Whats the best one for my westie currently on James wellbeloved but is the the best

All dogs vary, but have had good results with Robbies
http://www.landofholisitcpets.co.uk/

I can recommend Skinners they do a VAT free Field and Trial hypoallergenic, salmon and rice or duck and rice, their puppy is also hypoallergenic. Both very reasonably priced, definitely cheaper than JWB and my girls and others do well on it. Also know a westie that is loving it after I suggested stopping feeding the dreaded Bakers - poor dog was climbing the walls!!!

Oh and forgot to say apparently CSJ is reasonably priced food and they do a wide range, I'm sure they do hypoallergenic too.

It depends what your dog might be allergic to.  Do you know?

A York test or other similar blood test might be a good way to establish food sensitivities and you can work from there.  However, that said, I have a dog that is allergic to pollen NOT food but I saw an overall improvement to coat, skin and general condition when I transferred him to a raw diet.  Even if it had no noticeable external effect his new diet improves his health and wellbeing which in turn helps him to handle his allergic reactions better.

One of the things you might want to watch with a sensitive dog are the conditions in which the food is stored - grain based dog foods can have mites which may cause your dog problems.  This is an interesting article about the problem.  Freezing the food may help in some circumstances

 

Oh, DAB, I NEED to pick your brains!! But I don't want to hijack the thread so I will PM, if you don't mind.

On topic.  I too have a dog with allergies.  I have no idea what to but when I feed him just beef meat, it seems to calm down.  Over christmas, he's been getting loads of different foods and treats and has been stealing complete too so he is having a major flare up at the minute! But, we'll get back to basics and see how it settles.  If you don't want to feed raw meat, you should have a look at the grain free options available.  Oijen food is 80%meat or something like it but it's expensive so you get similar foods a bit cheaper.  I'm going to look into Simpsons premium foods too as they are supposed to be good for allergies.  Post if you find something as it could help others struggling with allergies(like me!!)lol.

Two good articles on this thread. Thanks dogs a babe and Lacy.

one of my cavs has a very sensitive tum.I used to feed JWB lamb and rice but found it was getting expensive so for the past 2years the cavs have been eating csj lamb and rice which is £19 for a 15kg sack.You can order it online and can purchase two bags for a delivery of approx£6.
Don't be put off by the price and think it must be rubbish as costs are kept down by not using fancy packaging and only small scale advertising.Also no vat is not added as it is sold as a working dog, food.I honestly think it is just as good as Jwb and my dogs thrive on it and have glossy coats and no tummy troubles

> an interesting article about the problem.

Thank you for the article.

I've found that Westies with sensitive skin do well on Wafcol Salmon & Potato or their Vegetarian option.

My Maisie has a myriad of allergies but is also Addisonian.  I feed her on JWB turkey or lamb or fish (mornings) and Nature's Harvest with some veg in the evening.  It seems to be suiting her fine and both her and Billy are in great condition with extremely healthy looking poos!!!

> Oh, DAB, I NEED to pick your brains!! But I don't want to hijack the thread so I will PM, if you don't mind.

Yep - happy to help (if I can) :)

Has anybody tried Natural Instinct?

Yes, I have, or rather the dogs have! IMO the quality is second to none and the service is very good. If you can order large quantities the price isn't too bad either. Last year I also reared a litter on it and was very happy, no upset tums.

Vitalin (now Alfa Feeds) do a really good one - "salmon and potato" sensitive

Natural Instinct is a brilliant food and they are very very helpful and will guide you in the best direction that they can, my westie robbie had terrible skin problems and since being on there raw food hasn't looked back he has gained weight and is looking in brilliant condition, we had to play around with the right meat for him at 1st and Michael is absolutely brilliant at natural instinct he sent me many samples free of charge until we got robbie on the best diet i cannot praise them enough which you can probably tell from me burbling on but i would suggest this food for any dog.
Robbie was on wafcol salmon and potato for many months as suggested by the vets and then on hills ZD diet which gave him chronic diarrohea poor little sole, the vets didn't agree with this raw food but even my vet now has to agree that he is much much better, i am not saying he doesn't get the odd bit of bad skin but nothing to warrant ab's at the rate he was on before, infact we haven't had a course of ab's now for just over 1 yr and robbie and i are over the moon.