New Bully owner, need help!

[BigMacAttack]

Thanks Mammy! Good luck with your bully, and yes, this board seems like it will do wonders for us and Paulie I'm pumped. I just want to get everything taken care of for him, b/c as we all know, these dogs are probably the cutest things that are walking the face of the earth. I've had Rott's, Golden Labs, Chocolate labs, and a german shorthair, and I don't know if any compare to my bully. I can never get mad at the little guy! I mean, I punish him for doing bad stuff, because it's for his own good, but it sucks each and every time

[mammyglicks]

@BigMacAttack Thank you. I also wanted to mention the Surf and Turf Fromm that Bear is on didn't really change his energy levels that I could tell, he stayed the same really. Just that puppy energy. I've had him on the Fromm for about a month and he adjusted quickly and well to it. We have to "shun" Bear sometimes when he gets too playful and the biting and yep it sucks but he has totally changed our lives, we had a lab mix who passed away last year and I didn't think I'd ever want another dog, let alone a bulldog. Best decision ever!! He makes us so happy and not that we didn't love our lab and love our beagle to death, bullies just do something to you

[savemejeebus]

@BigMacAttack - Paulie's so gorgeous and has such a huggable face! (hug) A lot of people will recommended to transition the food in at least 4 days. 25% new food and 75% old food the first day. 50/50 new/old the next, and so on. Since you had him on good food already, it shouldn't really bother his tummy. But I guess watch out for an discomfortness, such as through his stools if it's runny. G'luck, and let us know how it goes!

[kazzy220]

@BigMacAttack - Welcome to the site!!! I had Maggie on Beneful when I discovered this site, and was horrified to find out it was rated a 1* food!!

After doing a bit of research on these posts .. and contacting @Lindathedogsmaid who knows more about the food for bullies than anybody else I know!! ... I switched Maggie to the Fromm salmon n'Veg. We also introduced Grizzly pet products salmon oil to put on her food. Maggie was definitely a couch potato on the Beneful but the boost in her energy after switching to the Fromm and the salmon oil was amazing. She's still a couch potato but her eyes are "shiny" and her hair is softer. She just looks so much better. I am SO happy with FROMM!!!!

[meggsie1982]

I'm new to this group too, and I'm so glad I found 'em! Everyone is so sweet & very helpful! I hope Paulie feels better soon!

Bully Love, Meg & Kula

[bulldog family]

Everything is trial by error. I usually buy the smaller bags of food when I first start out, but it does take about 1 1/2 months to really find out about food allergies. I'm thinking about switching Norm's food because his tear stains are bad.

Good luck!!

[gatorfan85]

I recently like the past week switched Beefy to By Nature. I didnt really have to transition because he was on a raw bland diet. I mixed the white rice and chicken with about 1/2 cup of food and yesterday he was on all By nature. Today I already noticed his stool hardening!!!! YAY he also has to take a probiotic/enzyte supplement twice a day. I would give the food a good 4 weeks before you switch again Natures Logic is a GREAT food but you will find what works for Paulie.

[BigMacAttack]

Thanks Meg!!

And thanks everyone else as well! This site is awesome! Now that I'm actually DRYING Paulies folds...for some reason I thought the Spray and wipes I have automatically dried the folds....but anyway, since I've began drying them, the yeast has cleared up perfectly. I had some drying spray that really helped, and the boric wipes are solid too.

I can tell you about the food a little bit. He's been on the Salmon Oil (grizzly company, SP?) and the new food, Natures Logic Venison kibble, for two days now. His poops are in between. Mornings seem to be firmer. A little loser towards night time. But he LOVES the food. I don't know if it's cleaning up his allergies?

ON A SIMILAR NOTE: When should I see results from his food switch? Meaning when should I see the allergic reactions stop, IE the patches of hair being gone etc... Does the hair fall out or does it just get better and eventually cover up?

The antibiotics have done wonders on the two little scabs he ripped open. They've healed in two or three days are are gone, replaced by fresh skin. Still a little patchy though. It doesn't SEEM to be spreading, but how can I be sure!?

Anyway, he seems to be doing better, and I think I just need more patience. Can't all happen in 4 days, ya know?

Thanks again everyone Amazing forum!

[gatorfan85]

I've been told a full switch takes 4-8wks. I am no help on impatience lol I am the SAME way.....

[Pendragon]

How is Paulie doing? I just switched all my dogs to Canidae and it seems to be really good they love it. If you decide that you want a good vet for Paulie and want to drive to So cal there is a really good vet here that works with bullies all the time.. Good luck and I hope to see pictures soon...