Doggy diet changes

[paul_y3k]

Not sure if any one remembers but 2 yrs ago ( or thereabouts) we rehomed a 9 year rescue schnauzer (via blue Cross) . Part of his medical history was that he had a liver condition that meant he had elevated liver enzymes.
We were told at the time that this can be managed by diet, and after talking to the local pet store nutritionist they advised that we give him Barking Heads 'Fat Dog'

We've had no problems with the food and he likes it. However he has just had a blood test at the local vets, and they have said that his enzymes are elevated and immediately started to push us to move to Hills WD prescription, and pretty much rubbished the food he's on.
My problem is that the Vets only offer Hills, and it seems that it's hardly an independent recommendation. the perception I have (possibly wrongly) is that the vets are on some sort of kick back from Hills and so won't consider other alternatives.
I guess the only comparison I can come up with is HSBC pushing their mortgages and not telling you about the other banks offers. Whilst I know that the Vet is after a vet, the pet store nutritionist, was at the time able to talk about several different brands and make recommendations accordingly.

So all in all more than a little confused, and would appreciate any suggestions.
thanks

[Jasandjules]

I would suggest you speak to a holistic vet about a raw diet.

[bexVN]

Please don't go with the kick back accusations I am so so sick people thinking this.

The most we may get is for some free food for our pets but then so do clients when they join the loyalty scheme.

Due to the hundreds of diets (and pet stores mainly selling food, I'm guessing they suggested one they could sell you?) we often have to limit how many we can discuss competently.

You don't have to buy hills from your vets it is sold online.

The vets were wrong to knock Barking Heads though as it's a decent range however it won't be designed for your dogs specific needs as it is a general diet we don't make our fortunes off diets believe it or not we are trying to help.

Rant over, sorry but it hits a nerve, I work so hard to help people keep their pets well that it just hurts to see these comments (you aren't alone)

Lily's Kitchen may be worth a look, they will help you see if they have a diet to match your dogs needs butvagain it may not be specific enough (as px diets are). I have no affiliation with any pet food company, just to clarify

Homecooked poss raw is your other option but you will need to do your research and take responsibility for getting it right for your friends medical needs.

Hope you find something that works soon, good luck.

Edited by bexVN on Tuesday 8th December 15:06

Edited by bexVN on Tuesday 8th December 21:37

[Thevet]

vets do not get a kick back of any sort from hills or rcn, it's illegal. I wish I could get something from the drug or food companies but it does not happen, however, my dogs have been fed on RCN/Hills all their days and it is astonishing to have seen the difference in dog life quality between litter mates. I won't change from a high quality food. NOT because I get anything but I have seen the results. If you want to feed your kids or dogs on cheap food.....go for it but it will take years for you to find out the results. There is no guaranteed correct way, but I know where I would vote for my mutts and cats, cannot believe the difference I saw in dog appearance from those we bred and kept vs those who went elsewhere and were fed non science diets. So, dont think there is only one diet to suit your dog's health challenge, and the answer may not be vet sourced but I have seen many many diet probs and answers, and I doubt many of the cheaper options give value for money. HTH even a little bit

[paul_y3k]

hi bex,
Thanks for replying and I'm sorry to hit the nerve, I certainly didn't wish to. In our case it was the fact that the conversation we had was very one sided, and came with such a hard sell that gave the impression that there was something more going on. As you have said there is more than one possible solution, but that wasn't even discussed as alternative options. More like, this is what we have, this is what you should be on.
But I do understand what you are saying and that you guys do a great job. I'm just trying to find the best solution for my little friend.

@theVet,
It's not a cost option at all - the food with give now isn't a cheap option either and there is only a small increase in cost between the options. If it was down to money then we wouldn't have re homed him, he is on synequin / denamarin already and that is quite a monthly cost. Not ever decision taken is down to money.

Edited by paul_y3k on Wednesday 9th December 08:19

[bexVN]

paul_y3k said:

hi bex,
Thanks for replying and I'm sorry to hit the nerve, I certainly didn't wish to. In our case it was the fact that the conversation we had was very one sided, and came with such a hard sell that gave the impression that there was something more going on. As you have said there is more than one possible solution, but that wasn't even discussed as alternative options. More like, this is what we have, this is what you should be on.
But I do understand what you are saying and that you guys do a great job. I'm just trying to find the best solution for my little friend.

@theVet,
It's not a cost option at all - the food with give now isn't a cheap option either and there is only a small increase in cost between the options. If it was down to money then we wouldn't have re homed him, he is on synequin / denamarin already and that is quite a monthly cost. Not ever decision taken is down to money.

Edited by paul_y3k on Wednesday 9th December 08:19

I know you do and completely understand.

There are other options but I don't believe they may be as good at the stage we are now with his liver results (which is why I said they may not be specific enough for his requirements)

I am sorry you felt it was a hard sell but they may be right re: it being the right diet for your dog now. There are other px diet companies such as Royal Canin but I do think you should consider trying what they have suggested. Give it a few months then re test, if results stabilise/ improve then great just want we want, if not then look again.

It may be worth asking your vet if something like Denamarin may be worth a try. It is expensive (though cheaper online I think) it is a support for liver conditions but obviously I don't know if it will be right for your dogs requirements.

OOPs, scrub the Denamarin comment!!! Just read he is already on it sorry.

[paul_y3k]

Thanks Bex.
Appreciate all your help.

[rovermorris999]

I get my food from www.zooplus.co.uk as they're pretty cheap compared to most places and free delivery if you spend £29. Also if you spend over £75 use the code 'stock-up' for more discount.
I have no connection with them other than as a customer.

[riosyd]

We use zooplus as well, reliable and very reasonably priced.

The other company we use is Miscota (based in Spain so delivery takes ages but they are the best priced for the special Royal Canin food that Monza is on at the moment). I had a quick look and Royal Canin have a product for dogs called Hepatic - maybe this would be an option for your dog.

http://www.miscota.co.uk/dogs/royal-canin/hepatic#...