strombeck, DVM, PhD. It has numerous well-balanced high quality diets to offer with the nutrition content and requirements for all size dogs.

I also recommend Gastriplex by Thorne to decrease inflammation in the GI and Dipan-9 by Thorne that contains digestive enzymes to aid the breakdown of nutrients. Secondary advice from a holistic veterinarian should also give you additional alternatives to conventional diagnostics and treatments. Best of luck.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA