My westie has both colitis and very itchy skin. I have fed him on Naturediet lite for the past 18 months however due to scaly itchy patches on his skin I had him allergy tested. The tests came back that he was allergic to chicken turkey and beef. Unfortunately the main ingredient in naturediet is chicken.
Firstly could this allergy cause the collitis?
My Mums first westie had bad skin and she put him on dried food which improved his skin condition greatly, I have noticed that James Wellbeloved do a lamb and rice kibble that is suitable for dogs with sensitive digestion and itchy coats. Should I gradually change him onto this? Is it likely to cause his collitis to return? He is also taking salozopyrin for his collitis and he hasn't had an attck of this for 18 months.

I believe itchy skin is a problem many Westies have. Not sure about colitis. Have you tried feeding Burns? If you are already feeding ND, then I assume you prefer feeding naturally. I think James Wellbeloved has been taken over by Pedigree Chum or the like, and so you may find it is not the same quality food your mother fed.

I know of many dogs who had bad skin, and one who had colitis, who once fed on Burns had no further problems, and that was without drugs. Burns do a Lamb and rice, and a venison and rice, apparently the venison is specifically for dogs with dodgy digestions. Check out the Burns website for some more info. You could also email them with your dogs problems and they will tell you exactly what and how much to feed.

HTH, Claire

Hi, there are many different varieties of Naturediet, many of which don't include things that he is allergic to!  You might want to have a look at [link http://www.naturediet.net/products/product.html?cat_branch=herbal/&product=sensitive]Herbal Sensitive Gold[/link] which is good for skin and digestion and also I have heard that [link http://www.naturediet.net/products/product.html?cat_branch=naturezyme/&product=select_dog_formula]Naturezyme[/link] is meant to be good for the management of colitis and also skin complaints.  There is also lots of information on the health advice & fact sheets page for you too.  Hope that helps :)

Edit- okay, the links are not working, but if you cut and paste or just go to the Naturediet website and have a look from there! :)

Hi Westielover2,

If Naturediet was helping control you dog's colitis than I would simply switch to a variety without chicken.  They make a lamb or a fish variety in the regular range and the Sensitive Gold is fish and tripe.   Otherwise take your pick of dried foods which do not contain the ingredients you mention.  However, with a dog prone to allergies I would always opt for foods with only identifiable ingredients, as well as the least number of different ingredients.  If for no other reason, if your dog has a bad reaction you are more likely to identify the cause. 

You may find that if you eliminate the proteins he is allergic to that the cause of colitis is gone as well without the salozopyrin - food allergies can cause colitis and diarhea.   Once his skin is well under control I would check with the vet and ask his or her advice about eliminating the salozopyrin.

Stacey