Danny Nystrand
New member
We've been struggling with allergies since December, but after a very expensive allergy test we've come to the conclusion that Samson has a very unique set of food allergies (as well as some pain in the butt environmental ones - Bahia grass in FLORIDA!). He is allergic to Salmon, Venison, Corn, Peas, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, and Alfalfa. Unfortunately, that means no more Dogswell Nutrisca, which is an excellent grain free, potato free (chickpea is the substitute filler), and gluten free dog food that's even recommended for diabetic dogs. Samson loves it, I love the quality, and just feel secure in feeding him such a quality food. Unfortunately, the 3rd ingredient is pea. Because it's next to impossible to allow him outside and avoid Bahia grass and some of his other outside allergens, I am focusing on the food side since it's more controllable. With potatoes and sweet potatoes as the most common substitutes for grains, and peas as a common vegetable protein booster, I'm afraid that I have no choice but to abandon the grain free diet. I considered going raw, but buying the freeze dried and dehydrated raw foods is just too expensive. Going with raw meats, bones, etc. and portioning and freezing myself is another option, but I live in an apartment and it just seems like it would be too messy of an endeavour. Although my post here isn't really about raw feeding, I am curious about those of you that raw feed from scratch (Do you feed outside? Do you ground the ingredients? What's the practicality of the raw feeding practice?). After starting with California Natural that has none of the ingredients that he's allergic to, I've come to the conclusion that it's not the right food; he's more gassy, the kibble is way too big in my opinion as he tends to scarf it down without chewing as most bully's do, plus I don't think he too much cares for the taste as he skips meals here and there or only eats some (he never did that with the Nutrisca). I did a lot of research and found Annameat Encore (25% protein), which was named on the list of recommended foods from the lab that ran his allergy test, and another that wasn't on the list called Natural Planet Organics (23% protein). Obviously, the latter using organic ingredients. Up until yesterday I was unfamiliar with both brands. Does anyone have any experience with these dog foods or any thoughts? Any help would be much appreciated.
P.S. Sorry for the short novel......
P.S. Sorry for the short novel......