Hello I have a 6 year old bitch.  I have recently changed her dry food to a silver range which contains less protein... She has had about 2 large sack fulls of this new food....Trouble is that her skin on her back has become very dry Is it to do with a change of protein level in her food...Can I supplement her with something that can remedy this dry skin?

There are a few supplements out there on the market at the moment.  One which I have recently tried is Yumega which is a combination of flaxseed and starflower with some antioxidents as well.  I had a long chat with the director of this before I used some (he gave me some to try) and I have to say I saw an improvement in my GR as she's always had dry flaky skin since puppyhood (she saw various specialists and was on evening primrose tablets and these did help, but didn't cure)

Yumega has a website where you can find out more, can't remember the site off the top of my head but if you google it it's bound to come up :)

Which food did you change from?

Anyway hope this helps, has worked for mine :)

Protein is used to make body tissues and fat helps skin and coat be supple.

I would say the drop in protein and fat (usually goes together) is negatively affecting coat and tissue condition.

If I need to get weight off one of my dogs I keep them on a good quality food just feeding less, rather than reduce the quality and nutrients by using lower fat and protein.

Depending on what is the grain source the poor skin/coat could be a reaction to it not suiting the dog.

I agree with Barbara.

And dont forget that dogs need higher fat and protein content than the average dry food "supplies",most are too low.

What food were you feeding previous and why change to a low protein food,What food are you feeding now?

High grain/cereal,low protein/fat foods often present the problems you've explained.

Hi I changed from Dr Johns Gold to Dr Johns Silver...Simply because my husband bought the wrong label!!! She has Butcher's canned meat in addition to the dry food...Sometimes she has tuna in sunflower oil or baked beans or cooked chicken ...:rolleyes:

i was told Dr John range was all cr*p with lots of E numbers and animal deratives?!!!
never tried it myself though !!

Agree with wells about Dr John's.  I keep quite a few dogs, different sizes and breeds, and have never fed totally dry feed.  I too, feed both tinned and dry mixed.  But wouldn't touch Dr John's with a bargepole.  Although, personally I like Royal Canin, and it suits my gang, there are plenty of other reputable dry foods that would provide much better nourishment for your dog.  Sometimes it's true that you get what you pay for!

Have you tried adding a little corn oil? my older 3 get fed whatever suits beit gusto, skinners or even Dr johns depends what i can get hold of at the local farm store they have it with tripe..

Sometimes its true what suits some dogs wont suit another... :rolleyes:

>Have you tried adding a little corn oil?

Corn oil would have to be the least digestable of all the oils,and i dont think the omega's are too high either.My girl, All the dry foods you mentioned are very grain heavy as it is and would be loaded with omega 6"s.If feeding these types of foods it would be advisable to give fish oil,not oils derived from more grains.