I've got a bitch who for the last 5-6 weeks has had the runs! After stool samples and blood tests she has been diagnosed as having a bacterial overgrowth in the lower intestine - basically she's had a jippy tum, that has failed to recover! So whilst an annoyingly expensive diagnosis, it's something easy to remedy - that's a bonus!!

She's on a course of tablets and had a B12 injection. I've been recommended a high protein (around 25%) but low fat/oil (under 10%) diet.

I'm wondering if anyone else on CD has had a dog with this & what they fed during the time the digestive system was getting back into balance.

I have refused the Hills Science diet and I refuse point blank to feed Pedigree!! Both suggested by the vet. It may be that I end up feeding Burns (low protein but low fat/oil) adding additional protein by way of fresh meats. We're currently on AG.

If anyone has had this problem I would be very interested in hearing what you fed. But please, I don't want a whole load of suggestions of food ... I can work out protein/oil levels from websites ... I just want something constructive & positive.

Apologies if this sounds really rude but I am well aware of how things go off track on CD when feeding is mentioned :-D

Tinned Chappie is low fat, and I've always found it excellent at settling dodgy tummies. :-)

Thank you, actually I didn't think of good ol' Chappie but I know she likes it. That might be a good topper to a low fat/oil feed. :-D

Another vote for Chappie here, my vet recommends it for jippy tums.

Chappie here too!   Had a Border Collie with intestinal damage when I got him, and I thought that the runs would never stop.

A couple of years later, at a routine check up and booster, the vet said, boy he's in good condition, and look at his coat.  :-)
I think Chappie is underrated.

Years later, I now use the tinned for him, mixed with his usual dry feed.

Just want to comment that Chappie will not suit a dog with a cereal intolerance. I know not all dogs do, but if the poos are loose and/or the dog starts scratching, then you may need to find an alternative.

Have you tried steamed pumpkin/butternut squash to stop the runs using fibre as the dog must be losing alot of fluids/nutrients and then find the right food once it is under control.

Is it good or bad bacteria causing the problem?

Good point re cereal, fortunately she doesn't have an intolerance so we should be fine! A plus is I just love the smell of Chappie :-)

Rhodach - I do use pumpkin/squash for the runs but we're beyond that doing anything remotely useful :-O Am asuming it's a bad bacteria.

What about giving probiotics and live yoghurt to introduce good bacteria which will hopefully out number the bad eventually.

Rhodach - yes, giving probiotic paste (pro kalin - possibly need to look at something that's aimed more as a supplement than a remedy) and live yoghurt as well :-)  The problem is finding a complete meal that is low in fat/oil, ie under 10%, but also high in protein, ie over 20%, also finding this at a price I can afford and a manufacture I am willing to use :-O

I would be tempted to go to a home-cooked diet for her for the short term, if it weren't for the fact she's having medication, and I don't want to do anything that upsets vitamin/mineral balances - I don't have the knowledge to ensure she has a truly 'balanced' diet and for the above reasons I don't want to start giving her supplements.

I think it's going to have to be trusty ol' Burns complete with added protein on top. Sadly all the AG products, which I currently feed, are high oil/fat levels - which is actually something I'm starting to re-think for collies! I'm also thinking, from reading up, that I also need to keep her fibre levels low.

Thanks for your suggestions though ... keep them coming if you think of anything else :-)

Hi Jean, what dry food are you using for your BC boy?

Fish4Dogs at the moment.  Although I sometimes mix it with CSJ.  Did recently try Autarky, but my base is always Fish4Dogs.

years ago I had a dog with a bacterial overgrowth. it was in the days of chappie tinned only. no complete. he was fed this then when the complete came out he was put onto this and stayed on it till he left us.

Have you looked at nature diet lite as that worked really well for my old girl who had colitis