Can anyone give me any feedback on this dry food as my vet is really trying to push me to buy it for my yougster who is allergic to something, as yet we aren't sure what. But he is really wanting me to put her on it, and I don't know if its just a commission thing with vets and Hill's. Sooooo if any one uses it or has tried it, please could you let me know what you think.
Thanks

Hi there, I have used this food in the past for my dobermanns, I couldn't put any weight on my bitch with it so I now use Burns and naturediet combined. I don't see why your vet would recommend this food for allergies etc. as it was introduced to give Hills a more "natural" consumer friendly face!! I certainly would try other avenues, I would have thought if the allergies were the main factor then the vet would suggest using Hills ZD instead. I certainly wasn't impressed with it.

Thanks for that info. Its interesting about the Hill's ZD I might just mention that when I next see him. I also have used Burns in the past and found it to be a good one. She has been on Nutro for sensitive tummy's and I put her onto the Nutro lamb one for a change plus she was getting Vetzyme which I gave her as she was itching. I know realise the itching was due to a problem in the diet, and one things led to another and escalated. However I'll try her on this Hill's for a few weeks, if it doesn't give her the runs! and see how we go, but again thanks for your input.
Anne

Anndee,

I wouldn't bother with the either of the Hills.  If it were my dog I would have her tested for allergies, in the long run it will save you vet expenses.

If the allergy testing is just too expensive you can try to identify what your dog is allergic to by a process of elimination.  However, to do that you have to start out with very simple and easily identified food sources.  As well as eliminate many of the ingredients that commonly cause allergic reactions (wheat, corn, meats (beef, lamb and even chicken)). 

If you want to use commercial food, I would try either Naturediet fish or Burns Fish or one of the other brands that is fish-based rather than animal-based. Wafcol produces a salmon and potato dry complete (Potato (42%), salmon (22%), lupin, linseed, vegetable oil, seaweed meal, FOS (soluble fibre source), vitamins & minerals).

If she does well on one of these you could, if you want, gradually try one new ingredient.  For example, switching from fish to chicken in the Naturediet.   Or Burns Fish to Venison.   If you did not feed her anything in addition, however, there would be no reason to experiment. 

Stacey

Be aware that lupin can be a very allergenic ingredient............ to both dogs and humans.

The only way to determine if your dog is allergic to a particular component is a) to use an elimination diet (the long way) or b) to have your dog allergy tested (the short but expensive way).

Your dog could still be allergic to one of the components of this food.

The ZD diet is extremely expensive; it does not REMOVE allergens but suspends the proteins so they cannot trigger an allergic reaction.  You will STILL not know what the dog is allergic to, but you will probably avoid problems but also be extremely poor as it is incredibly expensive.

Find and eliminate the cause would be much better for your dog and your pocket...........

Thanks for all your info. I am using the sample of Hills Natures Best that I was given and she is now on just that. I will keep her on it for a few weeks,as long as all is well, as she started it on Sat. and already her lips are back to normal and she isn't scratching anything like she was:-)
I am very interested in the Nature Diet. I've been on the website and got the brochure and I think I may, in a few weeks, try her on the sensitive one and see how she goes. I really am thinking off taking her off all commercial foods in the long term and get back to raw meat basics, but for the time being its just slowly, slowly, wait and see! as said elimination is the key word
I would be interested to know if anyone has, or is, using the Naturezyme Select Dog formula additive. I am really thinking of getting some to give her. My local pet shop is going to try and get me some but it would be nice to know of any positive feedback.
Thanks once again for all the help. I appreciate it.

Anndee,

Why don't you order the Naturezyme directly from Naturediet?  If you call them and order I'm sure they would be happy to give you a sample of the Sensitive food as well.  I tried it for my dogs, actually by mistake because neither have a problem, and it went down well.

Stacey

Thanks for that Stacey. Thats a good idea about ordering direct. The petshop is looking into it for me but if they have no luck, thats what I will do and, as you say I may get a sample of sensitive at the same time. Theres no harm in asking!