My friends female dog (Boxer) recently had a hip replacement due to injury followed within days with bloat. Luckily she recognised the symptoms and got her to the vets straight away. She survived even though she had her spleen removed, but speedy op saved her life. Since then she is not getting much exercise due to taking it easy on the hip and is putting on weight like mad. My friend cannot afford a premium dry food and due to work does not have the time to be able to offer fresh food option, so is looking for a good middle of the road dry food that will help her dog not to put on weight, and yet be easily digestible because of the bloat worry. At the moment she is using Beta light but would like to know if this is the best in this price range. I cannot advise her as the brand that I use for my dogs is premium and I do not have any knowledge of any middle range products. I have searched the internet but it is better with word of mouth so I would be most grateful if you can offer advice.

I'm confused that she is wanting to feed a dry food on a dog that has already had bloat.

I'm no expert, as it's something that I have (fortunately) never come across.  Although there are Cd'ers that have lost dogs to it.  Hopefully one will come along that has plenty of knowledge for you.

JeanSW I am open to any form of advice re this subject. She has chosen dry food purely as she feels she does not have the time to prepare home cooked food ( dog is not left alone, but she has to work long hours, and she is the one that sorts the food ) but I am willing to try to persuade her otherwise if you think this will be better. Hopefully the dog is unlikely to get bloat again, but she is a little paranoid and looking for symptoms all the time.

> but she is a little paranoid and looking for symptoms all the time

I think that is fair.  Most people, having witnessed the horrible condition, are fearful over seeing it again.  I do hope one of them comes along and sees your post, as there are several experts on the subject that are members. 

If she feeds a dried food it might be best to thoroughly soak it before giving it, to lessen the chances of a recurrence.

When my bitch torsioned, I gave her Chappie tinned, while she was recovering.  It is very good for dodgy tums and easily digested. Eventually I weaned her back on her dry food but now I mix more meat in it.  Its very low in fat too!