Hey there, Sarwar.
We’re glad you liked the article and that your doggo enjoys Taste of the Wild.
🙂

My dog just had surgery for a hernia and a biopsy on enlarged lymphnodes. She was diagnosed with IBD. Can I ask if you are still using the same food?

Thanks for the kind words, Jim, and we’re so glad you figured out a solution for your pooch!
Best of luck with the re-introduction phase, if you decide to go through with it.

After eliminating the most common causes, external parasites and environmental allergens, the vet suggested elimination food trials, exactly as detailed in your article.

First, we had to eliminate all of the animal proteins she had been eating in her regular food and treats. Unfortunately, I was still trying various foods and treats and, collectively, they included almost all of common meat proteins used in dog food. I really didn’t want to resort to exotic meats like kangaroo, etc., unless it was absolutely necessary.

Fortunately, there was one meat protein she hadn’t been eating, salmon. I initially switched her to Merrick Lil Plates Salmon and Sweet Potato dry food, together with salmon oil bites skin and coat supplement and a probiotic supplement, and after a couple or three months, her skin problems had pretty much been solved.

However, she didn’t really like the food and I had to top it with the salmon oil bites in order to get her to eat it. Additionally, Merrick and most of the other salmon based dog foods are also grain free, which neither my vet nor I really wanted.

I finally discovered Purina Pro Plan Focus Small Breed Salmon Sensitive Stomach and Skin formula, which includes healthy grains, but no wheat, corn or soy.

I made the switch a few weeks ago. My dog loves the taste and eats with no bribes or prompting. Also, she seems to be thriving on the food and has better formed, bulkier stools.

I’m well aware of of the criticism and controversy of the Purina brand and probably wouldn’t have made it my first choice but I’m satisfied that I’ve made the best, healthiest choice for my dog.

BTW, we haven’t gone on to stage two of the food trials, re-introducing other meat proteins. I’m fine sticking with salmon as her single meat protein in both her food and dog treats.