Hello,

My 2 year old Westie has been fed on Burns Chicken & Rice for the last year or so (as have my other 2 dogs), however she's recently developed allergies. We've had blood tests done and the results came back a few days ago. She's allergic to all types of grass, several types of weeds, shrubs and trees, the usual storage/house mites etc but the most concerning one is her food allergies. Luckily she isn't allergic to any types of meat, white fish, egg or milk but she is allergic to most types of cereal - Rice, Potato, Soybean, Wheat, Barley and Corn (Maize). No wonder she's been scratching! The vets have prescribed Hills Science Plan Z/D Ultra, however I've looked into this further and it infact DOES contain cereals (although it doesn't say what exactly). So obviously we are struggling to find an appropriate food!

I think we're most likely going to have to go down the BARF route (which I have no issues with at all - apart from lack of freezer space and I need to do some research into it to make sure I get it all correct) but I want to make sure I'm not missing anything else?

Thanks in advance.

Hi,

I've heard of a company called ziwipeak - www.ziwipeak.com/ theres lots of info on there which may help, they didnt sell in the UK before, but after having a look, there is a ziwipeak.co.uk that is being constructed now. I'm sure if you contact them, they'll help you out.

I can't believe the cry prescribed SP. Only food I can think off hand is the JW grain free meat and veg thinj there is a fish version a lamb and one other maybe turkey can't remember the third off hand.

all the JWB contains potato

Sorry about that missed the potato. Can they tell a dog is allergic to all they things by a blood test?  I'm amazed for a vet to put a dog on SP after that great list I really am.   I personally  would stick the dog on a raw /homemade diet.    I have read on some forums that the drug atopica  seems to work when trying to reset  the body's immune system might be worth a look into.  

Any form of kibble will need some carbohydrate to allow the kibble to hold it's shape and  the "grain-free" foods tend to use potato (not a grain), which it seems your Westie also has a problem with, so I would think kibble is a no-no full stop! One of the higher quality kibbles, such as Orijen, which is 70% meat, may use less potato, but I really don't know, it may be worth trying?

I do think BARF would probably be the way to go.

My dogs York test came back saying he is allergic to all sorts of things, but it became obvious that it's a contact allergy - meadow grass. If your dog is scratching but doesn't have any other symptoms (sickness etc) I would try keeping him off grass for a while, wait until his skin is clear (tablets in my dogs case I'm afraid) and then try him again on grass. With my dog, within a day of being on grass he'll be scratching. If we kept him away from everything the test said he'd hardly eat a thing and we'd have to lock him in a sterile room !. My vet said that the test shows what they 'may' be allergic to and not what they are definately allergic to. Hope you can get your dog sorted soon.

ps - He has been on Burns Pork & Potato for about 2 years now but I'm in the process of learning about BARF and will be changing his diet in the future with help and advise from a friend.

The vets have prescribed Hills Science Plan Z/D Ultra, however I've looked into this further and it infact DOES contain cereals (although it doesn't say what exactly).

But it will contain the cereals in a form that it should not cause any allergic reactions. The cells are so broken down/processed that the body doesn't recognise them as allergens, so you might want to try it.

Would she be ok with sweet potatoe instead of normal potatoe?

Vera